What amp suits YOU best? I've been wanting to make this video for a while - but I had to come to the decision naturally... and after a while playing mainly one amp, I know for sure what amp suits me best! (Still love all the amps though, of course...)
I could just about afford the one amp, but I went for the bartel roseland.. no regrets and versatile beyond any amp I have ever played. Love coming to hear your collection. Thanks
It’s great seeing someone get to the end of their Amp-quest. I’m 61 and have been at this a long time. Just bought the Mesa Boogie Fillmore, in part because of having watched your review. Thanks so much for letting us hear all these cool amps. Subscribed!
That's funny, I was expecting to see the Fillmore on this shootout too considering how he seemed to feel when first playing it. I bought the 25 in part because of his demos of it. I love it. So much versatility in it.
Can you please test drive Bartel amp? Smallwood and Roseland preface. Let’s know how it stacks up against the others I would appreciate that thank you!
My man! Been watching and enjoying since the beginning. A couple things, your videos are freaking Superior! Such great depth and you’re such a great, likable dude! Blessings and love to you, brother James🙌🙏💙👏 Super proud of you and really enjoying all your playing and tones🤝💪✔️
James if you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? Because you have a dream list of gear and it took me years to be able to purchase my R9.....
A wonderful collection of amps there, James. Tough choice to pick just one, but the Rift is very special. Chris Fantana and Aynsley both say it takes pedals well (even if they're not completely necessary). It'd be interesting to hear a couple through it in next week's demo. Very tasty playing, especially in the final section of the video. Keep up the great work. :-)
Thanks Rich! Yeah will definitely have a pedal section in the review… will leave my thoughts until then 👍🏼 thanks - was happy with this video for once!
Sounds wonderful, James! Have you tried Carr amps? I'd love for you to get your hands on a Carr Mercury V or Skylark or even the Sportsman. They are smaller wattage but mighty and loud amps. I've had 2 x Two Rock Classic Reverb Sigs, I've got a TC on the way, but there's just something so wonderful about Carr amps. My favourite amps. Worth trying!
Thanks for giving a great demo of amps, I think you should do one on a Carr Mercury V, I think you might just fall in love with a killer grab and go amp.
It is the Aynsley Lister Signature model. My latest video tells you more about it 👍🏼 i believe you can order straight from Rift themselves! Please let me know if you do - just so I can congratulate you 🤟🏼🤟🏼
Man what a great amp collection! It looks like you have everything you need to stay inspired killer Les Paul by the way for me I have a Tone King Imperial and a Dirty Shirley and a vintage tweed Deluxe and a few pedals and that covers 90% of the session work I do.
I’ve been through many many amps, Fender, Marshall Bluesbreaker, Vox Orange etc etc etc. I’ve settled on three Morgan Ac20 deluxe, Morgan MVP and Friedman Dirty Shirley, those thee are my keepers.
I'm trying to decide between mesa boogie California tweed, Morgan mvp23, magnatone varsity reverb, and Dr Z cure 112 as a home amp that will take my pedals. Magnatone has best clean tones.. love the California tweed intuitive-ness.
That Bloomfield is dreamy! I guess at this point I'd say my one keeper amp is my Friedman BE-50 deluxe. Aside from the BE and HBE channels being amazing, the Betty Buxom clean channel is so nice. Doesn't even need reverb it's so pretty.
Great video James, and some nice playing. As you probably expect It's the Morgan for me, but the Rift & the Bloomfield sound great too and come in second and third. I had a realisation myself recently. Although I love Gibsons, the sound & look. I struggled ergonomically with my Les Paul, and as it's so pretty I was too precious with it compared to my G&L's, so I sold it and bought another Asat with a different pick up combination. G&L's just seem to be my thing, got three now.
thanks Graeme. Yeah the ergonomics can be tough - i was feeling it when I first got the LP, i pretty much thought I wouldn't be able to do it. I fell in love so much with the guitar that I just warp my body into place and now it seems to fit! Those G&L's seem to get a lot of love!
@@JamesOnGuitar When properly set up the USA made ones are awesome. Imo some players shy away because there are ceramic magnets in the MFD pick ups. But anyone doubting how sweet a G&L can sound only has to watch Danish Pete play an Asat on Andertons youtube channel.
Glad you found the one! Many choices indeed these days plus the vintage route for sure. I recently went all in on a Suhr Bella and could not be happier, plus using the Reactive load to get all the dirt from higher settings without killing my ears or neighbors, haha Cheers!
Always handy to keep your hearing in tact! But yeah, I'm really glad I have my own sort of sound space now that I love and can get on with a bit more music (and one day the itch will need scratching again)!
Awesome work man. I can see why when amps cost as much as the Bloomfield, that one could almost feel 'bad' that it isn't the top pick. But in saying that, the rift sounds mega! Bloomfield and Rift stereo rig would be amazing as well
Oh man certainly glad to find this ! Building one right now.Should be done next week.What output tubes are you favoring? I’m thinking KT66’s. What speaker? Thanks for making this video.
oh wow - that's very cool. So as far as I understand kt66 is similar-ish to a 6L6GC but with a little less power. Should sound great! When it comes to speakers, I would think about your favourite amps and figure out what they use - the Aynsley Lister Rift amp is EL34 based and uses Eminence The Governor speakers which are punchy but also break up beautifull. cheers
Thanks! These are made by a guy - he goes by JW Restoration. You can check him out on instagram - he does incredible restorations of vintage instruments and sometimes make pickups. Cheers
I'm about to make what I believe is the most important amp purchase of my next few years. I love watching other peoples journey. Great playing as well, which ain't a bad extra.
@@JamesOnGuitar Right now I'm thinking Mesa Cali Tweed or Victory V40D. I have 6 weeks before I pull the trigger, but I'm just a home player and I have promised the wife that I won't have any more large purchases before we buy a house. So I get 1 swing. Been playing amps where ever I can find them. Getting real time before pulling the trigger. Not sure if you have suggestions :)
you down play your playing! i think you have great feel! btw i thought the vibro verb was killer cant beat the old gear i hear this under water metallic thing i love it and your playing! keep rockin ill be wachin!
@@JamesOnGuitar ahh thank you for the input! I’ve never tried the Bloomfield or the SSS, but your videos have been a huge help in hearing what the Bloomfield and the CRS actually sound like, since I know someone like Joey Landreth will make any amp sound good haha! Great video, and I love that Rift Amp, it sounds fantastic! I tried one at Andertons a while back and was super impressed
I really like the Marshall JTM45 - sounds badass. I tried the Sky King, and that thing was dark and muffled. Ended up getting a Fender 64 hand-wired reissue. Looking eventually to get a Morgan - those amps are terrific.
Great playing and as always stellar tones! To me, the Vibroverb has always been my dream amp. Not because of SRV. I can't really play that stuff either. But I've always loved the Jeff Buckley sound and as far as I know that's the amp he played. And hearing you get tones out of it, it just reminds me how much that sound inspires me to write and get lost in. Came across your channel through your playing of the Magma57 and been subscribed since :) and bought that pedal too! Keep on playing and doing great work.
Hey - thank you for the lovely comment! I had no idea Jeff Buckley played a vibroverb 😮 that is very cool! Yeah, it has a beautiful sound, i am v lucky to have it!
Hey so I have a question, I'm confused between two amps mark v 25 and filmore 25 head, i play slow Blues to hard rock kind of music and anything in between so whuch one will suit me best?
Good question - i haven’t played a Mark V but i believe it can do higher gain, it has more eq options etc. So - if you need that wider range it makes sense. The Fillmore has more of a fender type character to its sound, but it is nowhere near as good for higher gain stuff but nice for cleans and edge of breakup and for pedals. I’d probably go for the Mark V for a do it all amp. Hope that helps a little
I’ve stumbled across you in the past week or so, and I have to say that I really love your videos. I’m really gassing for either the Morgan MVP23 or the Matchless HC30 Reverb at the moment. I can’t quite warrant the cost of a Two Rock with the 2x12 cab personally at this point in time…
Nice conclusion but a hard choice you had to make there James, erm but does that mean you might be selling the morgan? you should do the same about your guitars although the 59 looks like it's the winner, but it would still be nice to see and hear your thoughts on your guitars.😀
You're in love! You've found your Desert Island Amp, kick back in a hammock and have another sip of pina colada! Good luck with the subs, I've got my eye on that pedal ;)
Rift sounds amazing, would be good to hear with the Bloomfield Drive as I suspect they would compliment each other well. Is it a good pedal platform too? Im considering the Cornell Romany for simlar(ish) sounds and a little less dosh? Any knowledge on here for those?
Thanks! I think the Romany is a 6L6 amp and the Rift is an EL34 - but I haven’t tried a Romany. Only Cornell amp i’ve tried was one that used to belong to Eric Clapton - it was good! I think Cornell have a great rep 👍🏼 the Rift is pretty good for pedals, but you have to really hold it back a bit otherwise it is quite hot!
Have you tried the Mesa Cali Tweed? I’ve owned for about 4 months now and from day 1 purchase it has just filled that void for me. After all these years it’s very nice to feel satisfied after each and every session and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Really like your videos, Enjoy mate 👍
cheers :) I haven't tried a Cali yet - but it is definitely on my list. Next year I am definitely going to be looking for a tweed style amp so will hopefully try one!
It was great - but since I had the classic reverb signature I guess it was always going to come second best to that and a guy who watches the channel bought the Fillmore and loves it so that was all good :)
Understood. I totally adore my Fillmore 50 with dedicated 2x12. Funny enough, as yourself I forced myself to play it for a month after some time as we couldn't glue to begin with. It was weird and stiff. I kept it overnight with looped pink noise to break the speakers in and after that we did ok. IMO you cant beat it for the price.
Excellent stuff, I really like your approach James. I've never tried a Rift amp, but the best amp I've ever played through/owned (and of course, this is always going to be subjective) is the Divided by 13 FTR 37. The second best is the Tone King Continental.
I’ve said I’ve found “the one” before and I’m now on my third wife lol. Seriously though, I think my number one amp is the Mesa Boogie Mark Vii. I’ve played it a the Music Store a few times and I’m completely in love with it. I’ve already ordered mine and I can’t wait till it’s here for me to confirm how I feel about it.
Hi James. You’re often self deprecating when talking about your guitar playing talents….. I just want to say that you’re better than you think you are. Your dynamics are spot on. Your ability to play the strings incredibly gently, with nuance is very professional. And then you bite us with your stinging attack. Very professional and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. 👍
Hi Paul - that’s a really lovely comment, and much appreciated. I’ll admit to one thing - i’ve definitely improved over the last 2 years. And I love playing more than ever. UA-cam is such a wonderful place to learn and communicate about guitar. Your playing is honestly very inspiring, and amongst some other top players, always leaves me ready to figure out the next small part of the puzzle. Cheers and have a lovely weekend 🤟🏼
Tempted by the Aynsley Lister but I'm feeling like it'd be overkill for playing at home. I'm looking at the Matchless C15 and the Morgan AC20 currently. Also, that wait time on the Rift amp is pretty daunting!
Thanks James, it’s great to get your perspective on these! Such a great selection👏🏻 I would be curious to know if you ever had a chance to try a Hamstead amp? Would be curious to know what you think. 🙂 🙌🏻
I currently have a 100w CRS and waiting on my 100w Bloomfield order. Both will sit on top of a TwoRock 2x12 running through a MesaBoogie HeadTrack switcher and Fryette PS100. I am expecting this will be my (kinda) one stack to rule them all 😊 BTW I have been a BIG fan of ToneKing Ironman ii attenuators for some years. Last month I finally tried a Fryette PS2…. OMG! Hands down the most transparent of attenuators. I expect I will sell my Ironman units. Despite the one amp space saving ideal, I adore a wall of sound and at a relatively low volume of 85-90db you can get beautifully immersed in well contrasted amps. So I love mixing in Friedman BE-50 with Plexi channel mod, Matchless HC30, BadCat HotCat, ToneKing Imperial ii and SkyKing (which sounds particularly nice with an extension cabinet). Running several amps with more of a tweed sound dialled gives me a very rich sounding dirt. Whereas I usually prefer clean and edge of break up times on individual amps. Simply running multiple tweed style really sweetens up the tone. I say you should try mixing and matching your amps spaced out around your studio for fun to see what tones you can get lost in. Totally impractical for live use but it can be a dream like personal indulgence to get lost in at home. To make it easier I just use wireless transmitters like the Xvive to run many amps at the same time at home. Sooo much fun 🙂
@@JamesOnGuitar 😊 My time here in Portland, Oregon is almost up. Maybe we can literally chat together on like minded topics when I’m back in the UK next year. The Mesa HeadTrack device is basically going to switch between two amp heads, as if you had one amp with multiple channels. If you want to compare a Fryette to the ToneKing Ironman ii, Peach still has both 50w and 100w versions in stock as I type. It’s particularly challenging for dealers to get the 100w version, so be quick if you’re curious about that model. You might like to try even the 50w version with some of your smaller amps to increase output and not just attenuate. These Fryette boxes are truly awesome. 👍
It’s guys like you and shows like this that I rely on. I can’t find these amps and have to watch/listen to clips to make up my mind. I’ve been intrigued by Grammatico. Also the Bloomfield Drive, though I don’t think I can justify the price and I think I want it for status…a shallow mistake, I know. I’ve been highly leaning towards this A. L. Rift amp…or a Magnatone Stereo Twilighter. Have you had any experience with the Magnatone?
Hey man - thanks. I haven't tried a Magnatone but really want to, and I think the one you mention would be great... I am going to be looking for the perfect partner to the Rift soon, starting by going through my current other amps in stereo pairs and seeing what works best
Hey James, this was awesome… I find myself in the predicament of not being able to try b4 I buy and your top two with the addition DrZ Mas are my top three which I have to pick one and buy it… this really helped
@@JamesOnGuitar for sure I will keep you posted… I have a mate who is into building amps and he did a train wreck clone which will be headed my way at the end of the month also
All the amps sounded great! I thought for sure the Sky king, then the MVP. But the Boomfield! but from what I hear it sounds like a heavenly tone! that Riff!!! always enjoy all your vids so thanks a lot!
So, ultimately it came to a point where I had some cash to spend - i run a property business, but have a very supportive and successful wife and family too - and I was going to buy a Porsche, something I had always wanted to do. But something sparked me into coming back to guitar and I am really glad I went this way... thanks for asking
Awesome question - i think it scales depending on your budget. Imo 3 brackets: £500 - £250 guitar, £250 amp (because can get a guitar that’ll keep you interested but less than that on an amp is likely to be a noisy mess £1500 - £6-800 guitar, £7-900 amp: an amp in this bracket, like a vox ac15 custom for example is a great workhorse with distinctive sound and still the guitar at this much could be a decent mex fender or an epiphone and small pedalboard £3000 - at this point i’d go 50/50 - great for both and thus no weak point in the equation £5000 - you could get a custom shop fender and a good Dr Z or other boutique amp so the split is around £3200 guitar to £1800 amp £10k - custom shop fender or gibson and the rest on a stereo combo amp setup like a Tone King Imperial mk2 & a Rift Aynsley Lister More than £10k - invest in 2 of your favourite amps that’ll last years and years and then as much as you like on any number of guitars 🤟🏼 I think that’s how i’d go at each level
yeah... not hearing much difference between the "clean" channel and overdrive on the bloomfield tworock. a lot of players would say that that that dirty sound is a clean sound LOL!. everyone just likes what they like :)
Cool vid…. But given your style I’m really surprised you don’t have a Matchless HC30. I think that’s one that would be a serious contender for your perfect amp. I’ve got a Two-Rock CRS which is amazing (does it all hands down), and a Hamstead Artist 20 which is lovely. But the HC30 is something else entirely.
I am thinking of the King Cobra perhaps - the reverb and trem would be amazing! I think it is in my top 3 to try next... thanks for reminding me though!
$4K for that Ainsley amp! Plus the two rocks the JTM the Dr Z. You have dropped some $ on this amp quest. I bet it has been fun though. I can’t keep that many around at those prices. I would have to sell one to buy another. And then you can’t compare them directly then you miss the old amp and buy it again, only to sell it again later. I am on this journey with you. It’s fun.
They all sounded good to me. I liked the rift amp with the reverb best and the tone king with the gold top guitar. Thanks for doing the demos, 2hrs from a music shop so never get to try gear. Just have to listen to UA-cam. It would be good to hear the king tone pedals through a few different amps, hear the sound differences.
But those Two-Rocks are 'spensive. Where would a Tone King Imperial Mk II sit in the mix. They seem like they're a few watts short of the Two-Rock. Offered as 20 & 35W for Tone King's & they have the attenuator built in. The Two Rocks are offered in 20 & 40W. And the price reflects that both brands are big purchase decisions. And at the end of the day, might just be better to get the Fender originals of what these emulate and in theory try to improve. I think the player is going to sound about the same on all of them.
@@JamesOnGuitar Ya the advantages of living in North America. But it’s a disadvantage when it comes to getting a RIFT amp. Super’s are essentially the tone that two rock’s are chasing, despite the fact that most people think TR’s are Dumble clones.
I've recently been on a similar journey. Looking back on it, it has been expensive. Necessary, though. I feel that I've grown as a player. Interestingly, I'm both more conscious of what I'm looking for and more relaxed about dealing with nuances each guitar/amp provide. Good on you for bravely navigating this. You sound great!
![The Best Guitar Amp In The World [And Tips On Using Pedals With It]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6j0hOIu6LeM/mqdefault.jpg)
What amp suits YOU best? I've been wanting to make this video for a while - but I had to come to the decision naturally... and after a while playing mainly one amp, I know for sure what amp suits me best! (Still love all the amps though, of course...)
Just recently managed to get a Tone King imperial mkii on Reverb and its not dissapoted
Oh excellent - really a great sounding amp that Imperial, with lots of personality! Enjoy
Right now I'm digging a Vox AC15C1X, but my ultimate would be a 1960 Fender 5F6-A tweed Bassman.
I could just about afford the one amp, but I went for the bartel roseland.. no regrets and versatile beyond any amp I have ever played.
Love coming to hear your collection.
Thanks
Tweed deluxe
It’s great seeing someone get to the end of their Amp-quest. I’m 61 and have been at this a long time. Just bought the Mesa Boogie Fillmore, in part because of having watched your review. Thanks so much for letting us hear all these cool amps. Subscribed!
Oh nice one - hope you are enjoying the Fillmore, it is very cool! Cheers - and thank you for watching too!
That's funny, I was expecting to see the Fillmore on this shootout too considering how he seemed to feel when first playing it. I bought the 25 in part because of his demos of it. I love it. So much versatility in it.
Can you please test drive Bartel amp? Smallwood and Roseland preface. Let’s know how it stacks up against the others I would appreciate that thank you!
I mean i’d love to!
So grateful for your giveaways and videos! Thank you!
That’s an enviable collection of amps. They all sounded beautiful to me!
Great reviews. Thanks for sharing!!
I really appreciate the perspective. Great content. Thanks.
Thanks!
My man! Been watching and enjoying since the beginning. A couple things, your videos are freaking Superior! Such great depth and you’re such a great, likable dude! Blessings and love to you, brother James🙌🙏💙👏 Super proud of you and really enjoying all your playing and tones🤝💪✔️
Thanks man! That is really encouraging 🤟🏼👍🏼
I just startet my amp journey with a Vox AC15, love it so far
That’s how i started too man 🤟🏼
Rad gear collection you got there man! Thanks for charing your thoughts and ideas on your journey of tone. Cheers, Cliff
Oh man! your studio room is something near the gear paradise!. Couldn´t decide what piece of gear I like the most.
Cheers man! Generally I can't decide either!
James if you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? Because you have a dream list of gear and it took me years to be able to purchase my R9.....
A wonderful collection of amps there, James. Tough choice to pick just one, but the Rift is very special. Chris Fantana and Aynsley both say it takes pedals well (even if they're not completely necessary). It'd be interesting to hear a couple through it in next week's demo. Very tasty playing, especially in the final section of the video. Keep up the great work. :-)
Thanks Rich! Yeah will definitely have a pedal section in the review… will leave my thoughts until then 👍🏼 thanks - was happy with this video for once!
What is that gold top at the beginning? That’s even sweeter than the amps!
Nice video, man, awesome. I'm thinking of buying a Morgan MVP66, the 23 just doesn't seem to have enough headroom
Sounds wonderful, James! Have you tried Carr amps? I'd love for you to get your hands on a Carr Mercury V or Skylark or even the Sportsman. They are smaller wattage but mighty and loud amps. I've had 2 x Two Rock Classic Reverb Sigs, I've got a TC on the way, but there's just something so wonderful about Carr amps. My favourite amps. Worth trying!
Thanks for giving a great demo of amps, I think you should do one on a Carr Mercury V, I think you might just fall in love with a killer grab and go amp.
I think you need to try a Bartel! Great video!
😃🤟🏼 ua-cam.com/video/pxNOcPaTLv8/v-deo.html
James man, what was the singlecut w P90s? sounded majestic through the sky
At 20:32 are you strait into that amp with no pedals??? It’s breathtaking.
Yup 🤟🏼 thanks!
@@JamesOnGuitar may I ask which Rift amp that is so I can go find one?
It is the Aynsley Lister Signature model. My latest video tells you more about it 👍🏼 i believe you can order straight from Rift themselves! Please let me know if you do - just so I can congratulate you 🤟🏼🤟🏼
@@JamesOnGuitar I’m going back and fourth with someone at Rift now. Thank you for the great video.
Have you tried the Morgan MVP66 ?
Man what a great amp collection! It looks like you have everything you need to stay inspired killer Les Paul by the way for me I have a Tone King Imperial and a Dirty Shirley and a vintage tweed Deluxe and a few pedals and that covers 90% of the session work I do.
That sounds like a great session set up - lots of bases covered! cheers
I’ve been through many many amps, Fender, Marshall Bluesbreaker, Vox Orange etc etc etc. I’ve settled on three Morgan Ac20 deluxe, Morgan MVP and Friedman Dirty Shirley, those thee are my keepers.
That sounds like an awesome amp journey 🤟🏼
I'm trying to decide between mesa boogie California tweed, Morgan mvp23, magnatone varsity reverb, and Dr Z cure 112 as a home amp that will take my pedals. Magnatone has best clean tones.. love the California tweed intuitive-ness.
I would def go for the Magnatone if i were buying but all good choices 🤟🏼
Rift Application! That’s a new one for me. Might check out.
That Bloomfield is dreamy! I guess at this point I'd say my one keeper amp is my Friedman BE-50 deluxe. Aside from the BE and HBE channels being amazing, the Betty Buxom clean channel is so nice. Doesn't even need reverb it's so pretty.
I’ve heard good things about that amp! I feel like i need reverb, but gonna try some pedals with non reverb amps soon and see how i like em
Great video James, and some nice playing. As you probably expect It's the Morgan for me, but the Rift & the Bloomfield sound great too and come in second and third. I had a realisation myself recently. Although I love Gibsons, the sound & look. I struggled ergonomically with my Les Paul, and as it's so pretty I was too precious with it compared to my G&L's, so I sold it and bought another Asat with a different pick up combination. G&L's just seem to be my thing, got three now.
thanks Graeme. Yeah the ergonomics can be tough - i was feeling it when I first got the LP, i pretty much thought I wouldn't be able to do it. I fell in love so much with the guitar that I just warp my body into place and now it seems to fit! Those G&L's seem to get a lot of love!
@@JamesOnGuitar When properly set up the USA made ones are awesome. Imo some players shy away because there are ceramic magnets in the MFD pick ups. But anyone doubting how sweet a G&L can sound only has to watch Danish Pete play an Asat on Andertons youtube channel.
Glad you found the one! Many choices indeed these days plus the vintage route for sure. I recently went all in on a Suhr Bella and could not be happier, plus using the Reactive load to get all the dirt from higher settings without killing my ears or neighbors, haha Cheers!
Always handy to keep your hearing in tact! But yeah, I'm really glad I have my own sort of sound space now that I love and can get on with a bit more music (and one day the itch will need scratching again)!
Beautiful collection of amps.... They all sounded magic :)
Thanks! Yeah, enjoyed doing this one a lot!
Awesome work man. I can see why when amps cost as much as the Bloomfield, that one could almost feel 'bad' that it isn't the top pick. But in saying that, the rift sounds mega! Bloomfield and Rift stereo rig would be amazing as well
Yeah, just wasn't expecting the Bloomfield to get put to the side - but soon I will be trying that stereo rig and hoping for good things! cheers man
Hey James! great video as usual. I keep forgetting, what is the name of the finish on your r9? It is beautiful and always photographs well
Thanks! So it is nitrocellulose laquer and this is a vos - very old stock - look so they do something to make it look a little older 👍🏼
Oh man certainly glad to find this ! Building one right now.Should be done next week.What output tubes are you favoring? I’m thinking KT66’s. What speaker?
Thanks for making this video.
oh wow - that's very cool. So as far as I understand kt66 is similar-ish to a 6L6GC but with a little less power. Should sound great! When it comes to speakers, I would think about your favourite amps and figure out what they use - the Aynsley Lister Rift amp is EL34 based and uses Eminence The Governor speakers which are punchy but also break up beautifull. cheers
Your choice sounds great.
Nice Playing ! What pickups do you have in the strat playing the fender Vibroverb ?
Thanks! These are made by a guy - he goes by JW Restoration. You can check him out on instagram - he does incredible restorations of vintage instruments and sometimes make pickups. Cheers
The Rift sounds killer with that Les Paul. Have you played the two rock traditional clean? If so how’s it compare to the others.
I haven't... yet! Going to be on a mission soon actually to try the TC and TS1 - both sound interesting!
I'm about to make what I believe is the most important amp purchase of my next few years. I love watching other peoples journey. Great playing as well, which ain't a bad extra.
cheers man! what options are you looking at?
@@JamesOnGuitar Right now I'm thinking Mesa Cali Tweed or Victory V40D. I have 6 weeks before I pull the trigger, but I'm just a home player and I have promised the wife that I won't have any more large purchases before we buy a house. So I get 1 swing. Been playing amps where ever I can find them. Getting real time before pulling the trigger.
Not sure if you have suggestions :)
Fantastic tone, man.
Thanks a lot!
The rift sounds awesome! Love the two rock and vibroverb too... not sure I could choose!
you down play your playing! i think you have great feel! btw i thought the vibro verb was killer cant beat the old gear i hear this under water metallic thing i love it and your playing! keep rockin ill be wachin!
Ah thanks, that’s kind! Yeah the vibroverb is pretty awesome, i’m lucky to have it! Cheers
Great video! Love that Bloomfield Drive, been trying to decide between it and the Two-Rock SSS, this really is selling me on the Bloomfield though!
When I played a SSS recently, it just wasn't for me - much more neutral and less characterful (for me). cheers man :)
@@JamesOnGuitar ahh thank you for the input! I’ve never tried the Bloomfield or the SSS, but your videos have been a huge help in hearing what the Bloomfield and the CRS actually sound like, since I know someone like Joey Landreth will make any amp sound good haha! Great video, and I love that Rift Amp, it sounds fantastic! I tried one at Andertons a while back and was super impressed
I really like the Marshall JTM45 - sounds badass. I tried the Sky King, and that thing was dark and muffled. Ended up getting a Fender 64 hand-wired reissue. Looking eventually to get a Morgan - those amps are terrific.
Just found your channel and digging the content. Thanks!
Cheers man
Great playing and as always stellar tones! To me, the Vibroverb has always been my dream amp. Not because of SRV. I can't really play that stuff either. But I've always loved the Jeff Buckley sound and as far as I know that's the amp he played. And hearing you get tones out of it, it just reminds me how much that sound inspires me to write and get lost in.
Came across your channel through your playing of the Magma57 and been subscribed since :) and bought that pedal too! Keep on playing and doing great work.
Hey - thank you for the lovely comment! I had no idea Jeff Buckley played a vibroverb 😮 that is very cool! Yeah, it has a beautiful sound, i am v lucky to have it!
All beautiful tones. I’m trying to decide on a new amp and this video added more options to complicate the decision. :)
Ha - sorry! Have fun though 🤟🏼
The Aynsley Lister sounds great. I saw him playing it live at the guitar show in Birmingham a couple of years ago. Loving this channel.
Oh nice one!
The rift sounds killer! I would love to live in your guitar room!
You'll have to sleep in a guitar stand!
Well done mate.
I love the Bloomfield drive!
The Sky King sure sounded sweet.
yeah, it does really sound beautiful. cheers
Hey so I have a question, I'm confused between two amps mark v 25 and filmore 25 head, i play slow Blues to hard rock kind of music and anything in between so whuch one will suit me best?
Good question - i haven’t played a Mark V but i believe it can do higher gain, it has more eq options etc. So - if you need that wider range it makes sense. The Fillmore has more of a fender type character to its sound, but it is nowhere near as good for higher gain stuff but nice for cleans and edge of breakup and for pedals. I’d probably go for the Mark V for a do it all amp. Hope that helps a little
I’ve stumbled across you in the past week or so, and I have to say that I really love your videos. I’m really gassing for either the Morgan MVP23 or the Matchless HC30 Reverb at the moment. I can’t quite warrant the cost of a Two Rock with the 2x12 cab personally at this point in time…
Thanks! I have a Matchless HC30R turning up in a coupla weeks, so hopefully will get some content up asap! Cheers
Oh man awesome!! I don’t think there are any videos on UA-cam actually talking about the reverb in it so I’m very much looking forward to that video 😁
Nice conclusion but a hard choice you had to make there James, erm but does that mean you might be selling the morgan? you should do the same about your guitars although the 59 looks like it's the winner, but it would still be nice to see and hear your thoughts on your guitars.😀
I mean i possibly could 🤔 are you interested? That could be fun with the guitars for sure! 🤟🏼
@@JamesOnGuitar yes would be interested
I can email you if you want to discuss it further?
@@raydowley1038 yeah sure - jamesonguitaryt@gmail.com
You're in love! You've found your Desert Island Amp, kick back in a hammock and have another sip of pina colada! Good luck with the subs, I've got my eye on that pedal ;)
haha, I think I just might! cheers
Love that gold LP
Oh yeah - it is a beaut! Made by Case Guitars in the UK 👍🏼
Rift sounds amazing, would be good to hear with the Bloomfield Drive as I suspect they would compliment each other well. Is it a good pedal platform too? Im considering the Cornell Romany for simlar(ish) sounds and a little less dosh? Any knowledge on here for those?
Thanks! I think the Romany is a 6L6 amp and the Rift is an EL34 - but I haven’t tried a Romany. Only Cornell amp i’ve tried was one that used to belong to Eric Clapton - it was good! I think Cornell have a great rep 👍🏼 the Rift is pretty good for pedals, but you have to really hold it back a bit otherwise it is quite hot!
Have you tried the Mesa Cali Tweed? I’ve owned for about 4 months now and from day 1 purchase it has just filled that void for me. After all these years it’s very nice to feel satisfied after each and every session and I couldn’t recommend it enough. Really like your videos, Enjoy mate 👍
cheers :) I haven't tried a Cali yet - but it is definitely on my list. Next year I am definitely going to be looking for a tweed style amp so will hopefully try one!
Not in love with your Fillmore any more?
It was great - but since I had the classic reverb signature I guess it was always going to come second best to that and a guy who watches the channel bought the Fillmore and loves it so that was all good :)
Understood. I totally adore my Fillmore 50 with dedicated 2x12. Funny enough, as yourself I forced myself to play it for a month after some time as we couldn't glue to begin with. It was weird and stiff. I kept it overnight with looped pink noise to break the speakers in and after that we did ok. IMO you cant beat it for the price.
Excellent stuff, I really like your approach James. I've never tried a Rift amp, but the best amp I've ever played through/owned (and of course, this is always going to be subjective) is the Divided by 13 FTR 37. The second best is the Tone King Continental.
Thanks! Ah yes, I have heard good things about the Divided by 13 amps - would love to try one day. Haven't heard of the Continental... cheers!
killer tone man! For me, it's definitely Magnatone that is my forever go-to amp brand.
Would love to try one!
I’ve said I’ve found “the one” before and I’m now on my third wife lol. Seriously though, I think my number one amp is the Mesa Boogie Mark Vii. I’ve played it a the Music Store a few times and I’m completely in love with it. I’ve already ordered mine and I can’t wait till it’s here for me to confirm how I feel about it.
Hi James. You’re often self deprecating when talking about your guitar playing talents….. I just want to say that you’re better than you think you are. Your dynamics are spot on. Your ability to play the strings incredibly gently, with nuance is very professional. And then you bite us with your stinging attack. Very professional and thoroughly enjoyable to listen to. 👍
Hi Paul - that’s a really lovely comment, and much appreciated. I’ll admit to one thing - i’ve definitely improved over the last 2 years. And I love playing more than ever. UA-cam is such a wonderful place to learn and communicate about guitar. Your playing is honestly very inspiring, and amongst some other top players, always leaves me ready to figure out the next small part of the puzzle. Cheers and have a lovely weekend 🤟🏼
@@JamesOnGuitar Cheers James 🤘
Love the sound of that amp. Fantastic.
cheers man
Brilliant…Just Brilliant.
Ah - thank you 🤟🏼 much appreciated
Tempted by the Aynsley Lister but I'm feeling like it'd be overkill for playing at home. I'm looking at the Matchless C15 and the Morgan AC20 currently. Also, that wait time on the Rift amp is pretty daunting!
Thanks James, it’s great to get your perspective on these! Such a great selection👏🏻 I would be curious to know if you ever had a chance to try a Hamstead amp? Would be curious to know what you think. 🙂 🙌🏻
Thanks Mihai :) i haven’t had a chance yet - always wanted to after seeing TPS Dan play one, but then I wondered why he got rid of it 🤔
Nice collection!
cheers!
I currently have a 100w CRS and waiting on my 100w Bloomfield order. Both will
sit on top of a TwoRock 2x12 running through a MesaBoogie HeadTrack switcher and Fryette PS100. I am expecting this will be my (kinda) one stack to rule them all 😊
BTW I have been a BIG fan of ToneKing Ironman ii attenuators for some years. Last month I finally tried a Fryette PS2…. OMG! Hands down the most transparent of attenuators. I expect I will sell my Ironman units.
Despite the one amp space saving ideal, I adore a wall of sound and at a relatively low volume of 85-90db you can get beautifully immersed in well contrasted amps. So I love mixing in Friedman BE-50 with Plexi channel mod, Matchless HC30, BadCat HotCat, ToneKing Imperial ii and SkyKing (which sounds particularly nice with an extension cabinet). Running several amps with more of a tweed sound dialled gives me a very rich sounding dirt. Whereas I usually
prefer clean and edge of break up times on individual amps. Simply running multiple tweed style really sweetens up the tone. I say you should try mixing and matching your amps spaced out around your studio for fun to see what tones you can get lost in. Totally impractical for live use but it can be a dream like personal indulgence to get lost in at home. To make it easier I just use wireless transmitters like the Xvive to run many amps at the same time at home. Sooo much fun 🙂
That is quite the set up - wow! I need to read this again later and learn a few things 🤟🏼🤓
@@JamesOnGuitar 😊 My time here in Portland, Oregon is almost up. Maybe we can literally chat together on like minded topics when I’m back in the UK next year. The Mesa HeadTrack device is basically going to switch between two amp heads, as if you had one amp with multiple channels. If you want to compare a Fryette to the ToneKing Ironman ii, Peach still has both 50w and 100w versions in stock as I type. It’s particularly challenging for dealers to get the 100w version, so be quick if you’re curious about that model. You might like to try even the 50w version with some of your smaller amps to increase output and not just attenuate. These Fryette boxes are truly awesome. 👍
It’s guys like you and shows like this that I rely on.
I can’t find these amps and have to watch/listen to clips to make up my mind.
I’ve been intrigued by Grammatico.
Also the Bloomfield Drive, though I don’t think I can justify the price and I think I want it for status…a shallow mistake, I know.
I’ve been highly leaning towards this A. L. Rift amp…or a Magnatone Stereo Twilighter. Have you had any experience with the Magnatone?
Hey man - thanks. I haven't tried a Magnatone but really want to, and I think the one you mention would be great... I am going to be looking for the perfect partner to the Rift soon, starting by going through my current other amps in stereo pairs and seeing what works best
Great video!
Thanks 👍🏼
Hard to go wrong with any of those, but the Rift probably sits in a mix really nicely!
Yeah i think you’re right!
Hey James, this was awesome… I find myself in the predicament of not being able to try b4 I buy and your top two with the addition DrZ Mas are my top three which I have to pick one and buy it… this really helped
Oh wow - really glad it helped! Would love to know which one you go for in the end 👍🏼
@@JamesOnGuitar for sure I will keep you posted… I have a mate who is into building amps and he did a train wreck clone which will be headed my way at the end of the month also
All the amps sounded great! I thought for sure the Sky king, then the MVP. But the Boomfield! but from what I hear it sounds like a heavenly tone! that Riff!!! always enjoy all your vids so thanks a lot!
Hey thanks man! haha glad I kept you guessing! cheers
if you dont mind me asking, how do you afford all this gear???
So, ultimately it came to a point where I had some cash to spend - i run a property business, but have a very supportive and successful wife and family too - and I was going to buy a Porsche, something I had always wanted to do. But something sparked me into coming back to guitar and I am really glad I went this way... thanks for asking
@@JamesOnGuitar man I was drinking last night or I wouldn’t have asked. That was rude. Thanks for bein cool about it.
@@MJSeeker81 haha that’s ok no worries 👍🏼
That Bloomfield drive. Why do I have a feeling one day that's where you'll land?
What percentage of someone’s overall guitar budget should be allocated for an amp?
Awesome question - i think it scales depending on your budget. Imo 3 brackets:
£500 - £250 guitar, £250 amp (because can get a guitar that’ll keep you interested but less
than that on an amp is likely to be a noisy mess
£1500 - £6-800 guitar, £7-900 amp: an amp in this bracket, like a vox ac15 custom for example is a great workhorse with distinctive sound and still the guitar at this much could be a decent mex fender or an epiphone and small pedalboard
£3000 - at this point i’d go 50/50 - great for both and thus no weak point in the equation
£5000 - you could get a custom shop fender and a good Dr Z or other boutique amp so the split is around £3200 guitar to £1800 amp
£10k - custom shop fender or gibson and the rest on a stereo combo amp setup like a Tone King Imperial mk2 & a Rift Aynsley Lister
More than £10k - invest in 2 of your favourite amps that’ll last years and years and then as much as you like on any number of guitars 🤟🏼
I think that’s how i’d go at each level
What a collection!
:) I need to keep it dusted off a bit more regularly!
Seems like a sweet amp!
Cheers!
I'd be happy just with that Dr Z maz18 nr(not that the other amps don't sound incredible) I love those things I can't wait to get one one day
yeah... not hearing much difference between the "clean" channel and overdrive on the bloomfield tworock. a lot of players would say that that that dirty sound is a clean sound LOL!. everyone just likes what they like :)
I’m sure your Lister amp sounds great but I just can’t hear passed the crazy amount of reverb , sorry mate .
Great story telling video..
Thanks!
Which one are you talking about?
Very enjoyable video.
Cheers 🤟🏼
Cool vid…. But given your style I’m really surprised you don’t have a Matchless HC30. I think that’s one that would be a serious contender for your perfect amp. I’ve got a Two-Rock CRS which is amazing (does it all hands down), and a Hamstead Artist 20 which is lovely. But the HC30 is something else entirely.
I am thinking of the King Cobra perhaps - the reverb and trem would be amazing! I think it is in my top 3 to try next... thanks for reminding me though!
great videos
Hey.. try a milkman creamer… would be a great match with your style …
I’ve really enjoyed the sound of that amp before - would love to try one day!
Only having one amp would be pretty lame. :) But I get the message... sick collection man.
haha - I was waiting for someone to say that. I mean, yeah, no way I would want just one amp really!
$4K for that Ainsley amp! Plus the two rocks the JTM the Dr Z. You have dropped some $ on this amp quest. I bet it has been fun though. I can’t keep that many around at those prices. I would have to sell one to buy another. And then you can’t compare them directly then you miss the old amp and buy it again, only to sell it again later. I am on this journey with you. It’s fun.
To me is impossible to choose... All are great... Each for its own thing...each for its own guitar... each for its own song!
That's true!
They all sounded good to me. I liked the rift amp with the reverb best and the tone king with the gold top guitar. Thanks for doing the demos, 2hrs from a music shop so never get to try gear. Just have to listen to UA-cam. It would be good to hear the king tone pedals through a few different amps, hear the sound differences.
That Vibroverb....... OMG
Great video
Cheers
That was a shocker for amp. I thought it was going to be the Two Rock Classic Reverb for sure.
😁
But those Two-Rocks are 'spensive. Where would a Tone King Imperial Mk II sit in the mix. They seem like they're a few watts short of the Two-Rock. Offered as 20 & 35W for Tone King's & they have the attenuator built in. The Two Rocks are offered in 20 & 40W. And the price reflects that both brands are big purchase decisions. And at the end of the day, might just be better to get the Fender originals of what these emulate and in theory try to improve. I think the player is going to sound about the same on all of them.
This is a grail amp for sure. The reverb is comparable to my 66 super reverb.
Oh wow, 66 Super - amazing!
@@JamesOnGuitar Ya the advantages of living in North America. But it’s a disadvantage when it comes to getting a RIFT amp. Super’s are essentially the tone that two rock’s are chasing, despite the fact that most people think TR’s are Dumble clones.
yes, want the horse breaker!
Your videos are awesome, James! I appreciate your insights and I sure would love to win the Horsebreaker
Thanks! Good luck 🤟🏼
Cool show ... 😎
That pedal would look good on my floor 😁 Tfrm 🇮🇪 😎
I've recently been on a similar journey. Looking back on it, it has been expensive. Necessary, though. I feel that I've grown as a player. Interestingly, I'm both more conscious of what I'm looking for and more relaxed about dealing with nuances each guitar/amp provide. Good on you for bravely navigating this. You sound great!
That was so insightful, i feel like you should be making youtube videos 🤟🏼 thanks man and yes you hit the nail on the head there
Two rock!
oh yeah!
Nice tones!!! that rift is a thing, wow. Hey, new subscriber here for the giveway :)
Cheers and good luck 👍🏼