Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I've only had a Ric for a couple of weeks, so it all sounds good to me, but I was wondering what other people here were using for amplification. I have a Vox Valvetronix for band use, and at home I've been using a Fender Blues Junior. I do have other amps, both tube and SS, but I've been using only these two so far, mainly because I haven't had the time to experiment. So are there any amps that you particularly like/dislike? Aside from the obvious AC30, that is - if I had one of those, I'd be using it!

I don't think I could use anything else but my Valvetronix.... Mine is the 60-watt version, so it's not a huge problem to carry it back and forth with me to practice and church.... It has every amp sound I could possibly want, and all the effects pedals I would ever need in one unit! I actually use three of the presets quite a bit: "2-1, 2-3, and 1.-2" They all sound great with Rics, that last one is especially glorious sounding with a 12-string.

I usually use a Blues DeLuxe (40 watts, 1x12)) but with a 2x12 or 4x12 Fender cabinet. Occasionally I'll use a Vibrolux (40w, 4x10) or Blues DeVille (60w, 4x10), but still use the 12 cabs. I try for the early J. Beck sound, and that seems to work for me. My bassist uses an Eden whatever (300w) w 4x10 and 1x15 speakers, but not a rick bass, though I offer mine. My 660/12 just sang through the Blues DeLuxe. My next amp will be a Dr. Z, they make a 2x12 35w that supposedly gives the AC-30 a run for the money (it's cheaper, but nearly identical).

Roland JC120 - Jazz Chorus is my main amplifier.
Nothing sounds more like me than my Rics through that amp. I am a pedal afficianado however, so I don't typically rely on my amps for grind/dirt.

I have a Vox Pathfinder Supermini Reverb which sounds MAGNIFICENT with my 360V64. Likewise, my 1997SPC/VB sounds wonderful through my little Fender 1X12.

Overall, the JC120 is excellent to reveal the depth of the Ric sound. I never used my neck pickup til I got it.

Cheers, Noel

One Ric, one cable and a Fender Blues Deville.
That's all it takes to keep me happy
They sound AND look good together.

Vox Valvetronix 60VT. I also have a Marshall AVT50 that I use for the ES-335. I use the Vox for the 360/12 FG.

You have to love the Vox AC-30/Rickenbacker combination.

I'm happy with my 1973 Fender Deluxe Reverb and 1999 Vox Pathfinder.

Richard: Your are right. The Deluxe Reverb is one of the nicest amps around.

I'm happy with my 1970 Fender Twin Reverb. Sounds great with my Rickenbacker 12 strings!

I use a Mesa/Boogie Studio Caliper.

I'm using the HED guitar amplifier (a head unit, naturally) and matching "shoulder cabinet" by Edward Amplification. Only eighteen watts, but that's all I need at the moment. It uses transformers that are similar to the much vaunted Traynor YCV40, but it's voiced a little differently. The sound is a little fuller, and it distorts beautifully. It's also built like a Mercedes ... great feeling switches and knobs if you're into that kind of stuff. All you Canadians should get on board. Ed Stepanic is the guy who makes them (in Stoney Creek, Ontario), and he's terrific. Go here for a peek: http://www.edwardamp.com. Rumour has it that he's working on a 50W combo, and if he ever puts it on the market, you'll have to claw your way over me to get one.

I'm currently playing my 650D through a Yamaha DG-Stomp as my preamp, going into a Tech 21 Power Engine 60 to make it loud.

However, I'm going to win a 360, a 360/12 and a Vox Valvetronix 60VT from zzsounds soon, so I'll be able to join the crowd here. I don't think anyone else got the email for their giveaway, so it has to be mine for the taking.

Many different amps, many different Rics, and it looks like everyone's happy about what they've got. That's a positive sign for anyone who may be worried about trying something new with their Ric.
Also it's a big plus for Rickenbacker in general - these guitars seem to sound good no matter what you're playing them through.

I've just got my new 360 and it sounds awesome through my Orange AD30R. Tone heaven.