Getting a new amp...but what should I get?

[JakeK]

Well, I've got some good news...

I was at a local music shop today, looking for amps. My lead guitarist Chris and I finally came to realize that the two small amps I have will NOT take me anywhere. They're both pains in the *** and they buzz really bad, weither a cable is plugged in them or not.

While in the shop I found this beautiful 50 watt Marshall combo amp. I've played through it prior to today, and I was impressed, to say the least when I played through it. Now, I wanted to go tube, but living in the rural areas of Louisiana with bumpy roads (especially when I go out to gig or head to my studio), it may cause those tubes to break, so a combo will suit me just fine, I think.

It's being sold for $450. I have $800 saved. Should I go for it? If not, what are some good combo amps I should get?

[longhouse]

The switch from SOLID STATE to TUBE amplification is as profound as switching from your Dad's copy of National Geographic to, gulp, a real girl. Don't misunderstand, I love the sound of my Roland JC120. I just haven't turned it on since I bought a Traynor YCV20 and Fender Supersonic (combo).

Combo / Combination amp means the head and speaker enclosure are not separated. They can be tube or SS (sos you know).

I've heard some great sounds with Rics pumping through Marshall amps, but I maintain that your Rickenbacker will shine its brightest through an amp with some clean headroom. Enter Fender amps. Rickenbacker + Vox is nice, sometimes perfect. Rickenbacker + Fender = close to perfection, more versatile.

Of course, your ears won't lie to you. Get thee to an ampery and start trying them out. I went through a heap of Matchless, Dr.Z, Vox, Orange, Top Hat, etc. before settling on my Supersonic.

Best of luck!

[wmthor]

I know that I've said it before, don't overlook those Traynors.

[tamborineman]

Jake, exactly what model Marshall are you looking at ? 50 Marshall watts are a lot of very loud watts if you know what I mean.
I also agree with the 'get a tube powered Fender first' comment, when it comes to Rickenbacker.
I own a RI Deluxe Reverb which I find indispensible with my 360-12.
I also have a 30 watt Blues Breaker combo that I use more with other non-Rics that I own. To get the best out of the Marshall there is only one setting '10'. So try to match to your gigs

[sloop_john_b]

Now, I wanted to go tube, but living in the rural areas of Louisiana with bumpy roads (especially when I go out to gig or head to my studio), it may cause those tubes to break, so a combo will suit me just fine, I think.

That simply does not happen, Jake.

[JakeK]

Stupid person with a tube amp who didn't want me using it and gave me that lie...

You see, I asked some friends of my dad's who had a tube amp if I could borrow it, and they didn't want me using it because they said the tubes would break. They lied to me, didn't they?

[lennon211]

Stupid person with a tube amp who didn't want me using it and gave me that lie...

You see, I asked some friends of my dad's who had a tube amp if I could borrow it, and they didn't want me using it because they said the tubes would break. They lied to me, didn't they?

Oh yeah, they lied.

[JakeK]

Well, that changes everything then!

I've found some good Vox amps over at North Coast Music. Tell me which ones you like.

Vox "Super Beatle":
http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/v ... uperb.html

Vox "Shea Amp":
http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/v ... /shea.html

Vox AC-30:
http://www.voxshowroom.com/northcoast/v ... c30h2.html

[jingle_jangle]

Jake, the the first two are Solid State, and are replicas that Gary builds under license, of classic old VOX tube amps. They look the same as the '60s originals (from the front, at least) within 90%, but have solid-state heads in custom-built replica cabinets. Quality of these is awesome; you gotta want SS though. Both of these are HUGE and would be a gigantic hassle to haul around.

Gary recently built for me a smaller amp--a Royal guardsman. 100 watts, solid state, small AC30 style cabinet and trolley. But, seriously, all three of these amps are in the $1200.00-1500.00 range, and I don't see the sense of using any of them as working amps unless you're in a Beatles tribute band, or are just into collecting unusual VOX amps.

Now, the AC30--that's the one for general use. Even an AC15 will surprise you, and either can be had for under $800 if you shop wisely. They are both tube combos and are much better use of your $$$.

[lennon211]

Jake, the the first two are Solid State, and are replicas that Gary builds under license, of classic old VOX tube amps. They look the same as the '60s originals (from the front, at least) within 90%, but have solid-state heads in custom-built replica cabinets. Quality of these is awesome; you gotta want SS though. Both of these are HUGE and would be a gigantic hassle to haul around.

Gary recently built for me a smaller amp--a Royal guardsman. 100 watts, solid state, small AC30 style cabinet and trolley. But, seriously, all three of these amps are in the $1200.00-1500.00 range, and I don't see the sense of using any of them as working amps unless you're in a Beatles tribute band, or are just into collecting unusual VOX amps.

Now, the AC30--that's the one for general use. Even an AC15 will surprise you, and either can be had for under $800 if you shop wisely. They are both tube combos and are much better use of your $$$.

I gotta say, Jake that I agree with the above 100%. After hearing about all of the different types of music that you play, an AC-30, or even AC-15 seems to be the way to go. Try out some and see if you can coax the tones that you're after from them. Also try out the blackface Fender reissues. This seems to be one of those items that you can try out and see what you want with your own guitar in hand at most good dealers. Best of luck.

[tennis_nick]

I wouldn't discount a Traynor amp.

Imagine a Fender clean channel that goes cleanly into a Marshallish overdrive ...



yeah.

[soundmasterg]

If you had the money, you could consider the Conrad Blues Jammer, hand-built by Conrad Sundholm, one of the former founders of Sunn Amplification back in the 60's. I had a hand in some of the initial design and troubleshooting of this amp, though Conrad was definitly the mover and shaker and originator of it. I get to hear them every week at the local blues jam and they sound great through all guitars, including my RICs. They're about 28 watts with a Celestion Blue 12 inch speaker, and are louder than a Fender Deluxe Reverb. They have reverb and a master volume too among other things. Very cool amps. Some of the sound clips are from the jam I go to.

Check out his site. http://www.conradamplification.com/Blues_Jammer.html

You also certainly can't go wrong with any of the Vox stuff too. I own an AC30 and will never get rid of the thing because it sounds so good. There is a reason it makes many's people's 10 best lists of great amps of all time.

Greg

[sir_andrew_of_left_coast]

They're about 28 watts with a Celestion Blue 12 inch speaker...

28 watts through a single 15-watt speaker?

[antipodean]

Jake,

If you are up to lugging something chunky, a used Meas-Boogie Mark I, II or III would be an interesting proposition. You can switch from headroom galore to major-league gain, and you will never be "underpowered". Bullet proof quality too, but you may need to hire a team of roadies. As a new purchase, I find them to be a tad expensive. Second-hand bargains pop up fairly regularly through the usual sources.

[soundmasterg]

28 watts through a single 15-watt speaker?

Oh, wooops, sorry. I meant to say 28 watts through a Weber Blue Dog 30 watt version. Even so, the Celestion Blue is a robust speaker and some guys I've heard of used to use a pair in their Twin Reverbs. I wouldn't do it myself though!