...that someone somewhere was telling us how exceptional some of these amps were and that the mftrs were on to a winner...
Here are some I seriously considered but many long gone already... even from only as far back as '07
Guytron GT-100, Mesa TA-15, Tone Kong Metropolitan, Carr Rambler, Gretsch Playboy, H&K Statesman, Revera Chubster, Ibanez Tube Screamer Amp (no more pedals required!)
The list of the ones *I DID* buy and still have is even more depressing - nearly ALL gone...
<Vintage BOSS Upgrades>
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Comments
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand." - Homer Simpson
Rift Amplification
Brackley, Northamptonshire
www.riftamps.co.uk
I own one and it remains my number 1 amp, and has seen off many challengers.
There isn't an amp made that will give a consistent tone in all circumstances, as all spaces are different, it's knowing what your amp can do and how to make it do that which is the key.
And fortunately most of us are too impatient to work an amp preferring to read the manufacturers blurb on the next big thing and change up/down to it! This means more great amps on the secondhand market for others to play with.
The Rambler takes this a step further - I was able to AB a Rosewood board USA Strat against a Maple one, and the difference was clearly audible through the Rambler. Not slightly, but definitely. This is the first test that I do on my own amps to make sure they're working as intended.
From a different perspective, the Rambler fulfils the 'Ultimate Pub and Club amp' criteria - Portable, powerful, toneful at a wide range of volume settings with a great clean tone, onboard valve driven effects, and it takes pedals very well.
I'm not convinced on the asthetics, but I'm more of a traditionalist anyway. The true point-to-point/tag board construction isn't the neatest method, but it clearly works in Steve's amps.
If I didn't know how to build my own amps, I'd have probably bought a Rambler.
Rift Amplification
Brackley, Northamptonshire
www.riftamps.co.uk
Chris, I agree 100%.
A great post mate, and a wisdom awarded !