Favorite Musicman Amp?

RustleFuzz · February 2nd, 2008, 11:37 AM

Any opinions on the best sounding Musicman amps out there for club (small/medium) use?

I was looking into an older Sixty-Five 112 model and a friend mentioned the RD50 being the one...

I used to play through a Musicman 410 (I think it was a One-Thirty, controls were similar to a Super) it alwasy sounded real good.

Figured I might be able to get a Musicman quite a bit less than a Silverface and there are some guitar shows coming up in my area.

Durtdog · February 2nd, 2008, 12:03 PM

I've owned the 2 amps you mentioned, long time ago.

The 4x10 model sounded good almost all the time. Didn't sound completely like a Fender, but sounded good. I might be persuaded to buy one now.

The small, 112 channel switching amp almost never sounded good to me. Seemed harsh and stiff. Almost a solid stateness to it. Did not sound like a Fender. Would not buy another one.

I put the Fender comparison in there because you mentioned comparing the prices of MM to SF Fenders. Even if there's a price difference, I prefer the SF Fenders, personally.

Tim Armstrong · February 2nd, 2008, 12:11 PM

Next to the HD130-115 that I had, loaded with a 15" JBL, I think my favorite are the 2x10 versions, and I slightly like the HD ones better than the RD ones, but I can't say I ever played through a Music Man amp that I didn't dig.

Play 'em all, take home the one you like most!

Cheers, Tim

Tony474 · February 2nd, 2008, 02:35 PM

I have a 112RP100 with the EV speaker and it sounds wonderful at any volume. The Bright and Deep switches are very effective when needed, which isn't all the time. You're extremely unlikely to run out of headroom and though it isn't a channel-switcher it responds beautifully to pedals if you require overdriven or distorted sounds. I never bother with the built-in phaser effect but it's there if required, and the reverb is great. Downside: it's heavy, about 65 lb., but the build quality is excellent and it has sockets as standard for which a set of castors is readily obtainable. If you find one for sale, do check it out.

The 65-watt version was very similar but had a standard speaker and was a little lighter in weight.

I also once had a 212HD130, which was a nice amp too, loud, toneful, but it was very heavy indeed and I sold it to a guy buying on behalf of Chuck Prophet, who apparently collected them.

Can't comment on other models as I've never owned them, though the 112RD100 was similar to my amp but with switching channels.

Paul in Colorado · February 2nd, 2008, 02:44 PM

I agree with Tim (as the HD130-115 was mine before it was his). But the best sounding Music Man I've ever heard with a Tele was a 65-210. It's the amp I played my '52 RI through when I first found it in the music store. I could only afford one, so I got the Tele. Glad I did, but I always think of that Music Man amp.

getbent · February 2nd, 2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony474

I have a 112RP100 with the EV speaker and it sounds wonderful at any volume.

I had that amp (hmm maybe the 65 watt version) it was a great amp.... I just got a 2 X 10 65 watter a couple months ago... it is a nice amp.. a keeper.

I haven't played any crummy MM amps... but I'd caution just with they aren't exactly the same as Fenders... different, but both good and both in the same kind of family.

RustleFuzz · February 2nd, 2008, 03:28 PM

Just read where Aspen Pittman wrote: "...best sounding ones were the very first models with a 7025 tube driver to push the output tubes...ones to look for were the models 65 and 130 with the numbers written out in script (IE one-hundred thirty) on the lower right hand corner of the cabinet." I guess the ones after they switched to a solid state driver didn't sound as warm.

I kinda forgot about the 2x10" combos...those might be really cool to check out while on the search!

meyekel · February 2nd, 2008, 04:08 PM

I have had one of the early script sixty-five 212 tube inverter amps for about 15 years. It has the EV speakers in it and does weigh a ton but the casters help. It sounded huge and I really want to get my hands on it again. Unfortunately it is back in Philly at my Mom's house and shipping for it would be pretty high.

I always keep an eye out for another one that is local but they seem to be getting more rare. I'd say of you have a chance to play/buy one go for it you won't be disappointed!

Mike

CharlieO · February 2nd, 2008, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustleFuzz

Any opinions on the best sounding Musicman amps out there for club (small/medium) use?

I was looking into an older Sixty-Five 112 model and a friend mentioned the RD50 being the one...

I think that your initial idea of the 112 Sixty-Five is probably a better bet than the RD50. Be sure to look for an early one with the 12AX7 phase inverter. I had a 212 Sixty-Five, and it was everything I needed it to be, and more. I found myself thinking that a 112 or 210 Sixty-Five would have been perfect. The 210's are probably a bit pricier than the 112's, but that's what I'd be looking for if I was in the market now.

e-merlin · February 2nd, 2008, 10:17 PM

I've only had one, an RD of some sort. It was nothing if not loud, and I was just too inexperienced at the time. It's still running around out here somewhere. Every once in a while it turns up in a pawn shop.

studio1087 · February 2nd, 2008, 11:09 PM

I had an RD50 head and an RD50 1-12 combo in the 80's.

Loved them. I'm biased.

tiktok · February 2nd, 2008, 11:18 PM

+1 on the 2x10 models, although I'd always try out any of their models I can lift with one hand.

ne4tt · February 3rd, 2008, 05:31 AM

Like the versatility of having the head versions.

Set it up on your choice of cabs, and play guitar, bass, or steel.

Easier to carry when broken down into a separate head and cab.

jamie

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OzDoug64 · February 3rd, 2008, 07:30 AM

I've got the 210-HD One Thirty.

As recommended by one of the posts I replaced the blown speakers with 2 x 10' eminence Ragin Cajuns. I also replaced the EH tubes with 'winged C' 6ca7/el34 (the best tubes I've used).

It's very light to carry being a 130w amp.

I use USA 52RI's and they blend nicely together. With the Ragin Cajuns installed it goes into 2x12 territory, big sound. There is lots of sparkle and twang even with the bright switch turned off, it's a keeper.

ne4tt · February 3rd, 2008, 08:13 AM

Tony474 · February 3rd, 2008, 10:45 AM

Maybe this has been posted before, but I wonder why the Ernie Ball company didn't continue to make and market the amp range when they bought Music Man out in, what was it, 1984? Maybe they didn't have alternative manufacturing facilities, or was it something else? Anyone shed any light, just out of interest?

RustleFuzz · February 3rd, 2008, 10:52 AM

Sweet family portraits!

Went on the hunt around Nashville this weekend, couldn't find any Musicman amps to plug into. Maybe I'll luck out at the guitar show next Saturday...find a 65 112 or 210...those 210's are pushing my buttons after hearing all the good things about them.

odiemann · February 3rd, 2008, 12:36 PM

Had a great 210 that I really wish I hadn't sold to a friend. He told me he would keep it, but he sold it before I could get back.

mellocaster · February 3rd, 2008, 12:59 PM

i was buying some wood from ernie ball in the mid 80s and there were some musicman amps in the storage building. i remarked that i owned one and that they were a great amp and he said "you can lose your shirt making that stuff"

Albatross · March 24th, 2008, 11:23 AM

I use a Music Man HD112 combo: with one 12-inch speaker, 100 watts. I see a lot of 60 watt Music Man amps out there and even some 75 watt amps, but I don't seem to come across the 100 watt combo amp frequently. Love it! It has the absolute best clean channel sound I've ever used, great reverb, and the distortion is anything from a light crunch to downright dirty! It's a heavy amp, but well worth it's weight. Very loud, great tone.

randysmojo · March 24th, 2008, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony474

I have a 112RP100 with the EV speaker and it sounds wonderful at any volume. The Bright and Deep switches are very effective when needed, which isn't all the time. You're extremely unlikely to run out of headroom and though it isn't a channel-switcher it responds beautifully to pedals if you require overdriven or distorted sounds. I never bother with the built-in phaser effect but it's there if required, and the reverb is great. Downside: it's heavy, about 65 lb., but the build quality is excellent and it has sockets as standard for which a set of castors is readily obtainable. If you find one for sale, do check it out.

Ditto on the 112RP100. I tried one that I thought had great a great Fender clean, and the phaser was pretty cool. Kinda Waylon Jennings-ish, at least the way I had it set. I've thought about buying one when I have extra GAS money for another amp!

getbent · March 24th, 2008, 03:46 PM

I just added to the musicman stable at the ranch! I just got a musicman 112rp for 200.00... such a deal.. I'm gonna fire it up when I get home! woo hoo!

JimiBryant · March 24th, 2008, 03:55 PM

I've had an RD50 1x10" combo ever since I was in high school..

I love it, but I've also replaced the speaker with a Weber California after my
friend the Guitar Wolf blew up the stock speaker at a Lounge Ax gig!

I know a fellow who has the same combo but with a 12" EV, it's not as nice
to my ears with that particular speaker though.

Dan R · March 24th, 2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimiBryant

I've had an RD50 1x10" combo ever since I was in high school..

I love it, but I've also replaced the speaker with a Weber California after my
friend the Guitar Wolf blew up the stock speaker at a Lounge Ax gig!

I know a fellow who has the same combo but with a 12" EV, it's not as nice
to my ears with that particular speaker though.

I've had a similar experience to JimiBryant. I've had that same amp for about 25 years. It was my first decent amp. The difference is I put a Celestion speaker in mine. I like it very much. Plenty of clean headroom. It sounds very different from my Fender amps. Not the best for distortion unless you use a pedal. However I've been able to dial in some usable distorted tones within reason. I personally like it for country or funk/rhythm & blues stuff. It has a nice round tone with a tele, not too bright, just clear and full. Bear in mind, this model was the cheapest thing they made. It was $350.00 new back in '82. I even had a MM Saber guitar for a while, but I digress. Although I've never tried one, it seems the HD models are the most highly regarded MM amps. YMMV.

Dan R

BradKM · March 24th, 2008, 04:21 PM

I spent some time with a script logo 210-65 that sounded just glorious.

I was also fond of an HD-130 Reverb head and 4x12 cab that I got to pust some serious playing time in on. It was great for both guitar and bass (at lower levels).

Both passed through a shop I was working at in college and I couldn't afford either at the time.

February 2nd, 2008, 11:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
RustleFuzz TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 44	Favorite Musicman Amp? Any opinions on the best sounding Musicman amps out there for club (small/medium) use? I was looking into an older Sixty-Five 112 model and a friend mentioned the RD50 being the one... I used to play through a Musicman 410 (I think it was a One-Thirty, controls were similar to a Super) it alwasy sounded real good. Figured I might be able to get a Musicman quite a bit less than a Silverface and there are some guitar shows coming up in my area.

February 2nd, 2008, 12:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 8,395	Next to the HD130-115 that I had, loaded with a 15" JBL, I think my favorite are the 2x10 versions, and I slightly like the HD ones better than the RD ones, but I can't say I ever played through a Music Man amp that I didn't dig. Play 'em all, take home the one you like most! Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

February 2nd, 2008, 02:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tony474 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Bushey, near London, England Age: 61 Posts: 1,973	I have a 112RP100 with the EV speaker and it sounds wonderful at any volume. The Bright and Deep switches are very effective when needed, which isn't all the time. You're extremely unlikely to run out of headroom and though it isn't a channel-switcher it responds beautifully to pedals if you require overdriven or distorted sounds. I never bother with the built-in phaser effect but it's there if required, and the reverb is great. Downside: it's heavy, about 65 lb., but the build quality is excellent and it has sockets as standard for which a set of castors is readily obtainable. If you find one for sale, do check it out. The 65-watt version was very similar but had a standard speaker and was a little lighter in weight. I also once had a 212HD130, which was a nice amp too, loud, toneful, but it was very heavy indeed and I sold it to a guy buying on behalf of Chuck Prophet, who apparently collected them. Can't comment on other models as I've never owned them, though the 112RD100 was similar to my amp but with switching channels. __________________ Proud to be The Man From Uncool.

February 2nd, 2008, 11:09 PM	#11 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 3,584 36 Photos	I had an RD50 head and an RD50 1-12 combo in the 80's. Loved them. I'm biased. __________________ JLG Carry On

February 2nd, 2008, 11:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
tiktok Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 3,417	+1 on the 2x10 models, although I'd always try out any of their models I can lift with one hand. __________________ It takes two people to paint a perfect painting: one to paint it, and the other to shoot him when it's done. http://www.myspace.com/travishartnett http://www.myspace.com/sugarcanemutiny http://www.myspace.com/davidbavas

February 2nd, 2008, 12:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
Durtdog Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,146	I've owned the 2 amps you mentioned, long time ago. The 4x10 model sounded good almost all the time. Didn't sound completely like a Fender, but sounded good. I might be persuaded to buy one now. The small, 112 channel switching amp almost never sounded good to me. Seemed harsh and stiff. Almost a solid stateness to it. Did not sound like a Fender. Would not buy another one. I put the Fender comparison in there because you mentioned comparing the prices of MM to SF Fenders. Even if there's a price difference, I prefer the SF Fenders, personally.

February 2nd, 2008, 02:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
Paul in Colorado Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Fort Collins, CO Age: 55 Posts: 4,123 3 Photos	I agree with Tim (as the HD130-115 was mine before it was his). But the best sounding Music Man I've ever heard with a Tele was a 65-210. It's the amp I played my '52 RI through when I first found it in the music store. I could only afford one, so I got the Tele. Glad I did, but I always think of that Music Man amp.

February 2nd, 2008, 03:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
RustleFuzz TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 44	Just read where Aspen Pittman wrote: "...best sounding ones were the very first models with a 7025 tube driver to push the output tubes...ones to look for were the models 65 and 130 with the numbers written out in script (IE one-hundred thirty) on the lower right hand corner of the cabinet." I guess the ones after they switched to a solid state driver didn't sound as warm. I kinda forgot about the 2x10" combos...those might be really cool to check out while on the search!

February 2nd, 2008, 04:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
meyekel Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Denver Posts: 157	I have had one of the early script sixty-five 212 tube inverter amps for about 15 years. It has the EV speakers in it and does weigh a ton but the casters help. It sounded huge and I really want to get my hands on it again. Unfortunately it is back in Philly at my Mom's house and shipping for it would be pretty high. I always keep an eye out for another one that is local but they seem to be getting more rare. I'd say of you have a chance to play/buy one go for it you won't be disappointed! Mike

February 3rd, 2008, 05:31 AM	#13 (permalink)
ne4tt Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North Cackalacky Posts: 1,429 4 Photos	HD 130 Head Like the versatility of having the head versions. Set it up on your choice of cabs, and play guitar, bass, or steel. Easier to carry when broken down into a separate head and cab. jamie MM Amp Discussion MM Amp Model Chart MM Amp History MM Amp Catalogs MM Amp Price Lists

February 3rd, 2008, 07:30 AM	#14 (permalink)
OzDoug64 TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Gold Coast - Australia Age: 44 Posts: 70	I've got the 210-HD One Thirty. As recommended by one of the posts I replaced the blown speakers with 2 x 10' eminence Ragin Cajuns. I also replaced the EH tubes with 'winged C' 6ca7/el34 (the best tubes I've used). It's very light to carry being a 130w amp. I use USA 52RI's and they blend nicely together. With the Ragin Cajuns installed it goes into 2x12 territory, big sound. There is lots of sparkle and twang even with the bright switch turned off, it's a keeper.

February 3rd, 2008, 08:13 AM	#15 (permalink)
ne4tt Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North Cackalacky Posts: 1,429 4 Photos	Ads

February 3rd, 2008, 10:45 AM	#16 (permalink)
Tony474 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Bushey, near London, England Age: 61 Posts: 1,973	Maybe this has been posted before, but I wonder why the Ernie Ball company didn't continue to make and market the amp range when they bought Music Man out in, what was it, 1984? Maybe they didn't have alternative manufacturing facilities, or was it something else? Anyone shed any light, just out of interest? __________________ Proud to be The Man From Uncool.

February 3rd, 2008, 10:52 AM	#17 (permalink)
RustleFuzz TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nashville TN Posts: 44	Sweet family portraits! Went on the hunt around Nashville this weekend, couldn't find any Musicman amps to plug into. Maybe I'll luck out at the guitar show next Saturday...find a 65 112 or 210...those 210's are pushing my buttons after hearing all the good things about them.

February 3rd, 2008, 12:36 PM	#18 (permalink)
odiemann Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Denver Age: 41 Posts: 1,406	Had a great 210 that I really wish I hadn't sold to a friend. He told me he would keep it, but he sold it before I could get back. __________________ It just got better, I think

February 3rd, 2008, 12:59 PM	#19 (permalink)
mellocaster NEW MEMBER! Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Luis Obispo ca Age: 56 Posts: 9	i was buying some wood from ernie ball in the mid 80s and there were some musicman amps in the storage building. i remarked that i owned one and that they were a great amp and he said "you can lose your shirt making that stuff"

March 24th, 2008, 11:23 AM	#20 (permalink)
Albatross NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 1	I use a Music Man HD112 combo: with one 12-inch speaker, 100 watts. I see a lot of 60 watt Music Man amps out there and even some 75 watt amps, but I don't seem to come across the 100 watt combo amp frequently. Love it! It has the absolute best clean channel sound I've ever used, great reverb, and the distortion is anything from a light crunch to downright dirty! It's a heavy amp, but well worth it's weight. Very loud, great tone.

March 24th, 2008, 03:46 PM	#22 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Age: 48 Posts: 9,149 37 Photos	I just added to the musicman stable at the ranch! I just got a musicman 112rp for 200.00... such a deal.. I'm gonna fire it up when I get home! woo hoo! __________________ Happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length.

March 24th, 2008, 03:55 PM	#23 (permalink)
JimiBryant Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago Chicago that toddlin' town Age: 46 Posts: 1,577	I've had an RD50 1x10" combo ever since I was in high school.. I love it, but I've also replaced the speaker with a Weber California after my friend the Guitar Wolf blew up the stock speaker at a Lounge Ax gig! I know a fellow who has the same combo but with a 12" EV, it's not as nice to my ears with that particular speaker though. __________________ I'm sick and tired of following my dreams, so I'm just gonna ask 'em where they're going and hook up with them later!

March 24th, 2008, 04:21 PM	#25 (permalink)
BradKM Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 403	I spent some time with a script logo 210-65 that sounded just glorious. I was also fond of an HD-130 Reverb head and 4x12 cab that I got to pust some serious playing time in on. It was great for both guitar and bass (at lower levels). Both passed through a shop I was working at in college and I couldn't afford either at the time. __________________ "Go Team Venture!"

March 24th, 2008, 05:12 PM	#26 (permalink)
Tony474 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North Bushey, near London, England Age: 61 Posts: 1,973