Re: Tube amp to replace my Line 6 Vetta???
papersoul said:
going back to good tone, convenient set up, and variety. Any advice and thoughts on tube amps in this realm?
Rich, I previously posted Rivera Knucklehead, but that was a real cheesy post, so I'm going to elaborate on it now, and then delete that post.
First of all, I would advise against a hybrid amp. Stick with all-tube; you'll just be happier in the long run.
Okay,
why Rivera Knucklehead? To answer your own questions:
GOOD TONE. Riveras are the epitome of great tone. Are you going to be using the head for gigs? If so, I would recommend a 100W Knucklehead. You can always pull out the 2 outer tubes and cut it down to 50W if you need to. I've tried both ways, and have clips posted of the head in both configurations, but I will get a little further into it later.
Of course, the question is -- what is great tone? Well, if you like tube warmth, but without mushiness, taught bass without sterility, and a brilliant top end without brittleness, then look no further.
The Knucklehead also has harmonic complexity out the wazoo.
CONVENIENT SET UP. Once again, the Rivera wins out. Enough controls to give you the tone you want, but without getting crazy.
VARIETY. It's all there, from SRV to Judas Priest. If you cut the 100W head down to 50W, you will get a darker, more modern tone, not unlike an Engl or Mesa. Running at the full 100W, it goes more into Marshall territory, but with SICK amounts of gain on tap, should you desire it.
If you have any other questions about Rivera, just drop me a line.
Oh, one more thing about the channel voicings on the Knucklehead -- the clean channel is Fender blackface heaven, and the hi gain channel is very Marshall-esque. Just like the models you're using on your Vetta!
