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Tony
09-30-2009, 08:06 PM
...and no, this thread is not about making your boat fenders louder. :)

My son Tyler is looking at a used guitar amplifier, a Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue 40W 1x12" Combo Amp.
Details, specs, etc. found here:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Blues-Deluxe-Reissue-40W-1x12-Combo-Amp?sku=483718

http://www.music123.com/Fender-Blues-Deluxe-Reissue-40W-1x12--Combo-Amp-483718-i1145956.Music123?source=ZWWRWXGB

I'd like to ask our musician-types if they have any comments on this amp. What to look for when he goes to test it, how to tell if anything is wrong with it, approximate worth, or any other tips/advice you can think of.

He is also going to look at an Epiphone Dot ES-335 semi-hollow body guitar.
Same questions apply...guitar linked here:

http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/guitars/electric/6-string-semi-acoustic/es-335-dot-213407/review

http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?ProductID=4&CollectionID=1

Barry Eller got us started in the right direction (thanks again, Barry!), and this amp and guitar are both on craigslist, somewhat nearby.

My son is a college kid, loves music, but is only just starting to accumulate some better quality equipment. His tastes vary, but he tends towards folk, blues, alt-country, and some older rock standbys. He's been a trained drummer since 12 years old, but about 6 years ago picked up an interest in keyboard and guitar.

Thanks for any help or thoughts!

:beer:

MOP
10-01-2009, 03:12 AM
Tony here is a sight I found very informative.

http://www.audiokarma.org/

jl1962
10-01-2009, 05:33 AM
Tony -

Unless he's playing out, the Blues Deluxe is much more amp than he needs. The Blues Junior, http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Hot-Rod-Blues-Junior-NOS-1x12-Tube-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=483711 is a better package. Perfect for home and big enough to gig with in most cases. Amps sound best when you can turn them up and the bigger ones are really too loud. It would be like buying an 80 MPH boat and only driving 40MPH. A smaller amp lets you play the whole amp and they won't break your back. The Epi guitars are OK - Korean copies of better Gibson models, but I would take the extra money he saved on the amp and buy a better guitar. I also like Fender style guitars better than Gibson style but that of course, is a matter of taste. Some of the Mexican or Japanese Fenders are excellent guitars and off course there are plenty of used Fender American guitars around too. It is NOT true however that the more you spend, the better you will sound. Most great, iconic music was made w/ very ordinary equipment. Tyler should try a bunch of stuff and keep an open mind and open ears!

It's great that he's getting started - run any questions by me. Barry Eller plays a lot and so do Magical Bill, Bob Haver and others.

-Jay

Cuda
10-01-2009, 06:01 AM
I bought a Fender Squire guitar, which is a cheaper version on the Stratocaster, and a small amp to go with it. Both cost under $200 together.

cutwater
10-01-2009, 08:37 AM
Tony -

Unless he's playing out, the Blues Deluxe is much more amp than he needs. The Blues Junior,

Agreed!! :wink: Blues Junior is a great amp, unless he's playing a lot of gigs.

Tony
10-02-2009, 10:45 AM
Thanks for the input, and for the PM's.
Tyler is looking at several possibilities, and we both appreciate the help.

Great explanation, Jay, and nice job putting it in layman's terms for me...including an understandable analogy! :yes:

:beer: