Hi all, i'm looking at a possible purchase of a used blues deville 4- 10" speaker amp, and i'm remembering seeing mixed reviews on the hot rod series of amps, the hot rod deluxe mostly. Since the blues deville seems so similar to me to the hot rod deville, i'm wondering if many of the other hot rod series and similar blues? models have had the same kinds of mixed reviews. Thanks for any and all opinions!

_________________
I believe in Christianity as i believe that the sun has risen. not only because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else. C.S. Lewis

Know any amp techs?

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

No sir, i sure don't, and i'm personally about the furthest thing from one!

_________________
I believe in Christianity as i believe that the sun has risen. not only because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else. C.S. Lewis

You will.

In fact, you may likely develop a long-term relationship with one.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Ok, i get your drift, but how about the hot rod deluxe? any opinions there? Thanks!

_________________
I believe in Christianity as i believe that the sun has risen. not only because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else. C.S. Lewis

Same deal.

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Could you recommend a couple of good tube amps to me? Thanks!

_________________
I believe in Christianity as i believe that the sun has risen. not only because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else. C.S. Lewis

Sure. If you're playing live music professionally then a "good amp" IMO is the one that plays night after night after night -- from the day you buy it until ten or fifteen years down the road. A correctly-refurbished vintage tube Fender is one such amp, as are the older (pre-2000) black-face re-issues. Buy yourself some dependable stompboxes to add any effects or voicings that you prefer.

Best of luck

Arjay

_________________
"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY

Thanks very much sir!

_________________
I believe in Christianity as i believe that the sun has risen. not only because i see it, but because by it, i see everything else. C.S. Lewis

Hot Rod Deluxe's, great amp, the jury is sequestered and will probably be hanging on the Hot Rod Series.
I have not had any problems with mine ( HRD Black and Tan # 55 of a 125 series made for Sam Ash ) Eminence speaker.
But there are forum members who have not had good experience with them.

I look at it this way, amps are fickle, circuitry, tubes, speakers, even though it is enclosed in a hardwood chassis and seems well protected if not invulnerable, severe abuse handling can be detrimental. Playing in clubs is not healthy for anyone or equipment, that is the nature of entertainment. I would be extremely reluctant to bring out my Classic 410 Magnatone to play in a club, it would likely not survive the ordeal.

You are going to have to weigh the positive with the negative reviews on the Hot Rod Series Amps and draw your own conclusions.
I'm a plus, a friend of mine uses the DeVille weekly for gigs and has had no problem so I really believe an amp's reliability has a lot to do with what you are asking from it.
Maintenance and prevention is key, just like a guitar which for us the instrument really is the guitar and amp combined.

If you scour the want ads, there are many HRD's available for a song and a dance, more I believe a reflection of people assuming they are not reliable rather than actual fact.
All amps are prone to failure, regardless of the manufacturer or model, some are just great almost indestructable amps but may not have the sound I'm looking for... So....

_________________
"C'est parti mon Kiki "

If you plan on gigging with a HRDlx at any serious level I'd recommend the DRRI instead or a SF vintage amp. My HRDlx spent a ton of time with my tech. If you just play at home or jam with some friends once in a while, they're okay. You can do a lot better for your money. Also I wouldn't buy a used HRD series amp unless the owner can transfer the balance of the warranty.

_________________
Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal