The search for clean tone.........

[36012c63]

I'm looking for a good, clean amp to use with my Rick 360/12c63 and my Gibson Flying V. It doesn't need an overdrive or distortion channel, as I've got pedals for that type of sound. Just pure, clean sound. I want it to be a tube amp and power to be between 22 and 40 watts. A Fender Twin is too much power and too heavy. I'm considering a Deluxe Reverb Reissue, but I don't know how soon on the volume dial it starts getting dirty. I've already tried the Roland JC120, not for me. Also tried a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and a Peavey ValveKing 112. So I'm going to do a trial run with a Deluxe Reverb and see how clean it will stay. Meanwhile, any other suggestions? Remember....just a clean, tube amp.

[tennis_nick]

You might like the clean channel on the Traynor YC40 I think it's called... theres a 20 and 50 watt version too. they're made in Canada, Bascially the clean channel of a Fender, and when you'd want it, the Overdriven channel closer to a Marshall.

I really dug the one I played,

[tamborineman]

get the deluxe reverb you won't be disappointed. plenty of head room. its a great amp. i prefer it to a ac30 !

[sloop_john_b]

Deluxe Reverb!

[paologregorio]

A Fender `65 Super Reverb RI is also a good choice; 45 watts and 4x10 speakers, though it's a taller amp. You'll be able to get great clean tone. I suggest fine tuning the amp settings with your pedals on so you know how it's going to sound when distorted. Your clean tone will still sound great when the distortion pedal is off. There are also the Vibroverb(40 watts 1x15 spkr) and Vibrolux Reverb(40 watts 2x10 spkrs) amps.

[tony_carey]

A Hot Rod Deville starts breaking up at around the 3 mark & by 4, it's really quite crunchy. Obviously this depends on the pickup, but I'm talking a Tele pickup, so it's a good pointer. One of the best mega clean tones I ever had the good fortune to record was a Gibson Herb Ellis, through a Vox AC30. Sadly, neither was mine, but wow....what a sound.

[mfb]

The Traynor YC40.

I have the Fender Twin (as well as a few other assorted Fenders) and a Traynor YCV40 ("V" for vintage - mine is number 8 of the limited series and is personally signed by Peter Traynor himself, not that that has anything to do with it...)

The Traynor is a great amp, easy to carry, easy on the eyes, and terrific on the ears with very little fiddling of the knobs, shall I say "plug in, play out"? Further, the customer service you get from Yorkville is second to none (in my experience at least - when I required a simple protective cover for it).

On the other hand ... although not valved, that relatively new Fender "Jazzmaster Ultralight" is an incredible piece if you can afford it, and customer service is great (at least here in Australia where my first jazzmaster DIED after one hour of light playing - Fender Australia rushed me a brand new one within a day!). It is amazingly light , small and powerful if you want it loud sometimes (250 watts!! )

[eggman]

Howdy,

I've owned two SF Deluxes and "Clean" just wasn't their forte'. Deluxes are for Rockin' out! If you want clean on a budget, look at Carvin's Nomad. Another possibility is a used Fender Super 60/210/112. These were Fender's red knob amps which are truly the Rodney Daingerfield of the old Fender line. My Super 112 is great for clean, with 60 watts. Look on the used market for one of these or even a low mileage The Twin. I acquired one in mint condition recently for $500.
A Super 60/210/112 would cost sigificantly less. Just my two cents. Chime on!

Eggman

[longhouse]

Steve, I thought nothing could sound better than my Roland JC120 -until I tried the Fender SuperSonic. Admittedly, it is a three channel amp, but the Vibrolux channel is so pristine and toneful that I rarely switch from it. In live situations I find myself switching to the Bassman channel when I need more, well, sonic girth.

A clean amp with plenty of headroom does wonders for a Rickenbacker. Best wishes on the search.

Oh, MFB is right about the Traynor line. I have a YCV20 and I love it. Since picking up the Fender SS, it has been relegated to studio use only however.

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

Dr. Z Stang Ray. Loud and clean.

You mentioned "weight." I've got the 2x12 combo and it's 70 pounds.
But now it is being offered in a 1x12 package with a Celestion Gold alnico... which should make it a little easier to tote around. They're made in OH, too.