Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

[FretFire]

Crazy, or no?

I have a Memphis HP (now called the Monterey) and a '64 Fender Bandmaster. The Memphis sounds fantastic, but its Deluxe-style circuit somewhat redundant next to the Bandmaster. Now that Im starting to track a post-rock EP, I find myself wanting something a bit more British that has more gain on tap.

What would you do in my shoes?

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

Considering you've got the American thing down to a science, I don't think you're crazy for wanting to unload the Memphis. I know lots of people swear by 65 Amps and I think they make some really good stuff, but I think there's a magic to plenty of other amps too.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

mesa stiletto?

 

[FretFire]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

mesa stiletto?

I'd like to try one, I was also thinking an EL34 Shiva could be fun.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

Keep it. Rent, borrow, or buy something else if feasible. I think you'd probably regret selling this one.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

I'd look for a clean Morgan 30/800 or AC20 / AC40 Deluxe. I've played my friends AC20 Deluxe and its an amazing amp... insane clarity and touch sensitivity. He uses it for post-rock as well.

My chances of finding a Morgan to try here in ABQ are virtually 0%, unfortunately. I'd really have to play any potential replacement for the 65, it's too good of an amp to trade blindly.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

A Bogner Shiva or Goldfinger would be good ones acquire in a trade. Some of the higher gain Bad Cat amps sound great too.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

Looks like I got a swap worked out for a 6L6 Shiva head & road case.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

Awesome! I was going to say bro, My Mesa Nomad 55 is just chilling at the moment. You'd be welcome to use it if you needed it, but sounds like you got something worked out.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

Awesome! I was going to say bro, My Mesa Nomad 55 is just chilling at the moment. You'd be welcome to use it if you needed it, but sounds like you got something worked out.

I appreciate it man! I'm not really sentimental about gear, and frankly the 65 did overlap quite a bit with my Bandmaster. Thankfully both 65amps and Bogner are well-known and respected brands that hold their value pretty well, so if I don't jive with the Shiva the way I remember it won't be difficult to rectify the situation :laugh2:.

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

Well, FWIW I lost my shirt on my Bogner Shiva halfstack. I think I got something like $1100 for the EL-34 head and $400 for the 4x12 cab. I think 65 Amps typically sell in the marketplace from anywhere from $1500-2500, don't they? I think the other guy's getting the better deal out of this one, but if you think the more compressed Bogner tone is more to your liking then go for it (just keep in mind that the 6L6 ones are rarer, but a lot of folks seem to prefer the overdrive on the EL-34 ones). I've never tried a 6L6 to compare to the EL-34 ones I've had, but I eventually sold mine because the overly compressed British thing just became too much and I preferred the clarity of the other stuff I own.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

Well, FWIW I lost my shirt on my Bogner Shiva halfstack. I think I got something like $1100 for the EL-34 head and $400 for the 4x12 cab. I think 65 Amps typically sell in the marketplace from anywhere from $1500-2500, don't they? I think the other guy's getting the better deal out of this one, but if you think the more compressed Bogner tone is more to your liking then go for it (just keep in mind that the 6L6 ones are rarer, but a lot of folks seem to prefer the overdrive on the EL-34 ones). I've never tried a 6L6 to compare to the EL-34 ones I've had, but I eventually sold mine because the overly compressed British thing just became too much and I preferred the clarity of the other stuff I own.

Yeah, you definitely lost your shirt (no offense). I see Shiva heads go for $1500 give or take a few bucks pretty regularly on TGP these days, and this one has an ATA case. Most of the bigger 65 heads stay around $1600-1700, and I started mine at $1750. $400 for a Bogner 4x12 is a smoking deal, I usually see their 2x12s go for that or more.

I've read a tons of posts where people say the 6L6 Shiva has better cleans, and a more "open" drive channel with more highs/lows and a less congested midrange. I have only played the 6L6 version, so I can't compare to the EL34. I usually prefer 6L6 or 6V6 tubes, as a general rule.

 

[saladin]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

This is a no brainer!
Hmmm...you got a '64 Bandmaster, one of my favorite amps.
Sell the Memphis and use the $$$ towards od/distortion pedals.
The Bandmaster is a killer clean platform for pedals.

 

[lpmarshall]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

You should get the Shiva. Since you already bought it.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Thinking of parting with my 65 Amps Memphis...

You should get the Shiva. Since you already bought it.

Yeah... the trade hath happened.