Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My little Traynor YCV20 (ClassA 15W) is a superb amp. It keeps up with a drummer and does almost everything I want it too. Rics chime and growl through it -and I have not turned my JC120 on in over a year.

So why are you shopping for a new amplifier, Noel?

Because on the big stage, it lacks the vigor to keep up with, for example, my bandmate's AC30.

So what amps have you tried, Noel?

I tried some boutique models including the Bogner Metropolis -which was beautiful and breathtaking to behold -but the intensely spiky mids made it a very 'flavorful' amp. I tried a Dr.Z 'Stang Ray' which was exactly as the saleperson described it: 'Imagine the very best vintage Vox AC30 you can think of ...and this amp sounds like it, only better'. He was right. It only had about 3 knobs but it sounded brilliant. I nearly bought it.

I tried some less pricey models too including the Orange line. They were one-trick ponies. Sounded great, but only offered one sound. I tried every current Vox model available. Great sounds! The shop's amp tech came out of the back to see what was making the lovely sounds. The shop owner walked over and said, "I should have known! A Ric and a Vox." But it still didn't hit the spot.

My bandmate said, "With the way your style has evolved, you might consider a Fender amp."

"Those sproingy sounding things?"

I knew he was probably right. So today I tried out the Fender line. When testing new gear I always take MY guitar with me. With my Ric 1997SPC/VB and a George L's cable I tried several models including the '64 Vibroverb, the '65 Deluxe Reverb, etc. The Vibroverb had a gorgeous chiming sound with a pronounced shimmer. But it lacked the X factor. The Deluxe which I recently talked my Argentinian friend and Les Paul swinger into buying sounded better. It was throaty and offered excellent string definition. But it lacked clarity and had too much 'boom'. The amplifier I kept coming back to was the new model, the Fender Super Sonic.
http://fender.com/products/search.php?partno=2160500000
It is essentially a '65 Vibrolux, a '66 Bassman, and a hot modern amp in one enclosure. I was doubtful of the 'modern channel' with its cascading gain, etc. having been deafened and underwhelmed by the drive channel on Devilles/Hot Rod Devilles. While those amps had a woofy, unbearable roar, the Super Sonic surprised me with its wide range of gain tones on the lead channel. But it was the Vibrolux side of the 'vintage' channel that I kept going back to.
"Cleaner than my Roland Jazz Chorus?" Maybe so.

My guitar sounded more defined and clear than ever before -and without a hint of sterility in the tone. It is quite possible the BEST clean tone I have ever used.

The Bassman side of the 'vintage' channel is a different sort of beast for me. I can't wait to try my Epi Elitist Country Gent through it (providing I don't sell it out of pecuniary guilt).

So after an hour or two I decided. "I want one -but do you have the black/pepper model in stock?"

They had to order the black one for me. So I'll have a few days to wait. And yes, I am thrilled. My excitement has overridden my guilt -so that's good.

As a point of reference I put down my Ric and tried a Casino through the amp also. P90s often sounds 'cardboard-y' or too raw for me. They sang through the Fender.

When the amp arrives I'll give a full review.

Sounds great; I would have taken the blond one, though!

I wanted to love the blonde/oxblood but I couldn't. Tweed, yes. But the blonde was kind of puky!

Congrats on your new member of the family!

My bandmate has a Traynor YCV20 that he's happy with (playing a tele). He's since gone to the Fender Blues Deluxe which he's very happy with.

I (we) know what you mean about the Fender Hot Rod Series. He had a DeVille and I had (still have) a Deluxe. Both dont live up to their billing and cant begin to compare with my Rick 360 & older VOX AC15, or his Tele & Fender Blues Deluxe for that matter.

This Super Sonic sounds great.... I cant wait to trade in my Deluxe toward one of these, however at $1100+ I'd better try it out myself before jumping at it.

(For stage I'd take the “Black/Pepper” color)

The Deville amps sound great on their respective clean channels. All the Fender hollow howl you could want. But the drive channels.... ack.

The great thing about the 'black/pepper' option is that it will look brilliant in my living room.

You have more patience than I do, Noel (and probably more money left over in your pocket... LOL). I went through this last year, but I never got so far along in my search as to try a Super Sonic... because after hearing the Dr. Z Stingray, I was SOLD!

Dr. Z amps are made about 7 miles from where I live.

I was shopping for a new amp last year and I very nearly went home with the Super Sonic! In the end though, it was too much amp for me (I went with an AC-30). They do sound great though, and I think I would have went with the blonde, but that's your call now innit?

Whoa - 8000 JPS!

Hey Andrew, the Sting Ray sounds great! And I might have bought it but the store only had a head at the time. "We'll call you when a combo arrives..."

I'll not forget the wonderful shimmer of that amp -or its responsiveness. Dr.Z, Carr, Victoria, Matchless, etc., they make great products.

The Super Sonic offered its own glassy character and seemed to work better for my style. I hope I've found a soul mate. Time will tell.

Congrats! I haven't tried the Supersonics, but they do look intriguing. I'm a big fan of their amps--I've got a '57Twin RI, a '59 Bassman RI, a Blues Jr. and a CyberDeluxe (a G-DEC 30 as well, though I don't use it as an amp.

I probably use the '57TRI the most--including with the Rics. The BJ I keep downstairs for noodling, but it's quite a capable little amp on its own.

Bill

Gee, I didn't even notice that, John!

But, how about two 4003 basses for my 8006th post?

I think at 8010, you'll hit the motherlode!