Trainwreck Circuits Express

The Trainwreck Circuits Express is a legendary boutique guitar amplifier known for its unique tonal characteristics and touch sensitivity.

History of the Trainwreck Circuits Express

• Origins (1982): The Trainwreck Express was designed by Ken Fischer, who began his career in tube amplifiers in the 1960s at Ampeg. Fischer built the first Trainwreck amplifier in 1982 for guitarist Casper McCloud. The Express model followed shortly after, becoming one of the most sought-after amplifiers in the boutique market.
• Design Features: The Express is characterized by its use of two EL34 power tubes, producing approximately 35 to 40 watts. Its circuit design is deceptively simple but finely tuned to operate on the edge of instability, allowing for a wide range of tonal responses from clean to high-gain overdrive. The amp features controls for Volume, Treble, Midrange, Bass, and Presence, with no master volume or effects loop.
• Tonal Characteristics: Known for its ability to deliver a wide spectrum of sounds, the Express can transition from crystal-clear tones to searing lead sounds with remarkable ease. Its touch sensitivity allows players to manipulate dynamics through their playing style, resulting in a highly responsive performance.
• Legacy: Trainwreck amplifiers are produced in limited quantities and are considered highly collectible due to their rarity and exceptional sound quality. Ken Fischer built only about 100 original Trainwreck amplifiers before his health declined, making them extremely valuable on the market.
• Post-Fischer Era: After Fischer's passing in 2006, production of Trainwreck amps resumed under the guidance of JM, who had worked closely with Fischer and continued to build amps based on his specifications.

Popular Settings

• Clean Tones:
  • Set Volume around 4-5 for warm, bell-like clean tones.
  • Treble at noon and Bass slightly lower (around 4) for balanced clarity.
  • Ideal for jazz or country styles.
• Overdriven Tones:
  • Increase Volume to 7-8 for natural tube saturation.
  • Treble can be set higher (6-7) for brightness while keeping Bass around 5.
  • Excellent for blues-rock or classic rock tones.
• Dynamic Playability:
  • The amp responds well to guitar volume adjustments; rolling back on the guitar can yield cleaner tones while pushing it forward brings out overdrive.
  • Players often find that subtle changes in picking dynamics result in significant tonal shifts.
• Experimentation:
  • Users frequently experiment with settings; one popular configuration involves setting everything at noon and adjusting from there based on personal preference and guitar type.

Notable Players

• Mark Knopfler: The Dire Straits guitarist has been known to use Trainwreck amplifiers, including the Express, to achieve his signature sound characterized by clarity and dynamic range.
• Eddie Van Halen: Van Halen was an early adopter of Trainwreck amps and appreciated their tonal complexity and responsiveness during live performances.
• Joe Bonamassa: Bonamassa has utilized the Trainwreck Express in various recordings and live shows, favoring its rich harmonic content and versatility.
• Other Artists: Many session musicians and rock guitarists have embraced the Express for its ability to produce high-quality sound across genres, further solidifying its status as a coveted amplifier among professionals.

Summary

The Trainwreck Circuits Express remains an iconic amplifier celebrated for its unique design and exceptional tonal capabilities. Its legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking rich sounds with remarkable touch sensitivity and responsiveness in their playing.