Tube amp alternatives to Fender

**cosmic gumbo** · 12-04-2011, 03:58 PM

My original '68 deluxe reverb stays clean at big band volumes, but I'll admit there is little clean headroom at that point, dig in too hard and the crunch begins. DRRI have a bit more headroom. I don't see how a Princeton can stay clean when it's loud. Another single channel Fender amp not mentioned is the vibrolux 40W 2x10. Very sweet tones, but pricey.

**jasonc** · 12-05-2011, 05:54 PM

The Ampeg Gemini's are killer sounding amps. I had a '65 Gemini I that had a beautiful sound but I finally sold it because it was like lugging a Pro Reverb around but getting the watts of a Deluxe Reverb. The other thing to note about the Ampegs is that they used a James/Baxandall type tone circuit which in my opinion is a much better way to go than the scooped Fender tone circuit. One could also take a Fender and have it modified to have a different tonestack on the normal channel.

**Jazzman301** · 12-05-2011, 06:56 PM

I am mostly down to the Princeton Reverb, Deluxe reverb and the 1x12 Ampeg stuff with reverb. The Ampeg Gemini I G 12(eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices), the GS-12 Reverborocket(eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices) and some of the variations with a 1x15 speaker.
I am torn between the tone that I KNOW I liked out of the Princeton Reverb and the higher outputs of most of the others. I feel like the Ampegs are going to almost all do well for my jazz only purposes. From what I understand they were aimed at jazz players.

Any further insights would be great.

'Mike

**Jim Soloway** · 12-05-2011, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by Jazzman301

I am mostly down to the Princeton Reverb, Deluxe reverb and the 1x12 Ampeg stuff with reverb. The Ampeg Gemini I G 12(eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices), the GS-12 Reverborocket(eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices) and some of the variations with a 1x15 speaker.
I am torn between the tone that I KNOW I liked out of the Princeton Reverb and the higher outputs of most of the others. I feel like the Ampegs are going to almost all do well for my jazz only purposes. From what I understand they were aimed at jazz players.

Any further insights would be great.

'Mike

Is there a specific reason why you think you need a louder amp than a Princeton Reverb? Are you aware that when you increase the power of a tube amp, you also increase the minimum volume level at which you enter the amp's sweet spot? More power is only a good thing if you genuine need for that power. I've had lots of wonderful amps that I ultimately sold because they were either too loud, too heavy or both. So if I have any "insights" for you it be to get the amp that best suites you true needs not your most extreme possibilities.

**Jazzman301** · 12-05-2011, 08:25 PM

I feel like something in that 15-20 watt range is perfect for me. I could take it out and gig and mic it if needed and still be able to play at living room/museum levels and still sound good. I will say that my first choice is really a Princeton reverb and at 12-15 watts thats right in the window. The deluxe and like amps are at the higher end of the spectrum but still seem reasonable.

'Mike

**Frank67** · 12-06-2011, 01:13 AM

That might be a bit of a useless question. It seems like people like the deluxe and princeton reverbs but have concerns to keep up with a drummer. Has anyone experience with the Mustang models? They come with tons of power and emulate these amps (and many others). Some say in a great way, some say poorly so. I haven't heard it - they seem to be too cheap to really deliver the authentic tone of the modelled amps. But maybe that is a prejudice (i am also rather put off by five million options that i don't need) can anyone comment on that?

**bborzell** · 12-06-2011, 04:16 AM

The I & II models can be very clean. The III, IV and V continue to be subject of reports of unwanted digital sound artifacts at clean settings. Made me pass on getting a III.

CHeck out Fender's forum for a terribly long thread o this issue.

**Jazzman301** · 12-06-2011, 09:49 AM

For my needs $2,000 for an amp is way more than I would ever want to spend. Honestly I know of countless awesome guitar plyers who have awesome tone and are not playing through a $2,000 amp. While I understand that its hand made PTP etc... I think that most of us on here are not ever going to be honestly looking to spend that kind of money on an amp.

**cjm** · 12-06-2011, 10:37 AM

Originally Posted by Jazzman301

For my needs $2,000 for an amp is way more than I would ever want to spend. Honestly I know of countless awesome guitar plyers who have awesome tone and are not playing through a $2,000 amp. While I understand that its hand made PTP etc... I think that most of us on here are not ever going to be honestly looking to spend that kind of money on an amp.

Which is why actual purpose built solid state jazz amplifiers exist. I really don't feel you can compare them to the Roland Cube in your quest for something more.

Back in the 1960s and early 1970s there were solid state amps. Yes, they were for the most part horrible amps. Tubes were better even for strictly clean jazz sounds.

But that was then and this is the better part of half a century later.

If you're after a clean amplified jazz guitar sound for a reasonable price, purchase a professional quality solid state jazz amplifier on the used market for a fraction of the cost of a boutique or vintage tube amplifier, and for a lot less hassle than a cheaply built new tube amp will typically give you.

You want to play distorted rock...tubes are the way to go. You want to play jazz...and if collecting amps isn't a hobby of yours...then buy a solid state amp designed with the needs of jazz players in mind and be done with it.

**Pat Clare** · 12-06-2011, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Jazzman301

For my needs $2,000 for an amp is way more than I would ever want to spend. Honestly I know of countless awesome guitar plyers who have awesome tone and are not playing through a $2,000 amp. While I understand that its hand made PTP etc... I think that most of us on here are not ever going to be honestly looking to spend that kind of money on an amp.

Thats a good point, I sold 3 amps that I havn't used in years to get the money for the VSA ( fender deluxe reverb, mesa boogie, polytone mini brute iv) all good amps, but never quite had the carisma to use as my main amp. Over ther years i've spent ton's of money on all kinds of gadgets to make my amp sound better and it's all sitting in a box. l

**Pat Clare** · 12-06-2011, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by skiboyny

That looks perfect Pat. When you think about the cost of the guitar, the amp price seems very reasonable!

Some guitars and amps are a liftime investment.

**robertm2000** · 12-06-2011, 12:53 PM

High quality mic preamp with a DI input (FMR Audio RNP), a modest power amp (40-50 watts) and good speaker. It was my dream amp - with a guitar that had really good pickups! (Pete Biltoft Vintage Vibes in my case.)