Jazzy EL34 Amps

**Double 07** · 02-17-2012, 01:05 AM

I'm familiar with many 6L6GC amps that sound great for jazz cleans. Not familiar with many EL34 amps that sound great for jazz, although I'm sure there must be some out there. I've always really liked EL34's on the overdrive side. Just thought it would be nice if I could find and EL34 amp that also worked for jazz cleans. Any amps out there that fit this description?

**marcwhy** · 02-17-2012, 01:16 AM

I think EL34's make great jazz amps! They're definitely a different "vibe" than 6L6's, but still great for jazz. Most I've played, however, are in the 50W range, which is pretty loud, but plenty of headroom if you need it.

I've had great luck with Frenzel amps and Jack Anderson amps -- both of whom make EL34 models.

**Jabberwocky** · 02-17-2012, 03:40 AM

Jack Anderson has an amp for me on his bench right now. I can hardly wait

**cosmic gumbo** · 02-17-2012, 04:18 AM

Marshalls always sound fat and warm to me. Driving a 1x12 or 2x12 gives a nice clean jazz tone.

**Double 07** · 02-17-2012, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

Marshalls always sound fat and warm to me. Driving a 1x12 or 2x12 gives a nice clean jazz tone.

Marshalls?

Nah not what I'm looking for for jazz.

**redwater** · 02-17-2012, 05:25 AM

Laney Lionheart. Sounds very warm and sweet...

**EddieLastra** · 02-17-2012, 06:13 AM

I love my Rivera Jazz Suprema 15. Designed for jazz archtops and also works great for my R&B band gigs w/ my tele and strat. I've played it steadily for the past 5 years, very solid and reliable. Tonal range is amazing, can dial in for just about any environment. Rivera builds some good stuff.

Definitely worth checking out if you can find one locally. They're custom built for Guitars 'n Jazz in New Jersey.

Guitars 'n Jazz - Rivera Jazz Sumprema Jazz Amplifier

**jorgemg1984** · 02-17-2012, 06:14 AM

Rivera Jazz Suprema.

**marcwhy** · 02-17-2012, 08:50 AM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

Jack Anderson has an amp for me on his bench right now. I can hardly wait

Cool! Which model? My main rig is a 20W, 1x12, 6V6 combo (w/ extension cab as needed).

Isn't Jack the greatest cat?!

Marc

**Jabberwocky** · 02-17-2012, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by marcwhy

Cool! Which model? My main rig is a 20W, 1x12, 6V6 combo (w/ extension cab as needed).

Isn't Jack the greatest cat?!

Marc

A 20-45-90 head. Jack's the best.

**Jazzman301** · 02-17-2012, 09:52 AM

BIG +1 for the Rivera Jazz Suprema with the 1x15 for Lou over at guitarsnjazz. Great sounding amp. A bit pricey, from my perspective, but a great sounding amp.

'Mike

**Double 07** · 02-17-2012, 12:36 PM

So pretty much everything EL34 that will do Jazz is in the boutique category?

**Jazzman301** · 02-17-2012, 12:37 PM

Well it would seem that those Riveras will certainly get the job done. I bet you could dial in almost any El34 amp and get similar results.

'Mike

**Double 07** · 02-17-2012, 12:47 PM

I dunno? I'm becoming pretty picky about my tone these days. Thinking I'll prolly stick with 6L6 or EL84 for tube jazz though. That Rivera Suprema 15 does look really nice though. Got to check out those clips some more.

**Jazzman301** · 02-17-2012, 01:01 PM

For me the El84 is NOT the tone I would want for jazz. I feel like they are, dirtier...but that is not even the right descriptor. Just never heard an EL84 amp that I liked.

'Mike

**marcwhy** · 02-17-2012, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by Jazzman301

For me the El84 is NOT the tone I would want for jazz. I feel like they are, dirtier...but that is not even the right descriptor. Just never heard an EL84 amp that I liked.

'Mike

This is an EL84 (by Jack Anderson):

**Jazzman301** · 02-17-2012, 04:50 PM

Really great playing but still not my tone. I feel like when he digs in more its starting to break up a bit...Still its fantastic playing. I will say I think you can dial in jazz sound on any amp if you take the time. Some amps are just built better to get jazzier tones than others.

'Mike

**Synchro** · 02-17-2012, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

Marshalls always sound fat and warm to me. Driving a 1x12 or 2x12 gives a nice clean jazz tone.

Originally Posted by Double 07

Marshalls?

Nah not what I'm looking for for jazz.

I would tend to agree with cosmic gumbo. Marshalls may be k own for overdriven sounds but that doesn't mean that they are limited to that use. I've heard a Marshall used for a great clean Country sound and the moste recent lead guitarist in the Ventures used a Marshall for a clean Surfy sound. I don't see any reason why you couldn't get a decent Jazz sound out of one.

**Jazzman301** · 02-17-2012, 06:00 PM

I think almost any amp can dial in jazz. But it sounds like you are looking for more of a dedicated jazz amp..? If so I can see how you might not dig the Marshall sound.

'Mike

**Double 07** · 02-17-2012, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by marcwhy

This is an EL84 (by Jack Anderson):

WOW BEAUTIFUL tone thanks for posting

That's really close to the kind of jazz tube tone I like. Rich, warm, and full where the hi strings sound warm and full not thin at all. Also very even and well balanced across all the strings.

Wow and youtube post said that was recorded with just a camera. I'm sure if it had been recorded with better equipment the tone of that amp would shine through even better. Still I can hear that amp would most likely get the sound I like. Hey if I'm the only one who likes EL84's for jazz then so be it. I dig their balance, creamy fullness, and rich harmonics.

Jack Anderson amps eh? Sounds nice indeed

**Hammertone** · 02-17-2012, 10:07 PM

Koch Twintone II - 2 x EL34 - 50 watts
Koch Studiotone XL - 4 x EL84 - 40 watts

Both provide gorgeous jazz tones, IMO

**Double 07** · 02-18-2012, 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by Jazzman301

I think almost any amp can dial in jazz. But it sounds like you are looking for more of a dedicated jazz amp..? If so I can see how you might not dig the Marshall sound.

'Mike

Can not agree with that statement at all. Many tube amps are designed with certain sounds in mind, usually rock, and won't sound good for jazz. The same way SS jazz amps are designed for jazz and won't necessarily sound best for heavy rock. There are also some in Tube or SS categories that are more versatile however and will jazz it, rock it, blues it LoL.

Actually I've been pleasantly surprised at how well some of the solid state Marshall amps can do a jazz sound.

**Synchro** · 02-18-2012, 01:20 AM

Originally Posted by Double 07

Can not agree with that statement at all. Many tube amps are designed with certain sounds in mind, usually rock, and won't sound good for jazz. The same way SS jazz amps are designed for jazz and won't necessarily sound best for heavy rock. There are also some in Tube or SS categories that are more versatile however and will jazz it, rock it, blues it LoL.

Actually I've been pleasantly surprised at how well some of the solid state Marshall amps can do a jazz sound.

I would imagine that an amp with a lot of extra gain stages in the front end might be a bit of a mismatch for Jazz and some of the less expensive tube amps with straight taper volume pots could be touchy. Almost any amp with a 12AX7 in the first pre-amp stage can be tamed significantly by substituting a 12AY7. I have a Twin with a 12AY7 in the first stage and it's docile as a kitten now.

**Gabe** · 02-20-2012, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Double 07

Actually I've been pleasantly surprised at how well some of the solid state Marshall amps can do a jazz sound.

Thats true actually, although the overdrive on these sound IMO terrible the clean sounds are acceptable. However one of the the best sounding amps I've used however is a very beaten up Cruiser by Crafter CR-50G. When driven hard the amp breaks up just like a valve amp, and when the reverb worked it sounded pretty lush. The amp is however on its last legs but a replacement can be picked up super cheap. One like this:

**bborzell** · 02-20-2012, 12:10 PM

Style and technique define a jazz sound to me; the amp provides highly subjective tonal color.

I have a friend who could play any amp all day long and never produce a jazz sound.