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Yahoo Group Archives » Page 102 »

guitar or amp?

Rob Campbell (robmantid) - 30 Jun 2005 12:17:54

Here's a little survey:
Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
guitar, which would you rather have?
I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?

Top

Jacob Dobner (jacobdobner) - 30 Jun 2005 12:27:49

I would rather have a excellent amp over an excellent guitar any day
of the week. I feel the Reverb Units are substantially better than the
onboard reverb.
--- In , Rob Campbell <mantid@g...> wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?

Top

billyblastoff805 - 30 Jun 2005 12:37:43

Is it gonna be for home use or gigging?
Billy
---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>

Top

DP (noetical1) - 30 Jun 2005 12:39:15

Rob:
Au contraire, mon frere: I'd go for the better amp
first...just because it's so fun to turn it up and play
with fiends in the garage, and to scare the cats and
neighbors on Sunday.
At one time...I had a 1965 Fender Showman 2x12 and an
Epihone Coronet...got the Showman for $350 (in 1983) and
the Epiphone for $25 (at a garage sale)...it was a cool
surf setup. I loved that Showman...fat loud warm chunky
sound...and the smell of that old tube Fender warming up
just transports me instantly into the world of reverberated
bliss.
During that time, I had a real old and cheapo "St. George"
reverb unit: solid state Sears style reverb...I think I got
it for $50 from the lame-o local rip-off music store
dude...it all worked real cool together, though...super
twangy and loud. Tons of fun in the garage with my pal
Frank and drummer Guy.
Nice expensive guitars are cool, but so are cheap-ass
crappy guitars. But, cheapo amps just don't rock the same
as a decent amp.
RE: the re-issue Fender Reverb...it's worth every
centavo...I love mine and I drag it around and set it up
everytime I play guitar...I'm hooked...
so there you go, my 2 nickels: get a decent amp, save up
for the cool guitar and the reissue reverb...
--- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp,
> or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a
> nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15,
> I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it
> could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar
> through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to
> learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good
> guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo
> pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built
> into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit for
> archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
____________________________________________________
Yahoo! Sports
Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football

Top

Monty Roach (mont7669) - 30 Jun 2005 12:41:49

I would go for a great amp and cheap guitar. You can get pretty decent tones
out of cheapy guitars. No question the reverb unit (outboard) is the best
way to go.
Mont
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rob Campbell" <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2005 10:17 AM
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] guitar or amp?
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit for archived messages,
> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Top

Johnston, Rick (ricknautica) - 30 Jun 2005 12:46:39

I have always known the amp to be the most important component for good
sound...
Rick!
---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit
<> for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
.
Visit
<> for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
_____
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
§ Visit your group "SurfGuitar101
<> " on the web.
§ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
<mailto:?subject=Unsubscribe>
§ Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
<> Terms of Service.
_____
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Top

DP (noetical1) - 30 Jun 2005 12:51:47

i hear you rick...the beauty of a good amp is simply aural
magic to behold and appreciate...and the smell of an amp is
almost as important as how good it sounds...
;) dp
--- "Johnston, Rick" <>
wrote:
> I have always known the amp to be the most important
> component for good
> sound...
>
>
>
>
>
> Rick!
>
>
> ---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> > Here's a little survey:
> >
> > Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap
> amp, or vice versa?
> >
> > I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a
> nice guitar
> > and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier
> 15, I think they
> > have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that
> it could also be
> > fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used
> guitar through it
> > while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to
> learning surf
> > guitar, which would you rather have?
> >
> > I think I already know the answer to this... get the
> good guitar and
> > just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo
> pedal for a
> > while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
> >
> > Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is
> it
> > substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built
> into many amps?
> >
> >
> > .
> > Visit
> <> for
> archived messages,
> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> .
> Visit
> <> for
> archived messages,
> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
>
>
> _____
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
>
> § Visit your group "SurfGuitar101
> <> " on the
> web.
>
>
> § To unsubscribe from this group, send an email
> to:
>
>
<mailto:?subject=Unsubscribe>
>
>
>
> § Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> Yahoo!
> <> Terms of Service.
>
>
>
> _____
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> .
> Visit for
> archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Top

Johnston, Rick (ricknautica) - 30 Jun 2005 12:59:49

I also love the smell of a blazing hot tube amp!!! :-)
-----Original Message-----
From: DP [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2005 10:52 AM
To:
Subject: RE: [SurfGuitar101] guitar or amp?
i hear you rick...the beauty of a good amp is simply aural
magic to behold and appreciate...and the smell of an amp is
almost as important as how good it sounds...
;) dp
--- "Johnston, Rick" <>
wrote:
> I have always known the amp to be the most important
> component for good
> sound...
>
>
>
>
>
> Rick!
>
>
> ---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> > Here's a little survey:
> >
> > Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap
> amp, or vice versa?
> >
> > I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a
> nice guitar
> > and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier
> 15, I think they
> > have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that
> it could also be
> > fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used
> guitar through it
> > while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to
> learning surf
> > guitar, which would you rather have?
> >
> > I think I already know the answer to this... get the
> good guitar and
> > just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo
> pedal for a
> > while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
> >
> > Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is
> it
> > substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built
> into many amps?
> >
> >
> > .
> > Visit
<>
> <
<> > for
> archived messages,
> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> .
> Visit
<>
> <
<> > for
> archived messages,
> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
>
>
> _____
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
>
> § Visit your group "SurfGuitar101
> <
<> > " on the
> web.
>
>
> § To unsubscribe from this group, send an email
> to:
>
>
<mailto:?subject=Unsubscribe>
>
>
>
> § Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> Yahoo!
> < <> >
Terms of Service.
>
>
>
> _____
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> .
> Visit
<> for
> archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around <>
.
Visit
<> for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
_____
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
* Visit your group "SurfGuitar101
<> " on the web.
* To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
<mailto:?subject=Unsubscribe>
* Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
<> Terms of Service.
_____
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Top

Trevor Oke (t_oke) - 30 Jun 2005 13:02:07

Amp, by far.
T
Rob Campbell wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Top

King Coleman (myrealbroadcast) - 30 Jun 2005 13:12:31

Hey all, I remember reading somewhere that if you are going to do some home
recording or stage work, one overlooked amp was mentioned but required a mic
connected to the PA or a recording devise and it sounded unreal. Its the little
cheap fender amp that was 10watts I think and cost under 100$ I think it even
takes batteries. There is no reverb on it, but the trick is to max the volume
and it gets this real cool tube sound that works very well when recorded. It was
not the amp can by the way, but a real cheap thing, don't think its even on the
fender site. Anyways i heard a recording from an artist that submitted some
mp3's and I was blown away that a cheap amp like that was used. Hope this helps!
"Johnston, Rick" <> wrote: I have always known
the amp to be the most important component for good
sound...
Rick!
---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit
<> for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
.
Visit
<> for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
_____
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
§ Visit your group "SurfGuitar101
<> " on the web.
§ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
<mailto:?subject=Unsubscribe>
§ Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo!
<> Terms of Service.
_____
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
---------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
Visit your group "SurfGuitar101" on the web.
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
---------------------------------
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Top

mdevito493 - 30 Jun 2005 13:26:38

Rob:
I'd do the opposite. Get a serviceable guitar, on the cheaps. They're
everywhere, more plentiful than ever before. (Invest in a pro setup ... most
guitars could benefit.) Spend bigger money on the amp. I've gotten some decent
sounds out of mediocre amps, but gotten great sounds out of great amps. A
really good amp can make any guitar sound good.
Michael D.
-----Original Message-----
From: Rob Campbell <>
To:
Sent: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:17:54 -0700
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] guitar or amp?
Here's a little survey:
Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
guitar, which would you rather have?
I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
.
Visit for archived messages,
bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
Yahoo! Groups Links
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Top

Gavin Ehringer (windanseabeachboy) - 30 Jun 2005 14:11:44

Amp. For sure. Tube, mid-wattage, like a Deluxe Reverb reissue or the
distant-second
choice, the Hot Rod Deluxe. You can get either, used. You can use it in the
bedroom, the
living room, the bar or concert hall (with sound reinforcement) and will be
happy with it
forever. Guitars, they come and go.
Here's a tip on a good, cheap guitar, tho. S101 out of China is making excellent
little Strat
copies - they are very light, but use a real hardwood body, decent necks, really
outstanding paint, and serviceable if not heavy-duty components. And they sell
for less
than $100! Slap a set of real Fender pickups in them (another $100), and you are
ready to
(Surf) rock! Or, wait until you can afford the pickups. Or save for another
guitar.
I mean it, these are really decent little guitars. I had one, played it all the
time, and was
very happy with the quality and tone, especially for the price (I paid, like,
$69).
Check them out here:
G
--- In , mdevito493@a... wrote:
> Rob:
>
> I'd do the opposite. Get a serviceable guitar, on the cheaps. They're
everywhere, more
plentiful than ever before. (Invest in a pro setup ... most guitars could
benefit.) Spend
bigger money on the amp. I've gotten some decent sounds out of mediocre amps,
but
gotten great sounds out of great amps. A really good amp can make any guitar
sound
good.
>
> Michael D.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Rob Campbell <mantid@g...>
> To:
> Sent: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 10:17:54 -0700
> Subject: [SurfGuitar101] guitar or amp?
>
>
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit for archived messages,
> bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Top

obmosquito - 30 Jun 2005 14:31:40

Spring for the springs (reverb reissue) and the amp. Go cheap on the guitar.
-Paul
--- In , Rob Campbell <mantid@g...> wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?

Top

Rob Campbell (robmantid) - 30 Jun 2005 15:12:14

Well, here's my deal. I've been playing for a while (about 15 years),
but only very rarely with others. I'm not all that good; I can just
barely read music, and I don't do much songwriting. I am somewhat
competant in operating the guitar, getting good tones, my rythm is
good. I just haven't learned to play "for real", and I am now taking
it quite seriously as something I want to do.
I gave up my electrics when I was in college, it was ruining my
hearing and I thought that an acoustic would give me more discipline
to play better, so for the past 7 or 8 years I've had a 2nd hand
yamaha dreadnaught. As a little reward for practicing more, I bought
myself a Laravee koa parlor guitar. I -love- this little guy. I
don't regret the money spent at all, it is such a pleasure to play.
It not only sounds so much better than other guitars, but feels great
too.
So I know that I eventually want a high-quality setup, even if I never
have the skills or confidence to play in a band. I do want to play
with others ASAP, but want a little time to get up to speed with the
surf music first.
So I'm fairly sure I will be buying a nice guitar (probably a Jaguar
AV, I've played a few and love the small neck and the tone). As for
the amp, I am undecided. It doesnt need to be loud (for now) but I
don't want to get one which will not be conducive to the sounds I'm
going for.
So... for the 6 months or so it will take to save for the 2nd
purchase... would it be better to have a Jaguar with a crap amp, or a
crap strat with a nice amp?
So yeah, my goal is mostly to play at home, ideally find some other
people. It seems a little ambitious though, since I see all these ads
for guitarists looking for bass and drummers, but not vice-versa. The
fact that I am playing at home for my own enjoyment doesn't mean I
want to compromise on quality, however. The volume does not need to
be as high, but I do want a great sound and pleasant playing
experience.
Thanks for all your opinions and advice! I am loving this list.
On 6/30/05, <> wrote:
> I guess my only answer to that would be to only buy equipment as serious as
your gonna be. The more serious you are, the more serious the equipment.
> If you just wanna poke around and have some fun at home, I'd go for a $200 to
$300 Fender Strat, and a decent Fender amp.
> If you become hooked and decide to graduate to a bigger set-up, you'll at
least have a back-up to get you out of a jam. (literally).
> Billy
>
>
> ---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> > Home use... I'm not nearly good enough to be in public.
> >
> > On 6/30/05, <> wrote:
> > > Is it gonna be for home use or gigging?
> > > Billy
> > >
> > >
> > > ---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> > > > Here's a little survey:
> > > >
> > > > Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
>

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bruce duncan (wetreverb) - 30 Jun 2005 15:37:23

For a grand or slightly less, you can have a used Mexi-Strat, which are very
nice guitars for the money, (and as your demand for better tone develops, easily
and inexpensively upgradable), say for $200-$250, (which is Brand-New Squier
territory), and for $600-$800 a clean Silverface Fender Deluxe Reverb or
Vibrolux Reverb amp, both of which have great tone, and are amps well suited to
indoor practice, or small gigs.
If you're serious about playing surf, you'll also want an outboard Fender Reverb
Unit - expect a new R/I to cost about $400, and an original Blackface to run
$750+
Bruce D
Rob Campbell <> wrote:
Well, here's my deal. I've been playing for a while (about 15 years),
but only very rarely with others. I'm not all that good; I can just
barely read music, and I don't do much songwriting. I am somewhat
competant in operating the guitar, getting good tones, my rythm is
good. I just haven't learned to play "for real", and I am now taking
it quite seriously as something I want to do.
I gave up my electrics when I was in college, it was ruining my
hearing and I thought that an acoustic would give me more discipline
to play better, so for the past 7 or 8 years I've had a 2nd hand
yamaha dreadnaught. As a little reward for practicing more, I bought
myself a Laravee koa parlor guitar. I -love- this little guy. I
don't regret the money spent at all, it is such a pleasure to play.
It not only sounds so much better than other guitars, but feels great
too.
So I know that I eventually want a high-quality setup, even if I never
have the skills or confidence to play in a band. I do want to play
with others ASAP, but want a little time to get up to speed with the
surf music first.
So I'm fairly sure I will be buying a nice guitar (probably a Jaguar
AV, I've played a few and love the small neck and the tone). As for
the amp, I am undecided. It doesnt need to be loud (for now) but I
don't want to get one which will not be conducive to the sounds I'm
going for.
So... for the 6 months or so it will take to save for the 2nd
purchase... would it be better to have a Jaguar with a crap amp, or a
crap strat with a nice amp?
So yeah, my goal is mostly to play at home, ideally find some other
people. It seems a little ambitious though, since I see all these ads
for guitarists looking for bass and drummers, but not vice-versa. The
fact that I am playing at home for my own enjoyment doesn't mean I
want to compromise on quality, however. The volume does not need to
be as high, but I do want a great sound and pleasant playing
experience.
Thanks for all your opinions and advice! I am loving this list.
On 6/30/05, <> wrote:
> I guess my only answer to that would be to only buy equipment as serious as
your gonna be. The more serious you are, the more serious the equipment.
> If you just wanna poke around and have some fun at home, I'd go for a $200 to
$300 Fender Strat, and a decent Fender amp.
> If you become hooked and decide to graduate to a bigger set-up, you'll at
least have a back-up to get you out of a jam. (literally).
> Billy
>
>
> ---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> > Home use... I'm not nearly good enough to be in public.
> >
> > On 6/30/05, <> wrote:
> > > Is it gonna be for home use or gigging?
> > > Billy
> > >
> > >
> > > ---- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> > > > Here's a little survey:
> > > >
> > > > Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
>
.
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Rob Campbell (robmantid) - 30 Jun 2005 19:30:36

Wow, I'm pretty surprised at the majority of responses saying an amp
is more important. I was aware of the importance of an amp, as a
"someday" item... but I was really assuming getting my hands on a
fine guitar ASAP would take priority.
OK then, anyone feel like taking on the vintage vs reissue issue
regarding reverb and amps? And, as I understand it, the outboard
reverb unit does take tubes and power, but is not an amp per se. Can
anyone explain how that works? I've read the manual on the fender
website, I understand it works better between the guitar and amp
(especially if distortion is ever desired), but I don't understand why
the device is powered. I thought the springs were a passive
mechanical effect.
How versatile are the Deluxe and Vibrolux amps for non-surf music?
My experience in the past was with Crate, Peavey, and Fender Squier
practice amp. Actually, the Fender was my favorite, the others were
too "metal" (in a bad way... like glam metal - I like the dirty stuff
just fine) sounding.
Do the above Fender amps have headphone jacks? Do they sound
tolerable at low volumes?
Again, I really appreciate all this advice for an old newbie!

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loscobrassurf - 30 Jun 2005 20:18:16

Its two cents time. Mexi Strat and a Fender hot rod delux. Run the
drive channel mostly clean.Get a fender reverb as soon as possible. Oh
yeh and new Duncans for the strat. Miller
--- In , "obmosquito" <obmosquito@c...>
wrote:
> Spring for the springs (reverb reissue) and the amp. Go cheap on the
guitar.
> -Paul
>
>
> --- In , Rob Campbell <mantid@g...> wrote:
> > Here's a little survey:
> >
> > Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice
versa?
> >
> > I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> > and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> > have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> > fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> > while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> > guitar, which would you rather have?
> >
> > I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> > just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> > while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
> >
> > Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> > substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?

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Marty Tippens (mctippens) - 30 Jun 2005 20:49:03

I second that.
-Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: Jacob Dobner
To:
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2005 10:27 AM
Subject: [SurfGuitar101] Re: guitar or amp?
I would rather have a excellent amp over an excellent guitar any day
of the week. I feel the Reverb Units are substantially better than the
onboard reverb.
--- In , Rob Campbell <mantid@g...> wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now). It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar. So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also: thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit? is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
.
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Twangler (twangler23) - 30 Jun 2005 21:45:52

Spend the money on a good amp and get a cheap guitar. I've had
experience with both set ups.
As Ronnie Dawson used to say "I'm a sucker for a cheap guitar!"
Spanky
On Jun 30, 2005, at 12:17 PM, Rob Campbell wrote:
> Here's a little survey:
>
> Would you rather have an excellent guitar and cheap amp, or vice
> versa?
>
> I can't afford both at once, so I was planning to get a nice guitar
> and a cheap amp (like what used to be called a squier 15, I think they
> have a new name now).  It occured to me, though, that it could also be
> fun to get a really nice amp and run a cheap used guitar through it
> while saving for a nice guitar.  So, as pertains to learning surf
> guitar, which would you rather have?
>
> I think I already know the answer to this... get the good guitar and
> just make do with a cheap amp and maybe reverb/tremelo pedal for a
> while; but I thought I would throw it out there.
>
> Also:  thoughts on the Fender reissue reverb unit?  is it
> substantially "better" than the [spring] reverb built into many amps?
>
>
> .
> Visit for archived
> messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
>
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
> ▪  Visit your group "SurfGuitar101" on the web.
>  
> ▪  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  
>  
> ▪  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
>
>
>
>
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DP (noetical1) - 01 Jul 2005 03:18:20

Rob:
I am now electrical engineer, but here is my understanding
of how a reverb works its magic.
The signal leaves the guitar and enters a pre-amp or sorts
(the tubes and capacitors). This pre-amp amplifies the
voltage variations it recieves from the guitar pickups
(caused by vibrating strings). These amplified voltage
signals are fed into the reverberation chamber (the
springs) and are modulated (changed) by the mechanical and
electromagnetic properites of the reverb chamber. The
signal then passes through a tone shaping stage (more tubes
and capacitors as well as variable resistance pots) and
then out to the REAL guitar amplifier (ie: your Showman)...
I know its a simplified explanation...and it may even be a
little out of sequence...but, that's the main idea...
regarding vintage vs. reissue...I'd reccomend the re-issue
stuff at first...it's way more affordable, and does a
decent job capturing "surf tone" and "vibe"...
others on the list will definately have the lowdown on
various Fender amplifier models...I really only know the
Fender Bassman Amp....it's always done the job for me.
-dp
--- Rob Campbell <> wrote:
> Wow, I'm pretty surprised at the majority of responses
> saying an amp
> is more important. I was aware of the importance of an
> amp, as a
> "someday" item... but I was really assuming getting my
> hands on a
> fine guitar ASAP would take priority.
>
> OK then, anyone feel like taking on the vintage vs
> reissue issue
> regarding reverb and amps? And, as I understand it, the
> outboard
> reverb unit does take tubes and power, but is not an amp
> per se. Can
> anyone explain how that works? I've read the manual on
> the fender
> website, I understand it works better between the guitar
> and amp
> (especially if distortion is ever desired), but I don't
> understand why
> the device is powered. I thought the springs were a
> passive
> mechanical effect.
>
> How versatile are the Deluxe and Vibrolux amps for
> non-surf music?
>
> My experience in the past was with Crate, Peavey, and
> Fender Squier
> practice amp. Actually, the Fender was my favorite, the
> others were
> too "metal" (in a bad way... like glam metal - I like the
> dirty stuff
> just fine) sounding.
>
> Do the above Fender amps have headphone jacks? Do they
> sound
> tolerable at low volumes?
>
> Again, I really appreciate all this advice for an old
> newbie!
>
>
> .
> Visit for
> archived messages, bookmarks, files, polls, etc.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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