The (mostly) annual help-mathias-find-a-new-amp thread

[Zounds Perspex]

hmmm. Having played every model of BF/SF/RI Fender, I can say I like the drive sound of the Princeton Reverb more than any of 'em - BUT, I only use single coil guitars.
Apparently the Princeton circuit carries over more from the tweed circuits than any other blackface amp - the breakup is "browner", for lack of a better term.
They also have the grooviest trem of any blackface Fender. However, in the 6V6-powered blackface realm, Gibson players usually prefer a Deluxe.

[Zounds Perspex]

and if when you say you don't like the Fender drive sound, and you're talking about, say...a Hot Rod Deluxe....brother, you ain't alone.

[mathias]

I've also got some 60's single coil guitars that I've picked up along the way -- a faux-SG with single-coils and a fake bigsby, a fake American 60's Strat knockoff, etc. These guitars have a lot of character, but the SG turns out to be much more reliable and less noisy due to the humbuggies.

The Blues & Hot Rod series Fender amps are the ones I'mtalking about, as well as the older Champ reissue. I haven't tried the new suede Champ thing yet.

The Vox AC4 sounds really boxy and gross to me on breakup, too.

It's hard to quantity my need for a good bluesy rock breakup. Raunchy, but not Van Halen. Most people aren't looking for that.. And the usual-guitar-store-employee these days at Guitar Center is playing TEH DOOM METALZZ more so than people here are, (where doom is not so much the doom genre but just some crazy 100+ watt head set with every knob cranked), so I trust you guys for your opinion way more.

[Zounds Perspex]

yeah, the drive channels on the Hot Rods and Blues Deluxes/Devilles suck shit.
the blackface reissues are a different ball of wax. try a PRRI and a DRRI, see what you think.
bear in mind the stock speakers are usually sorta crap.

lots of youtoobs of Princeton Reverbs and Gibsons out there.

I need to stop talking these amps up...I want prices to go down, not up!

[mathias]

also, since people seemed to get hung up on the Wilco/Nels Cline reference:

Other nice things that I'd like to be able to do with combinations of guitar/pedal and this new amp: some Neil Young sounds, Live at Leeds kinda stuff, some Hendrix Band of Gypsies sounds. I've got the fuzz for some of these, but not the amp in the equation.

Other things that I'd like to be able to do: A Delta blues tone, but not the completely overdriven buzzsaw sound. If that makes sense?

[huggernaut]

I've been in a similar boat for a while and am leaning the Princeton route. Though the new Ampeg 15w gvt combo is the only amp I've played lately and really liked. Digital (but good sounding) reverb, no trem, 12" sPeaker. Nice headroom and nice edge of. Breakup sounds.

I've never actually played a Princeton but it seems like just about the perfect amp for me. I think I'm down to these two amps in my decision making.

[Helter]

You should try and play a super sonic. Most guitar centers usually have them and they have great drive imo.

[Moustache_Bash]

Tech 21 Trademark 30!

It's all analog, and not that complex for a "modeling" amp. Seriously dude, it sounds so fahking good. The reverb is off the hook. I've played Fenders, MusicMan (haven't messed with Ampeg reverb, so I may be out of touch) and they don't compare. The reverb on that little beastie is straight up sopping wet mermaid poon. It also get's decently loud, but sounds great at every volume level.

I had one for a brief moment, and am determined to buy one again.

[blahquaker]

have you looked at goodsell?

[Chankgeez]

It's all analog, and not that complex for a "modeling" amp.

[Helter]

The reverb on that little beastie is straight up sopping wet mermaid poon.

hahaha oh my. mind if i put that on my sig!

[Moustache_Bash]

Do whatchu want, Helter.


And Chankgeez if there is something you'd like me to clarify, I'd be much obliged. Perhaps modeling was the wrong word? Maybe it simulates other amp styles?

[Chankgeez]

And Chankgeez if there is something you'd like me to clarify, I'd be much obliged. Perhaps modeling was the wrong word? Maybe it simulates other amp styles?

No, sorry, Moustache_Bash, I think "modeling" is the right word. I just found the use of quotes "curious".

[Moustache_Bash]

Ah, okay. I just used the quotes because when I think of modeling I think of gnargnar digital like, Line6 and Roland Cubes. Wasn't sure if I was talking like an idiot, even though I still may be....

[Chankgeez]

No, you're not an idiot. (At least I think you're not.)

Analog, digital: they're both modeling. I think you're right in that most people tend to associate "modeling" with digital though.