Looking for a Clean Amp

Harleypastor · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:53 am Post subject: Looking for a Clean Amp

Good day to all. First post on this forum, but I've been a part of guitar forums for years, and always appreciate the great feedback.

I recently bought a 71 Gibson 335. I want to use it for rhythm playing. I'm a pastor/worship leader, currently using an Anderson Crowdster with a Rivera Sedona Lite amp. I tried the 335 with the Rivera but it didn't do the trick.

I have a modified Blues Jr which is a great lead/break up amp, but not so good with clean at this point. I also have a RI Blues Deluxe 1X12, but with 40 watts it's just too loud.

I'm looking for a combo or just a head that will produce clear, clear tone with some depth. I've got a couple of good speaker cabs and some great 12 inch speaker ready to go to work. SS is OK, it doesn't have to be tubed.

Any suggestions would be great appreciated. Thanks, Jeff

greenblob · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 2:56 pm Post subject:

hey harley..
what kind of budget are you looking at? many options out there if your looking for an awesome clean sound.. but im alittle suprised the sedona lite isnt cutting it for you.. have played on then alitte (instore) and they seem *Holy Censor, Batman* good for clean stuff..
my advice would be, instead of looking for another amp, maybe try some quality effects to help the sound become more rich.. delays & reverbs are great for this (im sure you know this already).. have a look at the eventide timefactor.. its $399 but obviously way cheaper than a new amp.. premo effects that can be made as subtle as you need.. try a variety of brands if you go down this road.. sounds obvious.. but sometimes you come across a pedal in a store that you just fall for from the get go.. and its not always the expensive ones.. my other suggestion is ust spend an hour or two messing with the amp & guitar eq's (once again.. obvious.. but play with both alot.. massive sonic possibilites from this).. eq is a sadly overlooked step in many sound searches.. it should be the 1st!
just my 2 cents..
blob

Harleypastor · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 3:52 pm Post subject: Tube Change

Hey, thanks for the reply. I did some tube checking, and tried some different ones, and it made a huge difference.

I'll look into some of the effects as well.

Thanks again, Jeff

greenblob · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 4:47 pm Post subject:

cool to see youve made some progess.. what tubes did you change? im guessing the power tubes.. el34's swapped out for 6l6's? just a guess.. or an unexpected result from the preamp tubes?

Harleypastor · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject: RCA Blackplates

I repleaced the 12AX7 JJ's with NOS RCA blackplates that I had from a pervious amp. I tried out another couple of EL34s a friend had, but we couldn't really hear any improvement.

Thanks again

firedude · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 7:04 pm Post subject:

I use a pedal type equalizer to boost my clean signal. I think Voodoo labs makes a killer clean boost pedal, also BBE.

Harleypastor · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject: Sparkle Drive

Voodoo makes a Sparkle Drive with a "clean boost" but it still gives you a drive tone, just not tweed. I recently sold such a pedal, and it had the Keeley mod to boot.

I've received a lot of good feedback concerning my "tone quest" and i appreciate you taking time to share you thouights and experience with me! God bless, Jeff

russ@savage · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 7:45 pm Post subject:

You could try putting a 12AY7 it the first pre amp tube position, it would cut the overall gain of the amp.

owwdatune · Posted: Sat May 10, 2008 10:32 pm Post subject:

i've got just the answer for you....i've gigged with it and it always got the job done...i loved the versatility of customizing my setup using different speaker cabs for different venues....check it out --->

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mQdWbRXDt4g

http://www.musicianshotline.com/archive/reviews/powerblock.htm

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=98917

http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM05/Content/Crate/PR/PowerBlock.html
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~T~...Live a little >crank it up< ...

--> SAVE A LIFE - ADOPT A SHELTER/RESCUE PET <--

AjayTele · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 2:31 am Post subject:

I didn't see if you mentioned how much power you need, but I'll give you a suggestion, just in case.

I use an 80s Fender Dual Showman (red knob) head with a Marshall Quad. Up to about 3 it's loud and VERY clean. Over that it starts to break up very gently and agreeably.

Or of course, an older Fender Twin (silverface) could also be the king of clean... Wink

Harleypastor · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 5:39 am Post subject: I've resolved the clean amp

Thanks once more to everyone who contributed to this thread. I've got my Rivera Sedona Lite working great as a clean amp now. It took some tube changes, but it worked out well.

I also bought a Frenzel 5E3 Deluxe Plus tube amp. It came as a chassis, so I've managed to fit it in the cabinet of an Epi valve junior. I bought the Epi with the matching speaker cab used (got a great deal), then popped off the Epiphone logos from the head & speaker cab. I pulled the stock Eminence out and now I'm trying a number of speakers I have to see what sounds best.

You can find frenzel at Frenzel tube amps dot com. This one has 2 channels, one F and one M, representing the two famous amp builders. It works pretty good.

Thanks again to everyone who helped, Jeff