• From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Topic: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

So, i decided that i cant decide on what i want. I play through a fender deville 2x12 right now, but its that time of the month and GAS is setting in real bad. I decided today that im going to do my best to create a joe style rig using 20 watt heads. It should be a fun project. Im looking into the Randall 20 watt tube heads and the Egnater 20 watt rebel which has a blender put to switch/blend a 6v6 or EL84 tubes. Let me know what you all think

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Joe typically runs one Fender style amp with a Marshall style amp because he likes the clean articulation of the Fender with the gain/saturation of the Marshall.  Since you already have the Fender thing covered I would be looking to get a Marshall.  IMO Joe's sound is at least 75% Marshall so getting one will get you in the ballpark in a hurry.  Some options are the Vintage Modern 2x12 combo, used Marshall DSL combo, used Marshall 30th Anniversary combo (Joe speaks highly of these) etc.  If I was going heads, ditch the HRD and get a vintage Bassman/Bandmaster/Showman (usually less than $600 each) and a Ceriatone 18 watt clone TMB.  Stereo 2x12 w/ EV speakers.  Oh and a Les Paul...that should get you in the ballpark.  Good luck man, I had fun building my Joe inspired rig!

'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: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Oh almost forgot, you can use a Weber Stereo Mass attenuator if wattage is an issue, works great at getting those amps cookin' without blowing your eardrums out.  Also try a DIY plexi baffle to tame the deathray.  Sorry for the lengthy posts, I could talk gear all day!

'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.
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  • From: Colorado Springs-Colorado
  • Registered: 2008-07-04
  • Posts: 1,047

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

stratpaulguy86 wrote:

Joe typically runs one Fender style amp with a Marshall style amp because he likes the clean articulation of the Fender with the gain/saturation of the Marshall.  Since you already have the Fender thing covered I would be looking to get a Marshall.  IMO Joe's sound is at least 75% Marshall so getting one will get you in the ballpark in a hurry.  Some options are the Vintage Modern 2x12 combo, used Marshall DSL combo, used Marshall 30th Anniversary combo (Joe speaks highly of these) etc.  If I was going heads, ditch the HRD and get a vintage Bassman/Bandmaster/Showman (usually less than $600 each) and a Ceriatone 18 watt clone TMB.  Stereo 2x12 w/ EV speakers.  Oh and a Les Paul...that should get you in the ballpark.  Good luck man, I had fun building my Joe inspired rig!

And remember the Jubilee is the amp that is ALWAYS on. Marshall for sure.


-E

"It makes it sound like the amp is about ready to explode, that's because it IS about ready to explode." -Joe

"I've come all the way from Colorado... Long way from my home. Give me the hammer that killed John Henry..." The Ballad Of John Henry

5 Reply by Logo33 (edited by Logo33 2009-02-27 06:28:00)

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Thanks for the reply! This is going to be a learning process for me, as I am learning about different tubes and the tones that they produce, I would like to make something unique, and i guess the only way that ill be ripping joe off is the fact that i will be "borrowing" his multi-amp setup. I don't think that im going to use my fender amp at all. I went out and bought that while i was in my SRV phase, and someone told me that if i wanted to be like him, all i needed was a strat, and a fender amp. I was only 16 and very new on the blues scene. Although I still love Stevie, and consider him my gateway to the blues, i wanna develop something that is all my own, but can be played comfortably in my basement.



Logan


Oh, and stratpaulguy... the longer the better!!! I could read this stuff all day. I am here to LEARN!!!

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.

6 Reply by Logo33 (edited by Logo33 2009-02-27 06:55:55)

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

I guess this would also be a good opportunity to ask a question. As you said, Joe runs the Marshall and fender(type) amps together. Marshall uses EL84 tubes correct? What do the fender style amps use for those sparkly cleans? Also, I have heard something about when running a stereo rig, the speakers in each cabinet have to be isolated from each other, so that they don't interfere with each other. Where can i find a 2x12 cab that has the isolated speakers?

thanks!
Logan

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • From: Oakley, CA USA
  • Registered: 2007-05-24
  • Posts: 40

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Logo33 wrote:

I guess this would also be a good opportunity to ask a question. As you said, Joe runs the Marshall and fender(type) amps together. Marshall uses EL84 tubes correct? What do the fender style amps use for those sparkly cleans? Also, I have heard something about when running a stereo rig, the speakers in each cabinet have to be isolated from each other, so that they don't interfere with each other. Where can i find a 2x12 cab that has the isolated speakers?

thanks!
Logan

I took a Marshall 1960B cab and put a "custom cut" piece of ply vertically inside the cab isolating the left and right speakers and adding a separate jack to feed each "set of speakers...then just plug in your heads as needed keeping impedance in mind as you change your speaker config...
I now use a more professional split cab(Category Five) to be exact, but only depict HALF of Joes rig...only ONE 4 x 12 cab and two heads...its sweet!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

see pic       

http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp18 … 5Stack.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!!!
  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Fandango1 wrote:
Logo33 wrote:

I guess this would also be a good opportunity to ask a question. As you said, Joe runs the Marshall and fender(type) amps together. Marshall uses EL84 tubes correct? What do the fender style amps use for those sparkly cleans? Also, I have heard something about when running a stereo rig, the speakers in each cabinet have to be isolated from each other, so that they don't interfere with each other. Where can i find a 2x12 cab that has the isolated speakers?

thanks!
Logan

I took a Marshall 1960B cab and put a "custom cut" piece of ply vertically inside the cab isolating the left and right speakers and adding a separate jack to feed each "set of speakers...then just plug in your heads as needed keeping impedance in mind as you change your speaker config...
I now use a more professional split cab(Category Five) to be exact, but only depict HALF of Joes rig...only ONE 4 x 12 cab and two heads...its sweet!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

see pic       

http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp18 … 5Stack.jpg



Thank you! Now since I am going to be using such low wattage heads, and dont really have any intention of playing this anywhere other than my basement would it work with a 2x12 cab? It may be silly, but im just kind of doing this for fun, and when all my friends are like WHOA WHERE DID YOU GET THAT IDEA, it will be a great time to get more people hooked on Joes music

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • Registered: 2009-02-24
  • Posts: 197

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Logo33 wrote:

Marshall uses EL84 tubes correct? Logan

No. EL34's in the Jubilee. BIG difference!

10 Reply by Logo33 (edited by Logo33 2009-02-27 18:42:59)

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

ruger9 wrote:

No. EL34's in the Jubilee. BIG difference!




Ah ok! Thank you for the clarification. Are there any 20 watt heads that use the EL34's I think that all of the stuff i am finding use the 84's.


Thanks
Logan

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Be aware that smaller amps (less than 50 watts) have a tendancy to compress and obviously distort faster.  That is cool for a lot of applications, but you give up the versitility of being able to get very nice cleans by rolling the volume knob on your guitar down.  "Headroom" is a term thrown around in amp talk and is very important IMO.  I like having the clarity and tightness of an amp with headroom (100 watters).  Joe has commented on how he goes about the low wattage thing in a previous post.  Not surprisingly he sticks with the Fender/Marshall combination with a few pedals sprinkled in.  Most smaller Fenders run 6v6's and most smaller Marshalls run EL84s.  They do sound different than their big brother 6L6 and EL34 tubes.  Again, I'd keep the Fender because there is a LOT more than SRV in that thing. In your situation, I'd go with this:

Guitar-->tuner-->wah-->tubescreamer-->tremolo-->aby amp splitter-->Fender Deville 2x12 with medium OD and reverb/ Marshall Vintage Modern 2x12 w/ mid boost gain and light reverb + Boss DD3 in FX loop all dials 12 o'clock.  I'd probably use an attenuator (though not neccessary) and definately build a couple baffles in front of them.  IMO with the amps set right you could nail some JB/EJ/Clapton/SRV/Beck tones with that rig.  Good luck and keep the questions coming!

'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: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

thanks a lot stratpaulguy! I am already having so much fun with all of this and i haven't even put anything together yet! I am looking into using heads though, but i will definitely keep the fender/marshall combination in mind!!

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.

13 Reply by stratpaulguy86 (edited by stratpaulguy86 2009-02-28 00:26:14)

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

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

No problem man, I try to help people where I can...LOTs of trial and error lol.  Again if you are deadset on heads you can't go wrong with old vintage Fender heads.  For some reason they are not very desirable yet and sound AMAZING.  BTW Joe has stated in the new GP article that at least half of his new album was recorded through two old Fender heads +chorus and reverb/delay.  For the Dumble thing D'Lite makes a 6V6 D-style build that's around 22 watts I believe.  Most of the 18-watt Marshall clones sound great.  I would probably go Ceriatone due to low cost/high quality.  I went through the same phase you are going through, I was tired of playing SRV licks though I love his music.  My "wannabe" phases went as follow:  Clapton, SRV/KWS, Hendrix, Henry Garza, Santana, Eric Johnson, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa.  Just keep in mind you may change tonal tastes in a heartbeat and to buy amps that will change with you...all of the above mentioned can be copped with Fender and Marshall amps.  Good 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.

14 Reply by Logo33 (edited by Logo33 2009-02-28 08:31:09)

  • From: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

ok... after hours and hours and hours of deep thought i think im just gonna go with the fender/marshall blend. That way I can put more money towards guitar(s). I already have the fender deville 2x12 that is 60 watts (if that matters). what kind of marshall should i be looking into? I'll work on making another rig when i get settled with guitars.

Thanks,
Logan

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

That would definately be the most cost effective way about it!  I personally like the Vintage Modern amps because they have an old plexi Hendrix sound (KT66 tubes) and a lot of midrange even for a Marshall.  Since the Fender is more lacking in the mids I think that particular amp would fill out the mids nicely.  2x12 Vintage Modern 50 watts.  If you check Ebay you can find some great deals.  If you want to go clone, I would check out Ceriatone.  They make handwired clones of almost every Marshall, Fender, Dumble, Trainwreck, Matchless.  A combo JCM800 or 2550 Jubilee would be nice.  Good luck man and let us know what you go with!

'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: Ohio
  • Registered: 2007-09-10
  • Posts: 957

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

well, i guess i should start saving my pennies... i should make some progress on the search of the holy tone in a couple of weeks. i cant thank you enough for all the help. evidently i dont know as much as i thought i did haha.


Logan

Block inlay Gibson ES-335, 50th anniversary American Strat, '61 RI White SG, '62 RI Relic Strat, Replica Korina Flying V, Gold Tone Paul Beard Resonator,  '58 Les Paul RI, American Highway 1 Fender Strat, Breedlove Acoustic, Stonetree Joe Bonamassa Custom, HIWATT Lead 100R, Reeves Custom 30.
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Much Smaller Version of Joes Rig.

Logo33 wrote:

well, i guess i should start saving my pennies... i should make some progress on the search of the holy tone in a couple of weeks. i cant thank you enough for all the help. evidently i dont know as much as i thought i did haha.


Logan

And knowing is half the battle....GI JOE!!!!!  God I am lame.

'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.