Matchless...is it?

schmee · December 16th, 2003, 03:10 PM

Any Matchless users out there? I've read a lot of reviews...and people generally (not all) seem to love the tone.....but there is a very consistant thread regarding burning up a lot of tubes. Some say preamp tubes...some say out put tubes....heck even rectifier tubes. They also seem to each sound different. Are these amps worth the trouble/risk?

"would you drive a ferrari to work if it left you stranded along the highway every now and then"?

I'm specifically considering a Chiefton or CLubman......

Wayne Alexander · December 16th, 2003, 07:34 PM

I've heard a bunch of them. There are a few models. I can say that the one that's the most Vox AC30-like doesn't sound as good as a real AC30 if you're going for that tone, partly because of the Vox Blue alnico speakers in the real AC30. However, the Matchless has a master volume and a bit more "versatile" character, will get a thicker tone if that's what you want. They are very expensive and probably worth it for the quality of materials and workmanship.

buglecorps · December 16th, 2003, 11:52 PM

Robert Cray play through these on two ocassions (Cheftians I beleive)..I didn't like the tone at all...of course other factors could be involved..but it was far too trebly and agressive for my taste. Tubes...short life wouldn't suprise me; if used often and hard, most pro level'84 amps are rough on tubes. Sounds different..most hand produced things do exhibit differences from one to the other..including Ferrari autos! Seriously early Boogie, Dumbles ect. all share this "character flaw".

Baard · December 17th, 2003, 07:45 AM

It´s m,eant to be played at full volume...then it shines, but it also makes the shop windows rattle. The salesperson actually left the shop, for me to crank it full open. then it shines....but where can you allow yourself to do that.... not anywhere I´m playing....

Baard

BK · December 19th, 2003, 11:51 AM

Hi,

I play an SC30 (1x12 combo w/4 el84s) on almost all my gigs (which is several times a week). I bought it because it has such a great clean tone (very harmonic-rich and fat with a nice, slightly spongy feel) but it also has a beautiful, responsive overdrive when you turn it up.

It's only 30 watts, so it's pretty loud, but not ridiculously so. It has a half-power switch that cuts out two output tubes.

The master doesn't really do a low-level distortion sound very well - it's not a bedroom amp at all. It gets along well with pedals, though, particularly the Hot Cake.

It does not use tubes rapidly. I've had it for a couple years.

It's really built.

The other Matchless models vary quite a bit. They use completely different tube configurations, etc.
I tried a couple that were very aggressive and not so pretty-sounding. This one, as well as the two speaker DC30 (their flagship model, I guess), did the particular thing that I was looking for. (I tried one at a rehearsal place, and liked it so much that I just had to spend the money for one, which was difficult for me as I'm not a rich guy)

I don't mean to sound too over the top about it, but it is a really good amp.

Hope this helps,

BK

PS:The sound samples on their website are terrible! They sound nothing like the amp.

schmee · December 20th, 2003, 08:55 PM

I bought the Matchless CLubman 35. Am using it this weekend at the gig. I will follow up with first impressions next week. Thanks for the input! :P

BK · December 21st, 2003, 09:11 AM

Hey, cool - hope you like it!

BK

Billy Claire · December 21st, 2003, 09:08 PM

I played a DC30 for quite a while in a store. Sounded great. Amazing actually, but it was a one trick pony. One channel and very expensive (used @ $3200). I don't want to put that much money for an amp that I'd have to use a distortion pedal to do solos.

So, I got an Orange AD30TC- the 30 watt class A twin-channel combo with Celestion Vintage 30's. Awesome sounding amp at half the price. Plus it's Orange! That surpasses the lit logo thing for me...

Billy

schmee · December 21st, 2003, 09:49 PM

I play blues and classic rock. I usually use a BF Deluxe or a VIbrolux. I used the Matchless Friday and Saturday nite at two different venues. Wow ...I haven't been so pleased with a purchase in quite a while. I used it with two Webers on Friday nite. Saturday I used it with a vintage Electrovoice 15 (monster magnet). The amp sounded great both nites. I used my tube screamer probably 25% of the time I would normally use it. The amp breaks up nicely when you get it set right and sustains superbly. Everybody was commenting about it. Great SRV tones with the EV 15. The tones are so rich that I didn't miss the reverb at all. I think the Vibrolux is about to go on the auction block. :D

Chrismeyer · December 22nd, 2003, 12:04 AM

I'm thinking of an amp up grade too,and I have to say that the Mesa"Maverick" is probably going to be the one.before you actually BUY a Matchless,try it,then go try the Mesa.It rules,I love it,and it's just $12-1300.00
For the dollar,I'd trust a Co.like Mesa before Matchless,I know from my bassist having a Mesa deal,that they are extremely helpful,and polite.
I just may sell both Marshall's and get the Mesa.When you try one make sure it's the Maverick,I prefer the 2-12,version.
It's 35 BIG watts,and 2 channels.
Nice,give it a try,you might be swayed.

astro · December 22nd, 2003, 11:59 AM

The bottom end on Matchless amps have always seemed loose to me. I've only played a couple but if you are gonna spend that much money, I would shop around a lot more. Billy's idea about the Orange is a good one. That's a lot more versatile of an amp.

Billy, Is the Orange PTP or PCB? It doesn't make any difference to me but I'm just curious.

Guy from Idaho · December 23rd, 2003, 03:02 PM

I currently own a Matchless Lightning 15, formerly had a Clubman 35,
also a couple of "close family relatives", those being a Bad Cat Black Cat 30 and
a Jamison custom combo (Phil Jamison now runs Matchless). All superfine amps IMO.
Picking a Mesa Maverick over any Matchless is a matter of personal taste of course,
though to me it's like choosing Pepsi over Jack Daniels...whatever turns your crank.
The Lightning is my "living room & small jam" amp at 15 watts, though it would work
for small clubs if lots of headroom isn't a priority. The cleans on a Matchless (or relatives)
are gorgeous, swirly and detailed, I like the clean much better than anything fender
ever did but ymmv. Solid bass, no fender-flatulence. The Lightning overdrives pretty
quickly (MV helps), it's a very saturated sound, "crushed glass on velvet" etc etc. Mine
is pretty picky about overdrives, doesn't much like tubescreamer types, but otoh it's
the one amp I've owned where I don't feel much need for an od pedal. Sure it runs a little hot,
so if you play a lot you maybe replace tubes a little more often than on a PV classic 30
or Fender BJ or Mesa Maverick/Subway etc... on the other hand, you'll never have to replace
a printed circuit board like on those other amps because a Matchless doesn't have one.
Mine was about $1150 in used but mint condition, I had to look around a while to find it
at that price. My Clubman was about $1350 also in used but like-new condition, wish I'd
kept that one! Good luck in the quest, -Guy

schmee · December 23rd, 2003, 03:22 PM

Guy, Yes I have about the same opinion so far. I purchased the Clubman last week ...used in mint condition for $1350. It is actually a 2003 model. The gigs last weekend blew me away....I just loved it. I played a Lightening in a store and it is a wonderful sounding amp....I felt it wouldn't have enough headroom for most my gigs though. Last weekend I found I used my effects significantly less than previously....with the great sustain....I just didnt need the Tube Screamer as much. I did find that the amp sounded great with the tube screamer though...for my style anyway. I have always used the TS with the drive only barely turned up, just enough to give a little creamy sustain. So that may be be the difference in our experiences with it. I also am using the Matchless with the volume about 9 or 10 oclock and the master about 1 or 2 oclock. Man this is fun and I'm really looking forward to the gig tonite! thanks, Craig

Brad · December 23rd, 2003, 05:39 PM

6 or 7 years ago for $700.00 in the local vintage store. Went home and thougt about it ( bad, bad idea )for a few days. Went back to pull the trigger and of course, it was gone.

One thing I noticed with excellent sounding tube amps is the need to not use pedals as much. Sounds like you got a killer amp. Congratulations!

Kerry Vance · December 25th, 2003, 11:13 AM

I had a pre-Randall Matchless SC-30 for several years. I sold it at the Arlington (TX) Guitar Show in October. I'm an old fart and have been playing Fender amps for far too long, I suppose. I play traditional blues and could never get the warmth out of a mine that I could out of an old tweed or black face Fender. I really wanted to like it. Obviously the amps are so well built and they do have a great reputation. But, for me I'm much happier with an old Bassman or my 3x10 Bandmaster. Maybe it was the Celestion but at any rate I don't miss it.
Kerry

Kerry Vance · December 25th, 2003, 11:18 AM

I failed to point out that I was much more pleased with the way my SC-30 recorded than the way it performed at gig volume and when you shoot for clean it will definitely do that well.... just not clean and warm.
Kerry

Billy Claire · December 25th, 2003, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astro

Billy, Is the Orange PTP or PCB? It doesn't make any difference to me but I'm just curious.

PCB... the PTP Oranges are HUGE money. I love my AD30TC combo- very versatile and way cool.

Me and my Orange:

awesome amp...

clip of it here:

http://www.fayschool.org/should.mp3

it's my AD140TC half stack for rhythm and the AD30TC combo for the solo. Esquire with added neck humbucker... not mixed yet.. Billy

cocheese · December 30th, 2003, 07:31 PM

I had a DC30 as my main amp since 1994 but ended up selling it last year. It was such a great amp but it was time to move on. I think that with a Tele, that has got to be my number one clean and slightly pushed sound ever. I do miss it, so I'll probably end up with another one some day.

beez · December 30th, 2003, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrismeyer

I'm thinking of an amp up grade too,and I have to say that the Mesa"Maverick" is probably going to be the one.

I bought a 1-12 Maverick, dual rectifier, last year. I've been happy with it. On the lead side, and with the volume on 5, master on 3, and treble cranked up it can get than Buchanan overdriven sound pretty good. Crank the volume to 7 (any more than 7....or 1 O'clock...and it gets too distorted for me. You can sustain for days, but the tone suffers), the master on 5, and the treble turned off...and play really good...you can get that "Cliffs of Dover" sound.

On the downside....I'm not a real big fan of the clean chanel. It's "ok"....but not as nice as my Super Reverb.The only other downside I can see is the price. $1300 is pretty steep.....but I am assuming that you are looking at a new one. No doubt it is worth it....but I would look for a used one, and save some money to buy cool pickups, and a fancy new strap (yeah....you still have the same Fender strap that came with the guitar, and can't see spending $100+ for hand tooled saddle leather. Me too. But if I saved a bunch of money on the amp.........

)

And yes.....they are 35 BIGGGG WATTS!!!!

December 16th, 2003, 03:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
schmee Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: northwest Posts: 145	Matchless...is it? Any Matchless users out there? I've read a lot of reviews...and people generally (not all) seem to love the tone.....but there is a very consistant thread regarding burning up a lot of tubes. Some say preamp tubes...some say out put tubes....heck even rectifier tubes. They also seem to each sound different. Are these amps worth the trouble/risk? "would you drive a ferrari to work if it left you stranded along the highway every now and then"? I'm specifically considering a Chiefton or CLubman......

December 16th, 2003, 11:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
buglecorps Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Suburban Twang Town Posts: 753	I have heard... Robert Cray play through these on two ocassions (Cheftians I beleive)..I didn't like the tone at all...of course other factors could be involved..but it was far too trebly and agressive for my taste. Tubes...short life wouldn't suprise me; if used often and hard, most pro level'84 amps are rough on tubes. Sounds different..most hand produced things do exhibit differences from one to the other..including Ferrari autos! Seriously early Boogie, Dumbles ect. all share this "character flaw". __________________ Loud is Good...

December 17th, 2003, 07:45 AM	#4 (permalink)
Baard Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Denmark Posts: 668	I´ve tried one It´s m,eant to be played at full volume...then it shines, but it also makes the shop windows rattle. The salesperson actually left the shop, for me to crank it full open. then it shines....but where can you allow yourself to do that.... not anywhere I´m playing.... Baard __________________ All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

December 20th, 2003, 08:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
schmee Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: northwest Posts: 145	bought it! I bought the Matchless CLubman 35. Am using it this weekend at the gig. I will follow up with first impressions next week. Thanks for the input! :P

December 21st, 2003, 09:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
Billy Claire Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Marlborough MA Posts: 940	I played a DC30 for quite a while in a store. Sounded great. Amazing actually, but it was a one trick pony. One channel and very expensive (used @ $3200). I don't want to put that much money for an amp that I'd have to use a distortion pedal to do solos. So, I got an Orange AD30TC- the 30 watt class A twin-channel combo with Celestion Vintage 30's. Awesome sounding amp at half the price. Plus it's Orange! That surpasses the lit logo thing for me... Billy __________________ www.myspace.com/sherylamour www.theallens.theallens.com tear off my arms and beat me to death with them...

December 16th, 2003, 07:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Wayne Alexander Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA Posts: 1,083	I've heard a bunch of them. There are a few models. I can say that the one that's the most Vox AC30-like doesn't sound as good as a real AC30 if you're going for that tone, partly because of the Vox Blue alnico speakers in the real AC30. However, the Matchless has a master volume and a bit more "versatile" character, will get a thicker tone if that's what you want. They are very expensive and probably worth it for the quality of materials and workmanship.

December 19th, 2003, 11:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
BK TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wash DC Posts: 29	Hi, I play an SC30 (1x12 combo w/4 el84s) on almost all my gigs (which is several times a week). I bought it because it has such a great clean tone (very harmonic-rich and fat with a nice, slightly spongy feel) but it also has a beautiful, responsive overdrive when you turn it up. It's only 30 watts, so it's pretty loud, but not ridiculously so. It has a half-power switch that cuts out two output tubes. The master doesn't really do a low-level distortion sound very well - it's not a bedroom amp at all. It gets along well with pedals, though, particularly the Hot Cake. It does not use tubes rapidly. I've had it for a couple years. It's really built. The other Matchless models vary quite a bit. They use completely different tube configurations, etc. I tried a couple that were very aggressive and not so pretty-sounding. This one, as well as the two speaker DC30 (their flagship model, I guess), did the particular thing that I was looking for. (I tried one at a rehearsal place, and liked it so much that I just had to spend the money for one, which was difficult for me as I'm not a rich guy) I don't mean to sound too over the top about it, but it is a really good amp. Hope this helps, BK PS:The sound samples on their website are terrible! They sound nothing like the amp.

December 21st, 2003, 09:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
BK TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Wash DC Posts: 29	Hey, cool - hope you like it! BK

December 21st, 2003, 09:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
schmee Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: northwest Posts: 145	WOW! I play blues and classic rock. I usually use a BF Deluxe or a VIbrolux. I used the Matchless Friday and Saturday nite at two different venues. Wow ...I haven't been so pleased with a purchase in quite a while. I used it with two Webers on Friday nite. Saturday I used it with a vintage Electrovoice 15 (monster magnet). The amp sounded great both nites. I used my tube screamer probably 25% of the time I would normally use it. The amp breaks up nicely when you get it set right and sustains superbly. Everybody was commenting about it. Great SRV tones with the EV 15. The tones are so rich that I didn't miss the reverb at all. I think the Vibrolux is about to go on the auction block. :D

December 22nd, 2003, 12:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
Chrismeyer Tele-Holic Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Age: 34 Posts: 632	I'm thinking of an amp up grade too,and I have to say that the Mesa"Maverick" is probably going to be the one.before you actually BUY a Matchless,try it,then go try the Mesa.It rules,I love it,and it's just $12-1300.00 For the dollar,I'd trust a Co.like Mesa before Matchless,I know from my bassist having a Mesa deal,that they are extremely helpful,and polite. I just may sell both Marshall's and get the Mesa.When you try one make sure it's the Maverick,I prefer the 2-12,version. It's 35 BIG watts,and 2 channels. Nice,give it a try,you might be swayed.

December 22nd, 2003, 11:59 AM	#11 (permalink)
astro Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: North Shoa, MA Posts: 872	The bottom end on Matchless amps have always seemed loose to me. I've only played a couple but if you are gonna spend that much money, I would shop around a lot more. Billy's idea about the Orange is a good one. That's a lot more versatile of an amp. Billy, Is the Orange PTP or PCB? It doesn't make any difference to me but I'm just curious.

December 23rd, 2003, 03:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
Guy from Idaho TDPRI Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Moscow, North Idaho Posts: 41	Matchless I currently own a Matchless Lightning 15, formerly had a Clubman 35, also a couple of "close family relatives", those being a Bad Cat Black Cat 30 and a Jamison custom combo (Phil Jamison now runs Matchless). All superfine amps IMO. Picking a Mesa Maverick over any Matchless is a matter of personal taste of course, though to me it's like choosing Pepsi over Jack Daniels...whatever turns your crank. The Lightning is my "living room & small jam" amp at 15 watts, though it would work for small clubs if lots of headroom isn't a priority. The cleans on a Matchless (or relatives) are gorgeous, swirly and detailed, I like the clean much better than anything fender ever did but ymmv. Solid bass, no fender-flatulence. The Lightning overdrives pretty quickly (MV helps), it's a very saturated sound, "crushed glass on velvet" etc etc. Mine is pretty picky about overdrives, doesn't much like tubescreamer types, but otoh it's the one amp I've owned where I don't feel much need for an od pedal. Sure it runs a little hot, so if you play a lot you maybe replace tubes a little more often than on a PV classic 30 or Fender BJ or Mesa Maverick/Subway etc... on the other hand, you'll never have to replace a printed circuit board like on those other amps because a Matchless doesn't have one. Mine was about $1150 in used but mint condition, I had to look around a while to find it at that price. My Clubman was about $1350 also in used but like-new condition, wish I'd kept that one! Good luck in the quest, -Guy

December 23rd, 2003, 03:22 PM	#13 (permalink)
schmee Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: northwest Posts: 145	Guy, Yes I have about the same opinion so far. I purchased the Clubman last week ...used in mint condition for $1350. It is actually a 2003 model. The gigs last weekend blew me away....I just loved it. I played a Lightening in a store and it is a wonderful sounding amp....I felt it wouldn't have enough headroom for most my gigs though. Last weekend I found I used my effects significantly less than previously....with the great sustain....I just didnt need the Tube Screamer as much. I did find that the amp sounded great with the tube screamer though...for my style anyway. I have always used the TS with the drive only barely turned up, just enough to give a little creamy sustain. So that may be be the difference in our experiences with it. I also am using the Matchless with the volume about 9 or 10 oclock and the master about 1 or 2 oclock. Man this is fun and I'm really looking forward to the gig tonite! thanks, Craig

December 23rd, 2003, 05:39 PM	#14 (permalink)
Brad Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 1,294	Had the opportunity to buy a Matchless 2 X 10 lightning 6 or 7 years ago for $700.00 in the local vintage store. Went home and thougt about it ( bad, bad idea )for a few days. Went back to pull the trigger and of course, it was gone. One thing I noticed with excellent sounding tube amps is the need to not use pedals as much. Sounds like you got a killer amp. Congratulations! __________________ We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old becasue we stop playing.

December 25th, 2003, 11:13 AM	#15 (permalink)
Kerry Vance Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: just north of Dallas Posts: 119 5 Photos	Matchless - not for me, thanks..... I had a pre-Randall Matchless SC-30 for several years. I sold it at the Arlington (TX) Guitar Show in October. I'm an old fart and have been playing Fender amps for far too long, I suppose. I play traditional blues and could never get the warmth out of a mine that I could out of an old tweed or black face Fender. I really wanted to like it. Obviously the amps are so well built and they do have a great reputation. But, for me I'm much happier with an old Bassman or my 3x10 Bandmaster. Maybe it was the Celestion but at any rate I don't miss it. Kerry

December 25th, 2003, 11:18 AM	#16 (permalink)
Kerry Vance Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: just north of Dallas Posts: 119 5 Photos	On the positive side though I failed to point out that I was much more pleased with the way my SC-30 recorded than the way it performed at gig volume and when you shoot for clean it will definitely do that well.... just not clean and warm. Kerry

December 30th, 2003, 07:31 PM	#18 (permalink)
cocheese NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 9	I had a DC30 as my main amp since 1994 but ended up selling it last year. It was such a great amp but it was time to move on. I think that with a Tele, that has got to be my number one clean and slightly pushed sound ever. I do miss it, so I'll probably end up with another one some day.