What would you guys do??

Triple Threat · November 15th, 2005, 11:53 PM

Hey everyone. I have a couple older amps a 1959 Fender Tweed Deluxe and a 1963 Fender Brown Deluxe...along with those I have a 1994-ish Fender Blues Deluxe amp. I used to gig a lot and have always used the Blues Deluxe so I wouldn't get someone pouring a beer onto my prized vintage Fenders. Well, now I have been doing more basement playing and don't really gig anymore. With the basement playing I broke out the older Fenders and really love them. The '59 is great but breaks up a little too quick and the '63 is better while the Blues Deluxe at 40 watts is a little too much for my basement without running a tube screamer. I am looking for that clean punchy sound with a little big of grit that the brown deluxe gives me but with a little more head room if that makes sense.

I have been reading a lot about the Allen amps and have really been considering building a Sweet Spot. Might even consider cutting loose of my 59 tweed. I have also been reading a lot of the working dog amps. Any opinions on these. I am looking for something a little more tank built that sounds great. Any other options out there I am missing??? I am looking for point to point wiring only and would like to keep it at or below $1000

gls500 · November 16th, 2005, 12:16 AM

I'm personally not a big fan of the Working Dog line.

Since you seem to like the Deluxe, maybe a Dr.Z Z28?

The Allens are very, very nice amps as well.

gls500 · November 16th, 2005, 12:16 AM

By the way - member for 2 years and this is your first post? nice lurking! :)

Triple Threat · November 16th, 2005, 12:36 AM

My buddy has a working dog I could try out...am I correct that those are Class A in the small combo though? I know he has a 20 watter. Not really a lurker...well kinda

I was actually one of the first members of the original TDP but had some life changing events that happened that pulled me away from this board for awhile. I must have registered with the TDPRI a couple years ago and just stumbled across my account info and logged in and started reading.

Man there is a lot of info I have been catching up on. I love this place. :D

pirana · November 16th, 2005, 01:24 AM

I've got no experience with the working dogs, but I do have an Allen Sweet Spot that I bought last april. I had Mr. Allen build it rather than get it in kit form. I ordered mine with 6L6 output tubes because I tend to favor a tight, clean & punchy tone most of the time & I just use an overdrive pedal when I want to dirty things up a bit. However, it will still clip along nicely on it's own by rolling the ol' volume knob in a clockwise manner but since I only play at home to entertain myself it can get a little too loud. Mine came with a 10" speaker but if I played out I would have gotten a 12"er. With all that said, my advice to you would be to do whatever you have to do to get one of these babies! I think the Allen line of amps are a real bargain for what you get which is classic tone but with a little of their own character. I love mine & bet you'd be happy with it if you get one.

boogaloo · November 16th, 2005, 01:29 AM

Let me start off by saying I am a Fender amp freak. I love 'em and can't get away from them- although there have been times I've strayed... 8)

I am fortunate to live close to George Alessandro, and to know and deal with one of his major distributors, Martyn's guitars in Doylestown Pa.

Two years ago I bought a Working Dog Rottweiler- the 40 watt model. Darn fine amp and top notch build. Don't know what wood (?) he uses for the cabs, but it is sturdy, resonant and LIGHT (in weight). Variable output via potentiometer from 20 to 40 watts. Not class A- but A-B. SS rectifier. Takes pedals well.

But having said all of that- while I was looking for a Deluxe Reverb sound on steroids; the Rottie has its own sound and dynamics. It does the Deluxe thing at certian settings but has it's own voice.To my taste- a little too sterile. I talked to George about it and he gave me some setting suggestions- but in the end, as he said "It is what it is- " incorporating some of the nuances of a Deluxe, with his own signature sound / dynamic. Very lush and rich in clean settings!

I traded it for a 1970 Super Reverb from Rob Martyn. Last year George was kind enough to build me a 59 Bassman PTP board to original specs, after another "tech" renegged on doing a conversion for me. He installed it in my RI cab. It's got tone to die for, and those who have heard it in person comment it's one of the best in class they've heard. It's my main gigging amp.

A close second is my recently acquired Fargen Blackbird 20. Not too many comments on them in this forum, but plenty on "the gear page". It follows the Deluxe Reverb closely, but, in my opinion, more dynamic and responsive particularly in taming brittle highs and allowing punchy bass w/o flubbiness.

I've heard nothing but good things about Allen amps- and was going to have one built for me, but didn't purely because I could not try one out in person. As it turned out- a local person had a Fargen that I could try before ordering.

Dr Z's are great- love their tone, but I've only played the EL84 models- quite different from 6V6 and 6L6 amps so I really can't compare.

Hope this helped somehow..

Brian

Tremo · November 16th, 2005, 02:11 AM

Check out an Allen Brown Sugar.

Triple Threat · November 16th, 2005, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tremo

Check out an Allen Brown Sugar.

That is the model I was looking at actually....I types sweet spot, but meant Brown Sugar. I think it would fit right in between the '63 brown I have and the '90's RI as far as wattage.

tom grossheider · November 16th, 2005, 11:38 AM

Keep them all and get a nice pedal. The vintage ones will increase in value and you'll get the sound you are looking for. In low volume situations I always have to use a pedal to get the sound I'm after. Just a thought.

stantheman · November 16th, 2005, 12:29 PM

Sounds to Me like You're talking '68-'69 Silverface Deluxe
Reverb. But it may be a little too loud for cranking at home depending upon where You live - Country or City.
I've had really good luck with a Twin and a Sparkle Drive
in regards to obtaining a "Deluxe Tone w/mucho headroom" too.
Ya might wanna try a Sparkle Drive on that modern amp that You already own and save a buck.

Wild Rice Chris · November 16th, 2005, 12:41 PM

If what you're looking for is just a little bit more headroom out of the '63 Deluxe, you might do well to change the speaker to one with a higher SPL rating.

Triple Threat · November 17th, 2005, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Rice Chris

If what you're looking for is just a little bit more headroom out of the '63 Deluxe, you might do well to change the speaker to one with a higher SPL rating.

Also looking for some reverb too...and of course an excuse to buy/build myself an amp.

As far as driving my higher watt amp with a pedal, well I have a a really nice pedal to do this, but call me weird I am kinda anti pedal...then again I could change my mind about this tomorrow.

November 15th, 2005, 11:53 PM	#1 (permalink)
Triple Threat TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 31	What would you guys do?? Hey everyone. I have a couple older amps a 1959 Fender Tweed Deluxe and a 1963 Fender Brown Deluxe...along with those I have a 1994-ish Fender Blues Deluxe amp. I used to gig a lot and have always used the Blues Deluxe so I wouldn't get someone pouring a beer onto my prized vintage Fenders. Well, now I have been doing more basement playing and don't really gig anymore. With the basement playing I broke out the older Fenders and really love them. The '59 is great but breaks up a little too quick and the '63 is better while the Blues Deluxe at 40 watts is a little too much for my basement without running a tube screamer. I am looking for that clean punchy sound with a little big of grit that the brown deluxe gives me but with a little more head room if that makes sense. I have been reading a lot about the Allen amps and have really been considering building a Sweet Spot. Might even consider cutting loose of my 59 tweed. I have also been reading a lot of the working dog amps. Any opinions on these. I am looking for something a little more tank built that sounds great. Any other options out there I am missing??? I am looking for point to point wiring only and would like to keep it at or below $1000

November 16th, 2005, 01:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
pirana Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 295	I've got no experience with the working dogs, but I do have an Allen Sweet Spot that I bought last april. I had Mr. Allen build it rather than get it in kit form. I ordered mine with 6L6 output tubes because I tend to favor a tight, clean & punchy tone most of the time & I just use an overdrive pedal when I want to dirty things up a bit. However, it will still clip along nicely on it's own by rolling the ol' volume knob in a clockwise manner but since I only play at home to entertain myself it can get a little too loud. Mine came with a 10" speaker but if I played out I would have gotten a 12"er. With all that said, my advice to you would be to do whatever you have to do to get one of these babies! I think the Allen line of amps are a real bargain for what you get which is classic tone but with a little of their own character. I love mine & bet you'd be happy with it if you get one. __________________ Guaranteed not to cause eternal torment in the place where the guy with the horns & pointed stick conducts his business... Frank Zappa

November 16th, 2005, 01:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
boogaloo Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: S/E Pa. Age: 52 Posts: 1,129	Working Dog- Et Al. Let me start off by saying I am a Fender amp freak. I love 'em and can't get away from them- although there have been times I've strayed... 8) I am fortunate to live close to George Alessandro, and to know and deal with one of his major distributors, Martyn's guitars in Doylestown Pa. Two years ago I bought a Working Dog Rottweiler- the 40 watt model. Darn fine amp and top notch build. Don't know what wood (?) he uses for the cabs, but it is sturdy, resonant and LIGHT (in weight). Variable output via potentiometer from 20 to 40 watts. Not class A- but A-B. SS rectifier. Takes pedals well. But having said all of that- while I was looking for a Deluxe Reverb sound on steroids; the Rottie has its own sound and dynamics. It does the Deluxe thing at certian settings but has it's own voice.To my taste- a little too sterile. I talked to George about it and he gave me some setting suggestions- but in the end, as he said "It is what it is- " incorporating some of the nuances of a Deluxe, with his own signature sound / dynamic. Very lush and rich in clean settings! I traded it for a 1970 Super Reverb from Rob Martyn. Last year George was kind enough to build me a 59 Bassman PTP board to original specs, after another "tech" renegged on doing a conversion for me. He installed it in my RI cab. It's got tone to die for, and those who have heard it in person comment it's one of the best in class they've heard. It's my main gigging amp. A close second is my recently acquired Fargen Blackbird 20. Not too many comments on them in this forum, but plenty on "the gear page". It follows the Deluxe Reverb closely, but, in my opinion, more dynamic and responsive particularly in taming brittle highs and allowing punchy bass w/o flubbiness. I've heard nothing but good things about Allen amps- and was going to have one built for me, but didn't purely because I could not try one out in person. As it turned out- a local person had a Fargen that I could try before ordering. Dr Z's are great- love their tone, but I've only played the EL84 models- quite different from 6V6 and 6L6 amps so I really can't compare. Hope this helped somehow.. Brian __________________ "..and I've got some tricks up my sleeve...oh yes indeed! It might come back to haunt 'cha..don't you throw that Mojo on me!"

November 16th, 2005, 12:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
stantheman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 5,071	Sounds to Me like You're talking '68-'69 Silverface Deluxe Reverb. But it may be a little too loud for cranking at home depending upon where You live - Country or City. I've had really good luck with a Twin and a Sparkle Drive in regards to obtaining a "Deluxe Tone w/mucho headroom" too. Ya might wanna try a Sparkle Drive on that modern amp that You already own and save a buck. __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

November 16th, 2005, 12:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
Wild Rice Chris Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rice Custom Dungeon Posts: 2,884 27 Photos	If what you're looking for is just a little bit more headroom out of the '63 Deluxe, you might do well to change the speaker to one with a higher SPL rating. __________________ "The children need to learn how to build their own environment and make their own music that is inspired by their roots."--Eugene Hütz "All music turns out to be ethnic music."--Steve Reich Enjoy, and please visit my homepage.

November 16th, 2005, 12:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
gls500 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 894	I'm personally not a big fan of the Working Dog line. Since you seem to like the Deluxe, maybe a Dr.Z Z28? The Allens are very, very nice amps as well.

November 16th, 2005, 12:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
gls500 Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 894	By the way - member for 2 years and this is your first post? nice lurking! :)

November 16th, 2005, 12:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Triple Threat TDPRI Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 31	My buddy has a working dog I could try out...am I correct that those are Class A in the small combo though? I know he has a 20 watter. Not really a lurker...well kinda I was actually one of the first members of the original TDP but had some life changing events that happened that pulled me away from this board for awhile. I must have registered with the TDPRI a couple years ago and just stumbled across my account info and logged in and started reading. Man there is a lot of info I have been catching up on. I love this place. :D

November 16th, 2005, 02:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
Tremo Banned Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Silicon Valley, CA, USA Posts: 3,803	Check out an Allen Brown Sugar.

November 16th, 2005, 11:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
tom grossheider Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mokena, IL Posts: 742	Keep them all and get a nice pedal. The vintage ones will increase in value and you'll get the sound you are looking for. In low volume situations I always have to use a pedal to get the sound I'm after. Just a thought.