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#1938181 - 05/06/08 04:57 PM

Trying out combo amps.

Strategery
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Alright, I got to fit in "2" music stores today!!

Started off at lunch going to Guitar Center then wound up at a local, well stocked music store!

Only thing I really liked at GC was the Fender Super Sonic.
Damn, that thing can go!! $\:\)$

Then at the local store, they had Mesa's there and I got to try out the Express and Lone Star Special.
WOW...more nice amps...but that LS Special is pricey!! $\:D$

They were not bad amps at all.
In the past I've owned a Dual Rectifier with a 4/12 cab, but it's hard to compare that to a combo plus, I'm now a permanent combo kinda guy. $\:D$

Going to try out a few Riveras next week too.
Can't wait! $\:D$

What do you guys think about the Fender Supersonic and Mesa LS Special and Express?

Thanks for your input.

Randy

Edited by Strategery (05/06/08 04:59 PM)

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#1938190 - 05/06/08 05:09 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: Strategery]

RobRose
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I can't say about the Fender, but I have a Mesa Lone Star and have tried the Specials. Both are terrific amps. When I was looking for my blues rig, I would have bought the Mesa LS Special, but already had a Mesa LS for my rock rig, so I chose a Carr Vincent (now called a Viceroy) instead -- what a rip snorter!

The Mesa LS Special has a terrific clean stage (this is what set it apart for me) and the multi-watt approach lets you play dirty at lower volumes, so you never sacrifice amp tone...I'm a fan, what can I say?

Edited by RobRose (05/06/08 05:09 PM)

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#1938206 - 05/06/08 05:23 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: RobRose]

caprae
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I think Dr. Vision said the Lone Star is the only Mesa he likes - and he really likes if, IIRC.

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#1938210 - 05/06/08 05:28 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: caprae]

JipThePeople
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I recently got the Fender Super Sonic and I couldn't be happier with it. Its the only Fender amp they make where you can get the classic Fender clean and not be disappointed with the distorted channel. The 'Burn' channel is aptly named. Good luck with your search!

Edited by JipThePeople (05/06/08 05:29 PM)

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#1938217 - 05/06/08 05:36 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: JipThePeople]

Strategery
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Cool info.

THanks!

Randy

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#1938239 - 05/06/08 06:07 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: caprae]

mdrs
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Originally Posted By: caprae

I think Dr. Vision said the Lone Star is the only Mesa he likes - and he really likes if, IIRC.

You are right, Cap.

My first really good amp was a Mesa Mk IV combo. Once I had a Marshall, I was done with Mesa. Mesa's are great amps, don't get me wrong. I just find them too complex, and the best classic rock tone I could get out of my Mk IV thru several different speaker cabs, just didn't touch the JCM-800, for me anyhow.

I've played an F-30, and a Lone Star briefly. I liked both better than the Mk IV.

I've almost bought several Lone Star Specials along the way. I like them a lot. They have nice clean, and get dirty easily. The only down side for me is, again, it's too complex an amp for my tastes. I mean, I had my Mk IV as my only amp for about 4 years or so, and I'm not sure I ever found just where I preferred to set it......too many knobs, too many push pull options, I never did understand the damn thing!! LOL

My preference is simple amp for my simple mind...... $\:D$

Strategery, I think you're gonna like those little Riveras....they are pro amps, and do clean and rock. And, do both well.

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#1938257 - 05/06/08 06:49 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: mdrs]

soggybomb
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my bandmate uses a fender supersonic 1X12 (60W) and it has great tone on the clean (both bassman and vibrolux) channel, but i think the distortion was too fizzy and lacked a certain amount of balls for a lack of a better term.

i fell in love with the mesa lone star when i played it in a music store a couple weeks ago. its just what i need too, because of the convenient wattage switch.

#1938331 - 05/06/08 10:56 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: soggybomb]

Bluesape
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Randy, a number of techs have told me they HATE working on Mesa combos, as they take a lot longer to disassemble than most other amps. Myles will advise you better than any of us can - I bet he likes the Riveras the best of the bunch you've mentioned.

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#1938395 - 05/07/08 05:33 AM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: Strategery]

Hardtail
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Originally Posted By: Strategery

Only thing I really liked at GC was the Fender Super Sonic.
Damn, that thing can go!! $\:\)$

I played the Super Sonic a bit and thought it was a nice amp. I did consider getting it a few years ago. But we both already know what I decided on.

#1938732 - 05/07/08 02:26 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: mdrs]

Caevan O'Shite
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Originally Posted By: mdrs

"Mesa's are great amps, don't get me wrong. I just find them too complex, and the best classic rock tone I could get out of my Mk IV thru several different speaker cabs, just didn't touch the JCM-800, for me anyhow.

...I've almost bought several Lone Star Specials along the way. I like them a lot. They have nice clean, and get dirty easily.

The only down side for me is, again, it's too complex an amp for my tastes.

...My preference is simple amp for my simple mind...... $\:D$

"My preference is simple amp for my simple mind"... Don't kid yourself, Doc! $\:D$

Besides having a complex user-interface, more complex circuits can and most often will result in less complex tones, particularly in the mids, presence, harmonic-overtones, and especially in dynamic touch-responsiveness, range, and feel.

I used to think that I wanted one amp with three or four channels; now I know that I want three or four one-channel amps!

I have nothing against Mesa Boogie as a brand, I've just never played one that made ME want to bring it home. My favorite Mesa Boogie so far might have been the Maverick, of the models that I've tried. And that would be for its first channel, I might never bother with its second channel... And, it certainly couldn't be my main or only amp, not by a long-shot!!

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#1938741 - 05/07/08 02:54 PM

Re: Trying out combo amps. [Re: Caevan O'Shite]

Strategery
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Alright, update. $\:D$

I got to check out some Riveras today...HELL YEAH! $\:\)$ $\:D$

I played the little Clubster 1/10...eh, ok but too small.

The Fandango 1/12 rocked...but just didn't have that sound that's in my head. $\:D$

The Chubster was a rockin' little 1/12 amp, in fact, I liked the hell out of it! $\:\)$

But that little Class "A" Venus 3 was undamnbelievable in its sound!
I think I'd prefer the Venus 6 but damn, it's pricey! $\:D$

They're so TOUCH sensative...they just bring back memories of some older amps you used to play when you were young.
Pretty damn versatile too.
Their scoop pull out knobs and other knobs add so many dimensions to these amps!

The only one I still want to play is the Rivera Quiana. I've heard it's a rocker! $\:D$

All in all...another good day at the music store. $\:\)$

Randy

Fandango ...........and.............Chubster

Venus 3 ............and.............Venus 6

Edited by Strategery (05/07/08 02:59 PM)

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#1938827 - 05/07/08 05:54 PM

Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

Caevan O'Shite
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(Long, low, descending whisyle)

Just checked out the Rivera 'site; that Venus 3, particularly the 1x12 version with the Celestion G12H30, looks and sounds like one sweet amp! Very versatile, and I bet that you could dial-in a great setting for using the guitar's volume-knob to go from cleaner to meaner to screamer without any pedals or further knob twiddling at the amp (think of it as continuous-controlled channel-switching!)... Overall, though it's not cheap, it actually seems pretty cost-effective!

By the way, Stratergy, was it the 1x10, or the 1x12 Venus 3 that you tried?

Also- why do you think that you'd prefer the Venus 6 to the Venus 3, Stratergy?

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#1938837 - 05/07/08 06:07 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Caevan O'Shite]

Strategery
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I tried out the 1/12 and I think it was $1499 or $1599, but man, I'm tellin' ya'...it had this touch thing going on.
You also got nuance from this amp and your playing that you just don't get out of the other cookie cutter amps.
In a word...it was just...FINE, SWEET, and SOULFUL! $\:\)$

The Venus 3 is a 15 watt/single channel amp whereas the Venus 6 is a 2 channel/35 watt amp.

http://www.rivera.com/products/venus/venus6_112.php

http://www.rivera.com/products/venus/venus3_combo.php

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#1938842 - 05/07/08 06:16 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

mdrs
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Did you have a chance to play the Pubster or Clubster in a 1x12??

They are compact killers......portable gigability, and tone for days. And, not nearly as expensive.

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#1938848 - 05/07/08 06:20 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

Caevan O'Shite
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(I take it that you mean that you played a Venus 3 1x12, and have not tried the Venus 6?)

If you can't gig with that Venus 3 1x12 and maybe a wah and a good delay/echo pedal- or even just one good cable- and you're not in a metal band- something's wrong! $\:D$ Or, some simple solution is being overlooked.

Seriously, that amp seems to me to be plenty for most styles and situations, and it could always be mic'ed for gigs. I think you found the amp you should get right there.

Especially given your strong positive reaction to that Venus 3 1x12... "FINE, SWEET, and SOULFUL"... !!

Screw channel-switching! $\:D$

I read all the type and viewed much of the vids on the Venus 3 AND the Venus 6 at the Rivera 'site, too; I just wondered what YOU thought...

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#1938857 - 05/07/08 06:39 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Caevan O'Shite]

Strategery
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I played the CLUBSTER 1/12.
Yes, it was nice...but when you played the others, you could really tell the difference.
It's a depth of cabinet thing too as they are thinner.
Just my opinion of course. $\:D$

Caev...you are correct. I didn't get to play the Venus 6, but they both use the class A design.
You know, you may have a good point.
That Venus 3 may be all I need. $\:\)$

For the record, I was very surprised at the tone of these Riveras.
The guys here didn't lie about that.
On the Rivera website, the little demo vids have a pretty good sound when you use some headphones.

I'm really sold on these amps.
The day before yesterday, I got to check out a Mesa Express and Lone Star Special.
They sounded great, I've just never been a big Mesa fan.
The other thing too that bothers me about Class A amps, is the HEAT problem and amps that use EL-84 in that configuration.

In the back of the Mesa LS Special, they had a little computer like fan in there that almost looked like an after thought.
That bothered me.

If you read up thoroughly on the Rivera Venus models, which is new to Rivera, he really goes into why he waited so long to put out a Class A amp.
Part of the reason is that he wanted to WAIT and solve the heat problem inherent with Class A's.
He put a BIG heat sink in there which disipates(sp?)the heat, uses over sized transformers, audiophile electronics, etc...

I like the way he thinks and goes about his problem solving and not cutting any corners.
When you play any of these amps, you can really hear it too.

It's really hard to describe how good they sound and when you do play one, you start to realize what you've been missing in your amp sound.

I'm glad I started on this search to replace my amps.
I just wish my two amps would sell so I can go buy a Rivera. $\:D$

Randy

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#1938874 - 05/07/08 07:12 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

Caevan O'Shite
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Y'know, I once got to talk to Paul Rivera on the phone, back about '89 or '90, and he made a very good impression on me; I can only imagine what a doofussy impression I made on him at the time!

$\:D$

I was going to bring up the measures he's taken concerning overheating and long-term reliability in response to what you posted above, but then I further read that you'd already seen that vid on the Rivera 'site, as well!

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#1938884 - 05/07/08 07:25 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Caevan O'Shite]

Strategery
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HAHAHA...I know what you mean. $\:D$

Kind of like the movie..."Back to the Future", when McFly tells Lorraine...."You're my density."

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#1938885 - 05/07/08 07:27 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

Strategery
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Also, Rivera said he didn't like using the El-84 in there either.
He called it the Wuss of Power tubes. $\:D$

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#1938895 - 05/07/08 07:39 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

miroslav
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I'm more partial to EL34 and KT66 tubes...but you can't deny that EL84 tubes have a very sweet tone, especially running in the Class-A configuration.

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#1938947 - 05/07/08 09:42 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: miroslav]

MILLO
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Got to try the Chubster 40 not the 55, right?

Cool stuff, huh? Funny last night or the previous night I was looking at some youtube vids w/ Knucklehead 100's, not the "big" one but the 2-channel ones, I think. Very nice sounding.

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#1939021 - 05/08/08 04:24 AM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: MILLO]

Strategery
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Yeah, I'm looking for the smaller wattage amps that still retain their testicular fortitude. $\:D$
Uhhh....easier to carry as well. $\:D$

Randy

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#1939040 - 05/08/08 05:05 AM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

Bill@Welcome Home Studios
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You've shown some really beautiful amps. I just want to bang on my favorite drums again... the Reverend Goblin (5/15 watts) and the THD UniValve. But there are litteraly a ton of great combo choices out there. Most of the ones that we really like are unaffordable to the average guy. All those Victorias and Dumbles and Divided by 13s, etc. In the old days the choice would have been between a Fender Deluxe, a Fender Vibrolux Reverb, and a HiWatt Bulldog. On the cheap side, I really liked the Brian May model Vox, once I learned how to set it up.

Bill

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#1939180 - 05/08/08 09:12 AM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Bill@Welcome Home Studios]

MILLO
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hey Strat...

A used Reverend Hellhound combo might be a good idea as well, they're affordable and everyone loves them.

Yeah, at some point I might go ahead and get a Chubster 40 or 55 (in the distant future) for the reasons you point out. Although I've heard good comments about the Line 6 Spider Valve.

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#1939200 - 05/08/08 09:33 AM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: MILLO]

Dr. Ellwood
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For most players needs a 65 Deluxe Reverb will give great service and sound. A excellent live amp and great for recording.

#1939334 - 05/08/08 03:33 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Dr. Ellwood]

Strategery
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I've heard the Spider Valve is killer.
I will try it next and give a report.

I was in a music store today and talking to a good friend of mine that works there.
I told him...worst comes to worst...I'll just pick up a couple of Fender Hot Rod Deluxe's and call it a day, but I haven't made it to that point yet. $\:D$

I hate it when I don't know what I want. $\:D$
Of course, I'm having to figure money into the picture but still, DAMN!
The worst thing I hate is indecision...and that's what I'm going through. $\:D$

Oh well, didn't someone say it's the SEARCH that is the fun part?

I'm still searching.... $\:D$

Randy

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#1939381 - 05/08/08 04:53 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

mdrs
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Did you say that you wanted two amps, to run together or in stereo?

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#1939383 - 05/08/08 04:54 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: mdrs]

Strategery
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Yes, preferalbly. $\:D$

Randy

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#1939389 - 05/08/08 05:08 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

mdrs
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Well, Randy, there are many choices, that's for sure.

If money is no object, than many of those mentioned, esp. some of the higher shelf Riveras are GREAT!! I also LOVE Fuchs, Cornford, etc., etc..

If you are looking for pro quality, built like a tank, yet pretty cost effective, I'll again chime in with my vote for the Rivera Pubster or Clubster, in a 1x12. I know many guys that gig with them...small to medium venues will be a good match. They do great Fender clean (I know many Jazz guys that use them), and they also get nice rock and roll or blues low down and dirty. They also are not large and heavy. So, if you're gonna play out with them, they are very portable, even for old guys such as myself!!! LOL

I also like Ellwood's suggestion of the Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue. It's at about the same price level as the Pubster or Clubsters. They sound great, too.

So many choices, so little time................

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"There once was a note, Pure and Easy. Playing so free, like a breath rippling by."

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=574296

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#1939400 - 05/08/08 05:38 PM

Re: Stratergy's comments on the Rivera Venus 3 [Re: Strategery]

miroslav
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Originally Posted By: Strategery

Of course, I'm having to figure money into the picture but still, DAMN!

Yeah...that's the hard part when you go window shopping.
You see some great stuff that's just out of your price range at that moment.

So...do you have a target $$$...?
There is also the option of buying pre-owned...which opens up the choices.

Another thing...if you buy any decent amp, and then end up not really liking it after awhile...you just sell it and find something else.
You won't be stuck with it...

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