Two similar amps, what's the difference?

[Rusty Fingers]

I'm interested in one of two tube amps...a Carvin Vinatge 16 and a Fender Blues Junior. I've been able to play the Fender, but only able to hear the sound clips for the Carvin.

Prices are similar....about $400.

The specs seem similar:

Three 12AX7 preamp tubes, two EL84 output power tubes. Power tubes are Groove Tubes for both. Pre-amp tubes are Groove Tubes for the Carvin, Fender doesn't say. Power rating is similar.

Controls: VOLUME (Master), SOAK (Volume), BASS, MID, TREBLE and REVERB

12" speakers (a Celestron Vintage 300 12" vs. Fender "Special Design" 12")

The differences:

Carvin has the 5/15 watt (triode/pentode) mode selector, while Fender has the FAT switch.

The Carvin is a "Tweed", while the Fender is a "Silverface", if that implies something other than marketing direction.

Anyway, I appreciate any thoughts on the sounds of these two, particularly if anybody has experience with both. Thanks.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Two similar amps, what's the difference?

I always liked the options on that Carvin...resale is sh!t, but it seems like a really nice little amp.

Lots of folks love the Fender, but I think itinitially it'll need some tweaking & upgrades, esp. tubes & speaker.

What's Carvins return policy? Musicians Friend/GC is 30 or 45 days.

If you have the means, order one of each & return the one you don't like...

 

[Rusty Fingers]

Re: Two similar amps, what's the difference?

What's Carvins return policy? Musicians Friend/GC is 30 or 45 days. If you have the means, order one of each & return the one you don't like...

Good idea, but um...my wife's return policy is about 1 hour. :laugh2:

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Two similar amps, what's the difference?

:chairfall :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2: :laugh2:

HAHAHAHAHAHA, that was classic!!!!


Well, maybe if she knows one will be leaving.....yeah, who am I kidding:smack:

You can find the BJ in any music store to try out....maybe order the Carvin & if it doesn't stack up to the stock BJ, it goes home!

 

[Rusty Fingers]

Re: Two similar amps, what's the difference?

What's Carvins return policy?

The serious answer is 10 days.

Looking at Harmony Central, the reviews for the Carvin seem generally more enthusiastic, so at this point it looks like thats the one I'll try.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Two similar amps, what's the difference?

10 days for something you can only get thru mail order kinda' sucks, but it is what it is.

Good luck & hope it works out for ya' :bigok: