Help - Original BF Super Reverb or Allen Old Flame?

[stormin]

Hey all,

I've got about $1200 I'm looking to spend on a 2x6L6 amp. I'm really looking for something to gig with that would sonically be in the realm of SRV, Buddy Guy, etc (FWIW, I've already ruled out tweed types).

I've narrowed it down to an original blackface Super Reverb, or an Allen Old Flame, most likely in a 4x10 config (if possible).

Can anyone offer any advice for me? I'm very torn as to what would be the best direction to go from here.

Thanks,

Stormin

 

[Boudreaux]

Hmmm...

You won't get any real advice from me. Both are tempting.

Dollar for dollar, the Old Flame would probably be a more useable amp. If I were in the market for a gig amp, the old Flame would be the choice. Both are a lot of amp.

The BFSR is a classic, altho.

I really would like an OF head; one could order a 4x10 cab first, and experiment with others as time goes by.

 

[Hucklebilly]

Old Flame

I just finished an Old Flame kit, and I don't see how you can go wrong. You get the BFSR vibe, but you can throw in some 6v6s for that Deluxe sound. Add the master volume, which sound great, and I think you'd be hard pressed to find a more flexible amp. I built a head and I'm in the process of building two 2x10 cabs that I can spread out, or angle toward me as the stage dictates. I can't wait to try out the whole rig!!!

 

[CancerLeoCam]

Depends...

A new Allen would probably not need any parts or refurbishing and save you money and aggravation down the road. However, a Fender is a Fender is a Fender-if it's stock and that's what you'll get and it may need some work if it's used. I think Allen does some tweaking to his amps but it's all about the sound you're after. Try 'em both would be my rec. Gluck

 

[Roe]

Hey all,

I've narrowed it down to an original blackface Super Reverb, or an Allen Old Flame, most likely in a 4x10 config (if possible).

the old flame is a 2x10. But the 40w encore is available as a 4x10

 

[Rick Towne]

I've had both.....

...two BFSR's and an Old Flame in both 2x10 and 4x10 combos. The SR's were too heavy and not as good at lower volumes, although stunning when cranked. The OF 4x10 with Weber alnicos was heavenly, more versatile in all respects, but still too big, although not as heavy. Too hard to get in and out of a car trunk or back seat. I've ended up with an Allen 1x12 combo cab with a Weber 12A150. Buy the SR for investment purposes and the OF to play out.

 

[Tremo]

I doubt you'll find a BFSR in decent shape for 1200 bones. The Allen amps are very good, hard to go wrong.

 

[Doug T.]

I'll second the Old Flame. Extremely versatile amp! You can probably get more sounds out of an Old Flame than a BFSR due to the extra control features David Allen builds in (i.e. RAW, tweed/bf switch, etc.).

David builds a solid, quality amp.

 

[KokoTele]

No way in hell you'll get a SR to sound as good as an Old Flame for the same $$. Even if you could get your hands on a BFSR for that much, it'll need a lot of work. Whenever I buy a vintage tube amp, I count on it needing at least a little work, and at least a new set of tubes.

But unless Allen goes out of business, a used Old Flame is never going to be worth more than you pay for it. The SR will slowly go up and up and up and up and up....

 

[jumpnblues]

I have a 40 watt Allen Encore head with a 4x10" open back Allen cab (2-Weber 25 watt C10N's and 2 Weber 30 watt P10Q's). It can sound exactly like a SR or you can dial in your own tones with the "Raw" control. I can't imagine any SR sounding better. Tremendously well designed, well built, high quality amp. 8)

 

[Wayne Alexander]

I've had a couple Allen Amps, an Old Flame and a Brown Sugar, and I'm getting an Encore (similar to Old Flame but with tremolo, I decided I needed that). If the focus is gigging, as you mentioned in your first post, the Old Flame is probably a better choice than a Blackface Super - it can make essentially the same sounds as the Super, at least in a 4x10 setup, and it can also make some sounds a Super can't. Also, it's made with better parts to a great degree, and should be more reliable over the next 20 years of gigging than a 40 year old amp would be, no matter how well maintained it is.

 

[KBR]

I'm with Jumpnblues & Wayne Alexander.

Go with the Allen, a better Amp, indeed.

I am getting an Encore Head next Tuesday and I went with the 35 Watt Tranny, Cause I have the 40 Watt Old Flame Head, already.

Looks like I will have 2 KIller Heads to use.
Oh yeah, I have owned maybe 17 Super Reverbs, 64s, 65,s 66s, 68s, 69, 70s, 72s. Some Dogs, some excellent, some good.

But the Allen Amps are always excellent!
Get a Head and a open back cab, much easier to lift 30-35 lbs in each arm, than 65 in one.
KBR

 

[stormin]

Thanks to everybody for the info.

Since this is not a piece for me to collect (I already have a BF Twin Reverb), I'll give the Allen the nod. Seems like that's the popular vote as well.

Thanks again.

...Stormin!

 

[Rich Rice]

I'm obviously in the minority here, but

I've played through two OF's now, and (although it is a very nice amp) was not impressed with either of them. I think they have nice features, are a great design, and are sure pretty to look at. You may break even if you buy one then change your mind, you won't lose alot. The SR will appreciate as time goes by, and if that is your taste... follow your heart and ears. Both amps feel underpowered to me, breakup is too early, and if you want heavenly clear tone you should consider a Twin, a Dual Showman reverb w/tone master (or similar) cab, or Vibrosonic combo. More bounce to the ounce, more bang for your buck. Just my honest opinion. Now I'm gonna go hide in the corner....