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

Topic: Question to Rivera amp user

Hi !
I have a rivera fandango 2x12 combo. As many other Rivera amp, the drive channel have this push/pull function on the middle button. They call it middle/scoop button. I never use the scoop function ( always play the mid button in push position.) Just want to know from rivera user if it happens you use the scoop (pull position) and what kind of tone you expect from it.

.....and if you have setting suggestion or guitarist to listen for example...will be appreciate!!!

I don't believe in psychology....I believe in good move - Robert James (Bobby) Fischer

2 Reply by Jimi_lp (edited by Jimi_lp 2009-02-24 20:20:02)

  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Question to Rivera amp user

I don't have that amp, but generally a mid scoop is a kind of strange tone. I don't suspect many people on here will use it really.
I have a mid scoop on my DSL, called tone shift.
Its a horrible setting I find.
I got it described to me by a guy in a store as, mid scooped, american rock sounding, mids in, british rock sounding.
It takes the clarity out I find, and just makes the tone very muddy.

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Re: Question to Rivera amp user

francis0181 wrote:

Hi !
I have a rivera fandango 2x12 combo. As many other Rivera amp, the drive channel have this push/pull function on the middle button. They call it middle/scoop button. I never use the scoop function ( always play the mid button in push position.) Just want to know from rivera user if it happens you use the scoop (pull position) and what kind of tone you expect from it.

.....and if you have setting suggestion or guitarist to listen for example...will be appreciate!!!

Early Metallica would describe a mid scoop sound, as well as lots of other heavy metal bands (Slipknot, Pantera etc.). Mesa Boogie (dual and triple) rectifier amps were famous for this sound in the 80s and 90s. For the latest Metallica album, James bumped up the mids much more while using the same amps. I know that one of Slipknot's guitarists has his own Rivera amp (Seven).

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

Re: Question to Rivera amp user

I find that the midrange characteristics of each amp is what really puts it in the American vs. British category of tone.  Like previously stated (and I'm also a DSL owner wink ) British sounding amps tend to be midrange heavy ala Marshall and even some tweed Fenders (which Marshall emulated).  However, mid scooped amps such as the Blackface era Fenders have great cleans but have difficulty cutting through the mix sometimes.  Rivera use to modify Blackface Fenders to get more of a Boogie high gain sound but still have the beautiful Fender cleans. IMO cleans are meant to be slightly scooped in the mids and OD thick in midrange.  BTW, I like Riveras and think they are highly overlooked IMO.

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

Re: Question to Rivera amp user

I find it horrible too !!

I don't believe in psychology....I believe in good move - Robert James (Bobby) Fischer
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Re: Question to Rivera amp user

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

Rivera use to modify Blackface Fenders to get more of a Boogie high gain sound but still have the beautiful Fender cleans. IMO cleans are meant to be slightly scooped in the mids and OD thick in midrange.  BTW, I like Riveras and think they are highly overlooked IMO.

I also think Riveras are great amps. They also have an excellent website with video tone samples of most of their amps. They're built like tanks and there are not many people designing amps today with the knowledge, experience and background of Paul Rivera. They also have outstanding customer service.

7 Reply by NPB_EST.1979 (edited by NPB_EST.1979 2009-02-24 23:42:22)

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Question to Rivera amp user

The mid scoop is most noticable on a strat... but I just play with it. The mid scoop fuction is great for getting this amp to sound funky. The whole gammut from Sly and the family .., to Chic, to ever Robert Cray can be dialled in using this. It can get some extra jangle.

It is really a noticable difference on my Rivera R55 112 amp.
The knucklehead I had had a push/pull on the bass knob on Channel 1!!! that thing was meaty.

Nice to meet another Rivera user. Unfortunately I am a Les Paul guy first, and the Riveras seem to sparkle more when using a strat... but it's still a killer amp and I haven't heard a better one worth the money. It feels really good to have an amp you really like and not constantly "jones"ing for something else.

-Nic
BTW: if you call Rivera, you can talk directly to Paul. Super cool guy.

- 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: Oakley, CA USA
  • Registered: 2007-05-24
  • Posts: 40

Re: Question to Rivera amp user

I too had a Fandango 55 Watt 2 x 12... Ran it with two Weber CA's and/or through a Marshall 4 x 12.

The scoop to me was kinda cool to get a "different" sounding song coming off the stage.
I could only explain it as like trying to stuff a sock in a trumpet. When pulled out and scooped, there was actually some very cool sounds to be achieved with a little tweeking of the equalization on the Fandango (OK, alot of tweeking)and yes I used a Strat as well and Tele and even a Les Paul but found that the Les Paul didnt sound all that great scooped through this amp.
I will add, the Category Five Bonamassa Plexi has a"mid scoop" switch on the back and sounds superb through a Les Paul as Joe uses this on occasion through his Cat 5 amps and actually was "requested" by Joe as an addition to this excellent amp...Its quite useful with other guitars as well (Strats, Teles)

I sold this amp (regrettably) but heres a shot of me at the HOG Rally using a Fandango 55 Watter stacked on a Marshall Slant Cab...the 2 spkrs in the Fandango were disabled but in some instances I would use all SIX to get a power soak type effect and drive the amp harder...
Lets face it...the Fandango 55 Watt 2 x 12 is a LOUD amp...thas it...take care. Tim V

http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp18 … gRally.jpg

CURRENTLY: CAT5 JB PLEXI 50W, CAT5 1900 50W, Split 4x12 cab.
Fender Strat, Tele. Gibson LP including ole #174 JB Goldtop...

In heaven right now with the CAT5 rig!!!
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Re: Question to Rivera amp user

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:

The mid scoop is most noticable on a strat... but I just play with it. The mid scoop fuction is great for getting this amp to sound funky. The whole gammut from Sly and the family .., to Chic, to ever Robert Cray can be dialled in using this. It can get some extra jangle.

It is really a noticable difference on my Rivera R55 112 amp.
The knucklehead I had had a push/pull on the bass knob on Channel 1!!! that thing was meaty.

The older Riveras were more of a mid bump/notch to give you an option to switch between a Blackface vs. a Silverface fender. The newer models, (like the Fandango) also have a mid scoop to get you into more of a Mesa/Triple rectifier territory. They're two different features. smile

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Question to Rivera amp user

I liked my Rivera most through a Marshall 4x12 as well
http://web.mac.com/nic_bongers/iWeb/nic … HOTOS.html
check out 2nd photo "playin the blues"

- 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