Rivera Clubster 45 ??

abraxas · October 28th, 2007, 05:08 PM

This is one more of the dreaded "what amp to buy" threads...

I'm looking for a highly gig-able amp (rather light in weight, smallish and with great reliability) that can give me the closest I can get to Fenderish cleans as well as some considerable gain on-demand. The reason is I'm currently involved in two bands, with styles varying from fusion/jazz to 80s hard rock covers. This need, in itself, points to a twin/multi channel amp. I sincerely cannot get the tones I need only by the use of pedals.

I have narrowed my market search to just a few -combo- amps. From these, I think, the Rivera is the closest to my needs. I also considered the Koch Studiotone combo, but I'm not that excited with it's clean channel, and it's dirty channel rather lacks the "oneness" that I'd like; it is a fabulous little amp though!

The outsider is the (solid state) Tech 21 TM60. I hold Tech 21 products in very high esteem and this amp has some quite usable tones.

I'd like my fellow TDPRIers opinion on the Rivera, I believe some of you might have gigged with it and have some insight to offer! Also, if you have something other to propose, along the above lines, you are most welcome to do so.

Telenator · October 28th, 2007, 07:52 PM

I have gigged with a Rivera Chubster 40 over the past 7 years with no problems except a flakey reverb tube. The Clubster 45 is a slightly different animal but I have not gigged with one. My Rivera covers everything from Creedence to Stone Temple Pilots at the tap of a footswitch. Use the "boost" on channel one, but DO NOT use it on channel 2. It's a bulletproof amp that delivers the goods. Highly recommended.

abraxas · October 29th, 2007, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telenator

I have gigged with a Rivera Chubster 40 over the past 7 years with no problems except a flakey reverb tube. The Clubster 45 is a slightly different animal but I have not gigged with one. My Rivera covers everything from Creedence to Stone Temple Pilots at the tap of a footswitch. Use the "boost" on channel one, but DO NOT use it on channel 2. It's a bulletproof amp that delivers the goods. Highly recommended.

Thank you my friend, I did remember that you have a Chubster from some previous post.

To be absolutely honest, I like the Chubster's tone a bit more than the Clubster's. I'm not sure if it is the different voicing or the bigger cabinet that makes the difference. But the Chubster is much more expensive and a little bulkier than the Club.

Thank you on the reliability vote: those amps certainly look build like the proverbial tank.

Hoodster · October 29th, 2007, 04:29 PM

I have the Clubster 25 and love mine--even with the 1X10 it is highly gigable, and the 25 watts are LOUD. You can now get the 25 in a 1X12 ("Doce")--either that or the 45 will suit your needs perfectly, great amps.

October 28th, 2007, 05:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
abraxas Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Greece Posts: 330 4 Photos	Rivera Clubster 45 ?? This is one more of the dreaded "what amp to buy" threads... I'm looking for a highly gig-able amp (rather light in weight, smallish and with great reliability) that can give me the closest I can get to Fenderish cleans as well as some considerable gain on-demand. The reason is I'm currently involved in two bands, with styles varying from fusion/jazz to 80s hard rock covers. This need, in itself, points to a twin/multi channel amp. I sincerely cannot get the tones I need only by the use of pedals. I have narrowed my market search to just a few -combo- amps. From these, I think, the Rivera is the closest to my needs. I also considered the Koch Studiotone combo, but I'm not that excited with it's clean channel, and it's dirty channel rather lacks the "oneness" that I'd like; it is a fabulous little amp though! The outsider is the (solid state) Tech 21 TM60. I hold Tech 21 products in very high esteem and this amp has some quite usable tones. I'd like my fellow TDPRIers opinion on the Rivera, I believe some of you might have gigged with it and have some insight to offer! Also, if you have something other to propose, along the above lines, you are most welcome to do so. __________________ I am a little world made cunningly myspace page: The Genius Loci

October 28th, 2007, 07:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Telenator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,611	I have gigged with a Rivera Chubster 40 over the past 7 years with no problems except a flakey reverb tube. The Clubster 45 is a slightly different animal but I have not gigged with one. My Rivera covers everything from Creedence to Stone Temple Pilots at the tap of a footswitch. Use the "boost" on channel one, but DO NOT use it on channel 2. It's a bulletproof amp that delivers the goods. Highly recommended. __________________ Dogs have the right idea!

October 29th, 2007, 04:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hoodster Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 347	I have the Clubster 25 and love mine--even with the 1X10 it is highly gigable, and the 25 watts are LOUD. You can now get the 25 in a 1X12 ("Doce")--either that or the 45 will suit your needs perfectly, great amps.