Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Pierre

Stratologist
Ideally something that sounds close to a super reverb. Ideally an old Fender head with reverb. Ideally something that'd sound very rich, especially with a 2X10. Ideally something easy to mod and repair (turret board).

Something I could bring to a gig but also keep at home as a basis for pedals, so a high enough headroom clean channel. Live, I could set it for a medium size gig (big pub, or club) and as I turn it up, I'd keep it on a slight crunch and use my guitar's volume control. Since my guitars have medium to high output pickups, it'd need perhaps around 15 to 20W for what I hope to achieve.

Ideally, it's a Super Reverb without all the bells and whistles. One channel, on either a 210 combo, or as a head format.

Ideally all I'd ever need with it is a OD used as a boost.

So low wattage but high headroom, harmonically RICH, very rich, simply in layout, easily workable, not too expensive, lushious but no need for OTT reverb, and giggable.

In short, something that's INSPIRING to play. Something I'd only see the good sides of, and not try to improve it.

It's to play Blues and rock, AC/DC style gain. Nothing extreme needed. Just feel and tone.

Thanks!
 
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Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Look at old Music Mans. They are amazing amps that I have honestly been over looking for quite some time.
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Fender Hot Rod Deville.Or did you mean a Vintage vintage stylle?
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Look at old Music Mans. They are amazing amps that I have honestly been over looking for quite some time.

hey if there still good enough for johnny winter....what about traynor amps?
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Yeah the VERY idea is a Fender head, Bandmaster reverb first on list :D In Europe they cost quite a lot now, WAY MORE than 500 bucks. Probably closer to 2,000 by now :s But I'm always on the hunt. Other possibilities are the Showman, Bandmaster, and those blond heads that came with the 115 cab, can't recall how they're called...

Good call on the vibrolux! Thanks guys! Keep 'em coming :D


Oh also, would a SF Deluxe Reverb fit the bill? I'm guessing most BF/SF fenders with Reverb will do an equally good job at what I need right?
 
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Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Best bet would be a Bandmaster Reverb...a Vibrolux will run you clost to if not more than your $600 budget...a BF Bandmaster can be had in your price range as can (maybe) a BF Tremolux but neither of them will have reverb...
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Ok thanks for the advise! I couldn't buy these anyway as I have nothing in my name right now. But I mean... less than 300 pounds for an old Fender head... here they're around 700 quid which is 1,400 bucks.
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Ok thanks for the advise! I couldn't buy these anyway as I have nothing in my name right now. But I mean... less than 300 pounds for an old Fender head... here they're around 700 quid which is 1,400 bucks.

Im not saying that a non reverb Fender amps sounds bad but IMO it's reverb loaded brother will have more punch and balls...

A Bandmaster Reverb can be a great amp...and can be had for a decent price most of the time however guys ar egetting hip to them as is and guys are using them as a way to get a different amp...ie, a Bandmaster reverb chassis in a 2x10, 1x12 or even 1x15 combo...so the prices are going up, up, up...
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

Yeah I'll be on the lookout for one at xmas. Meanwhile I think I better work my ass off at uni AND guitar to deserve it. I think I'm set on the BR then. Thanks bro!
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

the amps mentioned above look really good and affordable.. i wish i can stay in the States. Save on the shipping
 
Re: Say I had $600 to spend on a vintage style amp...

If your after the Fender vibe then there's nothing that can beat an old Bandmaster or Bassman head... I even dig the Silverface Bassmans. Great amps.

And they're all criminally cheap really... $400-600. Cheaper then anything "new" of a similar quality like a Matchless...

Such a killer deal... all the "old" Marshalls & whatnot of the same period are fetching stupid money! Why didn't that happen with the Fenders? Who knows..?

Who cares?!

Just get one!!!

Be warned though, a lot of those old amps are going to need filter caps & a good cleaning... possibly a retube as well. Or you could keep an eye out for one that's already had the work done. It's also not terribly hard to do it yourself...
 
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