SuperRift 100 watt Super Lead '68 Spec Plexi by Rift Amps - ala EVH / SL68 / Metropoulos 12000. SOLD

SweetLadyLuck

https://imgur.com/a/4VdWPi9

https://imgur.com/a/0sdfEUL

https://imgur.com/a/TKzFH6Y

https://imgur.com/a/M1DlOik

https://imgur.com/a/SEBoZBX

https://imgur.com/a/vfLcvdv 

https://imgur.com/a/XqjPWq4

https://imgur.com/a/YevL4WU

https://imgur.com/a/csRsY4E

https://imgur.com/a/Vkovq4V

Amazing amp handwired in the UK by Chris at Rift Amplification. This is his SuperRift model, which is now discontinued, it is a 68' (12,000 series) spec Super Lead clone. The inspiration behind this was Eddie Van Halen's original plexi, also the SL68 by Suhr and the 12,000 series by Metropoulos. So to quickly summarise, it's a low filtering super lead plexi with a Pre Phase Master Volume and the amp is set with a lower internal voltage. This is to simulate the use of a Variac, there are many benefits to this which I'll explain throughout.

Chris at Rift does not compromise or cheap out on any components he uses, every part of this amp is specifically chosen to achieve the desired sound. I believe of the parts are high end TAD but I'm not too clued up about this, you could email him and ask if you wanted to know exactly. Of course it is point to point wired by hand, it is a very well made, reliable amp.

It has a front panel that's similar to the later JCM800's. So we have a Pre-phase inverter master volume (labelled Pre-Amp). These are preferable to Post phase master volumes as the post phase masters can get buzzy and thin. A Pre phase master retains more character of the amp and then the best way to achieve more distortion at lower volumes if needed is placing a boost, EQ or drive pedal in front of the amp. This is by far a more natural overdriven sound then a post phase master. Obviously, the best way is to turn the amp up, the louder the better. Usually with most Marshalls, the sound starts to thicken up with the master around 6. This starts to nicely overdrive and thicken up at around 4, so it's more usable than other amps. 

The Pre-Amp knob has a push pull pot, when pulled out it engages a 5000pf bright cap. This gives you more highs and means it will create more overdrive (This is the value for the Eddie Van Halen tone). When pushed in, it takes this bright cap out, making it more versatile, it will have a smoother high end with the onset of volume (this is good with bright guitars or single coils). When the Pre-Amp is on 10, bright caps are supposedly out of the circuit anyway but with the 5000pf engaged, I think you can hear a bit more gain and aggressive high mids, its minimal but I strived for this amp to be very authentic and specific to what I was after. I would mostly leave the Pre-Amp on 10 anyway as it sounded great at all volume levels. 

The amp runs at a lower voltage, if you know anything about Eddie Van Halen's use of a Variac, you will know all about this. Internally the power transformer is running the amp at a lower voltage, the valves are biased to compensate for this so everything still runs as usual. This has a many benefits which I will list;

- The amp runs at higher volume with less stress on the components, valves definitely last longer. For example, the original set of EL34's in this amp lasted for over 2 years while I was gigging frequently with it. When I sent it to Chris for some modifications and a revalve, he insured me that the valves were still absolutely fine and fully operational and that they didn't need changing, I opted to change them anyway for a different sound (changed to 6CA7's).

- The amp runs quieter, meaning you can get the power section to overdrive earlier, this is perfect for smaller venues where you can't turn up as loud. Most 100 watt Marshall cranked will put out over 100 watts (I've been told it differs but around 160 watts). This puts out significantly less, I don't remember the exact amount but I think its around 30% less. Although it's hard to compare, I've had a few 100 watters previous to this and this is definitely quieter and more usable.

- The sound changes slightly, it is softer with nicer compression, it tames the harshness of 100 watters, the midrange gets chewier. It surprises me that more builders don't offer this option or consider it. It works wonders with old Marshall style amps. This is the best Marshall style amp I've heard. After gigs, I would always have people come up to me and comment on my tone.

This amp became a bit of a legend and had a mysterious vibe about it, due to its sound and look. It being white it attracts attention, I took the Rift logo off too, which added to the mystique.

It has been recently serviced and revalved. It now has four JJ 6CA7's. These are like an EL34's but with a fatter bottom end and a more pronounced, smooth top end. It had been back and forth to Chris a few times to get the components exactly right, between me and him, we did a lot of research and there was lots of conversation about the specifics. It is now the perfect 68/12,000 series spec plexi, the components values are the same as Eddie Van Halen 68 Super Lead and it really nails that sound. (especially with everything on 10). You will notice in the pictures that there is a few holes in the back. I had Chris install a pentode/triode switch and a Post phase master volume on the back, I was experimenting with different ways to create the distortion at the time but Chris was right in the first place, the Pre phase master on the front is the best and most authentic way and then boost into the front if you need to. I then had him remove these mods when it was with him last as I was paranoid that they would be detracting from the amps sound and I wanted it as pure as possible.

It's in great condition, there is a few minor blemishes to the tolex, nothing serious, you'd only see it really upclose, I've tried to show them in the pictures.

It is with great regret that I am selling this, it has been my baby for so long now. I am selling as I am no longer in a band that has a van. I was living a luxury when I was in a band that had a van and I could fit this and a 4x12 in. That is no longer the case, I didn't know how good I had it. Now it's all about cramming everything into cars and I need to down size.

I may have seriously undervalued this amp as most Rift Amps now go for around the £2000 mark at Andertons. The list price for this was originally £1300 but that 5 years ago before he really developed the brand. This is a steal at this price.

Any Van Halen fans out there, this is a must have. This is as close as you can get.

Can post for the price, I have a good size box with lots of packaging. I have used a courier for this multiple times.

jed

Very nice

jed

Very nice

RiftAmps

Just to follow up on what Louis said, he ordered this from me back in 2013/14 asking for an EVH spec 12000 series SL with a few select tweaks. I also built two 200w four-hole non-MV SLs at the same time, so this was part of a trio of high-power Plexi's from the early days of Rift. I still have one of the 200watters here at the shop.

We are looking at bringing a '68 SL spec head back to market later on this year, so this is a great opportunity to get one sooner.

Further to this, as I've only recently checked this amp over I'm happy to offer a limited 3-month warranty to the purchaser so you know you've got some backup. Message me for details if you need to.

GLWTS @SweetLadyLuck !

webrthomson

Good grief - so much want!!!

Like I need another 100 watt head

PM duly sent!

SweetLadyLuck

Thank you for chiming in Chris! and thanks, that's nice of you to offer that to who ever buys!

I'm really sorry if I have but hope I haven't massively under valued this!

Thanks!

SweetLadyLuck

SOLD! and regretting it already!