What amp are you using right now?

[Charlie Brown]

I read a lot about amps before even buying my first PS and it seems like players using George Ls and similar pickups prefer solid state amps - everyone seems to be quite happy with their rolands, etc. but the more I play with tube amps... the more I like 'em!

I'm currently playing through a 70s Princeton Reverb and Musicmaster Bass, the first one gives me a very clean and crisp sound, trebly but not over the top or harsh - the MM Bass gives me a bassier tone. Both of my PS guitars have single coil Mullen pickups in them. I guess it's because single coil + tube amp takes me to the sounds of the Tom Brumley era.

My PS is in the middle of the living room, I'm trying to convince my wife to bring my good ole 65 twin reverb from the office (that's where I store my amps, hehe) but she's not too happy about it (me thinks that's what Brumley played or at least that seems to be what he is playing in the vids on youtube with Buck Owens and the Buckaroos).

I also have an orange Roland Orange SS Cube from the eighties and that also sounds great but it needs some TLC, I might go for one of the newer and smaller roland cubes in the near future (40w?), you never can have enough amps

What are you guys playing right now? I'd love to what to hear about what you're playing, if you use a different amp at home + gigs, etc.

Salud, beer and tapas for everyone

[Danny Mitchell]

Salud, beer and tapas for everyone

Okay, Charlie, I'll see you that, and raise you, a Haggis, Neaps and Tatties and a large malt whisky

With my GFI (fitted with George L's), I was using a Roland Cube 80, but found it was getting lost in the melee of a rambunctious band. I then upped my wattage to a Fender Steelking and was restored to my rightful position of aural dominance.

It sounds like you're well covered for amp choice. I've even had to dig out the family bible, and look for the commandment, 'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's Princeton'.

Slainte

[simon_f3]

I've even had to dig out the family bible, and look for the commandment, 'Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's Princeton'.

Sadly I have transgressed many a time on this commandment! I'm currently using a Roland Cube (on loan from JD) as I found my regular guitar amp (Fender Blues Jr) couldn't give enough clean volume, and my Sho-Bud seems to have quite a high output even with some spare on the volume pedal.

I am in the process of building my own version of the Princeton Reverb, which will probably have a bit more oomph than the original, and I am hoping this will suffice for all my stringed instruments. But then I am sure I will also want to keep hold of all the other amps I already have...

For practising and recording I have actually found the amp simulators in GarageBand to be pretty good - plus you can tweak all the settings once the recording is done. So to all who maintain that a turd can't be polished, I challenge you to look at my recording projects and rethink your stance (ok, maybe not polished, but certainly coated with a good dusting of glitter.)

I must add the disclaimer that I have not yet played in public with a proper band - I am sure that once I do I will find myself in need of more gear!

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

My current set up is a Quilter 202 block and a Benado effect unit. Lightweight rules after You pass fifty !!
I still have a Roland cube xl which was excellent and was good for most gigs it has a decent number of effects.I used it for practise at home mostly and it has been redundant for some time.
I also used a Sarno valve pre amp with the Benado and then to a T.C,Furlong S.P.L.I.T powered speaker and this is a great set up.
I have had many amps over the years and these current amps are doing a good job. Valve amps are nice but usually heavy.I have found that with a little tweaking of the Benado Nutra drive I can obtain a nice breakup without distortion.

[Danny Mitchell]

Sid, I doff my cap to your amp building venture and look forward to hearing the fruits of your labour And I, as a black belt, 8th dan, Turd Polisher, can attest to your claim; turds can definitely be polished.

Billy, that sounds like a great setup. Howzabout a wee heads up when you've got a Glasgow gig pending, (that is, if and when gigs come back ) I'd love to hear it in action.

[Ken Byng]

Well Charlie, this afternoon I will be using my Telonics combo for recording, so that's as close to right now as I can get. However I would also happily use my Webb solid state combo, my Peavey Valve King 100w 2 x 12" valve combo or one of my Roland 80XL cubes. Like you I love good valve amps, especially for lead guitar. However, the price of high quality valves is getting ridiculous, so I don't use the Valve King too often to reduce the wear and tear on it. Even back in the 70's a set of four 6L6GC output valves and all of the pre amp valves for my Fender Twin would set me back nearly £100, and got even worse when I bought the ear damaging Fender Super Twin with its 6 output valves!

[Danny Mitchell]

Having heard Ken's Show-Pro through his Telonics, I can truly say it sounds tremendous. Full, even and clear in all frequencies. And having recorded Davie Holland's MSA from the direct output on his Telonics, which required no adjustment from my end, none of the aforementioned turd polishing whatsoever.
So, on reflection, Charlie, I reckon a Telonics, if you can work up the dough, would sit well in your stable.

[simon_f3]

I'd love to hear the Telonics setup once gigs are back on the menu - seems to have universal approval, at least on this forum. Out of interest, does anyone have any experience with Kemper profiling amps for pedal steel? I've seen several pro players using these for 6-string guitar and the consensus seems to be that they are very good (i.e. versatile and portable). Though when you're that far into the four figure range they ought to be...!

[derek evans 15]

Just bought a Peavey 112 Bandit ,as i like the sound i get on my Rains guitar.Also use a Roland 80watt cube as well
as a Roland 40 watt.

[coolsteel]

I use a Telonics 500 combo for PSG and my AER 60watt for Dobro and acoustic Guitar both do a great job.