Let us know what you think of the Rivera Stage IV! And if we missed any hit songs that featured a Rivera-modified amp, tell us about it in the comments below!
I still have minidisc recordings of Jim Mesi tearing it up at Clyde's Prime Rib as a Rivera artist that I haven't got to transfer yet...A Rivera TBR-2 is on my list of "Big Amps to Own at Some Point". Rest In Power, Jim...the Italian Chainsaw is remembered. I mean, you gotta love when an amp maker has the cojones to call one of their amp models quite literally The Hammer (TBR 3 and 5) and they can back it tf up lol
Do you know anything about the song Jane by Jefferson Starship? I have no idea what they used, but the distorted guitar tone sounds like it could be one of those amps
Not only was this video informative but equally inspiring. I have been a Mesa Boogie loyalist for ages but, after listing to your demo and heritage of the Rivera Stage IV, I am blown away. I previously owned a Rivera Rock Crusher and was not disappointed. Lastly, your articulate and poised communication skills are absolutely appreciated and value. Thank you!
Ela Taki! I was a boogie mkiv man for over 20yrs. I came upon a Rivera R55 1x12 and I found myself no longer having to tweak. I'd like to try one of the stage 4's but not easy to find.
Paul makes some of the best amps ever. He modified my Fender Silverface Vibrolux back in the mid 70's. I had had it since the late 60's and it was handwired. It was wonderful. Since then I've owned countless Rivera's and they are fantastic.
Been playing Rivera since the early 90’s. Never had a problem ever and that’s hundreds of gigs. Great amps. The Rivera I’ve used since the 90’s is the S120. Phenomenal amp. Would like to try this one.
I bought an S-120 stack from a pawnshop in high school for $900. Super cool amp but I didn't understand how to dial in sounds at that point so it was overkill for me. She's still in storage at my dad's house 15 years later so some day I'll have to dust it off and give her another try.
@@electricj5 They must be the exception and not the rule, and again I don't know your friends of the backstory of the amps, but among techs and players alike, these amps are pretty universally revered as high quality and great sounding amps.
It's funny how often gear was modified before it became "vintage." The Amp sounds great, and it was very interesting to hear its story and how important Paul Rivera's Mods were to the tones heard in many iconic recordings. Thanks
I used to own a Rivera 55/12 back in the 90s. Beautiful combo but I parted with it as it was way too much amp for me to use at home as I don't gig anymore. Was wasted on me but I am glad to have experienced it, a thing of great quality and tone.
Better than a Mesa! I've had solid state amps that techs didn't like working on. Every Rivera I've owned has been fairly open and accessible on the inside of the chassis. The only tricky part is when components are on the underside of the PCB as it was with my Fandango.
I bought a Rivera pubster last year fr9m a friend. I love Rivera amps and innovations, the pubster is only 25 watts and a 10” speaker but it sounds massive. Amazing gear
Bought my first Fender Concert Rivera head in the 80's. Sold it, missed it, and eventually bought a used 112 Concert combo. Not letting go of it this time. Definitely want to check out the Rivera Stage iV.
I first tried a Rivera in '86 when they were new as a brand. I was familiar with Paul's work with Fender and was thrilled to try the amp. Absolutely amazing. I remember at the time Rudolph Schenker was using one to record Scorpion's Savage Amusement, still two years away from release. I've always been impressed with Rivera amps. I prefer them to Boogies. They are the best boutique amps you can buy.
Long time Rivera owner and user. I still have a Rake Reverb head, a Knucklehead Reverb 55 head, a Sedona 55, an R55/12, and a Princeton Reverb II that was built during Paul's stint at Fender. Though Paul didn't build the PRII (seems like Ed Jahns built it IIRC) it has the Rivera sound. I still own (or once owned) almost every amp brand, and the mix of sound, road-worthiness and bang for the buck makes them a staple in my touring rigs. Thanks for the info!
I'm still having a blast with mine! Thankfully, the folks at Rivera put caster sockets on the bottom, (though no casters) because this thing is pushing close to 60 lbs. Plus, pre-pandemic, I got an in-house Rivera version for about what the modded Fender sold for.
@@andrewmorabito6712 That was a special run of Rivera-modified '68 Deluxe reissues that Sweetwater did a few years back. They sold out pretty quickly. The Stage IV, (before the Covid "price bump") was almost the same price. More now, though, like just about everything.
I've been a RIVERA user since 1995, Knucklehead and 55/12 combo (swapped out the stock speaker for an 80 watt Celestion G12 Century Neo in 2001, FANTASTIC speaker), great amps and both very versatile. I have not tried the Stage 1V, but have been hearing tons about it's attributes and tones, and that has just been verified, , , I can't wait to plug into one. . .Great vid again Mason. Thanks.
I have a Venus 6 & various other topshelf handwired amps from Suhr Matchless Mesa Marshall...the Venus 6 does Blackface\Tweed & Vintage Marshall type drive. These tones are pristine 3D & authentic. This amp is the best amp Ive ever used! My only complaint is the boost is too loud but can be tamed with your volume knob. In a combo with a Celestion gold it is absolute sonic bliss. Rivera rules!!
All of that 😅was amazingly interesting. I think what makes the Rivera so versatile is what I describe as openness. Some use the term transparency. But basically even when the overdrive channel is used it has no flub or muddy-ness. It makes it easy for the producers and engineers to lay down a track without having to spend hours fixing the EQ and tone profile of a guitar track.
I have the Jay Grayden combo from the late 90s. It is RIDICULOUS. Everything from super-clean, to Peg, to King's X, right from the front panel. Amazing amp.
Jerry Garcia was going to be transitioning to Rivera amps shortly before he died. His passing brought that to a halt. Garcia had been using a Twin and then Twin into a Macintosh for twenty-five years or so. It says everything that he could use anything, and he chose Rivera. Would have anyway. Vince Gill set aside his old Fender for two R series amps. Rivera are really the top of the top of amps.
If I’m not mistaken,that’s the kind of amp that Jay Graydon used and still uses.He played the solo for the song Peg…Steely Dan.Among many other things,Mr.Graydon is one of absolute best session guitarist in the world.
All these amps and pedals and things were 25% cheaper just a year ago. Stage IV is a great 2 channel amp at a fair price point! I went with the Venus Deux Rec 55W/15W, so one really great channel and pedal platform, plus the mini RockRec which is such an asset. Rivera amps are so top notch! Kind of like a Fender amp if it was out on a hot date with a Marshall amp at the drive-in.
Lee Rit Captain Fingers Luke Toto Rick Nielsen Cheap Trick Tommy Tedesco Everything Paul Jackson Jr. Larry Carlton Jay Grayson Kerry Livgten Keep going
I have the recent sweetwater Fender Deluxe Rivera Mod. I knew nothing about Paul nor was I planning to buy an amp when I bought it used. I’m a fender amp guy and always plug into one when trying out guitars. I plugged into this modded Deluxe and was blown away by the warmth and clarity that sounded better than the Deluxe I was used to. all I can say is it was the tone I’ve been after and I got it just by plugging straight into the amp. I then tried a bunch of low end guitars (my go to amp test) with same reaction, the amp makes crummy guitars sound open! I went home and played my vintage twin, got back in the car to buy it, and it had been sold! I tracked down another used one across the country and had it shipped out. It is my go to amp since then. It takes pedals well, but every time I just plug straight in, I have to question if I’m using too many. It’s just butter. It was the ultimate splurge, but it was one of my better decisions. I’m sure it’s the same with these models.
I would say this is much more mild and vintage than any Rivera of modern day. It actually doesn’t have too much gain and we used the boost channel on most lead sounds to get the gain up. I think you’d find yourself at home on this amp in particular - it’s much less modern than any Rivera before it, I mean listen to the clips, they’re all pretty “rock” on the lead channel.
really good tones. im a guitar into an amp guy. I only have the fab 5 peddles and use them only when required. so i appreciate the diversity in the one good amp.
In his own words. What was your rig on “Hold the Line,” Toto’s breakout hit? That was a ’58 goldtop Les Paul, through a blackface [Fender] Deluxe Reverb modified by Paul Rivera. I’ve known Paul for a long time; he made my first pedalboard, with all of the old analog units. It’s amazing; almost all of that kind of stuff has been stolen. I had four Tube Screamers Ibanez gave me - the original ones - those ended up missing from our warehouse.
I remember Rivera amps back in the days, I am 60 years old , # 7 in a family of 8, my oldest brother had a band in the basement in Vancouver Canada, great memories and music no video games, cell phones, computer, all we had was music, that’s what got me playing guitar, best days of my life.
I had a Rivera hundred duo twelve for 10 years. Amazing amp, unfortunately that particular model had an issue and was always in the tech shop. But amazing Marshall and fender tone in one amp. Got tired of the problems and gave it to a friend. Now just rely on an 73 super reverb and 0 problems. Never more amps with circuit board.
@@VertexEffectsInc yes, but I live in Portugal. It would be amazingly expensive. Problem was a cap in power section blowed and opened a hole in the circuit... That's a bad hit
That's a total fluke. I own several Riveras and never had a real problem. The Fandango had a cap in the power section go bad, replaced it and it never was a problem again with that. I've had old point to point Fenders act up. Had a non master silver face Twin blow a filter cap. These things happen. But a reoccurring problem just means that amp had a flaw. It could have been corrected if you had easy access to Rivera. You don't so that's that.
@@augustusbetucius8279 An hole was opened in the circuit board by the bad cap... Anyway, I don't trust amps with the tube sockets in the main board anymore. Fender and Marshall got it right the first time. That's where I am at this point now. It's not a question of tone, I loved that amp
I just discovered that Danny Chauncey used a Rivera amp to record his guitar parts in the .38 Special song "Second Chance" in 1988. Do you happen to know which Rivera amp he used? That is one of my favorite guitar tones of all time and I've been trying for several years to find out exactly what I need to replicate it. Thanks!
I played a rivera 1 time - by far the best clean sound I ever heard come out of an amp - I couldn't believe what I was hearing - and so touch sensitive every little detail from your hand would come out of the amp I've never played a rivera using overdrive but I can imagine I always dreamed of blending 4 amps: boogie mark 3, soldano, marshall plexi and rivera
I use a Analogman Prince of tone and a Analogman Astro Fuzz with mine. It is amazing. I also recently added a Real McCoy RC11 and could not be happier.
I almost bought a Mick Thomson Rivera back in the day but wound up going with a Marshall JVM back then. Looks like this time around, I will be going with the Rivera.
@@VertexEffectsInc this is one of those amps where I can play an entire gig with simply a Klone, some delay(and maybe chorus?) in the loop, and a compressor. I can see how this amp manages to be so legendary
I noticed that this amp has optical tremolo and most other amps with built-in trem tend to have tube tremolo. I'd guess the mechanical difference is just light bulbs vs tubes creating the effect, but do you think there's a big difference in the effect itself? Do you have a preference?
Tube bias tremolo will be much deeper in amplitude sweep, as well as a little sweeter sounding. The downside is that it's often a little more expensive to implement, requiring an additional tube stage or two, accommodating the additional current draw, B+ filtering, and components associated with that. Because a tube bias tremolo essentially varies the output power of an amp, it will also behave differently when you crank the output into saturation. For gainier amps, optical tremolo can sometimes be the better choice. That said, the amps Paul was modding during this era likely had optical trem, so he may be keeping true with that.
I've used both and there's a noticeable difference in the 'feel' between the two. They are both good, it's not a matter of one being superior to the other. I like them both, but do prefer optical. It also depends on how the circuit is done. I've played optical tremolo that was not good.
My Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Top absolutely freaking rips! Everyone loves my amp when they hear it and especially when they play it. The gain on the Royale is far heavier than on the Stage IV due to the boost on the Lead channel. Huge gain tones while remaining articulate and responsive.
I have a RIvera Fifty-Five-Twelve. Not sure how similar it is to the Stage IV but can confirm it is absolutely KILLER. Amazing cleans, gain tones, excellent effects loop and unbelievable (frankly too much for me) amounts of volume on tap.
Phenomenal job, definitely know your stuff and did your homework!!! Tones are as dead on as you can get, love how you have examples from all the different albums we heard that amp on, those solos and tones are etched in our minds since childhood! 🤣👏🔥
Paul Rivera is saying that those speaker cones and the speakers are specially made to his specs also in those amplifiers because I've watched it interview with him at norm's guitars and Van nuys and he is kind of explains the what he's done to those amps but it sounds very close to Steve Luther of Toto on those songs it's a very very close you know in the ballpark definitely so if you want that sound that amp really gives that sound it seems. That was a nice video to go over which albums and guitarist play through that amp the Paul Rivera modifications because I've I've been curious too on which albums and guitars have used it to go over that those sounds those trademark sounds thanks for doing that
@@VertexEffectsInc This Podcast he does with his son Rivera JR talks about the EM Eminence speaker has a lot of copper which takes an oversized output transformer. The EM speaker only works good Rivera says when the volume is max out because of the type of speaker assembly of the voicecoil and magnetic used. The FAT switch is to add harmonics and overtones to the top strings G,B,E which makes those strings have a fat tone to them. Its a special type of FAT switch which is not in most amplifiers. CLICK here to watch the video ua-cam.com/video/S-p84GMWugQ/v-deo.html
@@VertexEffectsInc I have owned this amp for decades now, aside from a newer set of tubes I have Never had any issues whatsoever - I wish my Big Rigs ( I own a Trucking Company ) where this reliable
I have to agree this amp sounds great not everyone is obsessed with high gain scooping the mids and so on, I like that it sounds so good without the use of pedals
They seem like excellent amplifiers, and I love the idea of their dual amps: One amp for acoustic and electric guitars. The company doesn't put out much info at all these days.
Jay did use PR modded amps quite a lot. So does George Doering (pair of modded 60's DR's) top LA session guy for film/tv mostly, and many others. Often pairs of modded DR's in stereo. Don't think they had loops then tho. Can't remember. Sometimes they'd just use the power section and use a rack pre like a Demeter or some other (SLO etc). Odd thing about Jay was his guitars of choice.
I own this amp, it’s phenomenal I use very minimal pedals a wah, reverb/delay and flanger for soloing An interesting trick is that I stuffed a patch cable in the active effects loop. This pushes the preamp viciously and somewhat attenuates her. This gives my Fat Veronica (amp name) the hot sauce she craves.
Yet another great vid, thanks a lot! The glory days of the almighty can do it all combos, that will never go out of fashion. (once you've sold your modelers because you know better ;)) A niche tipp for the interested: if you use Synergy preamps, the B-Man module gets you very close to that sound also (forget the Bassman reference for a sec, it doesn't sound like a Bassman 4x10 combo per se, I mean how could it?!?) If you have a cab with something beefy that isn't a V30 the better.
They're great amps, this takes that entire style of amp and mods to an entirely new level without compromises. This is what Paul wanted to build for Fender but the big wigs wouldn't approve.
Let us know what you think of the Rivera Stage IV! And if we missed any hit songs that featured a Rivera-modified amp, tell us about it in the comments below!
I still have minidisc recordings of Jim Mesi tearing it up at Clyde's Prime Rib as a Rivera artist that I haven't got to transfer yet...A Rivera TBR-2 is on my list of "Big Amps to Own at Some Point". Rest In Power, Jim...the Italian Chainsaw is remembered.
I mean, you gotta love when an amp maker has the cojones to call one of their amp models quite literally The Hammer (TBR 3 and 5) and they can back it tf up lol
Do you know anything about the song Jane by Jefferson Starship? I have no idea what they used, but the distorted guitar tone sounds like it could be one of those amps
@@russellzauner Wow coo!
@@kwyatt261 I know the song, not sure what they used.
Dog gone-it ... now Sweetwater is gonna sell out before I can afford to get one ... great video and demo as always
Not only was this video informative but equally inspiring. I have been a Mesa Boogie loyalist for ages but, after listing to your demo and heritage of the Rivera Stage IV, I am blown away. I previously owned a Rivera Rock Crusher and was not disappointed. Lastly, your articulate and poised communication skills are absolutely appreciated and value. Thank you!
Wow, thanks!
Ela Taki! I was a boogie mkiv man for over 20yrs. I came upon a Rivera R55 1x12 and I found myself no longer having to tweak. I'd like to try one of the stage 4's but not easy to find.
Paul makes some of the best amps ever. He modified my Fender Silverface Vibrolux back in the mid 70's. I had had it since the late 60's and it was handwired. It was wonderful. Since then I've owned countless Rivera's and they are fantastic.
Wow, bet that amp is worth a fortune!
Been playing Rivera since the early 90’s. Never had a problem ever and that’s hundreds of gigs. Great amps. The Rivera I’ve used since the 90’s is the S120. Phenomenal amp. Would like to try this one.
It's a wonderful amp!
I bought an S-120 stack from a pawnshop in high school for $900. Super cool amp but I didn't understand how to dial in sounds at that point so it was overkill for me. She's still in storage at my dad's house 15 years later so some day I'll have to dust it off and give her another try.
@@Terribleguitarist89 It definitely takes patience but it’s worth it in the end.
It is. a great amp! Takes some time if you use different guitars but mannnn…it is one sweet amp
Bought a Rivera Thirty Twelve back in the early 90's and it was my go to amp for many years. Still sounds great today and has never given me problems.
Great amps, this Stage IV is one of the best amps I've played in the last 10 years.
I have 2 friends that have Riveras and they have had nothing but trouble with them both. Burns through power tubes like crazy. Reverb stops working.
@@electricj5 They must be the exception and not the rule, and again I don't know your friends of the backstory of the amps, but among techs and players alike, these amps are pretty universally revered as high quality and great sounding amps.
@@VertexEffectsIncit’s a bs account. Dont believe him
@@electricj5I call bs
It's funny how often gear was modified before it became "vintage." The Amp sounds great, and it was very interesting to hear its story and how important Paul Rivera's Mods were to the tones heard in many iconic recordings. Thanks
Such an iconic amp!
Yeah, Paul Rivera is a legend!!! He has been for as long as I can remember-especially for those of us who’ve been playing for the past 40+ years🎶✊🏼☮️
I used to own a Rivera 55/12 back in the 90s. Beautiful combo but I parted with it as it was way too much amp for me to use at home as I don't gig anymore. Was wasted on me but I am glad to have experienced it, a thing of great quality and tone.
They're fantastic amps!
Rivera. If you know, you know. I have a Stage IV and it’s amazing.
I have a Rivera Clubster 45 that I love, though many amp techs don’t like working on them.
Great amps!
Better than a Mesa! I've had solid state amps that techs didn't like working on. Every Rivera I've owned has been fairly open and accessible on the inside of the chassis. The only tricky part is when components are on the underside of the PCB as it was with my Fandango.
I bought a Rivera pubster last year fr9m a friend. I love Rivera amps and innovations, the pubster is only 25 watts and a 10” speaker but it sounds massive. Amazing gear
Amazing!
Bought my first Fender Concert Rivera head in the 80's. Sold it, missed it, and eventually bought a used 112 Concert combo. Not letting go of it this time. Definitely want to check out the Rivera Stage iV.
You're gonna love it. It's got better cleans and OD channel than the Fender IMO.
I first tried a Rivera in '86 when they were new as a brand. I was familiar with Paul's work with Fender and was thrilled to try the amp. Absolutely amazing. I remember at the time Rudolph Schenker was using one to record Scorpion's Savage Amusement, still two years away from release. I've always been impressed with Rivera amps. I prefer them to Boogies. They are the best boutique amps you can buy.
Amp sounds killer and Running with the night is amazing!! That clean sound on PYT is to die for!
Heck yea!!!!
Long time Rivera owner and user. I still have a Rake Reverb head, a Knucklehead Reverb 55 head, a Sedona 55, an R55/12, and a Princeton Reverb II that was built during Paul's stint at Fender. Though Paul didn't build the PRII (seems like Ed Jahns built it IIRC) it has the Rivera sound. I still own (or once owned) almost every amp brand, and the mix of sound, road-worthiness and bang for the buck makes them a staple in my touring rigs. Thanks for the info!
Great vid! I used to own a River era Fender Concert. Wish I still had it. Might have to grab one of these.
Great amp too!
I'm still having a blast with mine! Thankfully, the folks at Rivera put caster sockets on the bottom, (though no casters) because this thing is pushing close to 60 lbs. Plus, pre-pandemic, I got an in-house Rivera version for about what the modded Fender sold for.
Such an amazing amp! I'm trying to convince Paul to make me a head! I'm sending in a deposit as we speak with my fingers crossed!
Hey CPFS can you tell me more about the in house Rivera you spoke about
@@andrewmorabito6712 That was a special run of Rivera-modified '68 Deluxe reissues that Sweetwater did a few years back. They sold out pretty quickly. The Stage IV, (before the Covid "price bump") was almost the same price. More now, though, like just about everything.
I had my Rivera 30/12 I bought in 1993 refit this year and it will be good for another 30 years. Amazing amp.
The best!
I've been a RIVERA user since 1995, Knucklehead and 55/12 combo (swapped out the stock speaker for an 80 watt Celestion G12 Century Neo in 2001, FANTASTIC speaker), great amps and both very versatile. I have not tried the Stage 1V, but have been hearing tons about it's attributes and tones, and that has just been verified, , , I can't wait to plug into one. . .Great vid again Mason. Thanks.
Hope you try one out, you'll love it!
I have a Venus 6 & various other topshelf handwired amps from Suhr Matchless Mesa Marshall...the Venus 6 does Blackface\Tweed & Vintage Marshall type drive. These tones are pristine 3D & authentic. This amp is the best amp Ive ever used! My only complaint is the boost is too loud but can be tamed with your volume knob. In a combo with a Celestion gold it is absolute sonic bliss. Rivera rules!!
Great to see some appreciation for Rivera amps! I have a "lesser" version, the Thirty-Twelve, but I still love it.
Still a great amp
I recorded an album using only the thirty twelve without pedals
Got a Rivera Quiana since early 2000. It’s evolved with me thru the years. Still sounds Great.
Wow, great!
All of that 😅was amazingly interesting. I think what makes the Rivera so versatile is what I describe as openness. Some use the term transparency. But basically even when the overdrive channel is used it has no flub or muddy-ness. It makes it easy for the producers and engineers to lay down a track without having to spend hours fixing the EQ and tone profile of a guitar track.
Such a great amp!
I have the Jay Grayden combo from the late 90s. It is RIDICULOUS. Everything from super-clean, to Peg, to King's X, right from the front panel. Amazing amp.
More folks need to talk about Rivera products! One of the few Made in USA quality manufactures left.
Agreed!
Jerry Garcia was going to be transitioning to Rivera amps shortly before he died. His passing brought that to a halt. Garcia had been using a Twin and then Twin into a Macintosh for twenty-five years or so. It says everything that he could use anything, and he chose Rivera. Would have anyway. Vince Gill set aside his old Fender for two R series amps. Rivera are really the top of the top of amps.
If I’m not mistaken,that’s the kind of amp that Jay Graydon used and still uses.He played the solo for the song Peg…Steely Dan.Among many other things,Mr.Graydon is one of absolute best session guitarist in the world.
Good point
Very interesting and informative, also I have the Rivera era Fender Champ 2.
Great! This one will help fill out the collection :)
Great video. Amazing how the Diaz and Rivera modded Fenders made such a huge impact on our life soundtrack.
Rivera was the studio sound of the 70's and 80's - it defined a generation of pop music and rock music.
This was a fantastic historical perspective. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve order Rivera Stage 4 with 6L6’s and 2x10’s .. can’t wait..
Awesome job. I always wondered about the Rivera amps. It makes sense
This Stage IV model is the one to get, is the classic sound of the session scene in the 70's and 80's and clearly can create that sound with ease!
Speaking of Rivera amps, Jay Graydon. He is my most admired guitarist. So someday I want a Rivera amp.
Jay is a great player!
@@VertexEffectsInc Jay played Peg on Red 335 with stop tailpiece.
I bought an M100 back in the 90s. It was an amazing amp!
Paul’s always made great stuff!
The 'Beat it' tone was awesome!
Yes indeed, Rivera OD channel slays and Tim played it great!
All these amps and pedals and things were 25% cheaper just a year ago. Stage IV is a great 2 channel amp at a fair price point! I went with the Venus Deux Rec 55W/15W, so one really great channel and pedal platform, plus the mini RockRec which is such an asset. Rivera amps are so top notch! Kind of like a Fender amp if it was out on a hot date with a Marshall amp at the drive-in.
I don't know how they make these amps so well and so affordably for what they are.
Lee Rit Captain Fingers
Luke Toto
Rick Nielsen Cheap Trick
Tommy Tedesco Everything
Paul Jackson Jr.
Larry Carlton
Jay Grayson
Kerry Livgten
Keep going
The list goes on for ever and even more if you consider all the hit records it was used on. Too many to count!
I have the recent sweetwater Fender Deluxe Rivera Mod. I knew nothing about Paul nor was I planning to buy an amp when I bought it used. I’m a fender amp guy and always plug into one when trying out guitars. I plugged into this modded Deluxe and was blown away by the warmth and clarity that sounded better than the Deluxe I was used to. all I can say is it was the tone I’ve been after and I got it just by plugging straight into the amp. I then tried a bunch of low end guitars (my go to amp test) with same reaction, the amp makes crummy guitars sound open! I went home and played my vintage twin, got back in the car to buy it, and it had been sold! I tracked down another used one across the country and had it shipped out. It is my go to amp since then. It takes pedals well, but every time I just plug straight in, I have to question if I’m using too many. It’s just butter. It was the ultimate splurge, but it was one of my better decisions. I’m sure it’s the same with these models.
I love Rivera amps. Paul Rivera is a genius!! Thanx for the video!
The best!
I’ve got a Rivera Venus Deux with the Electrovoice speaker, it’s one of the cleanest tones I’ve ever heard and it’s my best amp.
Great video and awesome performance demos using the Rivera Stage IV Amp! You definitely got me interested in taking a look at this amp. Thanks!
It's a great amp!
I’m a proud keeper of a Rivera S120 4x10. It’s a wonderful tool.
Paul makes great stuff!
Rivera lead channels have never been exactly my cup of tea, but my goodness, the cleans are some of the best true cleans I've ever heard.
I would say this is much more mild and vintage than any Rivera of modern day. It actually doesn’t have too much gain and we used the boost channel on most lead sounds to get the gain up. I think you’d find yourself at home on this amp in particular - it’s much less modern than any Rivera before it, I mean listen to the clips, they’re all pretty “rock” on the lead channel.
@@VertexEffectsInc Definitely looking forward to trying it out whenever a store near me has one.
@@Texasbluesalley let's hope they expand the dealers a bit, right now it seems like CME and Sweetwater only.
One of our loca clubs has a Rivera as a backing and I love it when I play there haha
really good tones. im a guitar into an amp guy. I only have the fab 5 peddles and use them only when required. so i appreciate the diversity in the one good amp.
You are surrounded by beautiful gear.Thanks for covering the Rivera.
In his own words. What was your rig on “Hold the Line,” Toto’s breakout hit?
That was a ’58 goldtop Les Paul, through a blackface [Fender] Deluxe Reverb modified by Paul Rivera. I’ve known Paul for a long time; he made my first pedalboard, with all of the old analog units. It’s amazing; almost all of that kind of stuff has been stolen. I had four Tube Screamers Ibanez gave me - the original ones - those ended up missing from our warehouse.
Team Rivera! Sold all my engls. Mesa. Whatever else I had. And only kept two ktres… though Dean Costello amps made there way in too as of recent.
I love every detail of how this video was made. Thank you, thank you!
wow, thanks!
I've always wanted to play thru this brands amp. Skid row used them in the 80s and had great tone. 🤘♥️
Hope the Rig Doctor gets to feeling better!!
Getting over RSV...still pretty horse even though I was better a few weeks ago.
@@VertexEffectsInc You did remarkably well for having RSV, I only really noticed it at the end of long talking segments.
I remember Rivera amps back in the days, I am 60 years old , # 7 in a family of 8, my oldest brother had a band in the basement in Vancouver Canada, great memories and music no video games, cell phones, computer, all we had was music, that’s what got me playing guitar, best days of my life.
Nice!
I had a Rivera hundred duo twelve for 10 years. Amazing amp, unfortunately that particular model had an issue and was always in the tech shop. But amazing Marshall and fender tone in one amp. Got tired of the problems and gave it to a friend. Now just rely on an 73 super reverb and 0 problems. Never more amps with circuit board.
Did you ever consider brining it to Rivera's attention? I'm sure they could resolve.
@@VertexEffectsInc yes, but I live in Portugal. It would be amazingly expensive. Problem was a cap in power section blowed and opened a hole in the circuit... That's a bad hit
@@TheMarcosgomes73 Ahhh, yes, that creates a problem.
That's a total fluke. I own several Riveras and never had a real problem. The Fandango had a cap in the power section go bad, replaced it and it never was a problem again with that. I've had old point to point Fenders act up. Had a non master silver face Twin blow a filter cap. These things happen. But a reoccurring problem just means that amp had a flaw. It could have been corrected if you had easy access to Rivera. You don't so that's that.
@@augustusbetucius8279 An hole was opened in the circuit board by the bad cap... Anyway, I don't trust amps with the tube sockets in the main board anymore. Fender and Marshall got it right the first time. That's where I am at this point now. It's not a question of tone, I loved that amp
I just discovered that Danny Chauncey used a Rivera amp to record his guitar parts in the .38 Special song "Second Chance" in 1988. Do you happen to know which Rivera amp he used? That is one of my favorite guitar tones of all time and I've been trying for several years to find out exactly what I need to replicate it. Thanks!
Mace get some chicken soup and halls! Great video bud. Amp sounds dope
Believe it or not this is two weeks after having recovered, voice is still pretty horse.
I played a rivera 1 time - by far the best clean sound I ever heard come out of an amp - I couldn't believe what I was hearing - and so touch sensitive every little detail from your hand would come out of the amp
I've never played a rivera using overdrive but I can imagine
I always dreamed of blending 4 amps: boogie mark 3, soldano, marshall plexi and rivera
I use a Analogman Prince of tone and a Analogman Astro Fuzz with mine. It is amazing. I also recently added a Real McCoy RC11 and could not be happier.
Picking up my Rivera Venus Deux Recording 55 watt amp today!
Great amps!
I almost bought a Mick Thomson Rivera back in the day but wound up going with a Marshall JVM back then. Looks like this time around, I will be going with the Rivera.
The Rivera is unbeatable!
@@VertexEffectsInc this is one of those amps where I can play an entire gig with simply a Klone, some delay(and maybe chorus?) in the loop, and a compressor. I can see how this amp manages to be so legendary
@@dannyllerenatv8635 It's a prefect amp for this!
I noticed that this amp has optical tremolo and most other amps with built-in trem tend to have tube tremolo. I'd guess the mechanical difference is just light bulbs vs tubes creating the effect, but do you think there's a big difference in the effect itself? Do you have a preference?
Prob weight at the very least
Tube bias tremolo will be much deeper in amplitude sweep, as well as a little sweeter sounding. The downside is that it's often a little more expensive to implement, requiring an additional tube stage or two, accommodating the additional current draw, B+ filtering, and components associated with that. Because a tube bias tremolo essentially varies the output power of an amp, it will also behave differently when you crank the output into saturation. For gainier amps, optical tremolo can sometimes be the better choice. That said, the amps Paul was modding during this era likely had optical trem, so he may be keeping true with that.
@@b-spot You could do an optical style with a tube, however most do SS as it's easier and the tube isn't required.
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes, some optical tremolos use a tube(s) as the oscillator, but that doesn't make it a tube bias tremolo.
I've used both and there's a noticeable difference in the 'feel' between the two. They are both good, it's not a matter of one being superior to the other. I like them both, but do prefer optical. It also depends on how the circuit is done. I've played optical tremolo that was not good.
My Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Top absolutely freaking rips! Everyone loves my amp when they hear it and especially when they play it. The gain on the Royale is far heavier than on the Stage IV due to the boost on the Lead channel. Huge gain tones while remaining articulate and responsive.
There is a lead channel and Boost on the Stage IV, FYI.
Great history, review, video!!
Glad you dig it!
Excellent video and amps. Great sounds.
It's a dream amp for me. Great content as always!
Where is the best place to purchase a great Les Paul Standard? That Les Paul you're holding in the beginning of the video is making me want one.
That one is an R8 - 1958 Reissue. I would say go to a place where you can play a dozen or more. They are variable.
What a great video. All tones and licks are spot on.
sold...sold...sold...i need one!!!
Nice! Enjoy!
I have a RIvera Fifty-Five-Twelve. Not sure how similar it is to the Stage IV but can confirm it is absolutely KILLER. Amazing cleans, gain tones, excellent effects loop and unbelievable (frankly too much for me) amounts of volume on tap.
They’re different, this is a little more classic vintage tones.
And Tim is a fantastic player!
Agreed!
A+ playing by Tim!
Tim Marco killed it!
Hey Mason, thanks for bringing at least my attention to this amp. Placed an order for one at Sweetwater.
Hope you enjoy it!
This was amazing. Thank you very much.
Amazing! My favourite video you've ever done.
Wow, thanks!
Also... feelin' ya, man- also totally full of flu here in England! You're a trooper!
Believe it or not, this was two weeks post recovery from RSV and I'm still horse.
Mason very informative. This is in my amp collection Love it!
Great to hear!
Excellent Vid A+++++
Glad you enjoyed it
Not everything fell short for session amps and full coverage of all genres. Matchless Independence!
Matchless is good, not nearly as iconic or versatile is this amp.
Paul Jackson Jr. pointed out that he never saw a Dumble but saw a lot of Rivera modded Fenders.
What a beautiful insight. Brilliant!!
Thanks for watching!
Phenomenal job, definitely know your stuff and did your homework!!! Tones are as dead on as you can get, love how you have examples from all the different albums we heard that amp on, those solos and tones are etched in our minds since childhood! 🤣👏🔥
Thanks for watching!!!
Paul Rivera is saying that those speaker cones and the speakers are specially made to his specs also in those amplifiers because I've watched it interview with him at norm's guitars and Van nuys and he is kind of explains the what he's done to those amps but it sounds very close to Steve Luther of Toto on those songs it's a very very close you know in the ballpark definitely so if you want that sound that amp really gives that sound it seems. That was a nice video to go over which albums and guitarist play through that amp the Paul Rivera modifications because I've I've been curious too on which albums and guitars have used it to go over that those sounds those trademark sounds thanks for doing that
Paul makes a great amp, no doubt!
@@VertexEffectsInc This Podcast he does with his son Rivera JR talks about the EM Eminence speaker has a lot of copper which takes an oversized output transformer. The EM speaker only works good Rivera says when the volume is max out because of the type of speaker assembly of the voicecoil and magnetic used. The FAT switch is to add harmonics and overtones to the top strings G,B,E which makes those strings have a fat tone to them. Its a special type of FAT switch which is not in most amplifiers. CLICK here to watch the video ua-cam.com/video/S-p84GMWugQ/v-deo.html
i've got rivera clubster royale , that very versatile amp😄
Great amp too!
Love my 6L6 based Quiana 50 watt 2x12 combo ( in a lovely Burgundy Tolex ) Paul makes incredible amps!
Heck yea!
@@VertexEffectsInc I have owned this amp for decades now, aside from a newer set of tubes I have Never had any issues whatsoever - I wish my Big Rigs ( I own a Trucking Company ) where this reliable
I have to agree this amp sounds great not everyone is obsessed with high gain scooping the mids and so on, I like that it sounds so good without the use of pedals
It sounds good with pedals too, just wanted to keep it about the amp!
Very impressive.
Love how this amp sounds!
They seem like excellent amplifiers, and I love the idea of their dual amps: One amp for acoustic and electric guitars. The company doesn't put out much info at all these days.
I’m in love with this amp.
I have an 80's Fender Rivera Super Champ, not a stage 4 but a great amp.
They're great, the Stage for is really what Paul couldn't do at Fender but had been doing leading up to his tenure there.
How is it different from the R55? LOVE my R55...... Thanks!
Better question for Rivera, I don't know.
wow, I didn't know about it. Cool amp!
Definitely check it out!
Jay did use PR modded amps quite a lot. So does George Doering (pair of modded 60's DR's) top LA session guy for film/tv mostly, and many others. Often pairs of modded DR's in stereo. Don't think they had loops then tho. Can't remember. Sometimes they'd just use the power section and use a rack pre like a Demeter or some other (SLO etc). Odd thing about Jay was his guitars of choice.
Great vid on amazing amp
Heck yea!
5 Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It's a 5 star amp!
I have a Rivera modded 1969 Vibrolux and its wonferfullllll Paul told me he worked on it in about 1982
Wow, amazing!
I own this amp, it’s phenomenal
I use very minimal pedals a wah, reverb/delay and flanger for soloing
An interesting trick is that I stuffed a patch cable in the active effects loop. This pushes the preamp viciously and somewhat attenuates her.
This gives my Fat Veronica (amp name) the hot sauce she craves.
Great job thank you!!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Clean sounds nice and warm.
Yet another great vid, thanks a lot! The glory days of the almighty can do it all combos, that will never go out of fashion. (once you've sold your modelers because you know better ;))
A niche tipp for the interested: if you use Synergy preamps, the B-Man module gets you very close to that sound also (forget the Bassman reference for a sec, it doesn't sound like a Bassman 4x10 combo per se, I mean how could it?!?) If you have a cab with something beefy that isn't a V30 the better.
Thanks for watching!
If my penultimate pedal is a Boss DC-2W should I still use an additional output buffer?
Boss Buffers aren't quality buffers, use it for your chorus, not your buffer.
I had a Rivera era Fender Super Champ, great little amp...big mistake having sold it, they've become collectible
They're great amps, this takes that entire style of amp and mods to an entirely new level without compromises. This is what Paul wanted to build for Fender but the big wigs wouldn't approve.
I’ve still got mine. Awesome amp
I have one from 84 fender / Rivera 15 Watt. Great amp 💯%
Great video, feel better my friend
Believe it or not this was two weeks after having RSV
Excellent video and great amp.
It sure is a great amp!