FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Vintage Fender Amplifiers

Question:
I thought it might be interesting to look at what everyone's top three amplifiers were, because they seem a little marginalised compared to the guitars we discuss every now and then (!??!) - and lately discussions seem to be dominated by Line 6s and LC15s (no bad thing!). I'm interested to know what your fave's are basically. I've just got around to working out my tastes amp-wise so here's my three: 1: Johnson JM120 Marquis - fantastic range of sounds and effects, all very convincing. As I'm having a mega-versatile phase at the moment this is IT! 2: Mesa-Boogie Dual Rectifier. I've never owned one but would like to one day as it's now my main sound with the Johnson (although I do, of course, use others). 3: Laney VH100R. My last amp. I loved it but moved to a flat with stairs so no 4x12 for me any more! Getting the Johnson was an inspired move but in some ways I still miss this amp - my gigging buddy for a year. Great valve tones, lots of choice (three lead channels and one clean), great in the studio, big sound! That's my three. I've tried loads of others like Marshalls, Peaveys, Orange, etc etc but these are the ones that do it for me. What about you?

Answer:
A while ago, late 1997, I went into Coda Music to try a trans-green Epiphone Les Paul. I was plugged into this Fender amp... amazing amp! I didn't buy the guitar in the end (didn't like state of the neck, last green one in stock...) but left thinking wow, that's the amp I want!. However, subconsciously I knew that I couldn't afford it just then, and I forgot what it was!!! I only remember it had black chicken knobs. Lots. And they were located on the top. The amp was large... By looking at calatogues, my guess it's that it was a Fender Hot Rod. Probably the DeVille 212. Niiiice. Fender amps can be very, very good. I have a mid '80's 2x10 Concert, 65 watts which is very versatile with a boost function which takes it into areas of graunch Leo never dreamt of. The designer was Paul Rivera. If She Whose Every Utterance is Law ever picks the right six numbers, I'd probably go shopping for one of the Vintage Fender derived botique amps. The Victoria site is well worth a visit if you fancy a droo