[sants]

Here are what I have narrowed it down to. I play rock and Jam type music and like to be able to hit the jerry tones when needed. I like to be very clean and pure. Here are some amps I think I have decided on and would just like to get some support from the knowledgeable people on this board. Pros/ cons or anything you have to offer. I am looking for heads of to convert to a head to go with a 2x12 cab with a jbl k120 and e120.

1. Matchless Chieftain head - already had a 2x12 combo so I know what it can do.
2. Mesa Mark III head - blues stripe simulclass. Sounded killer but the reverb was ok but not that of a fender
3. Carr Slant 6 head - played a 1x12 combo and it was lights out
4. Fender twin reverb- I would convert this to a head.

This list is in no particular order. The Matchless is most expensive followed by the Carr. I am a little picky about buying things because If I decide to sell it down the road want to get as much money back as possible.

As I stated before I currently have Deluxe reverb reissue that does the job decently but I will probably need more head room at times.

Thanks!

[JonnyBoy]

This is just my opinion now, I think the twin will give you the best Jerry tone and the headroom to play the speakers you wish to power. Plus, the twin can be preamped and used to power more/louder scenario's. I have had nothing yet that touches the tone of my preamp twin sound. It is amazingly versatile for me. It makes a Fender strat sound killer for blues and makes the Jerry tones sound authentic. I have always enjoyed playing mesa's mark amps too. Don't remember/know much about the others to comment honestly, but you can't go wrong with the twin if Jerry's tone is what you seek.


Because you have the deluxe, I am wondering if you preamped that and used your QSC amp or whatever SS amp you said you had, then you can really come close to that classic Fender tone. So Maybe the Mesa would be a nice addition to your arsenal. Like TS said, the preamp mod is two solder points, no need to hire a tech and such, unless you would rather. You can remove the mod easily for resale with none the wiser, it won't hurt the amp if you take the proper precautions, that's why the shunt technique that Waldo speaks of is ideal, which adds 2 more solder points and a switching jack.

[rugger]

Not only do the Carr's sound great, but they look beautiful as well! I just stumbled across these things and I would love to have one.

For those who haven't heard of them:

http://www.carramps.com/

You'll want one.

John in San Diego

[strumminsix]

I betcha you'll start another thread next week with more options.

[jackr]

I like to be very clean and pure.

I know there are a million great amp choices. And really no top end. I love the Matchless and Mesa and great clean tones with the fender. I never played a Carr.

But I'll tell you what I have done lately. I have always always been a tube amp guy. Love the over driven sound of the tubes but dialing in the right sound was not always easy and changed when tubes got older. And there was a lot of maintenance needed. (especially if you take the amp out) Seemed there was always something going on with my fender twin or my mesa Lonestar.

So I got a classic solid state amp (Roland JC-120) known for it pure clean sounds and I use my effects to get the tone I want. And it wasnt too expensive. Right now I am happy with it - although I didnt give up my Twin, I did sell my Mesa.

What I am saying is keep your options open.

[SarnoMusicSolutions]

Twin...


B

[keirweir]

Twin...


B

+1

[sants]

I betcha you'll start another thread next week with more options.

Probably! Gear is a sickness!

[tigerstrat]

Twin.

Since you already mentioned cutting it down (i.e. converting it to a Dual Showman Reverb head), you will probably own it for life and feel comfortable chopping and modding and personalizing to your heart's content. Once you have a big ticket item like a Carr or a Matchless, you will have a great amp, but you'll what you have and won't want to f with it.

[strumminsix]

I betcha you'll start another thread next week with more options.

Probably! Gear is a sickness!

I'm on step 47 of a 12 step program for that sickness.

[modz]

Tube preamp into a solid state power amp. I use a volume pedal after pre and with a tube amp the more pedal I give it the more the power tubes squash it. A solid state power amp is better in different stage situations. Outdoors I like it loud, indoors quiet. I love tube amps and always will but for live rigs I like solid state. I use a Deluxe (HR) on one side and a SMS > class D on the other, best of both worlds!

[sants]

I have a vintage 65 twin reverb on the way! From what I am told, the only things that are not original are speakers and tubes. I will be using a 2x12 cab with e120's so the speakers are not a big deal to me.

Thanks for all the input!

[JonnyBoy]

Good find!! Congrats.. If you don't like that amp, I don't know what to tell you.

[strumminsix]

Nice! That is the year most folks say was the shining moment for Twins!