SoloDallas EX Tower a Schaffer-Vega replica – AC/DC tones ?
A happy accident from 40 year old technology
SoloDallas have just launched their new replica EX Tower, which is a clone of the original Schaffer-Vega Diversity System from the late ’70s to early ’80s. Only a small amount were made of the originals and many pro players discovered their tonal boost was something very special. Famously used by Angus Young to achieve his Back In Black and Highway To Hell type signature guitar tones.
AC/DC tones ?
A happy accident the original Schaffer-Vega Diversity System was an early wireless transmitter used to give live acts freedom when playing on large stages. So they weren’t cheap at the time and acts like AC/DC and Pink Floyd used them to move freely on stage without the hassle of guitar cables.
It’s an interesting byproduct of the limitation of the technology of the time. But when used purely as a boost the circuit yields some impressive tonal benefits.
The circuit had a compenasation for the early wireless technology in the form of a compressor / expander and this also gave your guitar signal that extra sustain and tonal kick.
So now the originals have been recreated in all their glory and you can join players like Sting and Joe Bonamassa who are now using this new version to get some of those ‘classic’ tones in their guitar rigs.
History
The original Schaffer-Vega Diversity System was used by AC/DC’s Angus Young back on those classic albums. Angus had discovered that its boost worked well with his SG into a Marshall amp, as it gave them a real kick and the tone that he was after.
Fil Olivieri, founder of SoloDallas is an AC/DC fan and discovered this little known fact, which lead him to recreating the original circuit, it’s quite an involved story and one for the real AC/DC die hard fans, but well worth a read.
The replica is not cheap, so you’ll need to be a huge AC/DC fan to go and order one from the States. You may even own the school uniform already…
Full specification of the Solo Dallas EX Tower and the history of the original circuit here
RRP $1335.00 plus shipping and taxes
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