You want the Variety then, ruger. 3-10s, lush reverb, and the creamiest trem I've ever heard from an amp.
Loads of bottom end, and punch and clarity as well.
MF Discounts 6163 Executive Amplifier
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- Rated: 205 ↑
Jul 15, 2008 10:29 a.m. Proteus:
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- Rated: 55 ↑
Jul 15, 2008 3:57 p.m. otterbean:
I just played through Don's amp. The whine of the amp is intermitent. You can touch the tube and stop or start the whine. Sounds like a glass harmonica being played. Once it starts vibrating, you can't get the noise to stop unless you touch the tube.
Now, when it isn't whinig away, the amp sounds very good. I thought it was the best sounding amp I had ever played through actually. I thought it was very similar in tone to a nice Fender Twin. By that I mean it had a nice clean tone. Lots of clean headroom. Lush or rich is a good word for the tone. Weighs less and doesn't have as much output as a Twin. Just a lovely clean tone. Really elegant. Made my Gretsch and a Tele sound really good. - Pretty nice amp. I would buy one if I had the spare change lying around the house.
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- Rated: 6 ↑
Jul 15, 2008 5:34 p.m. ruger9:
The Variety? Haven't heard of it... going to look now... thanks Proteus!
my my my... that's one SWEET looking amp...
But $3500?
You can get a Supro Tremolectric, 3x10, full 3-knob reverb, tube-bias trem, and I think even a dirty channel, for $1800. Check it:
Tremolectric™ All-tube, 50 Watt, 3x10” AlNiCo magnet speaker combo (also available as a head) with reverb and tremolo. This is the premier amplifier for classic Americana music - Jazz, Rock-a-billy, Blues, Country, and Rock & Roll. Tremolectric offers undulating tube tremolo, 3-knob tube reverb, incredible versatility and sound control. Two channels: Clean & Dirty (either channel can be clean or dirty) for smooth, big tone at any volume. Low impedance, low level, tube-driven effects loop works well with any effect.
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- Rated: 52 ↑
Jul 15, 2008 5:56 p.m. bigalthethird:
Pics don! That amp is on my short list of stuff to buy, soon.
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- Rated: 43 ↑
Jul 15, 2008 6:22 p.m. Ric12string:
Sorry to hear about your misadventure. I am glad to get a sense as to what "scratch 'n dent" means with MF. There have been times when I have been tempted to buy one of them, but I was always afraid that I would be dissatisfied in that I like new-looking, new equipment (rather than banged up "new" equipment).
I hope things work out for you to your satisfaction, Don.
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Jul 15, 2008 10:19 p.m. donwood:
Bigalthe3rd, hope to get pics soon ( then learn how to post 'em ). Ric12string, I don't mind being a guinea pig sometimes. I have bought "scratch & dent" before and it worked out OK, just not in this price range. As far as cosmetic appearance, really looks good with one minor flaw you have to look for. I really believe this amp was a customer return and just restocked under S & D. Will order different 12ax7 tubes and see if it cures the microphonic issue. ( -43 days and counting ). If I can get it to quit singing better than I do, i'll keep it. Don
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Jul 16, 2008 4:32 p.m. TomfromPA:
I also wonder if MF uses 'Scratch and Dent' to include customer returns as well as brand new equipment with cosmetic flaws while on the shop floor.
Second Proteus' advice to find the best tube amp repair guy and have him look it over. The tech can tell you if it's a simple tube issue or something else. With point to point wiring you can replace a few components and not break the bank. The key is to find a good repair guy.
At some point you may want to look into NOS tubes if you keep this amp. Those old tweed circuits really benefit from vintage tubes. I put original Tung Sol, Mullard and GE stuff in a Victoria 45410 and it made a HUGE difference.
I hope every thing turns out OK for you. A well sorted out Executive ought to be a killer amp
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Jul 16, 2008 10:45 p.m. donwood:
Tom, I am pretty sure MF considers returns "scratch and dent". What I was told anyway. Also learned that even tho MF warrants them as like just bought, FMIC does not warrant items that say scratch and dent on receipt. However, I have some Sovtek 12AX7's and one Fender 12AX7 (made by Sovtek) so I replaced all 3 12AX7's and think I am getting somewhere. FMIC gave me the part no. on the correct foot switch so if I keep it I will try to locate one. -42 days and counting ( return period ). Don
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- Rated: 55 ↑
Jul 16, 2008 11:04 p.m. otterbean:
You know, I keep thinking about the sound of that amp. It sounded like what I want my Country Club to sound like when I hear it in my head. I get a particular sound when I play it unplugged. I get a very different sound when its hooked up to my current amp (Hot Rod Deluxe). It doesn't sound bad through the Hot Rod at all, it just doesn't match what I think the guitar should sound like. DOes that make sense? Right now my sound is not as clear as I would like for it to be. Sounds slightly muffled and slightly distorted at times.
The Executive, on the other hand, sounds so clean and natural. I really don't have the words to describe the sound. It was just pure I guess. What I hear when I play the guitar acoustically was there in the sound. All of the harmonics, and mistakes, or whatever came through and it just sounded right. It really captured the nuances that I was trying to get with my left hand on the fret board.What a clean, dynamic, and brilliant amp. Things that I usually play at home that have been dissappointing at times came through as clear as a bell. I felt like I was in sync with the guitar and amp for a change.
If I have the money for one of these amps, Gretsch can start reeling me in. I'm already hooked.
I'm going to have to start selling off some stuff to afford one of these amps. Anybody want to buy a used dog? Couple of half smoked cigars? A well used kidney?
No? Ah well, maybe I'll have to slip off into the wood shop and start building some neat stuff and show you guys. Someone out there must need some nice custom guitar furniture. I'll start a new thread about that when the time comes.
I'm not one of those guys looking for the latest and greatest piece of guitar equipment that is going to save the world and make all of the stars align properly. This is one piece of gear that sort of did that for me though. It was impressive enough that I have been a bit preoccupied by thoughts of that sound all day long. Even from an amp with a microphonic tube or whatever problem is going on here.
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Jul 17, 2008 3:32 p.m. donwood:
Otterbean, understand what you are saying. You will have to come by and try it again as I replaced all the GT-12AX7's with tubes mentioned in above post and I can not hardly hear any amp hum at all. Hard to tell its turned on unless volume is way up. No more microphonics. May pull V.3 and V.4 one at a time to replace original tubes to see what effect it will have but V.1 will stay Sovtek until/unless I find something better. Thanks for all the help and support guy's.Think it's where the Gretsch Amp sound is supposed to be. ( I think, since i've never heard one before ). Now about that foot switch. Maybe the scratch & dent will work out. -41 days and counting. Don
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- Rated: 37 ↑
Jul 17, 2008 4:09 p.m. Nobody:
Great to hear donwood. I know none of us waivers an inch in our recommendation of this amp.
Otterbean, join the club, mate. Playing your favorite Gretsch with that thing behind you is really something.
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- Rated: 37 ↑
Jul 21, 2008 9:57 p.m. Nobody:
How's that Exec donwood?
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Jul 22, 2008 2:11 a.m. donwood:
Hello Nobody, Exec is quiet as a mouse since tube change. Requires no pedals but will give the RE-20 a try. Know I need to get pics and sound clips but will have to get a patient person to teach me. Really happy way it turned out. Will search for correct pedal now. Understand it may be chrome ball type ( 2 button ). Thanks for interest. Don
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- Rated: 37 ↑
Jul 22, 2008 4:14 p.m. Nobody:
Great news. Glad to hear it. It's a sumptuous sounding amp.
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- Rated: 28 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 1:17 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:
A few weeks ago I was in a GC that had a used Victoria. I can't remember what model. It was either the 3 or 4 10s deal. I was afraid to look too far into it cause I can't come close to affording it right now.
The thing was absolutely INCREDIBLE. If my checkbook wasn't made of rubber I would have jumped on that so hard. It was everything I could have asked for and more for that Fender Tweed tone. Just a lush, gorgeous piece of ampery.
If those Gretsch amps are the same, and I assume they are, just different clothing, they are worth whatever they cost, as long as you can afford it of course.
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- Rated: 24 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 3:22 p.m. donwood:
Understand about the cost factor. I am certainly not well to do, but, consider it one of the " bucket list " things to do. If it was 20 years ago, No Way could I justify the cost at my income level, BUT, if you can find a way,,,,, it may be worth it to you. I like it. Don
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- Rated: 205 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 6:06 p.m. Proteus:
WishinFor, they're not really just Gretsch-branded Victoria Fender clones.
I've just plowed through the specs of every amp on Victoria's site, and nothing I find has the combinations of tube complement, wattage, speaker deployment, and controls-n-features of any of the three amps the company builds for Gretsch.
I've no doubt they're adapted from Victorian starting points – but Gretsch amps seem to be Gretsch amps!
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- Rated: 66 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 6:15 p.m. Walter Broes:
Proteus said: I've just plowed through the specs of every amp on Victoria's site, and nothing I find has the combinations of tube complement, wattage, speaker deployment, and controls-n-features of any of the three amps the company builds for Gretsch.
Really? I thought the 2X6L6 victorilux amps looked pretty similar as far as features, tube complement, controls, and speakers...?Every Victoria I've played was fantastic though, so I'm sure the Gretsch amps can't be bad.
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- Rated: 38 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 8:14 p.m. roadjunkie:
Victoria built - Victoria quality plus it may use the same Victoria fiber boards but I think the rest would be all Gretsch. I really changed my thoughts about this amp once I heard it live. I knew it would be good I just didn't know that it would be this good.
I don't know about the Variety but I still have the makings for something close to it. Ya'll seen it before!
I really ought to get this one done before I get that head I've been crowing about.
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- Rated: 28 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 8:39 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:
So are these amps supposed to be reissues (clones) of the original Gretsch amps or their own deal? Do they sound like anything else or are they truly unique? I know, I know, super clean, lush, warm, rich, complex, tubey blah blah blah..just wondering if it is an original tone or if it is comparable to something.
And don't say "any 2X 6L6 amp with the same pre amp compliment and speakers"
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- Rated: 38 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 9:16 p.m. roadjunkie:
Wishinfora(nother)Falcon: said: So are these amps supposed to be reissues (clones) of the original Gretsch amps or their own deal? Do they sound like anything else or are they truly unique? I know, I know, super clean, lush, warm, rich, complex, tubey blah blah blah..just wondering if it is an original tone or if it is comparable to something.
And don't say "any 2X 6L6 amp with the same pre amp compliment and speakers"
As good as they were Valco (Gretsch) were still an economical amp! There's no confusing the two! The Victoria built is no where near economical. Vintage Valco built amps are climbing into ridiculous price ranges themselves! Find an old Supro and pop open the back to see what I mean.
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- Rated: 205 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 9:56 p.m. Proteus:
Walter, unlike the other amps at the Vicky site, the Victorilux and Victoriette lack complete spec information, so I can't compare them directly to the Gretsch specs.
Of all the amps at Victoria's site, the 6L6 'lux does seem closest at least to the Variety. (Though the 'lux claims 35 watts and the Variety 40.)
WFaF, they're definitely not reissues of any past Gretsch amps.
I don't know how to describe the sound of these amps better than I have many times already, and I hate to sound like a broken record.
Repeating the basics of my story, I never played through a Victoria that made me want to buy it. (Never came across a Victorilux, however.) Prior to the Gretsch Exec and Variety, the only boutique amp that ever seemed worth its money to me for pure tone was the Matchless Lightning Reverb.
It's true that I haven't played through everything out there, so take it for what it's worth.
But the first time I heard the Gretschs with my own ears I was sold. In my experience, it IS an original tone. It's detailed without being clinical, dimensional without sounding diffuse, and - for lack of better terms - these amps just sound OPEN. Spacious. Somehow "natural."
I've probably posted hours of audio from NAMM shows and CAAS featuring guys playing through these amps - but recordings don't put it across. The recordings MIGHT put it across if you heard the same guy playing the same material through another amp for comparison, though.
Virtually everyone who's actually heard one of the Gretsch amps in person comes away with pretty much the same impressions I've had, so I have some confidence it's not just me!
Are they comparable to anything? Oh, they MUST be. Few things in life are utterly unique and without precedent. But they don't sound just like anything I've heard myself.
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- Rated: 38 ↑
Jul 27, 2008 10:31 p.m. roadjunkie:
Proteus:said: Are they comparable to anything? Oh, they MUST be. Few things in life are utterly unique and without precedent. But they don't sound just like anything I've heard myself.
Even tho' it's biased Class AB you just don't get that kind of clean nor headroom out of an amp running a pair of 6V6s @ 20 watts. I find it an unique amp on to itself.
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- Rated: 66 ↑
Jul 28, 2008 7:57 a.m. Walter Broes:
"Even tho' it's biased Class AB you just don't get that kind of clean nor headroom out of an amp running a pair of 6V6s @ 20 watts."
Are you talking about the amp with the 15" speaker? I haven't played any of them, but I saw that one has the Emi Legend 15" - that's a 103dB efficiency speaker..! With a big output transformer and a GZ34, I can imagine a 2X6V6 amp making a Deluxe seem anemic!
Proteus, I'm a little suprised you didn't like any of the Victorias you played. You call them "boutique amps", which price- and construction-wise they are, but when it comes down to it, most of them are tweed Fenders in practice - and in my experience they come to life in a band setting, at volume. I'd own most of their amps if I could afford them!!
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- Rated: 205 ↑
Jul 28, 2008 9:59 a.m. Proteus:
Walter, I haven't had the chance to play one live, and in my world I rarely get to really crank an amp at a gig. So I have to get my jollies from the nuances of clean tone and pedals.
Even though tiny amps would let me crank (at least more), I can't get past enjoying the sonic size, the low end and dimension, of bigger amps.
I suppose it'll qualify as a dirty secret, but I haven't always been knocked out by tweed Fenders. I have a '57 Princeton which I've never been able to bond with. My Fenderdrugs of choice have always been blackface-era designs of one sort or another.
The Gretsch amps have done more to sell me on the rest of Victoria's line than Victoria has done to sell me on the Gretsch amps. If that makes sense.
For a time I couldn't decide between the Executive and the Variety. (The Playboy never seemed the amp for me because it lacks reverb. I'm so shallow.) We all played through the Exec at the Roundup in Nashville, and there was just nothing about it not to love.
I had a chance to a/b it against my old Reverberocket, which is one of the amps I expect they issue in heaven (so I'm glad I have one here, and won't have missed the experience for all eternity) – and, great as the 'rocket is, the Exec made it sound like it was wrapped in foam padding or something. I can't think it was just the 15 vs the 12 either. (The Ampeg badly lacks low end, which the Exec has in sufficient quantity, but the Exec just plain had more going on all through its spectrum.)
But after hearing the amps again at CAAS, the Variety emerges as the grail for me. I didn't expect it, but the three 10s actually deliver more low end, along with great punch, and I believe its trem circuit is different than that in the other two. It has a creamy almost univibey kind of swirl which I haven't heard from other amps. It can be used as subtle texture, without messing with your tone as chorus does or sounding obviously like trem, or it can provide a particularly lush throb.
The amp's too big and more power than I need, but its tone is more like a room you walk into than something coming from a box. In fact, that's kinda the nature of all three amps: it's not that they're loud, but somehow their sonic field is enveloping. You're inside the sound, not beside it.
When the discussion is these Gretsch amps, we always get to the same bottom line: you gotta hear one in person, and play through it. Otherwise, it all sounds like hype and snake oil, and those who HAVE met them in person seem Alices in Wonderland.
