Grateful Dead Music Forum

All I'll say is I've heard some of the most awesome sounding new RI Fenders in a variety of venues, from the professional to in my basement. If you can't gig anywhere in the world on them, it ain't the amp. And with that, fox in socks, your work is done here. See y'all round!

Jon S. wrote:You experienced what you experienced. That can't be denied. And I get it that you really don't like new Fender amps.

Here's where I get my own "sample size" from on this one. I know a bunch of people who personally own the DRRI who I've jammed with myself. Also, folks talk about the amp all over cyberspace.

Again, personally, I'd buy a SF today if I wanted one (actually, in "real life," I bought a Tone King ) but a new one is a fine option in my estimation.

Different strokes ...

I think the DRRI is the only good one in the lot. But they all miss the old-school mojo of the old babies. My love is HUGE for old Fenders and have a handful of BF and SF and there is no comparison.

Ive spoken with a couple of different amp techs, including the one that has my HR right now . . . . and the general consensus is that they dont hold a candle to older Fenders.

My only really personal experience with Fender reissues is pretty poor. I bought a Fender Champ 600 ReIssue and Ive had to have it replaced twice in under a year because for whatever reason the sound goes out. To be fair, Fender support has replaced them both for me . . . but thats not really the point.

And the Fender Champ was made in China, which Im not too big on. The tubes and the speaker are both of poor quality.

Im just hoping that my HR doesnt shit the bed. Its a shame how Fender has fallen.

Oh well, I still love my Highway 1 Tele!

CaptainTrips wrote:Ive spoken with a couple of different amp techs, including the one that has my HR right now . . . . and the general consensus is that they dont hold a candle to older Fenders.

My only really personal experience with Fender reissues is pretty poor. I bought a Fender Champ 600 ReIssue and Ive had to have it replaced twice in under a year because for whatever reason the sound goes out. To be fair, Fender support has replaced them both for me . . . but thats not really the point.

And the Fender Champ was made in China, which Im not too big on. The tubes and the speaker are both of poor quality.

Im just hoping that my HR doesnt shit the bed. Its a shame how Fender has fallen.

Oh well, I still love my Highway 1 Tele!

It's funny, the instruments are another story. It's literally like 2 different companies. The off the wall American Series Stratocaster is a dream to play. And the Classic 70's Strat from Mexico, unbelievable, so sweet and well made. Go figure...

From what the tech I bought the BD from told me, its all about the heat affecting the cold-solders on the circuit boards. Don't have that in the guitars, I reckon.

Chuckles wrote:From what the tech I bought the BD from told me, its all about the heat affecting the cold-solders on the circuit boards. Don't have that in the guitars, I reckon.

Don't get it. A cold solder joint will give at some point irrespective of temperature. Just needs one good tap. But yes, the way the apply solder is wild! Tried to find a youtube clip but couldn't. Not at all like the old days...

strumminsix wrote:

Chuckles wrote:From what the tech I bought the BD from told me, its all about the heat affecting the cold-solders on the circuit boards. Don't have that in the guitars, I reckon.

Don't get it. A cold solder joint will give at some point irrespective of temperature. Just needs one good tap. But yes, the way the apply solder is wild! Tried to find a youtube clip but couldn't. Not at all like the old days...

Maybe it was the vibrations from the speaker and I misunderstood.

or maybe yet, both.

Man, you guys are right. There are a ton of decent priced Fender Twins out there BF and SF. I may have to sell some gear.

CaptainTrips wrote:Man, you guys are right. There are a ton of decent priced Fender Twins out there BF and SF.

That is because they look good on paper, then you have to actually lift and carry them. Plus - seriously - how many people really need 85W into 2 12's? These days, you can mike a Champ if you wish. Both supply and demand very much reflect these factors. I would never even consider owning one for these reasons.

Jon S. wrote:

CaptainTrips wrote:Man, you guys are right. There are a ton of decent priced Fender Twins out there BF and SF.

That is because they look good on paper, then you have to actually lift and carry them. Plus - seriously - how many people really need 85W into 2 12's? These days, you can mike a Champ if you wish. Both supply and demand very much reflect these factors. I would never even consider owning one for these reasons.

Consider different rooms and the sound situation.

Not all bands mic everything.

I've played some decent sized rooms where the policy is "vocals only" through the mains. Or when playing outdoors to move your sound some distance. Lots of reasons.

Now an 85W 2x12 doesn't mean you dime it but you have that wattage under ya for clean headroom.

Is it overkill in alot situations, yes. But something to have in your stable, yes as well.

You're right, Strummin', and for folks who feel that way, you should cop one. One man gathers what another man spills.

Jon S. wrote:You're right, Strummin', and for folks who feel that way, you should cop one. One man gathers what another man spills.

But I think you, my friend, might be more right on with the OP(original poster) who is looking for what I assume would a single amp.

For that I'd recommend something in the 35/40 watt single speaker combo.

strumminsix wrote:

Jon S. wrote:You're right, Strummin', and for folks who feel that way, you should cop one. One man gathers what another man spills.

But I think you, my friend, might be more right on with the OP(original poster) who is looking for what I assume would a single amp.

For that I'd recommend something in the 35/40 watt single speaker combo.

That would be moi!

Playing with the BD for a week now, I'm very pleased, but do want ot try the Webber or TT with it just to futz around and see what different character it gains/loses. Gotta swap out some different tubes too to see what really sounds best.

Thanks again for all the feedback!

Glad to hear you're enjoying the new amp!

My experience with Fender amps generally, Twin Reverb included, is they don't really warm up (in terms of getting the full harmonic content out of the power tubes) until at least 4 on the volume knob with single coils (maybe 3 and a half for 'buckers). Yet at that volume, a Twin Reverb is darn loud! That's why I still do say it's overkill for the vast majority of players (unless they're gigging outdoors or in large venues).