amp for blackface tone

y2stevo

y2stevo

New member
I've just realised that for the last 3 or so years that I've had my line6 pod studio ux2 that I've nearly exclusively used the 64 deluxe reverb model, and tubescreamer, for the heavy stuff I go to the soldano model .

So my question is there any amps that come close to the deluxe reverb tone that aren't as hard on the wallet?

Thanks guys!

EDIT: I should say that I'm looking for an amp with a low wattage, I wouldn't intend on gigging this one as my jvm is just so versatile for the covers gigs!
 
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Re: amp for blackface tone

They can be had used for like $600, i mean you could get a princeton or champ or something, but those wouldn't be all that much cheaper
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

Unfortunately they're not so common over here In Ireland, is there any other amps around that can get close?
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

Do they have the Tweaker in your area? The tweaker can do a decent approximation. I'd say it's like 80% blackface and 20% of that newer, midrangier fender hot rod tone.
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

If you're on a tight budget and you're dying for blackface tones, I think you should seriously look at the Fender Mustangs. The Fender amp models are as close to the real thing without shelling out a $1000+ US to own a single new blackface amp. (an old school wired one, not a reissue)

But, then again, for a bit more cash than a new Mustang 3, you might find a used Deluxe Reverb reissue out there. Then you'll end up putting in a different speaker, so add that into the cost.

So, to reiterate, if you can't go big and get a great blackface clone, grab a Mustang. I've been playing the crap out of mine lately.
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

Thanks Scott! The non reissued mustangs seem even harder to find than any of the amps suggested so far!
I've edited my post to reflect that im looking towards a lower wattage amp
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

Has anyone tried the super champ xd, 15 watt 2x6v6s? the YouTube clips sound great!
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

y2stevo said:
Thanks for the responses guys! I'm intrigued by the vibro champ, is this the amp you are talking about ? http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_vibro_champ_xd.htm

I would be looking towards a low wattage amp as id be using the jmv410c for gigging. The hot rod might be a bit on the powerful side for bedroom use.
Click to expand...
Not exactly.
I was talking about a Fender SF from the 1966-1975 time zone. Are these types of amps hard to come by in Ireland.?
Ceriatone makes an AWESOME Vibro Champ clone. It incorporates a tone stack defeat that basically turns the head into a Tweed Champ. It is a very versatile and very beautiful sounding head. I have built two of them for friends and they are among their favorite amps......
Good Luck

http://ceriatone.com/productSubPages/ACChampUltra/ACChampUltra.htm
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

y2stevo said:
Has anyone tried the super champ xd, 15 watt 2x6v6s? the YouTube clips sound great!
Click to expand...

yeah I used to use one. I didn't like that I couldn't get much useable overdrive out of channel 1, and it didn't react to my pedals the way I thought it would (it got harsh pretty quickly), so i sold it.

It has some nice clean tones but for overdrive, there's a bunch of things that sound smoother, or have a more dynamic response.
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

I'd second a vote for the Tweaker. Fuse has done a lot of time on these amps so has a good idea on what they do. He also may be able to tell you of a few 'EQ pedal in the loop' settings to get even closer to what you want.
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

The Tweaker seems to have plenty of great reviews
I'll have to check out some sound clips when I get home

Damn you all to hell for introducing me to all these pretty amps!! :banghead:
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

I've really been having great fun with mine. I use mine as a 3-voice clean amp to run my 10 different 'dirt' pedals through.

The USA (fender) mode is really nice and squishy in the mids. Its perfect for clean to light drive type funk or blues. I've been getting authentic BSSM era RHCP and SRV tones with volume boost/ low drive pedals. Plus it does some great 'loose overdrive', where you want open growl which isn't midsy like a marshall.

The vox setting on mine is a lot quieter than either the UK or USA, I'm not sure if thats normal for this amp (Fuse - is yours like this??), and has a gritty/jangly top end. You need a smoother drive (pedal) for this channel as its a bit sharp on the top-end. The tone controls have no effect like the normal channel in an AC15/30

The UK is great for thick rock tones. Most of my higher gain pedal go into this as they stay rounded on the top-end and better for solos. My Plexitone and Vox Big Ben go exclusively through this channel.

I almost have everything running in the vintage voicing. The modern I find a bit too HiFi as it gives a Hi/lo boost, but if you were wanting more metal tones with a DS1 for example it would work well I'm sure.

Just do it!!
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

ok - ive owned a bunch of the amps ppl are talking about.
MUsicmans do not sound like a deluxe reverb. They do sound great (fantastic even), and can be modded to sound even better - but they do not sound like a deluxe reverb - unless all clean sounds are indentical - which obviously they are not.
A blues junior sounds nothing like a deluxe reverb.
Do not get a mustang - its great but its a modelling amp - so not really much better than what you are already using.
A tweaker can do a lot of stuff, but again, it does not sound like a deluxe reverb....
If you really like the deluxe reverb sound then either wait and save up, or perhaps get a princeton - theu usually only have 10 inch speakers tho - but i have a prII with a 12 and a friend has a sf princeton with a 12.
Given the economies of scale that fender has, when you look at it, the current fender deluxe reverb is about the best deal going for that style of amp. But yeah - they arent cheap, thats because they have a nice solid cabinet which you wont find on most cheaper amps like blues juniors or hot rods etc. They also come with a much better speaker than the fender/emi special design.
If you like the deluxe reverb model and have survived this long without the real thing , then i d advise you to be patient, save your money and get a deluxe reverb.
The upside with getting the real thing is twofold:
1. they sound killer. thick cleans but with clarity and organic overdrive that feels like the speaker is part of your hands.
2. you wont have to shop around anymore cos you have the real deal.
 
Re: amp for blackface tone

There are several Black Face tones, from a bunch of different speaker/cab setups. Music Man amps might not sound exactly like a DR, but they are squarely in the Blackface tonal range.

Most folks seem to think of the BF tone as only a fat bass and glassy highs, along with a scooped midrange. Most of them probably never tried running the preamp volumes low, and cranking the amp higher, which makes them decidedly more midrangey.

Music Man amps were Leo's continuation of his tonal thoughts, so they're right in there with the best of the BF amps, even if you can't completely, 100% nail a Deluxe Reverb.

In this vid, Vince and Danny are playing Fenders...Vince's might even be the silver face. Albert is playing a MM. He's playing cleaner than the other guys, but that tone is right where it needs to be.

All I'm sayin, is that there are other options for a great BF type tone.

 
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Re: amp for blackface tone

Mesa 5:50, F-50 or F-100, Blue Angel, and LoneStar Classic do BF tones. Mesa Mark I, II, III and IVs are based on BF circuits, modded for high gain. They typically have more mids and less bass than BF Fenders.

As for new Fenders, I would look for one of the new Princeton Reverb Reissues, 1965 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, or the Custom Vibrolux. These are going to be closest to BF tones. A used Fender 75 would be a good pickup.

Marshall used to make a little 18 watt combo with two 6V6 tubes in their JCM 800 series. One of my al time favorite Marshalls--I think the most "American sounding" Marshall. If you find one, get me one too!

Some of the 6L6 Peavey amps of the '70s and '80s will do Fender type tones, though they will have more in the midrange and less "air" on the top end.

Good luck,

Bill
 
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