I put a couple of JBLs in mine. It's noticeably louder than the stock Celestions. I had a JBL in my PRRI, but I swapped one of the Vibrolux Celestions into it. It breaks up earlier, which I find useful for playing smaller venues and at rehearsals.

I usually use my AC15 at gigs, and our rhythm player uses the Vibrolux.

We still get complaints about being too loud.

https://striciizozadja.bandcamp.com/

Last edited: Jul 15, 2015 00:10:38

I decided to go a route that would let me get the most versatility out of my amp. For starters, I got a closed back 2x12 cab and loaded it with 2 Eminence Swamp Thangs. This gives me 300 watts of handling so there's really no speaker break-up and they can handle just about any head I put on it. The cab isn't light, but it has casters and, since it's just a cab, it's really not that hard to manage on my own.

I have 2 heads that I use with the cab, a Gomez Surfer (100 watts) and a DRRI head (22 watts). Fender is making the limited edition DRRI heads right now, supposedly for a limited time. A lot of people complain that the DRRI can be "ice picky" and trebley. Running it through 2 Swamp Thangs really dampens the treble, thickens the bottom end, and makes the Deluxe Reverb significantly louder than a standard combo DRRI.

If I need even more volume, I can just throw my Gomez Surfer on the cab and let everyone in the neighborhood hear how great this setup works.

This isn't going to be the cheapest way to go about getting an amp but, since you're asking for options, this is the best way I've found to maximize your options.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0217400?siid=171455&-_n33hoCgOnw_wcB=

I took this amp to Atlanta this past weekend and played 2 gigs, the Atlanta Roller Derby and the Southern Surf Stomp. The derby was an outdoor gig and we were asked to turn down with my volume on 6. So that should give you some idea of how loud it can get. At the Southern Surf Stomp, Eddie Katcher told me he liked the sound of my Hallmark Custom 60 through it, which makes me happy.

Kevin
The Out of Limits
www.facebook.com/theoutoflimitsband
https://theoutoflimits.bandcamp.com/

Last edited: Jul 15, 2015 10:29:39

Yea, used is an option. But I stay away from Craigslist nowadays, too many scammers and criminals. The local music shops have nice used stuff at times, but it's very spotty.

I like the head/cab idea but that gets pretty pricey!

Lots of good ideas guys, keep 'em coming!

I like some breakup on an amp, so the DRRI works great for me. It doesn't sound like a Showman/Surfer, but it gets gritty without blowing the windows out. I also have a Twin, but that's my least favorite amp I own. Too heavy and too clean for me, personally. It's all about what you want and like. I love this site and respect the opinions of everyone here, but you're going to have a hard time finding the perfect amp for you by reading forum posts. You gotta play a few and see what you like.

Kevin
The Out of Limits
www.facebook.com/theoutoflimitsband
https://theoutoflimits.bandcamp.com/

Badger wrote:

ncgalt1984 wrote:

...you're going to have a hard time finding the perfect amp for you by reading forum posts. You gotta play a few and see what you like.

FTW! Best advice in any thread such as this.

No---best advice is what I hear from you guys. I am playing a lot of amps, and I will eventually end up with what I think sounds good,but I want to know what the 'real' surf guys use!! Ha!

My mid-90's DRRI always has always given me great Surf sound which, I think, is due to the stock Eminence speaker. It is loud, has a lot of clean headroom, and it doesn't distort until cranked up past 6 1/2 - 7.

One of the guitarists who share our band's practice space used to have a 2008-ish DRRI (which came with a reissue Jensen C-12Q), and we ABed them. At first we thought his was broken, but when we put them back to back and switched speakers his was almost as loud and great-sounding as mine. With the stock Jensen his DR sounded every bit as people usually describe them (early break-up, hardly loud enough to keep up with the drums, etc.).

Of course it's alive, you cannot make music with dead Muppahones! -- Marvin Suggs

Maybe it would help if you could convey what kind of overall sound it is you're hoping to achieve?

METEOR IV on reverbnation

My DRRI is stock and is ideal for surf/small-room gigs, I use a Supro Coronado for louder-volume needs.

https://www.facebook.com/lostremoleros/

With my limited edition DRRI head running into 2x12 Eminence Swamp Thangs, I keep it on a volume of 6 and it's loud and clean with just a hint of breakup. Just the way I like it.

Kevin
The Out of Limits
www.facebook.com/theoutoflimitsband
https://theoutoflimits.bandcamp.com/

slopoke wrote:

Badger, they're K110s.

I like that quote!

K110's - Thanks!

Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel

DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.