Need A Smaller Amp

[TimTheEnchanter]

I currently play through a '65 Twin Reverb Re-issue. It's stock (i.e. no speaker replacements or tube replacements) and I like the way it stays really clean and the way my fulltone fulltone 2 overdrives it.

It works great for outdoor gigs but, it's starting to be too much amp for indoor gigs, especially when we're trying to control stage volume. We have a soundman and he mics everything and controls our volume level overall so I'd like to get something that won't overwhelm like the '65 Twin Reverb RI does as its a loud amp.

I've heard about hot plates but I think I've heard attenuators aren't good for your amp, so I'm pretty much convinced I'll need to get a lower wattage amp. Does anyone have any suggestions on a lower wattage tube amp that will have a clean OD profile like a Twin ?

Thanks a bunch in advance for any suggestions.

[petebradt]

5E5 Bandmaster. Build one and it'll be the best amp you have.

[TimTheEnchanter]

I'm not the best engineer in the world. I barely actually got through wiring pickups in my squire tele. Any 'kits' out there or manufacturers/retailers of kits ?

[maestrovert]

www.ceriatone.com has kits....
www.s2amps.com will do your build for you if you lack the time or inclination....



i've no affiliation

[David Barnett]

If you like the Twin and want pretty much the same thing only not as loud, the obvious choice would be a Fender Deluxe Reverb-Amp, or a boutique amp based on the small Fender design, such as a Gomez or an Allen.

[Telecluster]

You may want to take a test drive of the Randall RG50TC. With the exception of Music Man amps, I have never heard anything else make a Tele come alive like this amp. It's a 50 watt all tube. It has a "sweet spot" that is miles wide. I bought one last week. you can see the specs of it as well as a review I wrote about it called "Telecaster Heaven". just go to the following link and enter Randall rg50tc in the "find" box
http://www.americanmusical.com/

[Teleman]

Git a Deluxe reverb!

[Mr. Sparkle]

Originally Posted by David Barnett

If you like the Twin and want pretty much the same thing only not as loud, the obvious choice would be a Fender Deluxe Reverb-Amp, or a boutique amp based on the small Fender design, such as a Gomez or an Allen.

How 'bout a Vibrolux?

[mad dog]

Pete: did you mean 5E7? No matter. The 35 watt tweeds, bandmaster, Pro, Super, have enough headroom, volume and drive right where it's most useful. 35 watts are just about right. The bandmaster (3x10) has a big sound for it's size and wattage.

The DR is also a logical choice, a rather loud 22 watts. If you like that BF sound, and the DR isn't enough, there's always the VR, at 35 to 40 watts. Several makers (Gries for one) put out BF-voice amps in the 35 watt range.

[detuned]

If you want the same but less watts, Deluxe, no question.

If you want a different variation on that same theme, try a Dr. Z Z-28 - another low watt 6V6 amp. Z's are very economically priced for a hand-wired booteek amp.

[stantheman]

I really really like the way a "Pro Reverb" sounds and You might too especially
if Your drummer and bass player get "carried away" in the heat of things.
Of course you can mic a DR in the event that You can't cut through. If the load-in involved me going up stairs it'd be the DR absolutely though a Tweed Bandmaster doesn't really weigh much more than a DR.
MandyMarie if You're out there You and Danny are right the Tweed Bandmaster's the one for Rockabilly and Rock in general. Recently I read somewhere that Joe Walsh gave one (and a Gretsch 6120) to Pete Townsend and that's what was used on "Who's Next". Big BIG TONE.

[TimTheEnchanter]

Sounds like the '65 DR RI is the way to go, although I'm actually half tempted on a Vox AC15 I saw recently.

Vibroluxes are nice but I'm not really up for spending more than I did on getting my Twin to get a smaller amp. Same goes for the boutique amps.

I've seen the Dr. Z amps. I wasn't impressed by them all that much for the price (but then again the guy playing through this was an SRV wannabe using plethora of cheapass DOD/digitech pedals to drive it. One of the few times I've heard someone who advertised themselves as a tele player play a tele which sounded very 'un-tele-like' but I digress).

[David Barnett]

The AC15cc is really decent, especially if you pony up the extra bucks for the blue alnico speaker option.

[lpacilio]

I have a DRRI and a Vox AC15CC (with the Wharfdale speaker). They're both great little amps. The DRRI will stay clean at slightly higher volumes. With that said, the Vox is getting a lot more playing time lately. It just seem I can dial up any tone I'm after with whatever guitar I'm playing.

I did retube with NOS Teslas though the stock tubes really aren't that shabby - EH EL84's, a TungSol 12AX7 and a Sovtek 12AX7. They just should put two of the TungSol's in there as they're great new production tubes.

Most retailers are selling them for $600 with the Wharfdale. At that price the amp is a steal.

[jdfoosh357]

Deluxe Reverb!!!!!!

[zook]

I have a Pro Reverb that I think I've owned twice. I had it in 1970 and sold it. I was living and playing in New Jersey at the time. I bought the amp from a fellow in New Jerseya few years ago, it was in need of refurbushing. It had a repair to the reverb tank that I did way back then. It was such a goofy repair that I think the amp is the same one. I'm thrilled to own it Again.

If physical size is not an issue, the Pro would be the logical replacement for your twin. If it is, you could get a Deluxe and put 6L6s in it. The amp will probably handle the difference in current. I had a SF Deluxe that I did that to and gigged successfully with it for a while. You can also upgrade the transformers with drop-ins from David Allen. 6L6s would give you aboout 30 Watts in the DR. The Avid Allen Transformers would yield about 40 Watts. A Pro is about 40 Watts.

Winnie