The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Gretsch Amps: How Do YOU Pick an Amp?

How Do YOU Pick an Amp?

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- Rated: 31 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 8:37 p.m. redrocker:

Sorry for this long-winded post, but I am struggling with the amp question. I feel like I know a lot about guitars already and why I like them, but I know far less about how to get "my" amp formula together.

Part of it is I need to get to know the amps I own better. The amps are both Fender tube models -- a '66 Vibrolux that's all original, and a late model Hot Rod Deluxe 112. The Vibrolux needs a nice going over with TLC to get it from it's current state of an 8 to a 10. The Deluxe was just serviced by a great amp tech, and it pretty much goes and goes. (I'll no doubt use him on the Vibrolux.)

I know these amps well for blues and straight rock since I played in a band that did just that for about a year. But now I'm focusing on retro rock and rockabilly. And I feel like I'm having to know these amps all over again. Living in an apartment means I can rarely crank the volume. I'm thinking seriously about taking both to a rehearsal studio nearby for an entire afternoon of fun and sampling. But so far, when I do get loud, they each sound quite good.

Part of me wants to send the Vibrolux in for its rehab, save my tax refund money, and relish them both. However I'm looking for not just a good sound, but a really great sound, with lots of snap and sparkle and gritty breakup, etc. Not too dark. I feel the Vibrolux is more of a blues amp, so, a bit on the darker side. I do like reverb though, and I like tremolo, so the Vibrolux edges out the Deluxe a bit there. Still, maybe they're both great amps -- I just need to explore their rockabilly potential.

However lately (on top of all this obsessive-compulsiveness) I've been fantasizing about what it would feel like to play on a Victoria or Gretsch amp. (I think a Standel is just out of my price range.)

I played a Victoria tweed 1x12 recently while traveling -- only had five minutes with it, but it didn't take long for me change my amp state of mind and want to know more. I'm going to check out a few others, as wel as any Gretsch amps I can find, if I can just find a dealer nearby.

I should also confess I keep eyeballing the vintage Valco-type amps that crop up on eBay.

I guess I'm having the tube amp version of GAS... but not in just an amp-envy kind of way. I seriously do want to figure out if should stick with the amps I have, or trade out or up for a different model.

Questions... questions... so many.

Some desirable features (not all deal-breakers) are:

• great Fender-style reverb

• tremolo

• punchy and loud enough for gigs

• not so precious that I'll be worried about taking it on gigs

So how do you go about finding your "right" or "go-to" amp?
- Rated: 15 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 9:33 p.m. Brandon02:

Have you tried a Fender Deluxe Reverb?
- Rated: 6 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 9:36 p.m. TxLawman:

+1 for the Fender Deluxe Reverb it does it all for me. Add an OD pedal it goes and goes whatever style you want.
- Rated: 139 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 9:38 p.m. wenzel:

Paul, you tried my Blues Deluxe and seemed to like it a lot, why not get one of those and swap the preamp tube(s) like I did? It's a great amp and I'd still have it had I not needed the money at the time I sold it.
- Rated: 6 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 9:42 p.m. TxLawman:

The tube idea is an excellent idea. I should have noted I changed out the stock tubes in my Deluxe Reverb. Excellent point on swapping tubes.
- Rated: 45 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 9:44 p.m. atlantaspike:

I love my '66 Vibrolux. I keep the stock tubes for rehersal/around the house playing, and throw in 6L6's (without rebiasing? Are you mad? Mwahahahaha!) if I want to use it for a small club. Just a great tone, nice reverb/tremelo, and goes up 15% in value every year like clockwork. And you can pick it up with one hand without risking your back.

My 2 cents.

oh, and I played it in a stone cold Sun era rockabilly outfit. Worked fine with the tele or the archtop du jour.
- Rated: 31 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 10:07 p.m. redrocker:

Good ideas, all thanks. I have not tried a Deluxe Reverb yet, but I guess I could pretty easily. Vintage or new? -- ah, another point of (in)decision...

There's also a vintage blackface Showman around the corner from me that's selling for around $900.

And I agree with altantaspike -- the Vibrolux is perfect for small clubs and easily lugged. I'm sure I can really do a lot with it if I stretch its rockabilly legs more. It could be that it's got all the twang, spark and shimmer that I'm looking to tap.

And yes, Chris, that tweed Deluxe was a nice amp, it really seemed to make the sound zip and jump around the room (of course I realize sometimes it's also a little about the room). What was the preamp switch again?

Like I said at the start, I really think I need an afternoon or three of A/B/C'ing some very different rigs.

I also want to to say again that I'm really interested in what you guys experiment with / try/ listen for when choosing an amp. Is it just play your style and see what feels right? I guess I am feeling the urge to do research, and I still don't feel I know enough about watts, preamps, tube types, speakers and all that.

Some sort of primer would be good... I'm looking on the web but not quite finding what I need. However, this seemed like a decent start:

How to choose an amp
- Rated: 139 ↑
Apr 16, 2009 10:52 p.m. wenzel:

I think for you, you need between 22-30 watts, which will give you more clean headroom. My blues deluxe was 40 watts of tube power and I swapped the 12AX7 for a 12AU7, which has a lower gain rate and keeps the amp cleaner until you dime it. Stock was too gainy for me. Do you like cleaner tones or grittier tones? Both? Pedals? All of these things play a huge part in what you want. Do you want to have the amp be loud enough to play with a drummer or just record in a studio or have it mic'd in a club? These are all questions you can only answer. 15 watts is about the lowest I'd recommend for playing with a full band and a heavy handed drummer. 30 watts will hang no problem. A new AC-30 will kick butt against a drummer, but they don't sound as good to me as the old ones. Hand wired amps are the only way to go, so check out www.cpamps.com , which is where I got my tweed deluxe clone from for $700 with a weber alnico speaker and upgraded transformer for better power handling.

Whatever you do, play some amps. If you want Brian Setzer's tone, check out Billy Zoom's amps and El Sonido as an alternative to cpamps, but they are all good imo!
- Rated: 97 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 4:07 a.m. Ratrod:

When it comes to guitars I have little problems. Based on materials, construction and pickups I can almost hear the tone of the guitar in question.

I wish I could do that with amps too.

So when looking for a new amp, I had to go for looks and tube type first. If it's got diamond plating or something, it's probably a metal amp. If it has EL34 tubes, it's probably British. So I narrowed my search down to amps that have a Fender look and 6L6/5881 tubes.

Even then I made a mistake. I tried an Ampeg Superrocket at low volume. I knew it also needed rebiasing. I noticed it didn't have the midrange punch I wanted but I thought that had to do with the low volume and hot running tubes. I was wrong. Great amp but not for me.

Then I stumbled upon my Engl Classic Tube. It wasn't on my shortlist but it looked like a blonde Bassman. Did some research on the web but there wasn't that much to find and what I did find wasn't very clear. So I went back to the shop and asked what kind of amp it was. The shop owner's story was convincing enough for me to give it a try. I didn't want to make the same mistake I made before so I asked if I could try it at home on my own speaker cab. That was no problem. At home I could try it at volume, my own cab, FX and guitars. My Power Jet and the amp immediately 'clicked'. With a trade in, I was still a bit over budget but I had to have it.

If you can find one, I seriously recommend you try an Engl Classic Tube.

It has a great Accutronics spring reverb.

No tremolo, though

With 50 watts and bassmanish tone it's loud and punchy enough but it sounds good at low volume too.

Price is reasonable well below boutique, similar to a Supersonic but you can get a good deal if you find a used one.

It comes as a combo or a head.
- Rated: 36 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 8:35 a.m. senojnad:

redrocker -- I see you are in the Philadelphia area. I recommend you check out Dtown Guitars (1109 N. Easton Rd., Doylestown, PA -- 215-766-9588) http://p4.hostingprod.com/@dtownguitars.com/amps.html

Rob Martyn is the owner. He carries a LOT of very fine amps (new and used) including Carr, Alessandro, Matchless, Fender, Marshall, Bad Cat.... etc. He typically has a big inventory. His shop is very QUIET so you can do a lot of good A/B testing. His prices are bvery good and he takes trade-ins.

I don't think he is a Victoria dealer. He IS a Grestch dealer -- I bought my new Gretsch Executive amp from him last summer. That one is a fabulous amp (there are reviews her on GDP) -- he may not stock Gretsch amps because they seem to sit forever.
- Rated: 21 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 8:54 a.m. GentlBen:

I've been doing it all wrong. I thought you were supposed to pick your guitar! :)
- Rated: 31 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 8:55 a.m. redrocker:

Fantastic help, thank you all. Since my last post I've managed to find a Victoria dealer in nearby West Chester. So that angle's covered (they only have two, but hey, it's a start).

Doylestown isn't too far either -- thanks senojnad, I was beginning to think a Gretsch dealer near me didn't exist! Plus he's got Matchless, another brand I've been checking out, and others. Cool!

Then there's Wenzel's killer-tone ChicknPick'n amp, which I've learned is built just over the bridge from me, in NJ. Maybe I can get the builder to let me test a few (or at least I can go pester Chris and we can play some )

Anyway, sounds like I've got a pretty good line-up to go and try...

One thing I'm surely gonna do is bring my DSV to all these test sessions. It seems critical that I test this stuff with my guitar. May just sneak my delay pedal along, too -- what the hell.

I'll be sure to post results - I'm thinking of taking lots of notes to at least learn more (if not buy just yet), and if I find a source for the elusive Engl Classic, I'll post that info, too.

Thanks guys!
- Rated: 79 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 9:10 a.m. roadjunkie:

It's been a few years but I've been in that West Chester store and if I recall there was a lot of nice high quality amps in there. See if you can track down a Tone-King and I don't think you can go wrong with Chicken picken
- Rated: 120 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 9:31 a.m. Curt:

Hey Red, isn't the chase actually better than the catch?

As much as I try to stray I keep coming back to the old blackface Deluxe. These can be had for relatively cheap money and do most of the things you're talking about. I used to look at the adding the tank to the line as a pain but I think it has better color / tone that way. You're not too far away so anytime you want to check it out the doors open.
- Rated: 75 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 9:32 a.m. Tsar Nicholas :

Eddie Angel uses a Vibrolux and he's a rockabilly god!
- Rated: 36 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 10:22 a.m. senojnad:

Roxy Guitars (7026 Ridge Ave.) is a Victoria dealer. Small shop, and not a great place to try amps.... Seems like all his amps pick up AM radio signals from a nearby station.

Prices -- Dtown Guitars (like many/most dealers) post prices on the web site that are higher than what you pay if you walk into the store. He has given me some pretty incredible discounts on Gretsch guitars and amps. He has a lot of Gretsch guitars (about 20, the last time I was there).
- Rated: 97 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 10:48 a.m. Ratrod:

Even in Europe the Engl Classic is hard to find. Engl is better known for their high gain amps and (really good) Jacks of all trades. So vintage style amp is a bit of an odd one out and stays below everybody's radar.

If this amp was made by Fender, it would have been a hit.
- Rated: 25 ↑
Apr 17, 2009 12:31 p.m. Gigatron:

I'll second the recommendation for Dtown Guitars. I bought my Clipper from him (see avatar) and Rob was very patient and helpful sorting out a problem shipping it to Europe.
- Rated: 31 ↑
Apr 18, 2009 10:32 a.m. redrocker:

Well, that sets it. I'm planning on trips to Doylestown Guitars and West Chester Music very soon -- as soon as I can get away. I'm thinking of taking lots of notes, as I mentioned. Maybe some sound samples, too, if I can get a good process together.

I think since it's closer I'm going to stop in at Roxy Guitars. Hopefully that will be a somewhat positive experience -- thanks once again, senonjad.

Curt -- I'd like to take you up on tryin' your Deluxe; I think I saw you'll be at the roundup next Saturday, maybe we can talk then.

Yup, the chase is on... it's always exciting. But the catch can be quite a good place too, as evidenced by my pure satisfaction with getting my DSV dream specs nailed down.

Thanks again guys. it's always good to get the stuff that's rattling around in my head up here for input. I feel armed with a lot more perspective.
- Rated: 79 ↑
Apr 18, 2009 4:40 p.m. roadjunkie:

Just one more suggestion! Listen to the clips at the bottom of this page. You won't get to play it live but the man makes one fine amp. And as far as booteeks go his prices are within reason. This one was in serious contention when I picked up my TH Ambassador
- Rated: 73 ↑
Apr 18, 2009 5:10 p.m. J(ust an old Cowboy)D:

How do I pick an amp

It's been pretty easy for me the last 10 years or so. Here's my "method" to this madness.

First is the budget. If I have the "cash in fist", then I go to step two, If not, I don't even think about amps.

Step two. What tone do I want? I've got a simple way to narrow things down. I'm either looking for a Fender, Marshall, or Vox sound.

Am I wanting the BF/SF Fender sound or the "tweed" Fender sound? Marshall is esier, Anything close to the late 60's early 70's tone.

Vox? Even easier. AC15 or AC30.

Clones of any of the above are consided, if the quality/sound/ looks are "there".

My last two purchases hit me in the face. I really wanted an AC15 of some sort. When I went looking........I ended up with an AC30CC1, at a KILLER, nobrainer, I'll kick myself later if I don't do it price.

It fit my "Vox" needs, and I'm happy.

My next amp wss a Fender RI '57 TwinAmp. I wanted a tweed again, and really was set on a '57 Deluxe, but that "killer" deal happened again. I'm pretty much happy, but I still think that I would like a Deluxe.

So, I don't really spend a ton of time on the amp buying process. I'm not an impulse buyer for the latest and greatest, and I know what "amp tone" I want.

When they "hit me" at the right time, they come home. If I really don't like them or use them much anymore, they find a new home.

It works for me
- Rated: 86 ↑
Apr 18, 2009 5:37 p.m. crowbone:

Paul,

I just got my 68 Super Reverb back from Jim Walton about a month ago, so I'll bring that along Saturday, and you can plug that in as well. Sounds incredible, but way to much for apartment playing.

Have you considered any of the smaller Ampeg amps at all? I just missed out on a 50's Ampeg Rocket which packs ungodly tone, with reverb & sweet Trem. This one went for $300 at GC, and I see Reverborockets, which have a 12 inch speaker(I believe) for more or less the same money.

I'm hooked on finding another like that as even though I'm in a house, the JC-120 & the Super Reverb can be a bit much. The Rocket delivered in spades. Perhaps Proteus can attest to how good those old Ampegs sound. I played his in Nashville, and was smitten.
- Rated: 20 ↑
Apr 19, 2009 12:22 a.m. Rex:

VOX! No more be said IMO. Other options are on the shelf at the music store. Judge for yourself.
- Rated: 114 ↑
Apr 19, 2009 1:02 a.m. bonedaddy:

Another Vox vote here. I recently switched over to a Vox AC 15 and I find myself surprised at what I'd been missing over the years. I was a dyed in the wool Fender amp guy for a long time, but the Vox has a lushness that has to be heard to be appreciated. In a million years I never thought I'd be a Vox guy, but here I am...
- Rated: 139 ↑
Apr 19, 2009 1:08 a.m. wenzel:

You can pester me anytime to come down and play my amp... The good thing is that you can crank it up without worrying about the neighbors!