| Author |
Topic: Rivera |
David Cobb
From:
Chanute, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 17 Oct 2002 9:43 am |
|
Some time back I'd heard about Rivera tube amps being a good candidate for steel work, then naturally went to their website to do a walk around. Anyone have any thoughts or experiences to share?
------------------
David Cobb |
|
|
 |
Matt Steindl
From:
New Orleans, LA, USA
|
Posted 17 Oct 2002 1:50 pm
|
|
If you can afford em, they are certainly one of the best "boutique" amps on the market.
------------------
Mattman in "The Big Sleazy"-:
S-10 Dekley, Suitcase Fender Rhodes, B-bender Les Paul
[This message was edited by Matt Steindl on 17 October 2002 at 02:51 PM.] |
|
|
|
David Cobb
From:
Chanute, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 17 Oct 2002 4:23 pm
|
|
Understandably pricey, yes. Couldn't help thinking, a beast like this could be the undiscovered Holy Grail of tone. Or Not.
------------------
David Cobb |
|
|
|
Bob Hoffnar
From:
Austin, Tx
|
Posted 17 Oct 2002 4:43 pm
|
|
I have used Rivera amps in the studio. They are great amps. As far as boutique amps go I like the VHT 50st.I think it is voiced a little better than the Rivera for my tastes. I really love my current set up which is a THD Bi Valve with Svetlana KT88's into the THD 2 12 cab. The THD amp is just about perfect for my needs.
Bob |
|
|
|
David Cobb
From:
Chanute, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 17 Oct 2002 5:15 pm
|
|
Thanks Bob. Since I've become a member, I'm getting good answers to long standing questions I've had. I've heard of the VHT's too, via their website.
------------------
David Cobb |
|
|
|
Kerry Johnson
From:
the Bay Area, CA
|
Posted 18 Oct 2002 5:53 am
|
|
I've been using a Rivera "Hammer 320 Stereo" poweramp for the past 5 years now. It's a 4 space rack-mount amp with eight 6550A power tubes / 4 per channel, 160 watts per channel pentode or 70 watts in triode mode.
Very heavy, but great tone. Rivera however recently discontinued it. It brings out the best of any pre-amp, tube or solid-state.
[This message was edited by Kerry Johnson on 18 October 2002 at 06:55 AM.] |
|
|
|
David Cobb
From:
Chanute, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 18 Oct 2002 6:41 am
|
|
Sounds like she's a honey, albeit a heavy one.
------------------
David Cobb |
|
|
|
Joe Smith
From:
Charlotte, NC, USA
|
Posted 19 Oct 2002 9:56 am
|
|
David, a friend of mine has two Rivera R100s. One has the G12T75s and the other one has the G12T85s. He has let me borrow both of them to try on gigs. The R100 with the G12T85s seemed to have a more open sound. Both worked great with the steel. I am thinking of getting one myself. They are a little pricy, but not too bad.
|
|
|
|
David Cobb
From:
Chanute, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 19 Oct 2002 7:13 pm
|
|
Thanks Joe, I've been thinking about a free standing amp, maybe a tube type, since I let my N400 go to a friend and started the rack setup. Hope I can get close to a Rivera or something comparable in the future. Depends on how much Uncle Sam lets me keep and some other factors. 
------------------
David Cobb, 1992 Emmons Legrande 8&5,BlueTubeII,TubeWorks RT921Reverb,Stewart World 1.2 poweramp,Black Widow/Steelers Choice cabs,Pro-Fex II/Lemay mods.
|
|
|
|
ajm
From:
Los Angeles
|
Posted 21 Oct 2002 11:27 am
|
|
I have not played through any of them so I can't comment on the sound.
I was at a store yesterday though and they had a Fandango model (I think). It had what looked like 1x12 in it. I think it was probably 100 watts.
For kicks I tried to pick it up. It was so heavy it felt like it was bolted to the floor.
Keep this in mind if you decide to go with a tube amp: ANY tube amp, not just the Riveras.
|
|
|
|
David Cobb
From:
Chanute, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 21 Oct 2002 1:37 pm
|
|
I don't doubt you. My Dad had Fender tube equip. back in the 60's.
------------------
David Cobb, 1992 Emmons Legrande 8&5,BlueTubeII,TubeWorks RT921Reverb,Stewart World 1.2 poweramp,Black Widow/Steelers Choice cabs,Pro-Fex II/Lemay mods.
|
|
|
|
Mark Ardito
From:
Chicago, IL, USA
|
Posted 23 Oct 2002 7:59 pm
|
|
David,
At a studio I played a Rivera 2x12" combo with my Fender D8. It was one of the best sounds I have ever played. I looked into buying a Rivera after that and WOW were they expensive. I think for that money I would rather go with a VHT or with a Matchless amp. If you haven't heard of Matchless, check them out here...truely amazing amps!
Mark
------------------
Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com
[This message was edited by Mark Ardito on 23 October 2002 at 08:59 PM.] |
|
|
|
David Cobb
From:
Chanute, Kansas, USA
|
Posted 24 Oct 2002 7:07 am
|
|
Thanks Mark, I'll watch for the Matchless when I'm out and about. I've seen them in catalogs thus far. Stumbled onto a retired guy here in town who'd worked for an Opry star years ago and I was really taking in everything he said. His departing comment to a young beginner was, "Son, you'll never be happy with your sound."
------------------
David Cobb, 1992 Emmons Legrande 8&5,BlueTubeII,TubeWorks RT921Reverb,Stewart World 1.2 poweramp,Black Widow/Steelers Choice cabs,Pro-Fex II/Lemay mods.
|
|
|
|
