Your favourite amp
- musicmatty
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Re: Your favourite amp
I think it's hard not to get an exquisite sound out of most any Fender amp .. Even the hot Rod series Amps deliver fantastic sound if upgraded with better speakers other than the 'fender special design'. I think 'special design' is just another term for economical. I must admit that I do love the Fender Mustang IV digital modeling amp with its 212 Celestine speakers
- datsun
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Re: Your favourite amp
Right now I would say it's a Vox AC15. Favorite Amp that I ever owned that no longer have would be a Frenzel FM 5E3-DP.
- Rebel
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Re: Your favourite amp
I've recently been really into vibro champs. But I love Super Reverbs and Concerts
- chiller_instinct
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Re: Your favourite amp
My 1970 Twin Reverb, for sure. It's loud as hell, clean as a whistle, and destroys with fuzz.
- Kent
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Re: Your favourite amp
Um, yeah, it's inherent in the question, sir. What's your point?cestlamort wrote:Favorite is all relative.
- noisepunk
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Re: Your favourite amp
My main thing is that I've never owned an amp that sounds so distinctly different (in a band mix, but also in general) while still sounding exactly how I want it to. They also have a really incredible overdrive- someone installed a master volume on mine, and it's the only time I've ever been appreciative of an amp. I need to get mine fixed, but I also don't totally need an amp that big right now...Liquids wrote:^ YES.noisepunk wrote:Ampeg VT-40, without a second thought.
But shhh, don't tell anyone else about V-series Ampegs.
#1 favorite amp: Ampeg V-4. End of story, for me.
#2 favorite amp: Fender Super Reverb (sold)
The Super Reverb I owned was a '68, blackface guts, drip-edge silverface/transition cosmetics, original 10" CTS speakers, and a "players amp" since someone had ripped out the tube chart and installed casters poorly, when I got it--low/no vintage value.
It was my #1 amp for 7 wonderful years.
But one day, I tried an Ampeg V-series amp. Within a month, I had one...It needed some work, so I got it up to snuff...and from that time, the Super Reverb just sat there, sad, collecting dust.
I had to sell the Super, not because I needed funds, but because it deserved to be played.
It's hard to explain to people how awesome the Ampeg V-series is, but sometimes explaining that I had an awesome, vintage Super Reverb that sadly collected dust after I got the Ampeg helps puts it into perspective.
But V-series amps do use weird tubes, run really high voltages, don't have much vintage value, and are insanely heavy (it's the transformers), so they're not desirable or usable for most. What a sound though!
I didn't get rid of my Twin Reverb, but I've strongly considered it many times since I got the ampeg. My only reason for keeping it at this point is that it's more reliable and makes a more stage-worthy bass amp.
- Liquids
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Re: Your favourite amp
The amp sounds really good at whatever volume as a clean platform--the bass control is super powerful. Cool that you dig the master volume overdrive--later versions had that "addition" so it's not heresy. It's also not a vintage collectible amp for various reasons, so it's fair game for reasonable mods like that, I'd say.noisepunk wrote:I need to get mine fixed, but I also don't totally need an amp that big right now...
I didn't get rid of my Twin Reverb, but I've strongly considered it many times since I got the ampeg. My only reason for keeping it at this point is that it's more reliable and makes a more stage-worthy bass amp.
I fixed up my V4 myself, and it's been rather reliable once fixed up. Pretty easy to work on the circuit boards and get them up to snuff, for the most part. And I mean, it's a tank.
The VT-40 (or V-2) run even higher plate voltages than the V4/VT-22 types do, though. So the only issue might be 6L6 (aka 7027s) that can handle the higher voltages--especially now that the Winged =C= factory isn't producing tubes for now/anymore.
I think the current production Tung-Sol 6L6GCs may be up to the task...I've heard they do fine in the V4 type amps, but not sure about the V2 type.
Other than any tube reliability, once you replace all the caps and the bias network stuff, etc. (the coupling caps are often suspect in these amps, in addition to the power filter caps), they're solid, and truly reliable amps. And the incredible weight of them works as a good theft deterrent.
- Johno
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Re: Your favourite amp
At the moment I really love my Fender Blues Deville, great cleans and spring reverb and I like the overdrive. Looks great in tweed to. Just wish it wasn't quite so heavy although an easy enough one hand lift into the back seat of the car. Its a 4x10 with the blue speakers and loud enough for rehearsal /gigs on 3/4.At hole I have it on 1 tops.... May invest in attenuator.
- redchapterjubilee
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Re: Your favourite amp
I rolled through a lot of them.
Some manner of 70s Randall solid state combo
Crate V50 then V18 after the V50 blew up under warranty
4x10 Fender De Ville
Fender PA100 into a Univox 2x12 I outfitted with good Eminence speakers
And then I found it. Or rather it found me. Five years ago. 1999 Mesa Mark I reissue.
I bought it on the Gear Page. I'd had a Son of Boogie on long term loan when I first started playing electric guitar. I'd recorded a bunch of demos and had been listening to them, remembering how good that amp sounded to me. Started looking for one to replace the PA100 but could never find the head version. Then this amp popped up. I read about it and decided it was worth the splurge, as it was a few hundred bucks out of my price range. It was indeed worth it.
100w 4x6L6 monster. Single channel, though it has two inputs and a gain control for each that cascades in the hot input. Reverb, presence, loop. Half power switch and "tweed" mode, which variacs the transformers to starve them, making the amp a little less loud and more compressed/spongy. It loves to be opened up but it plays rather well at low volume. It is different than any other Mesa amp. It is like blackface Fender with full mids. It doesn't quite sparkle like a Twin does but I'll take the trade for having the mids. I use it mostly with the Peavey 410E cabinet with stock Blue Marvels. A friend rewired it for me so I have 4/16 ohms on mono and two 8 ohms in stereo. The Blue Marvels aren't super efficient and they help to absorb some of the Mark I's power and high end.
I've cheated on it occasionally and I have a few other amps at home right now, at least one of them is also a keeper for life, such as my 63VVRI I bought on here a couple of years ago. The jury's still out on my 67 Dual Showman head + 2x12 that's my backup rig to the Mark I, as well as the Mesa 5:25 Express 1x10 combo I picked up earlier this year. I just don't like little amps. I like the idea of them but for my purposes I prefer the Mark I turned down low on tweed half power mode. I've already ordered a 1x12 from a friend who builds cabinets to use with the Mark I for grab and go lower volume stuff, so the 5:25's days are numbered.
Some manner of 70s Randall solid state combo
Crate V50 then V18 after the V50 blew up under warranty
4x10 Fender De Ville
Fender PA100 into a Univox 2x12 I outfitted with good Eminence speakers
And then I found it. Or rather it found me. Five years ago. 1999 Mesa Mark I reissue.
I bought it on the Gear Page. I'd had a Son of Boogie on long term loan when I first started playing electric guitar. I'd recorded a bunch of demos and had been listening to them, remembering how good that amp sounded to me. Started looking for one to replace the PA100 but could never find the head version. Then this amp popped up. I read about it and decided it was worth the splurge, as it was a few hundred bucks out of my price range. It was indeed worth it.
100w 4x6L6 monster. Single channel, though it has two inputs and a gain control for each that cascades in the hot input. Reverb, presence, loop. Half power switch and "tweed" mode, which variacs the transformers to starve them, making the amp a little less loud and more compressed/spongy. It loves to be opened up but it plays rather well at low volume. It is different than any other Mesa amp. It is like blackface Fender with full mids. It doesn't quite sparkle like a Twin does but I'll take the trade for having the mids. I use it mostly with the Peavey 410E cabinet with stock Blue Marvels. A friend rewired it for me so I have 4/16 ohms on mono and two 8 ohms in stereo. The Blue Marvels aren't super efficient and they help to absorb some of the Mark I's power and high end.
I've cheated on it occasionally and I have a few other amps at home right now, at least one of them is also a keeper for life, such as my 63VVRI I bought on here a couple of years ago. The jury's still out on my 67 Dual Showman head + 2x12 that's my backup rig to the Mark I, as well as the Mesa 5:25 Express 1x10 combo I picked up earlier this year. I just don't like little amps. I like the idea of them but for my purposes I prefer the Mark I turned down low on tweed half power mode. I've already ordered a 1x12 from a friend who builds cabinets to use with the Mark I for grab and go lower volume stuff, so the 5:25's days are numbered.
- Trout
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Re: Your favourite amp
I recently got this Vox AV4TVH. Original speaker is a bit on the weak side, but it'll have to do for now. Thought I would miss not having reverb but so far it doesn't bother me that much.
#sitdownrock at https://staffanandersson.bandcamp.com/album/det-hemliga-namnet
- rhythmjones
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- b80
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Re: Your favourite amp
Fender Pro Jr - One of the best amps I've ever recorded with! It just had such an amazing recorded sound no matter where I placed the mic. Sold it because I needed more for rehearsals. I could see buying one again and matching it with a 2x12 cab or something. Sold it!
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe - I had this amp for over 10 years. Great starter and beyond tube amp. Takes every pedal you throw at it. Records well and great for rehearsals. Sold it!
Fender Hot Rod Deville - I upgraded from the Deluxe to this amp. Got a better, tighter clean sound for sure. As above, it was great with every pedal I threw at it. For some reason, I could never get as good of a recorded sound out of it. Still have it as my backup/practice amp.
Fender Super Reverb Reissue - Everything about this amp was amazing! I would have kept it if I could regularly run the volume at 7. It was just too loud for my needs. Sold it!
Orange Dual Terror with Orange 2x12 Open Back Cab - This amp I tried just looking for a different flavor. The drive from the Dual Terror matched with the Vintage 30 speakers gave me that classic rockin' sound! Recorded extremely well. Sold it due to lack of Effects Loop as it made my delays and reverbs sound very bright and the highs way too accentuated. Sold it!
Vox AC30C2 - This is my current amp. I had always circled the AC30. All my favorite bands played them. I finally got one earlier this year and it's a keeper for sure! Works great with my pedals. Has an effects loop. Records like a dream. Just awesome!! Gives me that sound in my head. My number 1.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe - I had this amp for over 10 years. Great starter and beyond tube amp. Takes every pedal you throw at it. Records well and great for rehearsals. Sold it!
Fender Hot Rod Deville - I upgraded from the Deluxe to this amp. Got a better, tighter clean sound for sure. As above, it was great with every pedal I threw at it. For some reason, I could never get as good of a recorded sound out of it. Still have it as my backup/practice amp.
Fender Super Reverb Reissue - Everything about this amp was amazing! I would have kept it if I could regularly run the volume at 7. It was just too loud for my needs. Sold it!
Orange Dual Terror with Orange 2x12 Open Back Cab - This amp I tried just looking for a different flavor. The drive from the Dual Terror matched with the Vintage 30 speakers gave me that classic rockin' sound! Recorded extremely well. Sold it due to lack of Effects Loop as it made my delays and reverbs sound very bright and the highs way too accentuated. Sold it!
Vox AC30C2 - This is my current amp. I had always circled the AC30. All my favorite bands played them. I finally got one earlier this year and it's a keeper for sure! Works great with my pedals. Has an effects loop. Records like a dream. Just awesome!! Gives me that sound in my head. My number 1.
- bterry
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Re: Your favourite amp
1964 Twin Reverb. Sure they're heavy, but not as heavy/awkward as a Super Reverb or AC30.
I never quite understand the 'too loud' argument, that's what guitar volume knobs are for!! Just crank the twin to 6-7 and turn down your guitar to 8 or so...
Best amp for Jazzmasters and Telecasters IMO. Telecaster + BF Twin Reverb = sound of early Johnny Marr/The Smiths - that about sums it up for me!
I never quite understand the 'too loud' argument, that's what guitar volume knobs are for!! Just crank the twin to 6-7 and turn down your guitar to 8 or so...
Best amp for Jazzmasters and Telecasters IMO. Telecaster + BF Twin Reverb = sound of early Johnny Marr/The Smiths - that about sums it up for me!
- firmdragon
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Re: Your favourite amp
Oh everyone's just rolling through all the amps they've owned.
'66 Vox Ac30 Super Reverb Twin - I'm a reverb kind of a guy, so I pained me to see that someone had already stripped the reverb before I got it. Common, since the tanks frequently failed. Still it's an AC30 through and through that sounds as you would think it would sound. I have to play it through an attenuator to get the classic rock sound.
'66 Fender Deluxe Reverb - Reverb = . If I had to let them all go this one would probably be the last to go.
'60 Fender Tweed Champ - Bit of a one trick pony. Well two tricks i guess. Clean and cranked. I actually don't mind it's clean side.
'67 Ampeg B15N - My brother's a bass guy and through some interesting circumstances, I got this because it was on the cheap. Very cool design and relatively low powered which is nice because I live in a condo. I usually just use it if I'm feeling like playing some jazz.
Vox Pathfinder 15R. This gets a lot of use because of my current living situation. Nice cleans, and ok distortion for what it is.
Sadly the nice amps I have don't get a lot of use right now because I now live in a condo, sound travels and I'm a nice guy. I've thought about downsizing because owning a house in my area is pretty much impossible, but.. it's hard to let go when those amps are just so cool.
Amps I've since sold:
Orange Tiny Terror - I had this amp when I was playing more metalish music. I actually wouldn't mind picking up another one of these, maybe if and when I downsize. Never really appreciated why these amps were so awesome when I had it.
Marshall Jubilee 1x12 combo - It nailed the 'Sweet Child of Mine' tone, but it's not really that unique of a tone, or at least not worth the price I paid for the amp so I sold it. I find it funny that they recently reissued it.
'62 Fender Bassman Blood Oxblood Grill - Very cool amp. You really can't go wrong with vintage fenders. My amp collection was getting out of hand and this one didn't make the cut. I probably would have kept it if could have found a matching oxblood grill reverb unit, which are pretty rare.
'66 Vox Ac30 Super Reverb Twin - I'm a reverb kind of a guy, so I pained me to see that someone had already stripped the reverb before I got it. Common, since the tanks frequently failed. Still it's an AC30 through and through that sounds as you would think it would sound. I have to play it through an attenuator to get the classic rock sound.
'66 Fender Deluxe Reverb - Reverb = . If I had to let them all go this one would probably be the last to go.
'60 Fender Tweed Champ - Bit of a one trick pony. Well two tricks i guess. Clean and cranked. I actually don't mind it's clean side.
'67 Ampeg B15N - My brother's a bass guy and through some interesting circumstances, I got this because it was on the cheap. Very cool design and relatively low powered which is nice because I live in a condo. I usually just use it if I'm feeling like playing some jazz.
Vox Pathfinder 15R. This gets a lot of use because of my current living situation. Nice cleans, and ok distortion for what it is.
Sadly the nice amps I have don't get a lot of use right now because I now live in a condo, sound travels and I'm a nice guy. I've thought about downsizing because owning a house in my area is pretty much impossible, but.. it's hard to let go when those amps are just so cool.
Amps I've since sold:
Orange Tiny Terror - I had this amp when I was playing more metalish music. I actually wouldn't mind picking up another one of these, maybe if and when I downsize. Never really appreciated why these amps were so awesome when I had it.
Marshall Jubilee 1x12 combo - It nailed the 'Sweet Child of Mine' tone, but it's not really that unique of a tone, or at least not worth the price I paid for the amp so I sold it. I find it funny that they recently reissued it.
'62 Fender Bassman Blood Oxblood Grill - Very cool amp. You really can't go wrong with vintage fenders. My amp collection was getting out of hand and this one didn't make the cut. I probably would have kept it if could have found a matching oxblood grill reverb unit, which are pretty rare.
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Re: Your favourite amp
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Last edited by niemand on Thu Feb 02, 2017 11:31 am, edited 1 time in total.