Looking for amp recommendations, questionairre completed!

[ErictheRed]

I'm looking for a smaller combo tube amp. I use a Reeves Custom 50PS and cab when I need a bigger amp, but I'm looking for the perfect smaller combo. Reverb would be a nice plus but not entirely necessary; same with tremolo.

How much would you like to spend?
Under $1,000 - $1,200 used (so I guess about $2,000 new)

What's the absolutely most you will spend?
$1,500

How many years have you played guitar?
Off and one for 19 now; holy crap!!

Do you seek tone quality or versatility?
Definitely quality

What is your primary guitar (include pup type and configuration)?
Gibson Les Paul Traditional with Burstbucker's from a Standard
Fender Stratocaster with Vintage 57 pickups and SSL-5 in the bridge

What style(s) of music do you primarily play?
Various rock, from Pink Floyd to The Black Keys to Dinosaur Jr to Modest Mouse to REM. I'm not into the whole Joe Bonamassa blues thing and not into the metal, but Progressive/Indie/Grunge/Alternative/North Mississippi blues if that makes sense.

What one guitarist do you wish to emulate?
Hard to pick one; I'd say David Gilmour and after that maybe J Mascis and then Dan Auerbach.

Do you prefer to plug straight in, or will you be using effects?
I use effects (fuzz, overdrive, delay) but do not need an effects loop. Depending on the amp I may or may not need an overdrive, etc.

What will be the primary use of the amp?
The primary use of this amp will be practicing at home, with a band, and small gigs.

Do you prefer a combo or head/cabinet (and why)?
I want a combo that makes the whole grab and go thing easier; already have a Reeves Custom 50 Head and Cab.

What amplifier(s) do you have/had and why do you want a change?
Reeves Custom 50PS, Traynor YGM-3, Dr Z. Maz 18, Allen Hot Fudge with Nuts

I'm keeping the Reeves Custom 50, it's just too big for a lot of things! A physically smaller version of this amp is sort of what I'm after (though I'd rather get some different tones out of a new amp).

The Traynor YGM-3 is nice, has pretty good reverb and tremolo, but lack of mids control, no Master Volume, and no power scale makes it a little less versatile. All in all, an improved YGM-3 would be excellent!

The Allen Hot Fudge with Nuts had the best Tremolo I've ever heard and it sounded incredible with a Tele. However, it really only had one sound that I liked, no master volume, and wasn't bright enough for humbuckers IMO.

Dr Z Maz 18 came very close to being perfect, but had far too much noise at lower volumes (see below).

Please list five amps (minimum) that you have researched (if you can't do this, you're not serious)

Reeves Custom 18
Like: Power Scaling, Reeves Quality
Dislike: Can't try in person, don't need the whole "hot rodded, high gain Marshall" thing, not sure how much clean headroom it has or how nice the cleans are. No reverb or trem (not a deal breaker, though)

Reeves Custom 12PS
Like: Power Scaling, Reeves Quality, light and portable. Sounds like it has excellent cleans from the clips and nice, Hiwatt style breakup (not a hot-rodded Marshall)
Dislike: Can't try in person, not sure how much clean headroom it has or whether it will be loud enough for practice with a loud drummer, not to mention a small gig. No reverb or trem though again, not a deal breaker.

Dr Z Maz 18
Like: Pretty much everything about it, except...
Dislike: The noise! The one I owned had too much hum and hiss at lower, home volumes, that drove me crazy for an amp at that price. However I've read that some newer ones have a new reverb tank that have solved the noise issues; is this true??

Trinity Triwatt
Like: Hiwatt style sound at only 22 Watts with a couple of extra options over a vintage Hiwatt
Dislike: Not a combo, no reverb/trem, perhaps too similar to my Reeves Custom 50PS to make it worthwhile. No Power Scaling.

Hmm...that's not 5 amps, but that's why I'm here; looking for suggestions!

[Rhust]

What style(s) of music do you primarily play?
Various rock, from Pink Floyd to The Black Keys to Dinosaur Jr to Modest Mouse to REM. I'm not into the whole Joe Bonamassa blues thing and not into the metal, but Progressive/Indie/Grunge/Alternative/North Mississippi blues if that makes sense.

have you ever tried a Deluxe/Deluxe reverb? I'm not familiar with the amps you listed... but I think a lot of people would consider the DR as a great blues/crunch amp and I definitely think it would nail the black keys kind of blues thing.. as well as the cleans from everyone might be worth a try for the most recorded amp in history (so I'm told)... 22 watts so not too big, either.

I know gilmore used hiwatts at one point, but he also used twins and bassmans IIRC.

[ErictheRed]

You know that's a good point; I should try out a Deluxe Reverb again. I've always kind of overlooked them because I have the Traynor which has all the same features. However, the circuits are different and the Fender uses 6V6s, different transformers, and a tube rectifier...it might be more of what I'm after.

On the other hand it doesn't have a Master Volume or Power Scaling, and I'd really like one (or both) of those features to be able to go from home playing to small gigs. To give an example, the Reeves Custom 50PS is actually a phenomenal home amp because of the power scaling; it's just physically so large that it's not very portable.

At this point I'm leaning mostly towards the Reeves Custom 18 but would really like some feedback on the cleans and how much headroom it has.

[yawny]

Definitely check out the Deluxe.

I'm a big fan of Dan as a player as well and saw the Keys live earlier this year. He uses a Tweed Deluxe clone (a Victoria Double Deluxe which is like two tweeds in one amp), a Quad Reverb, and a JTM45

The Tweed Deluxe is a really sweet sounding amp that breaks up fairly early but still gets some great cleans, especially when you roll the volume back, and can get some great fuzzy sounds without any pedals at all.

On top of this, it's very, very easy to add a MV into one. It literally involves changing out two resistors for a dual-gang pot. Maybe ~30 minutes and you're done.

I can nail a wide range of tones with it and two fuzzes, one silicon, one germanium. All Keys songs are at my fingertips, it + a Big Muff gets Dinosaur Jr., and even Gilmour. Surprisingly versatile for a 50+ year old design.

[st.bede]

The deluxe reverb is a great amp. I just recently learned that the re-issues are different then mine, but I have not had a chance to try one side to side with mine so how much they sound different, I do not know. I use an attenuator at home (hot plate). (Also I only like the clean and typically use a boost to hit the amp harder if need be).

[River]

With that budget, you should definitely check out the amp in my signature.

The DRRI is a great amp, but the Rude Mood does Marshall tones too, no pedal required. Home, studio, and gig-with-drums volumes are all within its normal operating range.

[st.bede]

Originally Posted by River

With that budget, you should definitely check out the amp in my signature.

The DRRI is a great amp, but the Rude Mood does Marshall tones too, no pedal required. Home, studio, and gig-with-drums volumes are all within its normal operating range.

Rude mood is on my to buy list.

[Rhust]

aren't they a little more than 1500 though, River?

[randelli]

Well, I try to stay out of these threads, because, um, it is sometimes taken as fluff and stuff and propaganda and such.

So let me just say that the MLP discount price is $1,500 plus shipping. They are normally $1,900 on the street.

Oh................. and I congratulate you sir, ErictheRed, on the Dan Auerbach nod!!

[Rhust]

There you go, a brilliant design, basically 2 vintage circuits in one boutique quality package, and blend-able too... WIN!

[ErictheRed]

Hmmm, I will definitely check out this Rude Mood amp a little more! Sounds very enticing.

As an update, I went to work on my Traynor YGM-3. The thing is, I had one that I LOVED but stupidly sold it a while ago. Any way, I just spent 4-5 hours on the current one, put an anniversary G12H30 in it, new tubes, took out the presence capacitor, slowed down the trem, rewired the reverb tank, changed the tone stack a bit...and now it sounds much, MUCH better. A whole new amp, in fact; really nice. I'll play it with the band tomorrow night and listen to the recordings; it might actually be all I really need.

Still, this Rude Mood thing looks pretty darn sexy, I'll definitely spend some time listening to clips and things. What are the dimensions and weight? I imagine it's fairly heavy since it's basically two amps in one.

[randelli]

Sounds to me like you already have a fantastic amp in the re-worked Traynor

The Rude Mood is a little smaller than a deluxe reverb: 22.5 x 15.5 x 10 and weighs about 45 lbs. The pine cabinet makes it lighter.

[nauc]

have you had your Dr Z looked at. maybe the hum can be fixed.

[randelli]

I thought there was a pic on here of Mudfinger's RUDE MOOD next to his Deluxe Reverb... It would give you an idea of the size; but I didn't find it. I did find this video clip though:

Rude Mood Test Clip 022812.2.MOV - YouTube

Rude Mood Test Clip 022812.2.MOV - YouTube

You can see his RUDE MOOD and extension cabinet on the left; and his Deluxe Reverb and extension cabinet on the right. Mud has a special color scheme so that is why it looks different than the rest.

[ErictheRed]

Nauc, I sold the Dr Z for $50 more than I bought it for on Craigslist; I do regret not trying to "fix" it but the problem seemed very common and I really didn't think that an amp of that price should need fixing. Otherwise a really incredible amp, I admit.

Thanks for the extra info on the Rude Mood, I will definitely give it some thought, seems really intriguing! Two amps in one; can't really go wrong there. I'm just curious how "big" it sounds when you only play one side at a time, since you're only using 1 10" speaker then? Of course extension cabs are always an option, but I wonder if an owner could comment on that. Do you need both sides running to sound sufficiently "large" and non-boxy?

Little update on the Traynor: tonight is the night it goes through its paces at band volume. Also, while I was poking around inside the amp, I noticed that a previous owner had made some changes to the circuit that were NOT for the best. I'm no expert but I know old Traynors really well; no wonder it wasn't sounding like the one I had before. Anyhow the grass is always greener and I wish I had a combo with Power Scaling or at least a very nice Master Volume (definitely spoiled by the Reeves Custom 50PS), but the Traynor may end up filling most of my needs. It might end up being fine with the band, but for playing at home it's pretty funny that the big Custom 50 is better (because of power scaling)! I might end up doing something similar to a Lar/Mar Master Volume on this guy; hmmm...

[james beam]

[River]

Plenty of items in this photo to give it scale. Despite appearances, it weighs 1/2 what the Pro (Tube) Reverb weighs.

[james beam]

[ErictheRed]

I admit the Rude Mood is looking ever more and more enticing! I'd still like to hear from an owner about how it sounds being played through one "side," i.e. with only 1 10" speaker working for you.

And thanks for the recommendations James Beam, but...could you please tell me what you like about these amps? And at least provide the model name so I know what I'm looking at?

[gilmourjunkie]

lots of great amps in your price range. I'm a huge Soldano guy, so I got to give a nod to the Astroverb or Atomic 16. However, I just got an old Deluxe Reverb in Jan and its just awesome. Be on the lookout for one recently recapped and retubed b/c getting it serviced is a bit pricey.

[ErictheRed]

As much as I love sexy old things, this time around I'd rather buy a boutique amp or clone (a la Reeves) than an original vintage piece. The price is usually about the same (or even less, depending) and the new boutique amp should last longer and give less headaches. I make an exception for old Traynors because they're so cheap .

Played the YGM-3 at band volumes last night and it did really well; it had about the perfect amount of clean headroom left with a loud drummer (basically none, but I didn't need any more) and with picking dynamics, controlling the volume knob, a boost pedal and OCD (or fuzz at times) I could really control the breakup easily. Sounded quite good, not exactly perfect, but good. I'm still keeping my eyes open for that perfect amp, though; a Master Volume, possibly Power Scaling, and slightly better "tone" are basically what I'm after. The Dr Z Maz 18 came really close...

Thanks for all the replies so far, you guys have given me some good ideas. I need to hook up my speakers to my PC at home so I can really check out some of these amps this weekend (just moved). I'm really, REALLY intrigued by this Rude Mood; if it's truly two amps in one, you can't really beat that, now can you??

[randelli]

Good job on the Traynor redeaux - glad to hear it worked out well for the gig!

Here is a link that will give you the skinny on the RUDE MOOD RUDE MOOD Amplifiers but the short answer is that there are 2 TRUE Class A single ended amps in one dual-combo unit.

The RUDE side is marshally and the MOOD side is fenderlicious. Each side has their own discrete pre-amp section, power section, output tube, output transformer, and speaker. You can play either side alone or blend them for that great two-amp sound.

There are several NAD threads you could read through and see how the owners feel about their amps. You could start a thread to get direct answers, to any RM questions, from the owners.

Hope that helps

[Eric Smith]

Since this one fits into the amount that you are willing to spend, I would DEFINATELY get the RudeMood.

[snaredrum]

having read this from the start, i was originally "totally get a fender".

now i'm Rude Mood all the way.

[gilmourjunkie]

Originally Posted by ErictheRed

and the new boutique amp should last longer and give less headaches. I?

I dunno if I agree with that statement. initially, perhaps... yes a boutique amp may give you less headaches initially but for the long haul? I dunno... I had a Vibrochamp and Deluxe from 69 that are still running strong. Who is to say boutique stuff is built better/longer lasting... really hasn't had the test of time yet. Fender has a pretty proven track record. Just my opinion.

[121064]

5F4 Super clone.

[coldsteal2]

[121064]

Originally Posted by coldsteal2

Oh look, it's Dino.

[Rhust]

Originally Posted by gilmourjunkie

I dunno if I agree with that statement. initially, perhaps... yes a boutique amp may give you less headaches initially but for the long haul? I dunno... I had a Vibrochamp and Deluxe from 69 that are still running strong. Who is to say boutique stuff is built better/longer lasting... really hasn't had the test of time yet. Fender has a pretty proven track record. Just my opinion.

my 64 has been gigged moved, traveled etc as much as any amp... still kickin' even fender tweed amps are solid and reliable for the most part... I don't buy the crap that boutique is always better or more reliable...

[ErictheRed]

Originally Posted by Rhust

my 64 has been gigged moved, traveled etc as much as any amp... still kickin' even fender tweed amps are solid and reliable for the most part... I don't buy the crap that boutique is always better or more reliable...

I don't buy the crap that boutique is always better or more reliable, either. But...I also don't buy that just because it says "Fender" on it it's better or more reliable! Instead of spending $2,000+ on a vintage Blackface, for instance, I'd rather just get a clone if it's less money (it was less money to get a Reeves than a vintage Hiwatt, for instance). While it may not necessarily be "better," as an engineer I don't really believe in magic and think that, if it's a good quality boutique amp, it'll be just as good as the old Fender and probably last longer since it isn't 40 years old. You never know of course and each individual amp is different, but I think that's probably true in the majority of cases.

Thanks for all the replies; I think I'll stick with the refurbished Traynor for now, but I also think that the next time I'm going to buy an amp it'll be the Rude Mood! Two amps in one--very awesome!! Don't think I could go wrong with that.