Rivera R-55 vs. Mesa Boogie F-30
- Thread starter CesarM13
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Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Rivera R-55 vs. Mesa Boogie F-30
Not really an apples to apples comparison, comparing the 50-watt 2xEL34 Rivera to the F-30. A better amp for Mesa side of the comparison might be the Mesa F-50; which uses 6L6s compared to the F-30's 2xEL-84; OR, comparing the R30/Chubster/Pubster/Clubster EL-84 models to the F-30. The F-30 is actually about 22 watts from a pair of EL84s, but the Mesa Dyna-Watt power amp makes it sounds like a bigger amp. My 4xEL84 Mesa DC-3 competes easily with 50 watt amps, not just in volume but in dynamic range.
The big complaint against the Rivera R55 has been that the amp sounds somewhat boxy due to the shallow cabinet depth. That can be a problem with any combo, but was expecially the case in revews and comments I've read of the Rivera.
It's been a while since I've played any Rivera, but my impression of the R-Series amps was that they were a little dry and lifeless at low volume, but came alive at higher volume. I would guess that you would notice the spongier feel of the F-30 at low volume, and think of it as more organic--while the R55 would be considered tighter. Being a blues and classic rock player, that organic feel is more up my alley--the R55 might have a tighter feel that would be more suitable for metal and palm-muting sorts of things. Country artist Vince Gill has used the R100 212, and likes them for their headroom.
When it comes right down to it, you're just going to have to pick the one that works best for you. These are two great amps from two great companies, and both of them are chock full of great tones. You might want to check out their web-sites, as both companies have listed Owner's Manuals for these amps.
My choice would probably be the F-30, just becasue I know it better. I'd plug it into one of my Mesa 112 EVM Theile cabinets, and have a nice little 1/4 mini stack that would be perfect for small clubs.
Honestly though, if I didn't have Mesas available to me for whatever reason, Rivera would be at the top of my list of amps to check out. I've owned Rivera-designed Fender amps (Fender 75, Super Champ), and they were some of the best amps I've ever owned.
That's all I know. Good luck with your choice.
Bill
Not really an apples to apples comparison, comparing the 50-watt 2xEL34 Rivera to the F-30. A better amp for Mesa side of the comparison might be the Mesa F-50; which uses 6L6s compared to the F-30's 2xEL-84; OR, comparing the R30/Chubster/Pubster/Clubster EL-84 models to the F-30. The F-30 is actually about 22 watts from a pair of EL84s, but the Mesa Dyna-Watt power amp makes it sounds like a bigger amp. My 4xEL84 Mesa DC-3 competes easily with 50 watt amps, not just in volume but in dynamic range.
The big complaint against the Rivera R55 has been that the amp sounds somewhat boxy due to the shallow cabinet depth. That can be a problem with any combo, but was expecially the case in revews and comments I've read of the Rivera.
It's been a while since I've played any Rivera, but my impression of the R-Series amps was that they were a little dry and lifeless at low volume, but came alive at higher volume. I would guess that you would notice the spongier feel of the F-30 at low volume, and think of it as more organic--while the R55 would be considered tighter. Being a blues and classic rock player, that organic feel is more up my alley--the R55 might have a tighter feel that would be more suitable for metal and palm-muting sorts of things. Country artist Vince Gill has used the R100 212, and likes them for their headroom.
When it comes right down to it, you're just going to have to pick the one that works best for you. These are two great amps from two great companies, and both of them are chock full of great tones. You might want to check out their web-sites, as both companies have listed Owner's Manuals for these amps.
My choice would probably be the F-30, just becasue I know it better. I'd plug it into one of my Mesa 112 EVM Theile cabinets, and have a nice little 1/4 mini stack that would be perfect for small clubs.
Honestly though, if I didn't have Mesas available to me for whatever reason, Rivera would be at the top of my list of amps to check out. I've owned Rivera-designed Fender amps (Fender 75, Super Champ), and they were some of the best amps I've ever owned.
That's all I know. Good luck with your choice.
Bill
bgood
New member
Re: Rivera R-55 vs. Mesa Boogie F-30
Owned an R55 for a while - never found it to be boxy. Great amp - totally true that it shines at volume (what tube amp doesn't). But it also has good master volume and gives really nice pre-amp drive at very low volumes. That amp was good from a cold start but after about 1 hour of being on it got into a whole different territory with great chimey sounds, harmonics, sustain. Great stuff.
Required alot of tweaking to dial in. Kind of a Swiss Army knife of amps. Did alot of things well. In the end it had too much power for my needs and I sold it to fund some kit builds - otherwise I would still have it.
Owned an R55 for a while - never found it to be boxy. Great amp - totally true that it shines at volume (what tube amp doesn't). But it also has good master volume and gives really nice pre-amp drive at very low volumes. That amp was good from a cold start but after about 1 hour of being on it got into a whole different territory with great chimey sounds, harmonics, sustain. Great stuff.
Required alot of tweaking to dial in. Kind of a Swiss Army knife of amps. Did alot of things well. In the end it had too much power for my needs and I sold it to fund some kit builds - otherwise I would still have it.
