RK 2 vs. Roadster preamp differences

What are the diffs b/n RK2 and roadster in terms of the preamp? I think I read that the RK 2 had an upgraded ch1 (cleans) and brit on ch2. Is this true as well for Roadsters and since when? Is there a version 2 for Roadsters?

rabies said:

What are the diffs b/n RK2 and roadster in terms of the preamp? I think I read that the RK 2 had an upgraded ch1 (cleans) and brit on ch2. Is this true as well for Roadsters and since when? Is there a version 2 for Roadsters?

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The Roadster is a stripped down version of the RKII. The preamps are identical. I have played both side by side extensively and when the RK's power section is set to match the Roadster's and ran through the same cab you will not be able to tell them apart sound wise or feel.

So my Rivera has that same boomy feel of a recto (with a slight EL34 in-your-face Marshall crunch). But the clean sucks bad.

What's a good price for a minty Roadster with a few yrs on warranty?

and how close can you get to a Marshall type sound (crunch) with the ch2 on the roadster?

You can get a pretty good deal on used Roadsters. They go for anywhere between $1400 and $1700 depending on how much warranty is left.
To my ears there isn't much Marshall going on in the Roadster. It gets a bit of crunch going on in brit mode but it's still of Boogie vintage.

rabies said:

and how close can you get to a Marshall type sound (crunch) with the ch2 on the roadster?

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You can get close with the Britt mode, but if you want pure marshall just buy any one of the wampler brit style pedals or one of the bogners and get the best of both words.

rabies said:

and how close can you get to a Marshall type sound (crunch) with the ch2 on the roadster?

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IMO Raw mode in ch 4 works better for that. Don't overlook Tweed mode in ch 1 either, lot's of great low to mid gain tones to be had there.

Dom