Fill me in on matchless DC-30

[Blueline]

So, I've been considering an amp to build
i need 2 channels
one clean/cleaner and the other crunch to lead

one of hte amps on my list is a 15 watt version of a matchless dc-30 (similar to the badcat black cat?)

i'm also considering an 18 watt marshall - with a TMB channel

i play classic rock to modern hard rock

 

[James Rock]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

a dc-30 is an improved copy of my favorite clean to crunch amp ever (A VOX) so im guessing a matchless DC-30 is even better.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

I'm about to build a DC30. I actually reserved a slot for myself... chassis should arrive soon. Trannies are already here.

 

[Blueline]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

well scott - could ya keep me (and "us") posted

from one upstart builder to another, i would love to see and hear where you're at

so what is the DC 30 like
what in particular set your mind on it

i checked out the channels on the website and only the ef86 samples impressed me

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

My SC-30 is the single 12 version of the DC-30. Same amp otherwise. It's one of the finest amps I've ever owned but I have to say that I like my Matchless Chieftan even more.

I know the SC-30 is supposed to be like a Vox AC-30 but it doesn't really sound like the AC-30 I owned. My AC-30 was also one of the best amps I've ever owned but it was a little to loud, and like the Matchless, very heavy.

The SC-30 has a great master volume control and also a hi low power switch so it's volume can be managed alot more easily.

The two channels sound differant. One has more of the AC-30 sound. The other reminds me more of my '51 Fender Super with the big bottle preamp tubes rather than 12ax7's....that's the channel I tend to play through.

Here: http://matchlessamplifiers.com/match23_c30.html

Read up on it. You can even download the owners manual.

Lew

 

[Blueline]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

the thing of it is - i'm not a huge vox fan
maybe i just haven't heard a good one
i know a lot of bands in the style of music i play use them, but a lot of amps i've heard that are "based on vox" sound good, just not for my application

i play modern rock to modern heavy rock (pearl jam, G n R, velvet revolver, switchfoot, nickleback, jimmy eat world, incubus - though they're a little buzzy and toneless in terms of guitar tone) and classic rock to heavy rock (cream, floyd, zep, etc etc) - not death metal, but i like a nice thick chunk behind me
singing leads, not screamin leads
more slash lead than steve vai

would an 18 watt marshall with TMB channel be a better build

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

Do you own a Fender 5E3 tweed Deluxe style amp? With a great speaker (I like the Celestion G12 alnico or the Eminence Red Fang) the 5E3 is a fabulous 18 watt amp and a very easy build. My brother Bruce makes a great 5E3 kit for a round $350 that is based on my own two original Fender 5E3's. Bruce's kit has gotten a lot of guys started building thier own amps. A few guys here have built one: Curly and Scott F. among them. http://www.missionamps.com

 

[Blueline]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

haven't built one
1) what does it sound like and
2) is it 2 channel - i.e. switchable via a/b box (must have)

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

haven't built one
1) what does it sound like and
2) is it 2 channel - i.e. switchable via a/b box (must have)

1. great!
2. No. :laugh2:

Lew

 

[Blueline]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

so... back to the Dc30 and the 18 watt marshall TMB

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

so... back to the Dc30 and the 18 watt marshall TMB

You know, those amps are not really channel switchable. I don't think there'd be any real benefit to using am a/b channel switcher. Even with the DC-30, there's only one master volume. So it's not like you could crank up one channel and turn it down for an overdriven tone and then switch to the other channel for a clean rythym tone...

Lew

 

[Blueline]

Re: Fill me in on matchless DC-30

hmmmm
the 18 watt tmb has a normal channel (V and Tone) and a TMB channel with a preamp gain and power amp gain (gain/vol) knobs
so i could kida crank the preamp gain on that one and leave he other chanel cleaner

the matchless, maybe i see your point