Thank you! I am sure I will have tons of questions.

Last edited: Mar 01, 2019 09:58:06

I don't own or have any experience with amps like the Showman or anything quite that large; mostly just smaller combo (10-25 watt, 6V6/6L6) amps including the Deluxe Reverb, Carr Rambler and Tone King Imperial. But I've gotta say that my favorite for use at home or in smaller settings has slowly become the Princeton Reverb. What a simple, but great little amp!

"Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work, you can always hit them with it." - Boris the Blade

Last edited: Mar 02, 2019 21:53:04

oh this is a bummer! i just finished building a princeton I started in 2014 with the EXACT SAME tolex colors. slightly different layout. good looking amp though.
Wombat wrote:

It changes, but right now I can't beat my Fender Princeton re-issue Surf Edition

![photo]

Last edited: Apr 02, 2019 14:10:43

Fave 'surf' amp.

If I were choosing a piggyback, Brownface Bandmaster. Has a great growl and tone for days! Plus, the blonde tolex with oxblood sets them off just right!

If were choosing a combo, a 2x10 Vibroverb RI. These small-ish combos have great punch in a smaller package. With the right efficient speakers it will also keep up with loud-ish drummers.

Honorable mention to a mic'd Deluxe Reverb. Yes, it doesn't have the headroom of a 35+ watt Fender, but that tone can't be beat for it's small platform!

Last edited: Apr 03, 2019 18:55:45

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Last edited: Feb 02, 2024 14:38:18

Jon wrote:

Of all the amps I've played through (not very many), I think my favorite would have to be the Tremolux.

this right here, i played thru an original 63 brownface 2x10 piggyback and that had to be the smoothest tone ive ever heard

This is an update to my "favorite surf BASS amp" post from early last year.

The cabinet is the same 1970's Peavey center slot port 2x15 with EV15BX's that Eddie Katcher beautifully transformed into a Fender clone 20 years ago. The difference now is the return of the 1997 Fender Custom Shop Rumble Bass 300 watt all-tube head that I purchased new, but later sold to a good friend and former X-Rays bandmate. He recently decided to sell of some gear and I ended up reacquiring it a few weeks ago.

Fender only made 60 of these heads. The story is that it was a Bill Hughes design. Bill was formerly the Chief Engineer at Ampeg and was instrumental in the design of their still-famous 300 watt SVT bass amp. Evidently there were some electronic similarities between the CS Rumble head and the SVT and Ampeg threatened a Cease & Desist Order against Fender, similar to what Gretsch had done regarding Fender's use of the Broadcaster name on the earliest Telecasters.

Anyway, I'm not certain if the design similarities were the reason for the low production numbers but it does make for an interesting story. It really is an awesome sounding head with MASSIVE headroom. The last time I used it onstage was when the X-Rays opened for the Beach Boys at large outdoor amphitheater back in 2002 and it kicked serious ass.

Jack Booth
(aka WoodyJ)

The Mariners (1964-68, 1996-2005)
The Hula Hounds (1996-current)
The X-Rays (1997-2004)
The Surge! (2004, 2011-2012)
Various non-surf bands that actually made money (1978-1990)

Last edited: May 28, 2019 12:25:10

WoodyJ wrote:

This is an update to my "favorite surf BASS amp" post from early last year.

The cabinet is the same 1970's Peavey center slot port 2x15 with EV15BX's that Eddie Katcher beautifully transformed into a Fender clone 20 years ago. The difference now is the return of the 1997 Fender Custom Shop Rumble Bass 300 watt all-tube head that I purchased new, but later sold to a good friend and former X-Rays bandmate. He recently decided to sell of some gear and I ended up reacquiring it a few weeks ago.

Fender only made 60 of these heads. The story is that it was a Bill Hughes design. Bill was formerly the Chief Engineer at Ampeg and was instrumental in the design of their still-famous 300 watt SVT bass amp. Evidently there were some electronic similarities between the CS Rumble head and the SVT and Ampeg threatened a Cease & Desist Order against Fender, similar to what Gretsch had done regarding Fender's use of the Broadcaster name on the earliest Telecasters.

Anyway, I'm not certain if the design similarities were the reason for the low production numbers but it does make for an interesting story. It really is an awesome sounding head with MASSIVE headroom. The last time I used it onstage was when the X-Rays opened for the Beach Boys at large outdoor amphitheater back in 2002 and it kicked serious ass.

So, what amp do you use when you’re not practicing in your bedroom?

Just kidding, mate. That is a hell of an amp. I bet it makes my Twin sound like a Champ, by comparison.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

WoodyJ wrote:

synchro wrote:

So, what amp do you use when you’re not practicing in your bedroom?

Well, let me think....there's the 1000 watt Ampeg SVT7-Pro, the 800 watt Mesa Subway D-800, the 300 watt Mesa Walkabout Scout, the '67 Dual Showman.....

We’re going to have to dam more rivers just to keep you powered.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

WoodyJ wrote:

Hey, I love amps, it is an addiction!

Im in the same boat. Winfield Thomas is a friend and I’ve gotten to play several of his models, including some prototypes. I’m mostly a small amp addict these days, and have three Winfields (of assorted models), but my Twin gets busted out for outdoor gigs.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.