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Archtop Amp
Argyle Dave
bellingham,WANew
I would like to ask you Archtop players out there for recomendations for a good archtop amp. I'm looking for a good "Jazz" sound rather than Gypsy Jazz. I'm using an old archtop with a floating Jimmy Smith type pickup on it.
Thanks
Dave
Thanks
Dave
Comments
Can't beat a good tube amp. I used to like my old Peavey Classic 30 with an archtop. If you can get your hands on a Polytone, they've got a great jazz tone.
"It's a great feeling to be dealing with material which is better than yourself, that you know you can never live up to."
-- Orson Welles
Acoustic
Image - Clarus+ Amplifier (800W) with Raezers Edge NY8 Combo Speaker
(Includes Cover)
The AI/RE combo is the Holy Grail for jazz guitar tone. The AI head is ridiculously powerful with 800W and is super clean and transparent with just enough warmth. The RE speaker is the best there is....super balanced with no wolf tones. You can get a 30% louder without feedback which is great. I use this rig for both archtops and Gypsy guitars and it's golden...
For a more classic polytone like sound the Henriksen is great:
Henriksen JazzAmp 110 with
Gig Bag
Much more colored than the Acoustic Image sound and really only works as a jazzamp, but is very good at that.
Of course, tubes are great too but generally you're looking at a way heavier amp. Although this Stimer repro from Dupont is only 20lbs and is super loud!
Stimer
Modèle M12 Amplifier (made by Maurice Dupont)
I play with a straight ahead jazz trio with double bass and drumsand the Compact 60 works great. Lots of clean headroom, cool reverb and it's ultra portable. If you gig at least once a week you'll really appreciate it's low weight and it really sounds good.
I use to carry a Fender tube amp around but since I started using the AER my Fender never leaves home (Doesn't get played much either).
Definitely worth considering
I personally like the tone and the power VS weight radio is unbeatable... that fact alone puts a big smile on my face after gigs, especially while watching my bassist and drummer pack up and carry their stuff!
Raezer's Edge Cabinets....I think the Stealth 12 or the Twin 8 sound best for arch tops, especially when playing with a drummer. The NY 8 works well and with the extended range option is as good as it gets for Gypsy jazz guitars. With these cabinets, I like the Acoustic Image Clarus or Ploytone mini brain. The Clarus is more powerful, lighter and more detailed, the Polytone is warmer and has a more natural reverb.
Polytone mini brute. The Henrikson amps, while more reliable, just don't get this classic jazz tone IMO.
Fender tube amps. Old Fender Twins are the best. Newer Fender amps are a bit on the bright side, but there are speaker mods that can get the old sound. A few boutique amps get this sound, like the Carr Rambler or the Mesa Mark series with the EV speaker.
Some like the Roland jazz Chorus. I have always found their tone lacking.
In the end my choice would be the Clarus/Raezer's Edge. Michael is right. It IS the gold standard for archtops. And for good reason. It is the best.
Cheers,
Marc
www.hotclubpacific.com