The best tube combo amp for a Ric?

[JakeK]

I've been wondering what is the best tube combo amp (that isn't a Vox AC-30) that would work well with a Ric. I'm thinking about upgrading to the Fender Twin reverb '65 RI. I've currently got a couple of digital solid-state Marshall amps (but you better believe I use tube amps when I can!) and they don't give my guitars their full sound and richness, so I haven't been playing as much these days due to the ****** amps.

My family's finances should be good next month, so I'm up for any amp under $1,200

[sloop_john_b]

Why not the Vox AC-30? I would say that's the best, without a doubt.

Twin Reverb's good, albeit weighty and perhaps more wattage than necessary. I'd go with a Deluxe Reverb or a Vibrolux instead.

[JakeK]

John, I do not have a doubt in my mind that the AC-30 is the best. I'm just trying to get some options out there. I'm actually torn between the Deluxe Reverb, the Twin or the AC-30.

[sloop_john_b]

John, I do not have a doubt in my mind that the AC-30 is the best. I'm just trying to get some options out there. I'm actually torn between the Deluxe Reverb, the Twin or the AC-30.

Alright, so what are your needs? Are you gonna be gigging with it, or just for home? Does it have to be able to get distorted? Are you using a distortion pedal?

[sloop_john_b]

Also, after gigging with the AC-30 quite a bit lately, I think I'm ready to start recommending the AC-15. The '30 is a heavy mofo.

[scott_s]

Does your $1200 figure include what you'll get for the other amps?

Should be able to get a used AC30 for less than that.

- Scott

[JakeK]

Alright, so what are your needs? Are you gonna be gigging with it, or just for home? Does it have to be able to get distorted? Are you using a distortion pedal?

I will probably be gigging with it. My bass player's got a 100 watt tube bass amp, and I want to be heard over him. I really don't care if it gets distorted. I'll probably end up buying a Janglebox and a Distortion pedal (which I need some recommendations on distortion pedals).

[paologregorio]

Also, after gigging with the AC-30 quite a bit lately, I think I'm ready to start recommending the AC-15. The '30 is a heavy mofo.

Hit the weights!

If you're gigging with the amp, and don't want an AC30, I'd suggest a `65 Twin RI. Ricks sound great through them, and though the amp has the same 2x12 speaker configuration as an AC30, the cabinet is smaller, and the amp is lighter in comparison to an AC30, speaking from experience. Maintenance/repair is also a simpler task. brought mine to SoCalCon and it was appreciated.

I own both AC30s as well as a couple of Twin Reverbs, including a Twin Rev RI. The tone controls on a Twin have more noticeable and responsive variance/range than AC30 controls do, and the Twin has a middle tone control, which is nice for a Rick. Crank that one up to about 6 or 7, and back the treble off to about 3 1/2 or 4, leave the bass on about 4, adjust the volume to suit, and you'll have a great sound.

[indianation65]

Mr. K,
Through serendipitious measures I just posted a similar response in "Go to Amps" touting the durability and quality of the mid 80's British KMD GV60, tube. It's unique, low-priced due to unfamiliarity, loud, but somewhat scarce. If you stumble over one, pick yourself up, then it. The piercing sound will make your ears tingle, and possibly leave a hole where there once wasn't!
Regarding the Vox; no man could possible disparage the Rickenbacker connection, but it's been done so well, so often, the path has been well-worn. Wade through the waters of another valley and listen for beauty elsewhere. You "will" surprise yourself, and your Rick!
Addendum: I'm learning about this forum, and have yet to clarify the necessary steps to posting photos. Like any determined warrior, I'll learn!

[Nickcha]

Jake,

After reading your posts here I would seriously encourage you to take your Ric to wherever you can find one of the new VOX Heritage hand-wired AC15s. They come as a head or in a combo config. w/ a 112 Blue Alnico. This is a LOUD 15w amp and great for gigging in small to moderate size venues. So far as its tonal qualities, this incarnation of the AC15 (IMO) is the best to emerge since the VOX JMIs of the early 60s. It has 2 chs, one with a classic EF86 preamp section and the 2nd with a TB equipped AC30 voiced front section. I've been playing original AC30s for years and I know what they're suppose to sound like. And this AC15 really is a terrific option for someone who wants that classic AC30 sound in an affordable, versatile amp.

I would advise getting the head so that you can match it with the cab(s) you prefer. You can pick these up used on eBay for well under $1000 all day long.

Don't make the mistake of equating this AC15 with the Korg. There's no comparison. They're two very different amps. Personally I think you will find this AC15 to be more rich and far more versatile than the Fender Twin.

[whojamfan]

Jake,

Didn't you just buy a Fender hot rod or blues deluxe? Did you not like it and return it, or are you looking for an additional amp to play through? I go through these forums quite often and the last I heard you got that amp and was happy with it. What happened, or did I miss that thread?

There are lots of great suggestions here, but at the end of the day, it's just you and your gear. I would plug in to as much stuff as you can and see what works best for you and your situation. Decide with your ears and not your eyes, because what good is an amp that doesn't meet your needs? And now the kicker that's gonna make some howl, not all tube amps sound good and not all solid state amps suck, so keep an open mind.

I hope all works out well for you, and you get an amp that sounds great and is very reliable. Good luck, and keep us posted.

[scotty]

I love how to finish with "My family's finances should be good next month" have you got mum and dad working overtime Jake!

[wj350]

I'd look seriously at Fender's Hot Rod series--Deluxe and Deville in particular. Plenty of volume if needed, but they sound good at home levels as well. I've owned both, and enjoyed them immensely--and you can find great deals on them used. Although I've not played one, Fender's '65 DRRI also gets a lot of rave reviews--if I were amp shopping at the moment, I'd probably give this one a very serious look.

The AC 30 is a great amp, but they're expensive for their top models, and freaking HEAVY, IMO.

I think Fender's combo amps are the best thing going out there--I'm sure there are others that are equal or better to many players, but I've been very happy with my Fender stuff.

Bill
(edited to add I missed Mike's post about your maybe already having tried the HR series--oops, disregard if that's the case. I'd still look at the DRRI though.)

[longhouse]

Jake, I faced this same decision. After playing virtually every top shelf assembly line and boutique amp known to man I settled on a Fender, a Fender Super Sonic to be precise.

My bandmate John had just purchased his dream amp around the same time, an AC30. A sad, sick look came over his face when he plugged into my Fender!

Switching between the Vibrolux (where I keep it 90% of the time) and Bassman channels covers any and all clean to slightly dirty sounds I could ever need. I can tailor the high gain channel to sound like anything I want (though I typically just slam my clean channels with a Sparkle Drive or BBE Boosta Grande).

Give one a try.

[JakeK]

Didn't you just buy a Fender hot rod or blues deluxe? Did you not like it and return it, or are you looking for an additional amp to play through? I go through these forums quite often and the last I heard you got that amp and was happy with it. What happened, or did I miss that thread?

I wanted one, almost bought one...but it sold. I needed a new amp, and went with the solid states. I'm stupid!

Scotty, my parents aren't working overtime, and I'm working, too. They're gonna help me make a couple dream purchases.(I'm hoping a tube amp and a 1998 PT!)

I'm actually looking into the AC-30, but problem is, the closest store that has one is (gulp) Guitar Center. My local store only has Fender, Line6 (vomit!) and Mesa amps. International Vintage also has a good selection of Fender amps.