Requesting amp suggestions for small restaurant gig

Dana · March 25th, 2005, 11:20 AM

Hey folks,

I want a small amp for a restaurant gig I'm currently doing. We play jazz, blues, funk, rock. I'm currently using a DRRI, but I can't get it to break up without getting way to loud for the room. I would like to get another Fender, and something with tubes. What do you folks suggest?

Thanks!
Dana

Doc · March 25th, 2005, 11:51 AM

Do you want power tube break up at coffee room volumes? I have a 1 6v6 with a 12 in it and it would be too loud for that I would say. So if that is what you want you will need an attenuator.

If you can deal with a pedal or preamp tone there is another option. I like the Silver Dragon for a tweedy-plexi vibe in pedals (others have their favorites). The Blues Jr. preamp will get you a decent sounding lover volume preamp distortion.

There are other options as well and I am sure someone will mention them soon.

Dale

lpacilio · March 25th, 2005, 12:00 PM

Well, the Blue's Jr. might be an option or (if you have money to burn) the Carr Mercury would be incredible.

If it were me I'd stick with the DRRI and use a Boss Blues Driver with either the Analogman or Keely mods.

trag-o-caster · March 25th, 2005, 12:34 PM

Two words:

Champ, and external speaker cabinet (well a few more than two)

See the thread about amp comparisons in the barn for my comments about running my Champ into two Celestion G12H0-80's. We're talkin' GLORIOUS output tube tone at a very managable volume.

Anonymous · March 25th, 2005, 12:42 PM

Yeah, I'd also say Blues Jr... but at 15w through 1x12, it will get pretty loud by the time it breaks up. Maybe a Pro Jr? They don't get very loud, certainly not enough to bother a drummer. Hee. ;-)

Of course, I'd use the Crate V-Series equivalent (V1512) rather than a Blues Jr. – but that's just me. ;-) Best of luck, CS

Fret Wilkes · March 25th, 2005, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris S.

Yeah, I'd also say Blues Jr... but at 15w through 1x12, it will get pretty loud by the time it breaks up. Maybe a Pro Jr? They don't get very loud, certainly not enough to bother a drummer. Hee. ;-)

Of course, I'd use the Crate V-Series equivalent (V1512) rather than a Blues Jr. – but that's just me. ;-) Best of luck, CS

Hi Chris,

With the Junior you can raise the volume and lower the master to get breakup at low volumes.

And they said breakin up was hard to do!

Fret

Jammin'John · March 25th, 2005, 02:33 PM

I have a weber MASS attenuator on my Deluxe and it works great. 8)
If you only want to drop a little headroom the Load Dump is the ticket !

JJ

Raymond · March 25th, 2005, 02:53 PM

My choices would be a Champ or a Blues Jr.

Joe-Bob · March 25th, 2005, 02:53 PM

I would try to find a used Fender Princeton Chorus DSP. About 40 pounds, 50 watts, 2 10s, stereo digital effects, clean and drive channels, 3 button footswitch. This is a great amp for a wide diversity like you described. The effects are great, with a wide variety of choices, very useable distortion, with a limiter, and also clean enough for jazz. With the footswitch, you can set several different sounds, and leave your pedals at home. Also, but not least, this amp even sounds good with an acoustic electric. It's a shame they don't still make them.

TexGoneNW · March 25th, 2005, 03:01 PM

I have two Pro Junior's, and I think they're a perfect fit if you're not looking for lots of clean headroom.

I wouldn't play 'em with a big jazz band, but it's great when you want some real tube break-up, and it's such a neat, simple circuit.

Work that volume knob on your guitar and you can do wonders with it.

ye olde fretmonkey · March 25th, 2005, 03:43 PM

Yeah, I've used a Champ for those sort of gigs and it worked just fine. 'course I only had to get over a standup bass and acoustic guitar.

I also have a little Kustom Tube 12 for those occasions. 2 channels and tone boost, and it's the size of a lunchbox.

Tremo · March 25th, 2005, 03:44 PM

How about a Princeton Reverb? Not as loud as a DR. If that's still too loud, then a Champ with an external 4 ohm 12" speaker.

Anonymous · March 25th, 2005, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fret Wilkes

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris S.

Yeah, I'd also say Blues Jr... but at 15w through 1x12, it will get pretty loud by the time it breaks up. Maybe a Pro Jr? They don't get very loud, certainly not enough to bother a drummer. Hee. ;-) Of course, I'd use the Crate V-Series equivalent (V1512) rather than a Blues Jr. – but that's just me. ;-) Best of luck, CS

Hi Chris,With the Junior you can raise the volume and lower the master to get breakup at low volumes.

Yup, the V1512 does that, too. You can certainly get overdrive at low volumes with either amp, but it's pre-amp overdrive, not the sound of power tubes cookin.' (Which is what I prefer.) ;-) And I'll still stick with the V-series. :-) All IMO, as always. CS :-)

Daddy Elmis · April 1st, 2005, 10:49 AM

Personally, I think anything over 6 watts is gonna be too loud.

The Reverend Goblin would be a perfect fit for this gig. Switchable 5/15 watts, lots of tones (including the DRRI), small and light amp. Built like the best of boutique and mass production.

With this amp, you've always got the option to switch to 15 watts at the flip of a switch to get more volume.

rdchapman · April 1st, 2005, 11:11 AM

If it were me I would bring my Tele or Strat for low gain pickups, My SF Princeton and a set of power reducing yellow jackets just in case it was still too much.

Robin Nahum · April 1st, 2005, 05:38 PM

http://www.jacksonsrareguitars.com/d....html?id=20081

http://www.jacksonsrareguitars.com/d....html?id=17975

I'm sure you can get a better price over your way though.

maestrovert · April 1st, 2005, 06:58 PM

http://www.sombrabella.com/bumbox/

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://www.songworks.com/pages/1/index.htm

Try these....personally, the songworks 1/4 watt is the best sounding (for MY ears), but the Hamster might be the most versatile....
'course, a custom 2 X 8" cab doesn't hurt either

Rob DiStefano · April 2nd, 2005, 07:43 AM

Relying solely on natural tube distortion will cause lotsa fiddling problems and experimentation - been there, done that - it's a big pain in the pitoot, and I avoid it like the plague.

The absolute answer is to just take any ol' amp yer happy with and use a good OD pedal (NOT a distorto pedal), and you'll be a very happy camper as tweaking both the volume and overdrive will be quite easy. If you use a decent wattage amp, you'll have both bases covered: natural clean headroom and bluez/rock overdrive. These dayze, I never leave for a jam/rehearsal/gig without a Barber LTD. YMMV.

biker joe · April 2nd, 2005, 12:17 PM

Go here:
https://weberspeakerscom.secure.poww...eber/atten.htm

and order a mass. Just email them and tell them what amp you want it for and they will hook you up. This has been the best piece of equipment I have bought in several years. Just as simple as a pedal, you just plug it between the speaker and the amp. No soldering required for your dr. My champ has been jeleous since I started using one with my princetion reverb. You can spend a lot of money and time finding low watt tube amps and different pedals. In my opinion this is the best solution.
For your situation it sounds like a mass would be better than a load dump. The MASS is much more versitile in any case. But to be sure, just email them, they will know.

March 25th, 2005, 11:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dana Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ashland, Ma Posts: 1,696 8 Photos	Requesting amp suggestions for small restaurant gig Hey folks, I want a small amp for a restaurant gig I'm currently doing. We play jazz, blues, funk, rock. I'm currently using a DRRI, but I can't get it to break up without getting way to loud for the room. I would like to get another Fender, and something with tubes. What do you folks suggest? Thanks! Dana __________________ www.good-ear.com www.miles.be Study music and not the musicians who play it. - Lincoln Goines

March 25th, 2005, 11:51 AM	#2 (permalink)
Doc Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Dakota Posts: 981	Do you want power tube break up at coffee room volumes? I have a 1 6v6 with a 12 in it and it would be too loud for that I would say. So if that is what you want you will need an attenuator. If you can deal with a pedal or preamp tone there is another option. I like the Silver Dragon for a tweedy-plexi vibe in pedals (others have their favorites). The Blues Jr. preamp will get you a decent sounding lover volume preamp distortion. There are other options as well and I am sure someone will mention them soon. Dale __________________ Guitars: Teles, LP, others. Amps: El Diablo, Richter 5E3, 5E3 Head, Traynor Bass Master II, Epi Jr Head, Gretsch/Supro, 60's Univox and others. Current Board-Guitar>Tuner>Java Boost> Huckleberry>Fuzz Head>Top Fuel>SFX-03> Keeley Comp>Clone Chorus>FL3> Amp

March 25th, 2005, 12:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
lpacilio Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 252	Low Volume Breakup Well, the Blue's Jr. might be an option or (if you have money to burn) the Carr Mercury would be incredible. If it were me I'd stick with the DRRI and use a Boss Blues Driver with either the Analogman or Keely mods.

March 25th, 2005, 12:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
trag-o-caster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Flushing, Michigan Posts: 4,631	Two words: Champ, and external speaker cabinet (well a few more than two) See the thread about amp comparisons in the barn for my comments about running my Champ into two Celestion G12H0-80's. We're talkin' GLORIOUS output tube tone at a very managable volume. __________________ Timothy Jon Lamb

March 25th, 2005, 02:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jammin'John Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tug Hill Plateau Posts: 312	Attenuate It ! I have a weber MASS attenuator on my Deluxe and it works great. 8) If you only want to drop a little headroom the Load Dump is the ticket ! JJ __________________ Tele's and tubes....an accident?......I don't think so... http://www.tughillregion.com/

March 25th, 2005, 12:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
Anonymous Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 0	Yeah, I'd also say Blues Jr... but at 15w through 1x12, it will get pretty loud by the time it breaks up. Maybe a Pro Jr? They don't get very loud, certainly not enough to bother a drummer. Hee. ;-) Of course, I'd use the Crate V-Series equivalent (V1512) rather than a Blues Jr. – but that's just me. ;-) Best of luck, CS

March 25th, 2005, 02:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
Raymond Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Herndon, VA Posts: 2,417 3 Photos	My choices would be a Champ or a Blues Jr. __________________ "That's a hard pill to swallow, buddy; when you find out what the blues is all about"

March 25th, 2005, 02:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
Joe-Bob Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 46 Posts: 4,016	I would try to find a used Fender Princeton Chorus DSP. About 40 pounds, 50 watts, 2 10s, stereo digital effects, clean and drive channels, 3 button footswitch. This is a great amp for a wide diversity like you described. The effects are great, with a wide variety of choices, very useable distortion, with a limiter, and also clean enough for jazz. With the footswitch, you can set several different sounds, and leave your pedals at home. Also, but not least, this amp even sounds good with an acoustic electric. It's a shame they don't still make them. __________________ "German is the language God uses when He really means business." --FZ

March 25th, 2005, 03:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
TexGoneNW Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Victoria, TX Posts: 917 4 Photos	Pro Jr! I have two Pro Junior's, and I think they're a perfect fit if you're not looking for lots of clean headroom. I wouldn't play 'em with a big jazz band, but it's great when you want some real tube break-up, and it's such a neat, simple circuit. Work that volume knob on your guitar and you can do wonders with it.

March 25th, 2005, 03:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
ye olde fretmonkey Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Austin Posts: 3,441	Champ Yeah, I've used a Champ for those sort of gigs and it worked just fine. 'course I only had to get over a standup bass and acoustic guitar. I also have a little Kustom Tube 12 for those occasions. 2 channels and tone boost, and it's the size of a lunchbox. __________________ Just 'cause that's the way things are, that never did make it right.

March 25th, 2005, 03:44 PM	#12 (permalink)
Tremo Banned Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA Posts: 3,803	How about a Princeton Reverb? Not as loud as a DR. If that's still too loud, then a Champ with an external 4 ohm 12" speaker.

April 1st, 2005, 10:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
Daddy Elmis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 961	Personally, I think anything over 6 watts is gonna be too loud. The Reverend Goblin would be a perfect fit for this gig. Switchable 5/15 watts, lots of tones (including the DRRI), small and light amp. Built like the best of boutique and mass production. With this amp, you've always got the option to switch to 15 watts at the flip of a switch to get more volume.

April 1st, 2005, 11:11 AM	#15 (permalink)
rdchapman Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Saratoga, NY Age: 55 Posts: 418	If it were me I would bring my Tele or Strat for low gain pickups, My SF Princeton and a set of power reducing yellow jackets just in case it was still too much.

April 1st, 2005, 05:38 PM	#16 (permalink)
Robin Nahum Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sydney, Australia Age: 57 Posts: 1,732 13 Photos	Something a bit older? http://www.jacksonsrareguitars.com/d....html?id=20081 http://www.jacksonsrareguitars.com/d....html?id=17975 I'm sure you can get a better price over your way though. __________________ RN

April 1st, 2005, 06:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
maestrovert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Branch Mi. Posts: 6,731	small amp http://www.sombrabella.com/bumbox/ http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1 http://www.songworks.com/pages/1/index.htm Try these....personally, the songworks 1/4 watt is the best sounding (for MY ears), but the Hamster might be the most versatile.... 'course, a custom 2 X 8" cab doesn't hurt either __________________ Sing the Song Bro' Play on Drummer www.godonthe.net

April 2nd, 2005, 07:43 AM	#18 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 63 Posts: 4,915	Relying solely on natural tube distortion will cause lotsa fiddling problems and experimentation - been there, done that - it's a big pain in the pitoot, and I avoid it like the plague. The absolute answer is to just take any ol' amp yer happy with and use a good OD pedal (NOT a distorto pedal), and you'll be a very happy camper as tweaking both the volume and overdrive will be quite easy. If you use a decent wattage amp, you'll have both bases covered: natural clean headroom and bluez/rock overdrive. These dayze, I never leave for a jam/rehearsal/gig without a Barber LTD. YMMV.

April 2nd, 2005, 12:17 PM	#19 (permalink)
biker joe Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 298	weber minimass Go here: https://weberspeakerscom.secure.poww...eber/atten.htm and order a mass. Just email them and tell them what amp you want it for and they will hook you up. This has been the best piece of equipment I have bought in several years. Just as simple as a pedal, you just plug it between the speaker and the amp. No soldering required for your dr. My champ has been jeleous since I started using one with my princetion reverb. You can spend a lot of money and time finding low watt tube amps and different pedals. In my opinion this is the best solution. For your situation it sounds like a mass would be better than a load dump. The MASS is much more versitile in any case. But to be sure, just email them, they will know.