Lightweight/grab'n'go amp - advice
My main amp is a Rivera 1 x 12" combo which was meant to be a lightweight option but I'm starting to think I compromised too much on the weight. At 45lbs it's not exactly in Twin Reverb territory but my back is a bit ropey and for rehearsal/casual jam purposes I'd really prefer something around 10 lbs lighter. Ideally I'd like something loud enough to cope with a loud drummer if necessary (although could compromise on this as I have the Rivera). I'm looking for good cleans and good bluesy light overdrive sounds.
I've done a bit of research and the options I keep coming back to are:
Fender Mustang lll. On the face of it this looks ideal. 36lbs, cheap, reputedly good Fender clean sounds, enough effects that I can leave the pedals at home if I want to, and at 100 watts should go loud enough to cope with a drummer. It would be a clear backup/no 2 amp and I could take the Rivera if I'm in a situation where that extra quality of tone justifies the extra weight. Downsides? some say the 100 watts is deceptive and it might struggle to cope with a loud drummer. Some people find the sounds too processed sounding. Some models apparently have a mysterious "fizz" problem.
H & K Tubemeister 36 and 1 x 12 cab. OK not exactly grab and go, but two easy lifts rather than one that's a bit of a struggle. Has a great reputation. Enough quality to maybe displace the Rivera in my affections freeing up some cash and floor space at home. Cons: quite a lot more expensive, less convenient. Maybe a bit better than I need for casual if I decide I prefer the Rivera for proper gigs after all. Since my tastes are a bit vintage, maybe a bit too modern sounding?
Any thoughts/advice/suggestions welcome.
Mesa Boogie Express - I tried one out a couple of days ago and Oh My GoD!, what a tone incredible sounding amp and super light - gutted I couldn't buy it....
Might be a bit reluctant at this point to buy another Rivera, I think the one I have is a great amp but probably still a bit of honeymoon glow on it and I might be putting too many eggs in one basket. The lightest Boogie Express at 38lb might just fit the bill but slightly on the pricey side for a back up amp.
Both these seem worth thinking about though.
This.Originally Posted by MRLEON83
If there's anything which packs a more versatile range of quality, usable sounds into an easy one handed carry than my 5:25 1x10 combo does I haven't found it yet.
It's also absurdly loud for such a dinky little box, add a 2x12 for bigger stages (or if other band member start giving you feelings of inadequacy with their Mighty Stacks Of Doom) and it's up to pretty much any job up to the point where you'd be better off micing it anyway.
Yes it's expensive for a compact 25-ish watt combo but the way I see it mine looks like being a once and for all purchase and considering the amount of time, hassle, and money some people spend on kit which for one reason or other never quite hacks it that makes it a pretty good buy :-)
Traynor Darkhorse, 1x12" and an overdrive pedal?
I've no idea why, but those Dark Horse amps really intrigue me. 15W, but you can drive the bollocks off them apparently. They also do the Ironhorse 40W version if you really need some headroom.
At 30lbs I would strongly suggest you try and find a Clubster 25 to try. Obviously it might not be your thing, but it's an astounding amp for its size IMO; loud enough for any gig- I run mine almost totally clean *and* with attenuator, and a super-bargain on the used market. You might find it would replace your big Rivera too
I don't know if you're in London but you're welcome to try mine if you're ever in the area!
PRRI.
I've owned lots of small combos (VC15, VC30, Gibson Goldtone, Clubster Doce, Delta Blues, Super Champ XD, Champ 12 etc, etc)
The PRRI is the keeper.
fender deluxe reverb? Gigged it in plenty of bands and never found it too quiet and thats with some loud drummers. - it breaks up about 5-6 on there, but changing the speaker might fix that - I got a celestion alnico gold in mine and I rarely play it loud enough to get to break up. Also takes pedals really really well and is nice n light..
As awesome as this amp is, it's only 3lbs lighter than the OP's current amp. Surprised to discover these are actually still lighter than the hot rod/blues deluxes though.
If you can get along with the Mustang III I'd go for that. I tried a Mustang 2 the other week and was very impressed.
Whosoever steppeth upon a distortion pedal in my sight shall make a sound that is unclean.
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