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Post subject: Need some help from the old guys here.
Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 8:43 pm
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I got rid of my Hot Rod Deluxe, and now the Peavey that replaced it has to go, too. What I'm looking for is a Fender tube combo that retains its basic tone as the volume is turned up, so I can practice with the same tone I'll be playing with, only at a reasonable volume. I really like the '65 reissues, particularly the Deluxe and Super, because they get a good "squeeze" without cranking them too much, but I'm also considering a Twin because of its incredible clean headroom. I'll be using stompboxes for my dirty sounds, so I would prefer the amp not to really overdrive, just to give me a little "bloom". The other amp I'm looking at pretty hard is the Vibrolux Reverb, mainly because I prefer the tight, more focused sound of 10' speakers. However, I've never run across one of these in any guitar shop, so it's the only one of the four amps I'm considering that I've never played. Does anyone have any experience with them? What's the headroom and breakup threshold like? I know the Deluxe can get pretty wicked at lower volume than the Twin or even the Super, and that's one reason I'm pretty much shying away from it, but what about the Vibrolux? Will it give me that fat, sassy, classic Fender sound at a low enough volume to play at home without too much breakup when I turn the volume to performance levels? Any help you guys can offer will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 6:26 am
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I'm a geezer whos been playing for 40+ years so I'll throw in my cents as usual. You won't get any bloom from a Twin. I have a 76 that's been an incredible amp. It is heavy and really loud. That's really in the DRRI territory. Great amp. 6V6 powered amps will bloom, usually 6L6 amps won't.

I had a 64 Vibrolux that was great, but it was stolen. The new Vibrolux Custom seems a bit hissy to me. It's been modified bit the powers that be. I'd look for an original Vibrolux Reverb. SF Vibrolux Reverbs are still affordable. A Silver Face Bandmaster is pretty similar to a Vibrolux. Just steer clear of the VM series. They're not the real deal so to speak. I won't say any more about the VM's. I don't want to start any flame wars. You can run a 2x10 cab with the Bandmaster. Also vintage Bandmasters are really affordable as well.

The SRRI is a great sounding amp. You may also want to look at the Bassman RI. Just remember even if the amps are close in wattage, the more speakers your amp has the louder the perceived volume is because you're pushing more air.

This is only my opinion and as always YMMV :D


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:04 am
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I agree with Supro, i have a DRRI and a BassmanRI .There is something about the DRRI when you push it that I really like.It is really touch sensitive .I can go from Fender clean to breakup with little trouble.The Bassman has alot more bottom end (hence the name Bassman). If you have a place where you can push this amp into breakup territory ,you will be well rewarded.I think the Bassman has one of the best breakup tones of any Fender amp.It isnt really a clean amp,but it can clean up pretty decently.I like to run both amps around 4 on the volume, or with the bassman even to 5or 6 and back off the volume on my guitar a bit.Both take pedals quite well.


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Post subject: Re: Need some help from the old guys here.
Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:33 am
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shadowgrass3 wrote:
I got rid of my Hot Rod Deluxe, and now the Peavey that replaced it has to go, too. What I'm looking for is a Fender tube combo that retains its basic tone as the volume is turned up, so I can practice with the same tone I'll be playing with, only at a reasonable volume. I really like the '65 reissues, particularly the Deluxe and Super, because they get a good "squeeze" without cranking them too much, but I'm also considering a Twin because of its incredible clean headroom. I'll be using stompboxes for my dirty sounds, so I would prefer the amp not to really overdrive, just to give me a little "bloom". The other amp I'm looking at pretty hard is the Vibrolux Reverb, mainly because I prefer the tight, more focused sound of 10' speakers. However, I've never run across one of these in any guitar shop, so it's the only one of the four amps I'm considering that I've never played. Does anyone have any experience with them? What's the headroom and breakup threshold like? I know the Deluxe can get pretty wicked at lower volume than the Twin or even the Super, and that's one reason I'm pretty much shying away from it, but what about the Vibrolux? Will it give me that fat, sassy, classic Fender sound at a low enough volume to play at home without too much breakup when I turn the volume to performance levels? Any help you guys can offer will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.


I'm an old guy too. Been playing since about the time The Ventures released "Walk - Don't Run".

I also have a Twin Reverb and a Deluxe Reverb stored in a closet.
They are GREAT amps.

With
"What I'm looking for is a Fender tube combo that retains its basic tone as the volume is turned up, so I can practice with the same tone I'll be playing with, only at a reasonable volume"
As the qualifier,
and IF that is what you REALLY want.

Try a Cyber-Twin SE.

They do have tubes - since you specified "tubes"

They also do the tone at volume thing pretty well. In my experience, they require less changes than my Twin Reverb or Deluxe Reverb. But, you may just LIKE one of the others better.

The Cyber-Twin SE is a fantastic, professional, amp. But not ever ones cup of tea.

My advise is try one - and the others too. See and hear which you like best. Any of them are a lot of money if you are disappointed with it later.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:45 am
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The CT is pretty much a hybrid. It only uses two preamp tubes. The rest is a solid state. Some people love them. I'm too old school. I can't find a decent tone to my ears, but that's not saying you you won't like it. I just like simplicity.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 4:56 pm
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I always recommend the DRRI, since that's what I use and I love it so. The DRRI will give you great tone at bedroom levels, that's about all I use mine for. But, when the wife and kids aren't home, I like to crank it to about 4 on the volume knob for some killer tone. Also, people gig with these all the time. With my Strat, it doesn't get dirty until I really crank it. I don't think there's an amp with a better sounding clean out there. There may be some just as good, but I just can't see one sounding better than the DRRI. Of course, I've not heard every amp either. :)

_________________
2010 American Deluxe Strat Sunset Metallic - Lindy Fralin Blues Specials in the neck and middle, Dimarzio AT-1 humbucker in the bridge.
PRS Custom 22 with solid rosewood neck
Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne 1x12 combo
DRRI


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 5:20 pm
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Supro, (or anyone else who might know), I've heard that about the 6V6 power tubes before, and if the DRRI is any indication, then I understand what you mean. What about re-tubing a Twin or a Super? I have to say I prefer the Super reissues I've played to the Twins, I just threw the Twin into the mix because I've never turned one up loud enough to get any kind of squeeze out of it, so I wasn't sure if it was even in there, so I know it's an amp with incredible headroom. Also, you guys keep mentioning the DRRI. That's the amp that made me fall in love with the Fender clean sound in the first place. In y'all's experience, can the DRRI be played at band practice levels without compromising the "clean" tone? Please share any thoughts.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 6:40 pm
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shadowgrass3 wrote:
Supro, (or anyone else who might know), I've heard that about the 6V6 power tubes before, and if the DRRI is any indication, then I understand what you mean. What about re-tubing a Twin or a Super? I have to say I prefer the Super reissues I've played to the Twins, I just threw the Twin into the mix because I've never turned one up loud enough to get any kind of squeeze out of it, so I wasn't sure if it was even in there, so I know it's an amp with incredible headroom. Also, you guys keep mentioning the DRRI. That's the amp that made me fall in love with the Fender clean sound in the first place. In y'all's experience, can the DRRI be played at band practice levels without compromising the "clean" tone? Please share any thoughts.
I think it can.I havent had a chance to practice with my band with mine yet, But if I can run mine on 4 with my drummer, it should be ok.As Supro pointed out in another thread, it cuts thru the mix really well.I a/b ed mine with my blues deluxe and i can see what he means.Blues Deluxe sounds like its wincing compared to the DRRI.Much clearer for sure.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:53 pm
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shadowgrass3 wrote:
Supro, (or anyone else who might know), I've heard that about the 6V6 power tubes before, and if the DRRI is any indication, then I understand what you mean. What about re-tubing a Twin or a Super? I have to say I prefer the Super reissues I've played to the Twins, I just threw the Twin into the mix because I've never turned one up loud enough to get any kind of squeeze out of it, so I wasn't sure if it was even in there, so I know it's an amp with incredible headroom. Also, you guys keep mentioning the DRRI. That's the amp that made me fall in love with the Fender clean sound in the first place. In y'all's experience, can the DRRI be played at band practice levels without compromising the "clean" tone? Please share any thoughts.


My guess is - If the DRRI is the amp you love the sound of, then more than likely that's the only one that you'll be happy with. Anything else and you'll always be wondering about that DRRI - and probably wind up buying one anyway.

As for staying "clean" - it does start breaking up pretty early, especially compared to a Twin Reverb, which will get very loud by the time it is breaking up. (yeah, it will break up. At least mine will. But you ain't gonna like how loud it is then) If I remember right, I think my Deluxe Reverb was breaking up at about 4 on the volume - but that was loud. (at least to my ears)

You ask can the DRRI be played at band practice levels. IMHO - that depends on your bands practice level. That amp is known for being THE club amp. Over the years, it has been used by many people in bands, and in many recordings.

It may only be 22 watts, but it can get loud. And the sound is legendary, as they say. If it isn't loud enough, you can always mic it. You can also get a more efficient speaker from somebody like Weber, but that only helped mine a small amount. Miking it worked better. (or the band could turn down - and your neighbors would love that)

I think Supro's Egnater amp has a couple of 6V6's in it , so he can tell you about that. (supro - here's you an opening to brag on your Rebel again :lol: )

Just my buck two nintyeights worth. :wink:


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:17 pm
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Judging from your needs, without a doubt, the DRRI: tubes, tone, lighter weight, and adequate power from bedroom to a club. btw, i think i qualify as an "older guy" at 55. good luck.

ciao,
johnny.


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Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:16 pm
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An amp I'm pretty impressed with that might fit your needs is the SuperSonic. Great tone and you can probably find one at your local Guitar Center etc. It can really nail that Vibrolux sound also gives you the ability to move to a more Bassman tone.


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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 11:59 am
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Another DRRI fan. Forget the Twin, My Twin will make your ears hemorrhage before it breaks up. If you like the bloom of 6V6's that's the road I'd take.

I love my Egnater Rebel 20, I actually just bought another 1x12 cab for it and now it's the perfect club amp for me. I can blend between the 6V6 ans EL84 power tubes for some pretty unique tones as well as dial it from 1 to 20 watts which changes the ampunt of headroom you have.


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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 12:46 pm
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63supro wrote:
Another DRRI fan. Forget the Twin, My Twin will make your ears hemorrhage before it breaks up. If you like the bloom of 6V6's that's the road I'd take.

I love my Egnater Rebel 20, I actually just bought another 1x12 cab for it and now it's the perfect club amp for me. I can blend between the 6V6 ans EL84 power tubes for some pretty unique tones as well as dial it from 1 to 20 watts which changes the ampunt of headroom you have.
Hey Supro,one thing I have noticed is every time I go to guitar center there are at least 2 or 3 used Twins for sale.I am not sure if people really dont believe how loud it is(its not like there arent enough people telling them) or they dont realise how heavy it is or both.One thing I can say is playing my DRRI with my Blues Deluxe, the blues deluxe sounds so wimpy and muddy compared to the DRRI.The DRRI cuts like a knife and I expect it to do the same on stage.I have my 1st rehearsal next week with the band , so I shall see how it performs.I dont expect to be dissapointed.Take care.


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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:39 pm
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I finally got to play a Vibrolux Reverb today. How I found one only thirty minutes from my house is beyond me, but after playing with it for about five minutes, I had my mind made up that Saturday morning, I'm going back to the shop where I found it with a couple of my guitars. You know, just to make sure that it's the best amplifier I've ever heard. I've been a big fan of the DRRI for a long time now, but that Vibrolux is THE sound I've had in my head ever since I outgrew metal.

I also got a chance to A/B a Twin Reverb RI next to a Super Reverb RI, and I've got to say the Twin won that battle hands down. I know they're heavy, and I know they're loud, and I know they won't break up until long after your neighbors have called the law, but I can live with all that.

After I get a chance to see what the Vibrolux Reverb sounds like with a couple of my guitars (let's face it, the ones in the stores sound different than the ones you actually play), I may have to change my plan of finding one amp to do it all. I don't mind getting a Twin and a Vibrolux if that's what it takes, I'm that blown away by the tone.

So much for "one amp to do it all" huh, guys? You know us kids just never learn. And they told me I'd get smarter after 30.....


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Posted: Tue Dec 08, 2009 7:55 pm
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Not smarter, just wiser lol. I ALWAYS use my guitars to test an amp I'm serious about. Let me know if the Vibrolux is a Custom, if you hear any excessive hiss. They may have addressed the problem. I can't speak more highly of my Twin. It's the most reliable amp I've ever owned.


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