Matchless Clubman trade for what?

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Hey everyone,

I currently own a Matchless Clubman 35 head w/ reverb. I really like the amp, but in the past two years that i've owned it, it's been a finicky amp. It needs to me worked on about twice a year, which I guess is normal for an amp that runs as hot as this one does. At the moment it's giving me a crackling sound whenever I'm playing with light OD, especially on the neck pickup. Almost sounds like it's overloading the speaker, but it isn't the speaker. In the past its usually been a preamp valve issue, so I'll just buy a some new 12ax7's and i'm good to go. It's simply frustrating to have to have it serviced or fixed twice a year. It's also very very heavy, and those trips back and forth from the car just to load in is getting a bit wearisome.
All this to say, I'm considering trading it in somewhere and getting something else...

Here are my options:

Mesa Boogie Electra Dyne 2x12 combo

Dr Z Remedy (doesn't solve the head/speaker cab issue...but whatever)

Orange AD30 combo

Dr Z Maz 38 Combo

Morgan RCA35


I know, i know they're all different kinds of amps. But the primary thing i'm concerned about right now is the reliability factor. I'm sick of the matchless almost crapping out on me mid gig...

So...anyone have experience with these amps?

Any thoughts, help, etc...


Thanks!

Jim

 

[trevorus]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

Get it modded/fixed more permanently so that stops happening. If you're happy with the tone, do what it takes to keep it going. I'm regretting greatly getting rid of an amp semi recently.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

Clubmans are designed to run on the ragged edge all the time...you can "fix" it but then you loose the tone!

I'll tell ya what...drop me a PM...I'll send you a boat load of gear and you send me the Clubman!

 

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

bump

if any one has any suggestions, please feel free to make one.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

If it's only the 12ax7 going, maybe it's time to put in a nice, stout, NOS tube.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

If a Matchless has to be fixed twice a year then I'm guessing it needs to be sent back to Matchless. Those damn things are Bullet Proof. You will regret getting rid of that amp IMHO.

 

[TR CU sig v.2]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

If a Matchless has to be fixed twice a year then I'm guessing it needs to be sent back to Matchless. Those damn things are Bullet Proof. You will regret getting rid of that amp IMHO.

I don't need to guess.

Not normal.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To the OP. Most of those trades you listed are trade downs.

The Clubman is a high quality piece that will probably hold a lot of it's value over time.

The internet can be the worst place to get advice and troubleshoot things. It can also be a extraordinary source for data IF you have the experience to cull through the muck, and already know something about what you are reading.

Be suspicious of everything you read, and verify everything as much as you can. It's a lifelong process. You will only become smarter and wiser for it. Take nothing at face value. There is always someone after your money.

Find someone to fix that Clubman. That is one fine amp that I believe will become a classic.

Good luck to the OP.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

Listen to Scott.

 

[Hoss]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

I would definitely get in touch with Matchless!

 

[USAPatriot]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

It may not be the speaker but it may be something in the output circuit that's 'maybe' causing an intermittent impedance mismatch which stresses weak-link components upstream which eventually fail. Interesting about the neck pickup/OD observation. -Rod-

 

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

I appreciate all the advice, however it still doesn't solve the weight issue and the desire to have a combo...and I guess i forgot to mention part of the sale cost would go towards my wedding fund.
One of those difficult decisions, where the tone isn't the most important aspect...

 

[\m/(00)\m/]

Re: Matchless Clubman trade for what?

I think i finally found a formidable opponent for the matchless...

Suhr Badger 30 combo...

wow