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New to MM amps

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Cesar Robles (crobless)
Username: crobless

Registered: 09-2013
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 02:33 pm:   

So I've been playing the guitar for about 9 years now, I play a Fender Classic Player HH Jaguar. I formed a band about 6 months ago or so and am trying to get my tone and sound together, if you will.

I play a tiny little 15W Orange head through a Vox 4x12. I suppose you can say I'm relatively new to the world of amps and live sound in general.

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new head, 15W is obviously not gonna cut it. My bassist has been ranting and raving about Music Man amps and has sparked my interest in them.

What do ya'll think would be the best option for me? I was thinking a 65 Head or an HD130. In terms of specific models, I'm not positive. Not really aching for reverb or any built-in effects, just want a good, loud, crunch.I was thinking 65 because 65 watts is probably loud enough and it'd be a bit cheaper to update and fix up if anything needs updating. Is my line of thinking correct?

Also, I've heard something about MM amps having meltdowns when used on the 'low' setting? As I said, I'm a novice, so any help or advice would be MUCH appreciated.
Bill Traylor (bozzy369)
Username: bozzy369

Registered: 02-2008
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 07:26 pm:   

If there are any meltdowns it will happen on the high setting not the low,some on here have recommended to always run in the low setting .I personally love the 100 rd ,now that's not a all tube amp ,if you want all tube the 65 or the 130 sound great.They are the models though if there will ever be a meltdown it will be those 2.The PI tube ,if it fails it could start this problem ,some other things might as well, but that's usually the culprit.....
Greg Williams (gwmn)
Username: gwmn

Registered: 08-2013
Posted on Sunday, September 15, 2013 - 08:09 pm:   

If you read around, a good military spec. (JAN) 12AX7 is a good idea.
Dave Gossett (davey)
Username: davey

Registered: 05-2006
Posted on Monday, September 16, 2013 - 08:47 am:   

My thought is a 65 might do the trick. You can run it on the low power setting to get that crunch a little faster or you can use the high setting if needed. #1 input jack is also a little hotter than #2 input and that can help shape your sound also. But..

For my sound, I always ran some pedals with my 2/12/65 to get a crunch that I liked. For me, pedals sounded better than crunching the amp. There are also some folks here that can do amp mods and have posted sound bites you can listen to if you're interested.

As far as power I really never had a problem playing inside gigs or practice with my 2/12/65. Sometimes I might have ran another 2/12 cabinet but not that often at all.

I hope you find a sound/tone that works for you. Good luck with your band and have fun. Dave.
Lars Verholt (lmv)
Username: lmv

Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Saturday, September 21, 2013 - 12:43 pm:   

There's a 75R head on eBay right now. It's been there for a while as a 'or best offer' deal.

If you won't miss the tremolo, a 75R (a somewhat rare bird) is a splendid alternative to a 65 head.

Cheers,
Lars
spudmurphy (spudmurphy)
Username: spudmurphy

Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 07:34 am:   

I've a small collection of amps - 50 watt Marshall Silver Jubilee 1 x 12; Mesa Boggie 50 watt F50; fender Blues Junior just to mention my main ones.
However the amp I really love is the MM RP65 112.
Has a solid state pre amp and a tube power amp.
I play in a band here in the UK playing mostly pubs. Whereas the Blues Junior (15 watt) doesn't have the headroom, the MM copes really well and delivers a great tone. It also loves an EP Booster and a Mooer Green mile overdrive in front.
The Rp65 is a great amp.
Lars Verholt (lmv)
Username: lmv

Registered: 11-2009
Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 07:45 am:   

True, the 112 MM combos are so darn useful. The 65 RD/RP is a good combination of weight and power. And I'm not just saying that because I have a 65 RD for sale ;)

Cheers,
Lars Verholt
spudmurphy (spudmurphy)
Username: spudmurphy

Registered: 06-2007
Posted on Monday, September 30, 2013 - 04:31 am:   

and now I have a 1981 RD50 112.
Awesome!!!

Hey Lars , got your e mail. Thanks for that.

Watch this space as I'll be posting a "Shed Load" of photos on it
Cesar Robles (crobless)
Username: crobless

Registered: 09-2013
Posted on Wednesday, October 02, 2013 - 09:52 pm:   

Hey friends, here's an update:

So I was all geared up to order an HD 65 from a guitar center in TX (I'm from IL) for about $400 when I decided to give Craigslist a last look- and sure enough, there it was:

A re-tubbed 1972 HD 130 for $400 OBO (I ended up paying $375 for it). Just finished band practice with it. Sounded like an absolute dream. Devours my Germanium fuzz face and spits back a warm, warm growl.

Only concern is that it started to sound a little tinny and fizzy halfway through practice (had it on Low pretty much the whole time).
I'm 90% sure it was the cable I was using, but I'll be back in case I have any problems
Thank you for all your help, my friends.