Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My Vox AC15 is gone, and I've been playing my 330/12 directly into the Janglebox, a Marshall echo pedal then into an Avalon U5 DI then into the house. This kinda works pretty well, but I'm thinking I'd like to find a small amp low on features/all about tone. I do not need power, and I certainly do not need gain/distortion/overdrive. I'm okay with solid state, as I want crystal clean tone, nothing else. It would only be used with a 330/12. Reverb would be nice, but even that isn't necessary. I'm not interested in digital effects, modeling, etc. Most of you would consider this a "practice amp." Fair enough. I know several makers have little "practice amps" (Orange Crush, Hughes & Kettner Edition Blue, misc. Marshall combos, Vox Pathfinder, misc.Fenders etc.). On those occasions when I would use it live, it would be mic'd, and the volume is not that high (I only play at Church). Quiet, clean, toneful. That's what I need. Oh, and I don't want to spend a fortune (I'm thinking a few hundred bucks) because this is not something I would use too often, other than at home. I think I've been descriptive enough.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? Admonitions? Laughter?

Based on what you said, I would recommend a little 15W Fender amp called the Blues Junior. I picked one up not long ago (my first tube amp) and it can even make my SG sparkle! They are within your price range I believe as well, I've heard they go well with Ricks.

The VOX Pathfinder is such a great little amp.
I line out into my recorder and it is very versatile.
I also have a VOX VR30 that I actually gigged with until I got my AC-15.
The VR30 is discontinued but can be found on ebay for less than $150.00

An old Fender Princeton Chorus would fill the bill nicely. Fender doesn't make them anymore but you should be able to find a used one for around $250 or so.

Clint wrote:An old Fender Princeton Chorus would fill the bill nicely. Fender doesn't make them anymore but you should be able to find a used one for around $250 or so.

They've reissued the Princeton, they're up there in price for a 15W though. The guy who sold me the Blues Jr bought one of the new reissues, I forget what he said he paid for it though.

My advice, for what it's worth (free) would be to take your guitar to several stores and see what they have. Give the sales rep. your specs, just like you did above, and see what you come up with.

JimK

I have a Blues Jr too and I really like it with my 360 (although it is a 6 stringer). Mine is the Tweed edition with the Jensen speaker. I have also had it modified by Bill Machrone and the changes he has made, both simple and affordable (under $100), really make this a great sounding little amp at a good price. I bet the clean boost mod would be particulalrly nice with a 12.

Clint wrote:Fender Princeton Chorus...

I must agree here.
My 360/12 just sounds so marvelous through this amp. Affordable, crystal clear sound, nice reverb, that touch of the Princeton chorus on the Ric is pure magic....the Fender Princeton Chorus may be exactly what you are looking for.