Littoral
1155 posts
Nov 08, 2014
12:35 PM
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I need something loud enough. Old question, I know, but I want loud enough to light a guitar players head on fire.
I found a ratty tweed Blues DeVille for a real good price. With basic mods, at least tube swaps, and pedals (LW Octave &/or Break) I'm thinking this will launch. Bulletized 57. I got the rest pretty well worked out (tone/technique/control).
Suggestions? Thanks.
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NathanLWBC
18 posts
Nov 08, 2014
1:17 PM
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I had a guy in the shop the other day testing pedals with his Blues Deville (2x12), and it was pretty loud. I'm not sure about "enough to light a guitar players head on fire", but it was definitely more than enough volume for the vast majority of applications. The LW Harp Break will definitely help you overdrive it, too.
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--Nathan Heck
Lead Technician, Lone Wolf Blues Co.
customerservice@lonewolfblues.com
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SuperBee
2264 posts
Nov 08, 2014
3:07 PM
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I can't keep away from a thread about Devilles.
A 410 deville can be a great harp amp.
Some folks find they have too much gain. If this proves to be the case, it can be fixed.
I believe the Blues Deville is quite similar to a HotRod Deville in terms of circuit for the clean channel. Blues Deville may be better built. I think I've seen BBQ Bob comment it's more like a bass man than a reissue bassman.
Anyway, if too much gain, too clean at feedback...try input number 2. Preamp pedal is a solution preferred by some. Not tried by me. Harp break could help I suppose. I found it reduced my feedback threshhold.
Some like to retube preamp. If you do this, probably a good idea to uprate the power handling capacity of v3 plate resistors. Good idea to do this anyway.
Another approach is to reduce preamp plate voltage. This is what I did and was very happy with the amp. A friend in Netherlands has implemented same mods as mine and recently sent me email confirming he is pleased with the outcome. Both our amps are late 90's USA-made HRDevilles, but looking at schematics I can't see a difference with BluesDeville until you get to the overdrive channels, which I never use, so I believe the principles are applicable to both.
Despite my enthusiasm for the beast...it's not for everyone. If you can park close to venue and don't have to negotiate too many stairs it's ok. I find I use something else where I can, but if there is any concern about volume the Deville is the go.
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R2D2
13 posts
Nov 08, 2014
3:50 PM
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I've played one for years.Inexpensive Reliable other than plate resistors which have been replaced on mine but only after years of playing. I have various tube setups
4x10 is the way to go.Heavy but if you get smart you have a small hand truck. Payed around 500. New. Have spent 150 on it in 20 years.
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Goldbrick
758 posts
Nov 08, 2014
3:57 PM
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The guys playing leaves something to be desired but that Bassman definitely sounds fuller to my ear
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R2D2
14 posts
Nov 08, 2014
4:50 PM
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Not a fan of 2x12 Deville.With 4x10 AlNico speakers in Deville and it's hard to tell the two apart. Now RI bassman had tube rectifier and Deville SS. But if op has one at a good price, Deville is solid gigging amp. A NICE tube stack is 12ay7 v1 12ax7 v2 12at7 pi. You can also use THD YellowJackets and run EL84s to crunch output stage at lower volume. I only run LW delay.
Last Edited by R2D2 on Nov 08, 2014 4:54 PM
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Barley Nectar
563 posts
Nov 08, 2014
5:09 PM
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I used to play with a crazy tattooed biker who played a 58 LP gold top into a JBL Twin. Blues based rock band and LOUD as HELL! My Silvertone Twin 12 was buried. Picked up a '80 Fender 75, one 12" speaker. I never seen his head smoking but he never buried me again! BTW, the clean chnl on a 75 is excellent for harp and those amps can be had for a good price if you can find one...BN
Note: The "75" stands for pounds!
I have also played a 4x10 Deville that was stock. I found it to be excellent also at that outdoor gig. I would not hesitate to pick up the Blues Deville especially if it had the blue Eminence alnico `10" speakers.
Last Edited by Barley Nectar on Nov 08, 2014 5:21 PM
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