Best Amp for "Traditional Jazz Tone"?

**Joe Carlson** · 09-14-2012, 01:55 PM

I just sold a ton of stuff on ebay and have some cash burning a hole in my pocket. I know this has been beat to death, but just looking for some fresh perspectives.

I'm looking for a combo amp (tired of dealing with heads and speaker cables). Weight and size aren't really an issue (within reason).

My current rig is a RI Fender Twin or a Fender Jazzmaster Ultralight (depending on the gig).

My favorite tone lately is Emily Remler on this cut

**oldane** · 09-14-2012, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Carlson

My current rig is a RI Fender Twin or a Fender Jazzmaster Ultralight (depending on the gig).

I'd be happy with those two.

**shrp11** · 09-14-2012, 02:53 PM

I don't know if there is a "best amp" for jazz, it all depends

Keep in mind early players used tube amps - probably every classic Jim Hall or Kenny Burell recording we all love are small tube combos.

I have a Silverface Twin, Champ and a blackface Princeton, all are great "jazz" amps and all "feel" completely different ... perhaps that's what it's about, how the amp feels.

**Gabe** · 09-14-2012, 03:14 PM

Yeah I'd say twin otherwise maybe track down an old Ampeg Gemini?

**cosmic gumbo** · 09-14-2012, 03:58 PM

If you've got a twin, and size and weight isn't an issue, I think you already have what you need. Go spend your money going to some jazz gigs and help a working musician.

**Joe Carlson** · 09-14-2012, 04:41 PM

Ha ha! Yup, the twin is pretty much a great sounding amp, but sometimes it is a little much for the room, such as a bass and guitar duo at a restaurant. Tired of dealing with the hassles of a separate head and cab set up with the Fender JMUL. Just wanna plug in and go!
Regards,
Joe

**monkmiles** · 09-14-2012, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Carlson

My current rig is a RI Fender Twin or a Fender Jazzmaster Ultralight (depending on the gig).

That is a nice combination of amps you have.

For solid state, how about a Henriksen or Evans?

For tube, how about a Fender silverface Vibrolux or a Bandmaster head moved into a 2x10 combo cabinet?

**Bryan T** · 09-14-2012, 07:52 PM

What amp did Emily use on that recording? Maybe get that one?

**Jim Soloway** · 09-14-2012, 08:12 PM

Here's a rundown of her gear. Guitars & Gear | Remembering the life and music of legendary jazz guitarist Emily Remler

The amps are towards the bottom: Polytone, Fender, Music Man and Roland. The clip you posted sounds to me like the Fender or the Musicman but that's just a guess.

**kris** · 09-15-2012, 03:02 AM

Originally Posted by Joe Carlson

I just sold a ton of stuff on ebay and have some cash burning a hole in my pocket. I know this has been beat to death, but just looking for some fresh perspectives.

I'm looking for a combo amp (tired of dealing with heads and speaker cables). Weight and size aren't really an issue (within reason).

My current rig is a RI Fender Twin or a Fender Jazzmaster Ultralight (depending on the gig).

My favorite tone lately is Emily Remler on this cut

I think you can find Emilly's sound on your great amps.

**Petimar** · 09-15-2012, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Gabe

maybe track down an old Ampeg Gemini?

I LOVE my 66 Gemini II for Jazz!!

**Clamps** · 09-16-2012, 01:08 AM

You're looking for an amp...check out magnatone. I found a 1957 magnatone 260 in the trash about 5 years ago, had it re tubed and it's just a beauty. Real pitch changing vibrato!

**jorgemg1984** · 09-16-2012, 06:41 AM

Originally Posted by Joe Carlson

Ha ha! Yup, the twin is pretty much a great sounding amp, but sometimes it is a little much for the room, such as a bass and guitar duo at a restaurant. Tired of dealing with the hassles of a separate head and cab set up with the Fender JMUL. Just wanna plug in and go!
Regards,
Joe

As a owner of the JMUL is a great amp - good sounding, light and loud. Is it so hard to connect a speakon cable? You'll be spending money and wasting time finding a nice amp when you already have two

If you decide to go for it it seems you like the Fender sound. So something like this seems to be perfect for your needs

Tube-Tone Amplifiers

A Princeton with 35w, 12 speaker - small, light and loud enough and the Fender sound. You can probably get one second hand and mod it, it's probably cheaper.

**bob3dsf** · 09-17-2012, 04:53 PM

Hi. I have available a 97 polytone mini brute II. It's pristine, I just don't use it anymore and it sits on the closet, which I need to make room in (little kids now). Send me a PM if interested. I was looking for the appropriate section to post a listing and found this thread. Thought I'd let you know about it. Thanks. Bob

**kris** · 09-18-2012, 02:08 AM

I think "the best amp for Traditional Jazz Tone" is in your fingers ,head and in the instrument you use!

**eddy b.** · 09-18-2012, 09:06 AM

Check out the new or old Ampeg amps I know they have 15-20 watt class A reissue amps available at Musicians Friend. I use an Ampeg Jet it's 18 watts class a and sounds great, really old school sounding and very warm. They aren't too expensive either. Have fun thats a nice "problem" to have!

**Uncle Meat** · 09-18-2012, 01:43 PM

The JMUL is the most convenient amp I've ever had. Plugging in a speakon cable is a lot easier than carrying a heavy amp. If you don't like the sound, maybe try another speaker in there.

**Jabberwocky** · 09-18-2012, 01:59 PM

I have been thinking about a really small portable amp like the new Vox AC4C1-BRG (10") or Vox AC4HW1 (12") for a lot more greens. I may change the speaker to a Celestion Alnico Gold 10 or 12, respectively. Don't mention the Blue, breaks up too easily for me.

Am I a fool to think it?

**sailjazz** · 09-18-2012, 02:06 PM

I bought a Roland AC-60 which is a 60 watt acoustic amp, and I find for low volumes, it gives a wonderful tone with my Gibson ES-125. The other benefit is it is very light weight!!

**smp** · 09-18-2012, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Carlson

I just sold a ton of stuff on ebay and have some cash burning a hole in my pocket. I know this has been beat to death, but just looking for some fresh perspectives.

I'm looking for a combo amp (tired of dealing with heads and speaker cables). Weight and size aren't really an issue (within reason).

My current rig is a RI Fender Twin or a Fender Jazzmaster Ultralight (depending on the gig).

My favorite tone lately is Emily Remler on this cut

You've got two of the best amps already. What may help is a clean boost such as the Xotic EP Booster which will help your signal hit the front end of the amp a bit harder.

I think Emily's sound is great. But it's just a typical clean valve amp sound being pushed a little.

A lot of people who buy the EP Booster just leave them on all the time. It's like adding a bit of salt and pepper to your tone.

**smp** · 09-18-2012, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

I have been thinking about a...

...Vox AC4HW1 (12") for a lot more greens.

Am I a fool to think it?

I've got my eye on this amp but then the Tone King Falcon came out so now I'm back on the fence.

**Jazz_175** · 09-19-2012, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Joe Carlson

Ha ha! Yup, the twin is pretty much a great sounding amp, but sometimes it is a little much for the room, such as a bass and guitar duo at a restaurant. Tired of dealing with the hassles of a separate head and cab set up with the Fender JMUL. Just wanna plug in and go!
Regards,
Joe

Then buy a Fender Deluxe Reverb, 22 Watt, one 12" speaker, nice and clean sound, loud enough for that purpose.