1 Topic by stratpaulguy86 (edited by stratpaulguy86 2009-04-17 03:27:27)

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Topic: I need help making an amp decision...

Okay here's my problem.  I do not have access to a lot of fancy boutique gear to demo.  Well I found a place relatively nearby that sells some pretty hard to find stuff. They have a Fargen Mini Plex (first model without the power scaling) and an amp that I've never hear of; a Dailey C-Series head with matching cab.  Okay here's the problem they both sound GREAT and are priced pretty fairly.  The Mini Plex 1x12 combo is going for $999 and the Dailey head + matching 2x12 cab is going for $1299.  The Mini definately has a more classic Marshall sound and is amazing at low volumes.  It takes any 8 pin tube with no need to rebias.  No reverb or FX loop.  Ben Fargen has a sterling reputation for customer care and the amp is with a full warranty. The Dailey is a 50 watter with half power switch and is a more modern take on the Marshall type tone (somewhere between a Plexi and JCM).  It has an fx loop.  They are both PTP Handwired and built in the USA.  I feel like the Fargen is the safer buy but I prefer the tone, power, and versatility of the Dailey.  The Dailey is brand new but I don't think the warranty is any good because they are not in business anymore.  BTW the Dailey is uber rare! I have never heard of them and there are only like 50 or so made from the little research I have done.  What would you guys do???  Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

By the sounds of it your heart is with the Dailey, so buy that. I know for a fact that if you don't and you get the other amp you will just hate it, not because its not good sounding (cause clearly it is) but because you will just always have "wish this was the dailey" in your head haha.
So, although its not got a great warranty, get it I say. Just be careful I think, maybe not gig it and limit it's use for a while, just be wary and all will be fine. Most problems with amps can be fixed anyway so try not to worry.

  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

Buy both.  Thats what I'd do.  The Mini Plex is hard to come by too.  I liked Fargen's stuff.  His VOS and and Ole' English were pretty sick.  Seriously, go by what sounds better to you/suites what you are looking for.

Ben

  • Registered: 2008-11-01
  • Posts: 103

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

I agree, in that when you consider the price of a good amp these days the price for both is very reasonable.
If you're really strapped for cash then I guess you'd have to make a decision but if you can figure out how to get them both why not?
If you decide one doesn't cut it you can always sell it or trade it.

I'm not familiar with Dailey but Fargen makes some killer equipment.
Dailey could have folded because of high production cost in comparison to asking price and these days it's hard for a new company to get into the game and be noticed with all the heavy competition. Even if the warranty isn't the best the amp is easy enough to check over by a qualified tech and could be a real diamond in the rough.

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

Man you guys are tough!  "Buy both" lol!  I could afford them both, but they have both been sitting in that particular shop for over a year.  I don't really think either is going anywhere anytime soon.  The Fargen is hands down the best low wattage amp I've ever heard.  It is pretty loud when dimed but I think you would have trouble being heard unless it was mic'ed at a gig.  The Dailey is much bigger sounding, again a 2x12 vs. the 1x12.  I feel like the Dailey is a bigger bang for the buck because the matching cab is included in the price, it's more power, also sounds great at low volumes, and would be the perfect small/medium sized gigging rig.  I just hope I'm not buying into a lemon of an amp due to the limited info on the web and lack of a solid warranty.  BTW handwired amps are easier to work on if something goes wrong right?  Anyone have trouble with their PTP boutiquey amps?

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

I have both PTP and PCB.  Never a problem with either.  If they've been sitting there a while thats good b/c more than likely you can work a deal to take both of his hands.  Like 1700 cash out the door.  Also do you need the cab?  If not either take it from him and sell it or try and work a deal out for less just for the 2 amps.  I love this game.  Its my favorite part of the hunt.

Ben

  • Registered: 2009-04-13
  • Posts: 78

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

GoT MuLe 31788 wrote:

I have both PTP and PCB.  Never a problem with either.  If they've been sitting there a while thats good b/c more than likely you can work a deal to take both of his hands.  Like 1700 cash out the door.  Also do you need the cab?  If not either take it from him and sell it or try and work a deal out for less just for the 2 amps.  I love this game.  Its my favorite part of the hunt.

Ben

Ever heard of Don Audio tube amps??  Hand built in the UK  (and the £ to $ is very favourable for you guys in the USA now!)..  I gig with a 7 watt one and a 1 x 12 cab   ( no I'm not kidding...SEVEN watts    and I rarely mic up at pub/club gigs and often switch to tripode mode -5 watts ..if its too loud!  yikes )

Tonally I have never played ANYTHING that even comes close ...  its like a living breathing piece of me

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

GoT MuLe 31788 wrote:

I have both PTP and PCB.  Never a problem with either.  If they've been sitting there a while thats good b/c more than likely you can work a deal to take both of his hands.  Like 1700 cash out the door.  Also do you need the cab?  If not either take it from him and sell it or try and work a deal out for less just for the 2 amps.  I love this game.  Its my favorite part of the hunt.

Ben

Thanks Ben for the advice, I would REALLY like to get both and hell I even might if the other amp is there later on.  I am trying to move into my first home and I don't want to get too carried away wink .  The Dailey was originally being sold with the cab as a pair for $1999 and the Fargen was like $1400.  I don't know if he'll go any lower because he had already cut the prices...I will sure make him an offer for both but I doubt he'll bite.  Hypothetically say I get both and I want to sell some stuff later on what is the easiest way to sell gear?  It's hard to sell stuff that most people haven't ever heard of!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2007-09-30
  • Posts: 556

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

stratpaulguy86 wrote:
GoT MuLe 31788 wrote:

I have both PTP and PCB.  Never a problem with either.  If they've been sitting there a while thats good b/c more than likely you can work a deal to take both of his hands.  Like 1700 cash out the door.  Also do you need the cab?  If not either take it from him and sell it or try and work a deal out for less just for the 2 amps.  I love this game.  Its my favorite part of the hunt.

Ben

Thanks Ben for the advice, I would REALLY like to get both and hell I even might if the other amp is there later on.  I am trying to move into my first home and I don't want to get too carried away wink .  The Dailey was originally being sold with the cab as a pair for $1999 and the Fargen was like $1400.  I don't know if he'll go any lower because he had already cut the prices...I will sure make him an offer for both but I doubt he'll bite.  Hypothetically say I get both and I want to sell some stuff later on what is the easiest way to sell gear?  It's hard to sell stuff that most people haven't ever heard of!


The best way to sell is to friends or on eBay.  For me its just hard to sell - I can't do it but I have to sell off some stuff. lol

  • From: Qc,Canada
  • Registered: 2009-01-24
  • Posts: 27

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

Just buy the amp you enjoy to play in. You like the tone of Dailey...... go for it man ! It's not cool to play and thinkin' about an other sound you could get. Get the sound you need and after you can focus on your playing and enjoy the pleasure of music !

Frank

I don't believe in psychology....I believe in good move - Robert James (Bobby) Fischer
  • Registered: 2008-03-07
  • Posts: 508

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

OK
    My thoughts are, you already have a lot of cool  gear and you like Joes tone or you would not be here
    so the  choice I would make is the ceriatone 2550 its the perfect amp for pairing and sounds good at low volumes too.
    I can get good sounds in my garage playing to backing tracks , it will give you fat saturated sound then all you need
    to do is add the right amp(spice) of your choice and you are in tone heaven....

"Everybody's entitled to my opinion. wink
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

I'd do some research on Harmonycentral.com for user reviews on amps.

Other than that, if you don't need an effects loop, that's not a big deal. I happen to feel that amps should have reverb built in. If you can stand a reverb pedal, that's not a big deal either.

I say if you're going to buy a boutique amp, it should have everything that you want on the amp. Too may times I feel people pay way too much for a boutique amp that lacks the features one would usually demand of an amp.

I also feel that amps are sort of a "flavor of the week" kind of thing. People usually hold their guitars close to their heart, while their amp is in the back of the truck... lol wink

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

SOFTMC wrote:

OK
    My thoughts are, you already have a lot of cool  gear and you like Joes tone or you would not be here
    so the  choice I would make is the ceriatone 2550 its the perfect amp for pairing and sounds good at low volumes too.
    I can get good sounds in my garage playing to backing tracks , it will give you fat saturated sound then all you need
    to do is add the right amp(spice) of your choice and you are in tone heaven....

Yes a Jubilee of some sort is in my future but I more or less like collecting amps and gear for different tones.  My "big rig" with the OTS HRM100 and DSL100 do the Joe thing just fine.  I bought my Dr. Z Maz because it was something different and again hard to get in my area.  The price was good too.  I just so happened to stumble on the Dailey and I'd be hard pressed to find another or run across one later on.  The Ceriatones are not going anywhere and neither will Fargen's stuff.  The Dailey gets as fat and saturated as any Marshall I have heard and is very dynamic.  He did mention that some guy has been bugging him to lower the price for a while and he will not budge.  I wonder if he's just playing "tough salesman" with me?  If it's $1299 I wonder if I just walk in with $1200 cash he'll let it go...we'll have to see in the next week or so.  I hate haggling because really the amp sounds great and is probably worth what the guy paid for it.  BUT I don't believe in paying for more than you have to either!  The shop owner did say business has sucked lately...wish me luck!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • Registered: 2007-04-29
  • Posts: 1,369

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

Here's another aspect to consider, if you're careful with your gear that Dailey will appreciate nicely...

"Music is the only thing that you can share with a million million people and you don't lose, you gain. It helps you to get energy and to live long, because when your soul is very happy then you don't want to die." - Ali Akbar Khan

15 Reply by ken

  • ken
  • ken
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  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revi … lification

Mixed reviews on harmony central. That's not a good sign considering most amps get glowing reviews on there.

16 Reply by stratpaulguy86 (edited by stratpaulguy86 2009-04-18 08:35:07)

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

ken wrote:

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/revi … lification

Mixed reviews on harmony central. That's not a good sign considering most amps get glowing reviews on there.

Thanks for the link, I checked those when I got home from the store.  I feel that I was not playing the same amp that some of those guys were playing.  One guy was whining about it sounding "shrill" and "piercing".  I played that amp for a good while and never found it to be bright even with a Tele on the bridge pickup!  Some people really don't understand the EQ knobs I swear... As far as scratchy pots go I twisted them all and found no scratching.  Everything looked top notch so much that I was shocked that the guy mentioned what he would let it go for.  I do not check reviews on HC anymore because I feel that gear does not get fair treatment.  Case in point one guy reviewed on HC that the Dailey was "aiming for that old Marshall sound" but also "sounded dead without reverb".  OLD MARSHALL = NO REVERB mad .  The one constant was crappy customer support which shouldn't be an issue if Dailey is out of business.  On a side note when I was demoing it another customer in the shop walked up to me and said that I was killing the guitar (a compliment I hope?) and asked how long I have been playing.  I guess the tone had to have been good because my "chops" merrit no praise. roll

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: I need help making an amp decision...

Here's what the amp looks like, not crazy for the Barnie purple but it's cool nonetheless.  Just scroll through to see the other versions.  I like the orange/white one that one looks PIMP.


http://daileyamplification.com/default.aspx

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.