Amp selection

Jazzer47 · #1 10-18-2011, 04:36 PM

Looking for some additional feedback re new amp purchase
Am in the process of purchasing a small high quality tube amp for jazz and blues in the 5-7 to 15-20 range
Have researched many but seem to be drawn to the Rivera venus3 and the Mesa express 5:25
Amp to be used basically in my studio where I am now playing an Eastman thinbody 146 and I occasionally bring out the old 175 and strat
Any suggestions re these two amps or similar types amps that you think might be comparable

Allenl · #2 10-18-2011, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzer47

Looking for some additional feedback re new amp purchase
Am in the process of purchasing a small high quality tube amp for jazz and blues in the 5-7 to 15-20 range
Have researched many but seem to be drawn to the Rivera venus3 and the Mesa express 5:25
Amp to be used basically in my studio where I am now playing an Eastman thinbody 146 and I occasionally bring out the old 175 and strat
Any suggestions re these two amps or similar types amps that you think might be comparable

You may want to check out a Peavey classic 30. Not a lot of money and has tubes. Check EBAY for deals.

jorgemg1984 · #3 10-18-2011, 05:34 PM

So you want a high quality amp to use with an eastman or a 175 (archtops) in a studio? The answer is obvious: Princeton Reverb!

(maybe go with a good boutique clone instead of the Fender Reissue)

jmstritt · #4 10-18-2011, 05:53 PM

I had a Mesa Boogie Express and absolutely hated it. There is nowhere near enough clean headroom to be suitable for jazz.

Having said that, the amp that I bought to replace it is a Mesa Boogie Rocket 44, and it is fantastic. It has much more headroom and just a nicer tone overall. It is 45 watts from an EL-84 quad into a 1x12 combo. I also like that it has an adjustable effects loop so that you can blend in how much dry or wet signal you want. This is nice because I usually use a reverb in the effects loop and I can take it from just a touch, to deep in a cave. Of course, the amp has a good spring reverb on its own. I paid $600 for this amp and it came with a road case. Can't beat that with a stick!

marcwhy · #5 10-18-2011, 05:55 PM

I don't understand your numbers ("5-7/15-20 range?"), but I love my 6V6 combo from Jack Anderson. He can make you anything you want. Anderson Amps

jorgemg1984 · #6 10-18-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcwhy

I don't understand your numbers ("5-7/15-20 range?"), but I love my 6V6 combo from Jack Anderson. He can make you anything you want. Anderson Amps

I suppose those numbers mean watts.

You re the first person I hear complaining about the Express. A former teacher of mine has one and loves it (and this guy sure knows A LOT about sound). I heard him using it in some clubs and it went just fine. Actually the most important studio producer here in Lisbon just bought one to his studio and I have been told he also loves the thing. It was just an headroom issue or you didn't like the sound?

I really think some sort of Princeton Reverb is unbeatable to what the OP wants the amp for.