Johncn
13 posts
Jul 27, 2012
7:11 AM
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Hi,
This is an interesting thread, and I've enjoyed looking at the lists and pics.
I have some slightly, uh, different solutions than many of you, so I figured I would post about what amps and cabinet combinations I use. Some are a little bizarre, but I'm happy with them so far. ;-)
Johncn's Current Amp Herd
- 1949 Allied Knight PA Head (Catalog #93-147, with turntable removed) - Jim Rossen customized
- Premier 110
- Epiphone Valve Junior
- Epiphone 1 x 12 extension cabinet
- Gibson Super Goldtone cabinet (2x10/2x12 Celestions)
- (2) Early 50s Ampro (1x12 Jensen P) Alnico speaker cabs
My absolute favorite is the 1949 Knight that Jim Rossen customized. He did a wonderful job setting up the channels differently, and they all sound just freaking awesome to me. I feel very fortunate to own it. I've used it with the early 1950's 12 Jensen alnico speakers in the Ampro film projector extension cabinets in both series (the have a buddy plug), and singly, and with my Epiphone 1 x 12.
The Knight PAs were early club systems popular in the post-war era, and early 50s, and had an optional turntable for spinning records when the band was not playing. Here is the page from the Allied 1949 catalog that describes the original system and shows what it looked like before the turntable was removed:
Here is how Jim describes the channels of the customized Knight. It uses cathode based 6L6 power tubes. He changed the stock circuits to this :
1- Like a Masco ME18 with grid leak biased pentode first gain stage
2 - Similar to a Gibson Maestro with cathode biased pentode first gain stage
3- Like a Sonny Jr 1 amp with paralleled twin triode first gain stage. Shared treble bleed tone control.
I was looking for a 2 speaker cabinet to run with the Knight, but got a great deal on the 210/212 Gibson for less than the other options, so I took a chance. I got lucky, I think, as it works very well for harp in my opinion. I have not played out with this setup, but I have had great fun running the Knight's channels into the "stereo" setup on the ginormous Gibson Goldtone cabinet so that each one gets an 8 ohm feed.
The cabinet has 2 x 10 Celestion Vintage 10s with open backs on top, and 2 x 12 Celestion Vintage 30s in closed cabinet on the bottom. In "stereo" mode each side (1 x 10 / 1 x 12) is driven as a pair. Jim recommended I used a diverse pair of speakers for the amp with one alnico and one ceramic. I think of them as two cabinets in one...lol...and I will swap out one of the 12's for a vintage alnico speaker.
The Premier 110 is 100% stock, and I'm in love with the tone and breakup on it, but I'd never carry this one out to a gig. I had an amp tech clean and check it, and replace the cord with a grounded one. Eventually, of course, it's going to need a cap job.
The setup I usually use day-to-day is the Epiphone Valve Junior head with either one or two of the Ampro speaker cabs. I have another VJ that has the mods for harp, but I frankly like this one better with nothing but a tube swap.
Thanks to all who have shared in this thread so far.
Regards,
Johncn
Last Edited by on Jul 27, 2012 7:54 AM
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Rick Davis
580 posts
Jul 27, 2012
7:29 AM
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John, that is a very cool amp pile. I was talking to Gary Smith a couple years ago and he told me he had the Epi Valve Jr half stack and LOVED it; even gigged it sometimes.
I dig all your vintage gear.
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-Rick Davis
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Johncn
14 posts
Jul 27, 2012
8:07 AM
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Thanks, Rick. It's an eclectic pile accumulated (except for Jim's Knight head) from garage sales, eBay and Craig's List...but I like the options it gives me.
I am, of course, envious of some of the beautiful boutique and more traditional gear posted by you and others. ;-)
Regards,
Johncn
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snakes
673 posts
Jul 27, 2012
3:26 PM
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Harp Gear HG2.
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snakes in Snohomish
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Lazerface
36 posts
Jul 27, 2012
9:57 PM
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Marshall class 5 and fender hot rod deluxe III i use both for harp and guitar
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12gagedan
228 posts
Jul 27, 2012
10:28 PM
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-1996-ish Blues Junior (have not blown harp into it for 5-ys)
-Kay 703 (been missing, but it may have been found at my sister's house)
-Silvertone 1482 (red grill cloth)
-Brown Fender Concert c-1963, formerly owned by Rod Piazza
-HG-35
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12gagedan's YouTube Channel
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Littoral
574 posts
Jul 28, 2012
5:24 AM
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12gagedan
Can you compare the Concert to your HG? I've considered adding an HG and I have a Concert (60).
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Silvertone
122 posts
Jul 28, 2012
4:10 PM
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In storage and havent been played in almost 4 years I have;
1965 Fender Pro Reverb,
Sears 40xl head (tube),
Silvertone 1482,
Crate VC508
Bogen 60watt SS
A few projects amps, webcor reel-to-reels and others,
The only amp I have out to play is a Roland Micro Cube which I do really like and also a RP350 if I feel like being creative.
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John Woods
2 posts
Jul 28, 2012
10:08 PM
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Hohner 1040 w/2 8"speakers and a Vox AC4TV w/1 10" speaker.(Love the tubed Vox). I`m just starting.
Last Edited by on Jul 28, 2012 10:12 PM
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Kingley
2043 posts
Jul 29, 2012
12:20 AM
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I only own one amp now. It's a VHT Special 6 which I have done the Jim Rossen mods too. These days my preference is to play a cupped 545SD straight into the PA. So I don't need any other amps at the moment.
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Rick Davis
589 posts
Jul 29, 2012
7:52 AM
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Kingley, I thought you had a reissue Fender Princeton Reverb. Have you replaced that with the VHT?
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-Rick Davis
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Kingley
2044 posts
Jul 29, 2012
10:14 AM
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Rick - I had to sell the Princeton as I needed the cash badly. That was a very sad day indeed. The Princeton Reverb is the finest amp I have ever played through by a running mile. I bought the VHT, just to have an amp around if I need it.
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Rick Davis
590 posts
Jul 29, 2012
10:41 AM
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Kingley, I agree the PRRI is a great harp amp. Sorry to hear you had to sell it. I really liked the VHT amp (I donated to a charity auction earlier this year) but I don't think is is nearly the same amp as the Princeton.
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-Rick Davis
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Kingley
2045 posts
Jul 29, 2012
11:10 AM
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Rick - I totally agree the VHT is nowhere near as good as the PRRI. It's a great little amp though for what it costs and once modded is even better as you know. It's ideal for smallish gigs and home or studio work. I've used it at a few jams and it's performed well with a line out to the PA.
Somebody got a great little harp amp from your generosity and a charity gained in the process too. You've racked up some well earned karma points there Rick.
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12gagedan
229 posts
Jul 30, 2012
8:56 PM
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Littoral,
In speaking with Brian Purdy last fall, he explained how the Concert was more of a basis for his amps when compared to others'. That's probably why I like his amps. I don't really like Sonny Jr. Type amps, as they sound too muddy to me. I really loved the HG 50's that I've heard, but can't justify buying one while owning the Concert. The HG35 that I own is a little more harp-amp-like, but it is a smaller amp, so that's reasonable. I really like the tone I get from the HG-35.
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12gagedan's YouTube Channel
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mrdon46
83 posts
Jul 30, 2012
11:28 PM
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I wish I knew how to insert pictures but haven't figured that out yet--anyone care to tell me how? Anyway, here's my list:
--Peavey Special 20 (purchased on a whim, NOT a good harp amp, need to sell it)
--Kalamazoo Model 2 (my first real "harp" amp, still maybe my favorite)
The rest of these are amps I built:
--Lone Wolf 6L6SE (12" Cannabis Rex speaker)
--3X6V6SE suitcase amp (kind of an experiment, incorporates Kalamazoo 2 tremolo circuit, Moonlight tone control, 2X8" speakers)
--Fender Super based homebrew (2X6L6, 6SL7/5691 front end, 2X10" speakers)
--Fender Harvard based suitcase amp (built largely with parts salvaged from an old Hammond organ; 2X6V6, 6SL7 preamp, 2X10" organ speakers; LOVE this amp--louder than its 10W would suggest, toneful)
--'59 Bassman 5F6A clone, incorporating many of Mark Burness's mods including cathode bias/self split switch (my most recent build, HUGE sound, played outside at a gig last weekend--unmiced--and more than held my own with guitars)
--also--about 3/4 completed--a 5E7 Bandmaster based suitcase amp using many parts from a Wurlitzer organ (2X6L6, tube reverb, 1X12" and 2X8" speakers)
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bluzmn
74 posts
Jul 31, 2012
5:09 AM
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I have several amps that I bought "for parts or repair" on eBay that I've been working on as I have been able to acquire parts for them; what I have in good working order are a Fat Dog Model 1A, a Premier Twin 8, a Masco MA-8N and a Multivox Model 45.
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Johncn
15 posts
Jul 31, 2012
8:22 AM
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MrDon,
You have an interesting sounding collection. We'd love to see pics.
To post pictures here you have them on another server (another site) that you can reference in a little bit of HTML language on the page here. It will call the images to the message you post, but the pictures will only look like they are on the forum. They will really reside somewhere else. This forum does not allow you to upload images to Adam's site.
Your images have to end in the right file extension (.jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .png).
Here is how you do that...briefly. My example is on top, and I put hints in the sample text below it to tell you what to substitute there to make your images appear.
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Johncn
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mandowhacker
186 posts
Jul 31, 2012
6:53 PM
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I got a Mustang Mini and sold everything else that I could sell around town.
I'm getting' ready to list the few others on eBay.
Simple device for my simple needs!!!! All I do is honk for myself and this little guy does anything I want it to.
Greg
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Just when I got a paddle, they added more water to the creek.
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bonedog569
580 posts
Jul 31, 2012
10:49 PM
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My jam buddy Tony's collection - or most of it anyway. He's not a harp player - and these haven't been set up for harp - but work pretty darn well anyway. These are all vintage originals- no re-issues for Mr. T.
Vox ac30, Ampeg Reverb Rocket, BF Deluxe Rerverb & Super Reverb, Gibson GA30, 59Bassman (collected at my suggestion;), - SF twin under the table. Gibson tweed EH 150 is hidden somewhere.
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Last Edited by on Jul 31, 2012 10:50 PM
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naptown jack
2 posts
Aug 07, 2012
11:44 AM
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'57 Fender pro,'66 blackface Vibrolux,Sonny Jr. Cruncher, Pignose bass fo' the street
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SuperBee
487 posts
Aug 07, 2012
2:26 PM
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Just added an Epi VJ 3 to my set. I thought I had enough but I forgot I'd saved a search in eBay. It's a clean, stock amp. Original idea was to cut my modifying teeth with it, as I don't actually need a 5w amp.
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MN
166 posts
Aug 07, 2012
3:19 PM
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My lone amp is a tweed Marble Max (5 watts or so, with an 8" speaker) that I bought new in 2003. Love it.
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atty1chgo
429 posts
Aug 07, 2012
4:03 PM
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Just one - an early 1980's Peavey Special (the model before the Special 130). 120 watts of solid state power and a 12 inch Scorpion speaker. Can compete with most guitar amps.
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strawwoodclaw
307 posts
Aug 07, 2012
4:06 PM
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There's a cheap MINT condition 4/10 HARP KING for sale
here ebay.com 120964719117 rare chance & bargain
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tmf714
1200 posts
Aug 07, 2012
5:20 PM
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Thank you,Straw!!
I was going to post a photo for the "What amps do you own right now" thread,but it will have to wait-
Last Edited by on Aug 07, 2012 5:21 PM
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2chops
90 posts
Aug 07, 2012
6:13 PM
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Roland Micro Cube. Great little amp for what I need it for.
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You Tube = goshinjk
I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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2chops
91 posts
Aug 07, 2012
6:13 PM
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Roland Micro Cube. Great little amp for what I need it for.
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You Tube = goshinjk
I'm workin on it. I'm workin on it.
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Rhartt1234
61 posts
Aug 08, 2012
8:55 PM
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Rick Davis
601 posts
Aug 09, 2012
9:21 AM
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Ryan, I like that red zombie amp...
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-Rick Davis
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HawkeyeKane
1122 posts
Aug 09, 2012
10:54 AM
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Ryan, what's the mesh-covered little amp head to the lower left of the group shot?
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Hawkeye Kane
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Rhartt1234
62 posts
Aug 09, 2012
10:53 AM
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Hawkeye,
That is a DuKane PA head from Skip Simmons as is the other PA head a Bogen Challenger.
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HawkeyeKane
1123 posts
Aug 09, 2012
12:13 PM
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I thought so. Those are killer!
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Hawkeye Kane
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Pluto
235 posts
Aug 09, 2012
2:47 PM
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Here are mine. I've sort of "thinned the heard".
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BronzeWailer
765 posts
Aug 09, 2012
4:39 PM
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Just a Pignose 7-100 and Roland BA 330.
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Rick Davis
602 posts
Aug 09, 2012
4:50 PM
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Pluto, how do you like the Fender Excelsior?
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-Rick Davis
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Pluto
236 posts
Aug 09, 2012
5:07 PM
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Rick,
Its OK. For $299 I thought I'd try it. I like it better than the Blues Jr, since it has 6V6's and a 15" speaker.
Its a great guitar amp, and my son plays guitar, so at the very least he can use it.
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bonedog569
595 posts
Aug 09, 2012
11:47 PM
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With all the pretty pictures - I got inpsired to corral my heard for a group pic of my own. It's nice to see I'm not the only amp nut in the crowd.
top row left to right.
Wards Airline 8512 (single ended octal) ,
Gibson BR9,
behind it-Fender Blackface Dlx Reverb,
Ampro speaker cab.
Middle row:
Sano 30WR
Fender 'super six' (=100watt master vol.Twin Reverb) - in a franken combo w/ 1 -12" & 1 -10"
59Bassman RI
Front row:
VHT special 6, Lone Wolf 6L6 SE DIY in an estate-sale bought travel case
Gibson GA6 (on long term loan)
holding up the Dlx Reverb and out of sight- a Rivera-era Fender Concert 210 l want to sell.
Props once again to 5F6H for his gracious help in getting some of these puppies to sing for me.
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SuperBee
491 posts
Aug 09, 2012
11:56 PM
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That's the way, much better with photos.
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Rick Davis
604 posts
Aug 10, 2012
9:16 AM
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Damn!
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-Rick Davis
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Gig74
121 posts
Aug 10, 2012
4:32 PM
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Some awesome amps in these collections.
So your on a sinking ship, the life boat has only room for one amp, you'll wash up on a desert island - populated with blues fans - with a power supply and or unlimited batteries, which amp do you save?
Bon voyage
Greg.
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Living the dream and learning the blues one little trouble at a time.
Last Edited by on Aug 10, 2012 4:39 PM
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Gig74
122 posts
Aug 10, 2012
4:32 PM
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Double post, my bad.
Greg.
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Living the dream and learning the blues one little trouble at a time.
Last Edited by on Aug 10, 2012 4:37 PM
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Pluto
237 posts
Aug 10, 2012
4:36 PM
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The Meteor Mini 15, no question
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SuperBee
494 posts
Aug 10, 2012
6:20 PM
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Is there a PA on the island?
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chromaticblues
1295 posts
Aug 11, 2012
3:18 AM
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The 49' Night I'm guessing sounds pretty damn good!
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chromaticblues
1296 posts
Aug 11, 2012
4:20 AM
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@Willspear How do you rate your GA-40? That is if it's in good working order. I've played through a few and they all sounded different? I don't know if that was a Gibson thing or they were just old?
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LSB
133 posts
Aug 25, 2012
5:06 PM
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1. MegaTone Wezo-45
2. Harpgear Double Trouble
3. VHT Special 6 with an Eminence Ramrod Speaker
Still looking for: Kinder Soulful
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1847
156 posts
Aug 25, 2012
6:18 PM
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hawkeye
larry davids amps are top notch
he would come down to the blue dog
that guy can play!
they had a battle of the blues harps
he won as they say in horse racing
going away
no one was even close.
no one ever mentions his amps
now their is a candidate for hill country harmonica
if i've ever heard one
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FreeWilly
303 posts
Aug 26, 2012
5:21 AM
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Danelectro Hodad!
Loud enough for practice/busking for sure!
should we open a mic-thread??
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Cole
12 posts
Aug 26, 2012
7:48 AM
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Vox AC4
Vox AC15 C1
Dr Z Carmen Ghia 112 combo w/V30 speaker
The Dr Z is a first year production 1998. This is a very loud amp for 15 watts. After I got my SM57 Ultimized by Greg... I plugged straight in, adjusted the tone and cranked it up. To my surprise... I was thrilled how well it sounded!
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Cole Stevens
www.colestevens.net
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