badash
Joined: Aug 18, 2006
Posts: 1732
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 09:13 AM
estreet
I use a particular Peavey for surf, a Valveking 100w combo, and for other gigs I use either a Delta Blues Combo or a Classic 30 head through 2x G12H cab.
Hey Estreet. I've played through both the Valveking and Classics, but only at casual jams where I haven't had the chance to really open them up. I like them both, but the price difference would seem to indicate one is of a higher quality. Have you found that to be the case?
Also it would seem, at least at the volume I've played them that the valveking has less clean headroom, even though the specs would seem to suggest it would be cleaner? Am I off on that?
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badash
Joined: Aug 18, 2006
Posts: 1732
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 09:22 AM
surferXmatt
Well, my question is not to piece together a cheap setup. The reason I asked is to see how people got their own unique surf tone. I am mainly trying to see who does not use the typical Fender equipment. Not necessarily the traditional surf tone.
you'll probably find that other than Moserite lovers, and Yamahas to a lesser degree, as I said earlier most folks can't seperate the gear from the music, and the only reason to not play a showman and a vintage tank is cost, or fear of loss or damange playing it in clubs, or because they are unwilling to pay the price.
I think you'll also find that other than the tone that "lives in your own hands" there is very little interest in having a unique surf tone. You stray too much and people start saying "it's not surf music". Which is sad in my opinion.
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LosDerrumbes
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 58
Santander, Spain
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 09:23 AM
We use Fender amps, a 100W silverface Twin Reverb and a '65 Bandmaster and Fender reverb tanks but Teisco, not Fender, guitars and bass, matching '64 KL.4 and KL-3 guitars and an EB-2 bass.
— http://www.myspace.com/losderrumbes
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PhatTele
Joined: Jun 05, 2006
Posts: 445
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 09:30 AM
I've gotten a lot of positive response when I play my Gretsch Nashville or Duo Jet on gigs. The filtertrons seem to balance well with the other guitarist's rig (Strat and Jazzmaster).
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estreet
Joined: Mar 17, 2007
Posts: 839
United Kingdom
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 09:33 AM
Badash:
The price difference is because the ValveKings are made in China whist the Delta Blues and Classics are USA made.
Did you play a ValveKing 50 or 100w? The 100w is a massively loud clean Fendery sounding amp on the clean channel and is great for Surf, but both Valvekings have a switch on the back to change them from half-wattage class A to full wattage class AB - so it would depend on where that was positioned when you played through one.
The Delta Blues and the Classic 30 head are the same 4xEL84/3x12AX7amp section as each other - the only difference being that the delta blues has a tremolo. I've been using the Delta for about 6 years now and I bought an AC30CC head as a backup/alternative. I thought it was rubbish in comparison - the Peaveys are not only louder and cleaner but sound better when they are pushed to distort. I returned it and bought the Classic 30 head which sounds 10x better to my ears - especially through the Celestion G12Hs.
Personally , I don't care for the sound of the Classic 30 combo because the box is too small. The Delta Blues sounds pretty good alone - but I also prefer that with the 2xG12H cab.
— http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.
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zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 09:49 AM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2009 20:10:51
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badash
Joined: Aug 18, 2006
Posts: 1732
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 09:54 AM
estreet
Badash:
The price difference is because the ValveKings are made in China whist the Delta Blues and Classics are USA made.
Did you play a ValveKing 50 or 100w?
Okay, it all makes sense now. I played the VK50 class A, there were 4 of us in the back of a small antique shop after all  I had no idea of the country of origin difference! considering you can get the Classic 30 combo for around $500 new without trying particularly hard, it is a crazy bargain for a made in USA amp. If they made it a 2/12 I'd jump all over it...
Thanks for the enlightenment.
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badash
Joined: Aug 18, 2006
Posts: 1732
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 10:03 AM
zak
[There are plenty of reasons other than "gear snobbery" why people seek out and play these amps. They're built to withstand the rigors of the road, they're a breeze to service, they sound great, and if you were to buy something new that was built to the same standards and sounded as good, you'd be paying ridiculous "boutique" prices.
As I said earlier, beyond everything you stated I think they are significant historically. You'll get no argument from me on just about everything you said. Other than the price issue. Congrats on your showman by the way, nice score! But for those of us who don't work on amps, overhauling one puts you at the mercy of a tech so that $500 amp suddenly jumps considerably. Compare that to say a used 100w valveking, or something similar and for some of us that price difference is significant. Once again, if you're going to the tech to repair your '60s amp (as I would) there really isn't that much difference between that and going to the regional Peavey repair facility 
For DIYers you speak the truth...
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zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 10:18 AM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2009 20:10:57
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DennistheMenace
Joined: Dec 29, 2007
Posts: 714
Southeast, Florida
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 11:44 AM
LHR
IMO when you imagine surf tone, you imagine Fender tone: guitars, amps, reverb, the works. Hell, probably even picks. Been that way since 1963. But it's 2008, after all. Time to break the rules? Sure, why not. Go for it.
For the record, some of the tastiest guitar sounds I have ever gotten came out of my Bigsby-equipped 1956 Magnatone Mark V thru an old Ampeg Reverberocket. It could surf all day. And more.
Do you have a pic of your 1956 Bigsby-equipped Magnatone Mark V???
I don't recall ever seeing a 1956....??? 
— .......make the Mos' of it,
.....choose the 'rite stuff!
.........owner of 9 Mosrites
proud owner and documented:
1963 "The Ventures" Model s/n# 0038
http://www.vintagerock4.com
www.mosriteforum.com
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estreet
Joined: Mar 17, 2007
Posts: 839
United Kingdom
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 12:16 PM
zak
...so the PC board amp (if they agree to work on it) will still end up being more costly to repair. Look at how most "non-boutique" modern amps are made - very cheap components, flimsy wiring, and poor resistance to physical shock and vibration.
The Delta Blues I have now (PCB) I've had 6 years and done at least 1200 gigs with. Never had a problem with it apart from changing valves. The PCB Peavey I had before that eventually became unreliable after 12 years and around 3000 or so gigs during which it had at least two pints of beer spilt down the top vents. Pretty good for 'cheap components and flimsy wiring'. I've had point to point Fenders in the past and they were not more reliable than that.
I did have a problem with a 2.5 year old Delta Blues (I used to use two sometimes) when a tube blew and took out the output transformer. I drove it to Peavey's factory and it was delivered back to me repaired, fully re-tubed (even the pre-amp tubes!) and serviced at no charge TWO DAYS later. You can see why I use them...
— http://www.myspace.com/thepashuns
Youth and enthusiasm are no match for age and treachery.
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zak
Joined: Sep 24, 2007
Posts: 2728
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 12:24 PM
This post has been removed by the author.
Last edited: Sep 23, 2009 20:11:01
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ProfessorT
Joined: Jun 17, 2008
Posts: 26
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 02:06 PM
I play a Gretsch 6120 through a Traynor YBA-1A head and 4x10. I get my reverb from Digitech. Trem by Voodoo Labs. I like controlled feedback, so I have a Rat and a Brooklyn Overdrive.
Not pure surf tone, but the Traynor has enough watts to keep it clean, and breaks up nice. (I guess, I've never had it above 2, even playing outdoors)
— <a href="klzzwxh:0000">http://www.theprofessorslounge.com</a>
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Kman1
Joined: Aug 29, 2008
Posts: 694
Surf City
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 02:15 PM
eddiekatcher
If ya listen to those "Strat-a-holic" guys, then I do..................ed
We're very angry
.
—
Sonichris
I also like to think that all early 60's fender equipment is happy to be playing surf music again. After all, its the music it was meant to play.
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3812
North Atlantic
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 03:36 PM
IvanP
badash
Speaking of weird, I played through one of the new Eddie Van Halen amps last week again. The clean channel has some charm to it. the point is if you look around you might be surprised by an amp that doesn't have Fender on the label.
EVH amps are made by Fender.
My long gone 5150 was made by Peavey!!! First generation, baby 
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3812
North Atlantic
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 03:46 PM
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Kman1
Joined: Aug 29, 2008
Posts: 694
Surf City
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 04:39 PM
I use a Deluxe Reverb. AND I'M F***ING PROUD!!!!!!!
—
Sonichris
I also like to think that all early 60's fender equipment is happy to be playing surf music again. After all, its the music it was meant to play.
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tonetti
Joined: Aug 20, 2008
Posts: 654
California
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 06:22 PM
Lately I've been playing a 68 Mosrite through a Marshall AVT, and a Peavey Valverb, Definately not the typical set-up, but I think it sounds great! Clean and Wet!! To me it really doesn't matter if something is classified as "surf" as long as it sounds good to you thats really all that matters. Sure if I had the cash off hand, I'd be playing vintage black faced fenders, and a vintage tank, but for now I'm happy with what I can afford.
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JakeDobner
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 12159
Seattle
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 06:27 PM
We should change the title of this thread to read "Who uses the incorrect surf setup?" I think that would be pretty amusing.
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LHR
Joined: Aug 23, 2006
Posts: 2123
The jungle
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Posted on Oct 06 2008 06:41 PM
DennistheMenace
Do you have a pic of your 1956 Bigsby-equipped Magnatone Mark V??? I don't recall ever seeing a 1956....???
Sure do...but, my mistake, it's a '57...
image
image
image
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— SSIV
Last edited: Mar 09, 2009 09:37:47
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