Conference napalm::guitar

    Try "The Twin" before you discount it.  Also, a friend of mine has a
    Les Paul std. that sounds *incredible* (IMHO) thru a 50w Marshall head
    with a 4 x 12 Marshall cab.  It does, however, need to be cranked loud
    to get "that" tone.  If you want "tube" distortion at low volumes,
    you may have to rely on effects devices or use of an amp with a Master 
    Volume.....
    
    My 2 cents....
    
    Steve

	A few opinions on some tube amps:
    
    	Laney is *not* an amp that I would consider using for blues.
    	Their distortion has a very hard edge more suited to hard rock
    	and metal.
    
    	Fenders are great amps, but I would not use the on-board distortion
    	on the newer ones.  Again, not smooth enough.  A twin reverb
    	in conjunction with Chandler Tube Driver would produce fine
    	results.
    
    	Marshalls are also fine, but they normally aren't used where
    	a clean sound is desired.  You can't beat 'em for crunch.
    
    	If you've got the bucks, Mesa/Boogie is capable of getting the
    	whole spectrum from clean to trashed.  They're excellent amps,
    	though quite expensive.
    
    	I recently retired my Fender Concert and bought a Kitty Hawk
    	M1.  Kitty Hawks may no longer be available because the company
    	was on the verge of bankruptcy last I heard.  If you can find
    	one, they're well worth looking at.  They're a lower cost Boogie
    	alternative.
    
    	Bedrock is a relatively new all-tube amp which is very capable
    	of producing many different sounds.  What bedrock lacks is the
    	preamp switching capabilities of the Boogie or Kitty Hawk.
    
    	There are specific notes in this conference on each of these
    	brands as well as many others.  The best way to end mystery
    	of which amp is best for you is to try out and listen to as
    	many as you can find the time for. Happy hunting!
    
    	Steve

    My cut would be for you to consider an amp that has multiple
    channels.  I have one of the first issues of the Yamaha G100 2x12
    two channels, parametric EQ, etc..
    
    one channel can be set real clean (real good for the acustics, or
    a clean strat sound) the other channel can be set anywhere from, clean 
    to straight out 'flossing the cat'.  I've had that amp for about ten 
    years now,,,, suits my purposes more than adequately.  I had a big
    mutha Ampeg V4 with 2 4x12 cabs prior to that...  (I'd take a good
    2x12 combo any day over those monsters... MHO)
    
    Dean Marcley also offers amps with channel switching.  The other
    axe man in our band has had a few of them.  He's had no problems
    with them, and marcley also offers several different versions of
    these amps in various sizes.  (Tubes, Solid state, or Solid Sate
    with a tube preamp...)

    there's a bunch to choose from,, it's a jungle out there!

    You gotta figure out which amp you want to invest in, but again,
    look for something that is a versitle as possible, and again, I'd
    make damn sure it was capable of channel switching...
   
    
    Good luck.    

    Check out note 395. 
    
    I have a new Fender "The Twin". Don't discount it as being too loud,
    because it has a dual power select switch which provides 25w and 100w
    operation. This amp is loaded with features, all of which are covered
    in note 395. 
    
    For a less-expensive alternative in a 60w package, check out the Fender
    "Super 60". These are also all-tube, and sound great. This amp does not
    have the features of the twin but has the essentials (channel switching, 
    reverb, balanced line out, etc.) There is a note on the super 60 in this
    conference somewhere. Since this amp was introduced, Fender has released
    three versions of it.  They have the "super 60 combo"  (which includes a 
    single 12" speaker), the super-sixty head, and the rack-mount super sixty 
    head. Fender offers companion cabs for the head versions, of course. All 
    have the same preamp,power amp,and features. If I remember correctly the 
    super sixties range in price from about $500 to  $600 depending on which 
    version you select.
    
    Mesa Boogie appears to be the amp of choice for a singing lead tone, but 
    carry a much higher list price, and discounts on Boogies are non-existant. 
    One of the original endorsors of Mesa Boogie was Carlos Santana, but he
    has been quoted as saying, he does not feel the new Mesas measure up to 
    the older ones. 
    
    Marshall combos are okay, but the complaint I had when I demoed them
    is that if you set them up for a singing lead tone, they do not clean
    up enough when switched to the clean channel. I also question the
    quality of the pots, as it seems the volume kicks in abrupty when
    setting the master volume. Below the kick-in point the amp is barely
    audible. Above this point, it is too loud for quiet practicing at
    home.
    
    The main problem with many amps is that the lead and rhythm channels
    share one eq section.  This does not give you the flexibility to get
    two discreet tones from the two channels. Mesa's with eq's get around
    this by giving you a feature called  "eq auto"  which allows you to
    have the eq kick in automatically when switching from rhythm channel
    to lead channel.
    
    It took me a long time to select me last amp. I bit the bullet and
    spent more than my original budget, but have no regrets. I would
    like to eventually pick up a ~1980-82 Fender "Super Champ" just
    to have a lightweight 18w tube amp to carry around. I have seen
    these in the want ads for about $200. They have a gain-boost which
    is essentially like channel switching, as well as reverb, and a 10"
    speaker.
    
    Good luck,
    Mark Jacques
      
    

    
    A Marshall worth looking at would be the new reissue of the 45 watt
    combo (not sure of the model number, Marshall model numbers tend to
    have little logic as far as I can see).  This is a remake of the amp
    that Clapton used on the Mayall Bluebreaker album, and very close in
    concept to the old tweed Bassmans which many blues players drool over.
    
    I take it you are in Europe, these should be easy to find.  I
    understand Kitty Hawk is German, and should be easier to find than U.S.
    gear like Mesa and Bedrock.
    
    						Brian

>                          -< Marshall Reissue Combo >-
    
    I've noticed the ads for this.  Anyone know what it goes for? ($$)
    
    Mike

    I saw one up at Music Warehouse in Portsmouth NH.
    
    Marshall's official designation is the "JTM45 MKII" reissue.
    
    It's available as a 2x12 combo or as a head only.
    (combo version comes with the new celestion reissue 'green back'
    vintage 30 watt speakers)
    
    As I recall, list price is somewhere around $800.00 and
    dealers are discounting from there.
    
    Very nice amp, strictly vintage, no modern features such as
    loop, channel switching, etc.  They are supposedly an *exact*
    replica of the original.
    
    Steve

    IF YOU GET TO MANY MUSIC STORES, I FEEL IT WOULD BE WORTH YOUR
    TIME TO CHECK OUT A RANDALL HALF STACK! 

Well, thankyou guys! It's nice to hear somebody else's opinions when you
are gonna make investmens like this. I think very much about the idea
with Twin + Chandler Tube Driver... BUT, 'The Twin' in Denmark is - and 
now take a deep breath guys - about *** $1600 ***!!! And it's not easy to
get it, I'll be lucky to have one before Christmas!
I think I find the greatest enthusiasm in this note, from the 'Fender Lo-
vers' - influences me a bit...

For the moment, I use a Marshall 50W solid state + RAT distortion box,
and this is not bad, however when you gig with a band that plays LOUD, you
find the limits of this amp - I think the solid state amps in general tends
to 'drown' when playing with a whole band.

If I buy the Twin, I'll check it out with both the Rat and the Chandler. As
earlier mentioned I'd like a smooth distortion, but also the possibility to
make a rough one.

Thanks, Poul

    I think the original suggestion was to use an older Twin with a 
    Chandler. I can't see why anyone would need a Chander tube driver
    if they had a new Fender "The Twin" since the Twin has a lead
    channel with just about all the gain you would ever need.
    
    Mark
    

	RE: .10

	Actually, in .2, I was suggesting the Chandler as a good partner
	for *any* Fender Twin. As I mentioned, the distortion produced by
	the new Fenders is not smooth enough for my ear. One of the nice
	features of Fender amps (unlike Marshall) is that the lead channel
	can also be used to produce a totally clean sound.  This is how I
	used to run my early 80's Fender Concert (60 watt, all tube head)
	because I could get a better lead sound than the amp was able to
	produce, by using out-board distortion effects.

	I'm trying to walk a fine line here, because I see from earlier
	replies that you own a "The Twin".  "The Twin" is an amp that I
	tried out and considered buying prior to my selection of the
	Kitty Hawk M1. I chose not to buy The Twin, because I was looking
	for smoother distortion than it could offer. I *love* Fender amps,
	and I think The Twin is a great amp, but its sound possibilities
	could be greatly enhanced with a Chandler Tube Driver, IMO.

	BTW, Fender also offers a head only version of The Twin, which
	it calls the Dual Showman.  The difference is that the head does
	not have reverb.  Instead, it offers a 3 position 'damping factor'
	switch.

	Steve

Well, .2 mentions something about the on-board distortion quality on the
newer Fenders...especially when playing on low volumes...but I'll check it
out, of course - when I can get my hands on a Twin (in 2 months time I
think).
Elsewhere in this notesfile I read somebody doesn't like the tube distor-
tion at all, they state the best thing for distortion to be solid state??
But again, what sound are you going for. I like the Billy Gibbons sound!
(even if it's Marshall). I think it's possible to produce something like
this on the Twin?
Another sound I like is the one from Mick Taylor (earlier R.Stones if some
youngsters don't know what we talk about). I actually saw him with his
band in concert in Denmark less than a year ago, and he was playing his
Les Paul on an old (at least old looking) Twin.

Poul

    New Twins have a presence control, which includes a pull "notch"
    function. The notch control does tend to smooth out the distortion.
    Actually, I find by setting all the eq flat, no boost, with gain
    set at 4, I get a nice singing sound ala Boogie. This is the lead
    tone I prefer. I also use a compressor/sustainer to smooth out the
    overall sound.
    
    I wonder what this amp would sound like if I modified it to run
    EL34's !  Aston Pittman describes an easy mod which allows you to
    switch from 6l6 to EL34 tubes.
    
	Mark
    

    RE:  .11
    
    Fender NOW sells a Dual Showman head WITH reverb!!
    
    Steve

    I borrowed a Roland Jazz Chorus friday night for a last minute gig.  It
    was the model JC55 which is the 25 watt (RMS) model.  I ran it all
    night on *7* (volume) and it was incredibly loud.  It was a small club,
    but I WAS impressed.  I used an Ibanez Tube Screamer for distortion and
    boost, as the Roland distortion was unacceptable.
    
    FWIW,
    Steve

    I've got a question conserning bass amps. I soon will be looking
    for a small, single speaker, carry around  amp I can easily bring
    from house to house. What should I look for as far as wattage and
    controlls? I imagin I'll just need volume, bass, and tone but if there
    are other features benifitial to a bass, please fill me in. I play
    now through an old Fender band master with two 15" speakers (generic)
    which is fine for now (I've only been at it for about 6 months) and
    in the future will move up to someting else which leads me to another
    question. What is the difference if any between a guitar amp and a bass
    amp. Is it speaker size, electrical, or what? Thanks in advance for 
    any help.
                                                 Jim

    
    Check out some of the Peavey stuff.  I had a TKO 75 which wasn't
    too bad carrying around at all, and a good sound.  Don't expect
    a teeth rattling volume though.  Also had a Combo 300, which is
    a little bigger and alot heavier to carry around, but still not
    too bad.  This one has 200 watts, graphic eq, expandable crossover,
    etc...  I believe Gallien Krueger makes a small bass amp too that
    sounds pretty monstorous, but the price is also probably.
    
    The TKO 75 was like around $200-300, it was awhile ago.  And the
    Combo 300 was a little over $500 with a Black Widow in it.
    
    
    Mr. Ed...

    HELP!!!
             I need some input before I leave today, 12/5/89.
    Has anyone got any info on a small fender bass amp called the
    side kick? whats it's reputation, good points, bad points. I played
    it last night and liked the way it sounds ( Im sure the Peavy bass
    I used helped alot to, maybe I sould bring my guitar to try) It sounds
    louder than my bandmaster. Thanks for any help.
    
                                                          Jim

    
    Re: .18
    
    Sidekicks are made in Japan for Fender.  There are five models that I
    know of:
    
    Sidekick 30  30 watts, 12" speaker, *open back* cabinet.  Ugh.
    
    Sidekick 60  60 watts, 15" speaker, closed back.  OK for rehearsal,
    		 small gigs.
    
    Sidekick 35  Update to the 30.  I have never used one, if it has an opn
    		 back also, forget it.
    
    Sidekick 65  Update to the 60.  I think it now has a compressor built
    		 in.
    
    Sidekick 100 100 watts, head only.  
    
    
    I had a Sidekick 30 for awhile that I didn't use, it was given to me in
    lieu of some money I was owed, and I sold it to a beginner.  It's
    really not too bad an amp except that the open back cabinet simply
    doesn't produce any serious bottom.  Turning it up makes matter worse. 
    The 60/65/100 models obviously don't have this problem, I would
    recommend them over the 30/35.   The preamp amd power amp section were
    ceretainly usable, you get four band EQ, master volume, etc.  They also
    have headphone jacks for practicing (maybe not the 100).  Reliability
    wise, they are certainly not as robustly constructed as the old tube
    Fenders.
    
    As a side question, what kind of cabinet are you using with your
    Bandmaster?  That amp should easily get as loud as the Sidekicks.  You
    might be better off upgrading your cabinet instead.  (You might want to
    continue this in another note)
    
    Also, look into 1011.25 for more on Fender bass amps.
        
    							Brian

    First Brian, thanks for the input, second, it's not the band masters
    loudness or lack of for that mater, it's the size, I have two
    15"speaker in the cab. and it's kinda large to carry around. Im
    looking for something I can transport easy. If Im not mistaken,
    the top of the back is open on this model. Thanks again.

    There are plenty of small single 15" cabs that will meet the
    compactness criteria plus may sound a lot better than the cab you now
    have....the question is what is your budget?
    
    If your need is just for jamming with others with an eye towards
    playing out, I think the Sidekick will be a poor choice.  While not the
    greatest bass head around, a Bandmaster is a decent amp.  From my own
    experience, I can't advise you enough to buy a good cabinet now, and you
    can upgrade your head later.
    
    There are some notes here on small bass cabinets, type:
    
    dir/tit=thiele 
    
    to point you to it.
    
    For around $300 brand new, you can get a killer bass cabinet.  If you
    shop about a bit, you can get such cabinets for $200 or so used.  I
    don't know what kind of deal you've gotten on the Sidekick, but unlike
    the Bandmaster/cab setup, it's not easily upgraded in the future. 
    Modular systems are the way to go, so when your requirements change,
    you only change some of the pieces.  Trust me, I have learned this the
    hard way (read: $$$$).
    
    						Brian
    

    Ok, it's my turn...Which amp shall I buy?  I have $1000 to spend.
    I play a G&L ASAT CLASIC, music is country, blues, and southern r&r.
    
    Any suggestions??
    
    Thanks,
    RJ

    
    Depending on what you plan to do with the amp, I would suggest
    you check out the following. If you're planning to use the amp
    to play out, you'll need more power than the 22 watt Deluxe Reverb.
    If you're more interested in playing at home, or recording, the
    Deluxe would be my first pick.
    
    	Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue   22w  1x12
    	Fender Vibraverb reissue       40w  2x10
    	Fender 4x10 Bassman reissue.   45w  4x10
    	Fender Blues Deville           Tweed-covered 4x10
    	Fender Blues Deluxe            Tweed-covered 2x12
    	Peavey Classic Series (basically matches the Fender Tweed 
    				offerings  model for model).
    
    	If you had a little more money to spend I might suggest a Vox
    AC30TB.  The Vox is lengendary, but it is not the most servicable 
    amp in the world. 
    
    Mark	

    
      I think the VOX AC30TB is more serviceable now with Korg standing
    behind the product! I'm hoping anyway.
    
    							

   I'd put in a plug for the Fender Performer Series, too.  They're tube
   preamp/solid state power amp hybrids, but they retain that classic
   Fender sound (IMO).  It also depends on how "gritty" you want to get.
   I found the Fender Blues Deville didn't get as crunchy as I liked, and
   I want that out of my amp, not a stomp box.  It's also more expensive
   than the Performers.

   Of course, the best amp for you would be the Marshall JCM800 (50w) and two
   custom made cabs that I have for sale.  :-)  (Seriously, if interested, see
   note 2.164 or send me mail.)

   -- Sam

    You're probably right, but older AC30's had a reputation for problems.
    It had to do with 2 factors. The major factor is that the original
    USA version used a poorly selected power transformer which caused the 
    amp to operate at a voltage that was not optimal. The other factor is
    that this "true Class-A" amp runs quite hot. I believe the first
    problem compounds the second. A good friend of mine owns 2 of these
    and his main amp needed extensive repairs after smoking some
    components one night. 
    
    The small power tubes in these amps are wrapped with some kind of
    phenolic sleeve that causes them to run hot. The Class A operation
    indicates that both tubes are full-on all the time. They are not
    set up in a push-pull configuration like most double-ended amps.
    
    Don't get me wrong. I'm not slamming these amps, I love em. No
    other amp sounds quite as sweet as a good AC30, and eventually I
    hope to own one. 
    
    Mark

    Thanks mark and sam.
    
    I'll be using this amp to play out in clubs and sometimes outdoor gigs,
    so I'll need enough wattage to cover these type outings.  The other guitar
    in the band currently plays thru a musicman 130 and a 2/12 cab with ev's.
    
    What kind of boogie would fit in the $1000 budget??
    
    Thanks,
    RJ

    
    I'll put in a vote for the Fender Blues DeVille (4 X 10).
    
    Definitely at least try one out. Perfect for that guitar and kind of
    music too.
    
    I got one last summer and  love it...
    
    Bob

    
    	Buy Bob's, he never uses it...
    
    	;)
    

    That's cause I have a life Tom...;)
    
    Speaking of Tom, he liked my Blues DeVille so much after trying it
    that he went and bought one himself a few days later...