A potentially long post about guitars and amps and worrying too much about things

stickyfiddle · December 2018

Are you sitting comfortably? This might get a bit rambly...

Right now, I have a number of "keeper" guitars, due to a mix of sentimental value and them genuinely being downright great instruments.

Around the side of those main guitars I've always liked to try and keep "something else" that's not just a regular solidbody. This summer that led me to an ES-330 which is a really great guitar, but I'm struggling with the P90s and hollowness, just a little, and have a nagging feeling I'd rather just have a Les Paul, preferably an R7 or Custom. I reckon I could quite happily make that switch without spending too much extra, and 99% sure it would be a good move. But i'm stressing about decision making as I'm not gigging and mostly play on my sofa. But I keep looking longingly at the R7 in Coda and hoping they'll do some R8 style discounts...

Add to that a similar feeling around amps... Currently I have a THR10C which is fantastic and a Badcat Cub 15 which is completely brilliant, and the master volume makes it very useable at home. But I'm feeling more and more that something blackface-flavoured would suit me better, given that every time I've plugged into a Deluxe Reverb I've had a cheshire-cat grin. But I also live in a flat and don't play live, so an amp without power scaling or a master volume is maybe a little nuts. That said, I only ever get to the verge of breakup from the amp, and use pedals for everything beyond that, so maybe it's fine?

Perhaps, therefore, the answer is a DRRI and a decent attenuator or load box, but would that be enough for an apartment? The UA Ox looks a spectacular bit of kit but it's a shitload of money. Is power scaling viable for a DRRI? Or something boutiquey like an Allen Accomplice or Vintage Sound SC22 or Rift?

Both would be easy enough to try but for the fact I'm in the UAE and trying new gear is a complete pain. Chances of finding either option on the used market here is next to zero, and shipping this stuff is always a level of risk and pain-in-ass, especially with the CITES shit of late.

Would would you do?

mart · December 2018

https://img.discogs.com/lgV977v0iSaIzAQ2PK_mNT-usYY=/fit-in/600x468/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1412659-1282586260.jpeg.jpg
Thats where I’m at at the moment - stuff the gas, just get on and play. But tbh, if you’d asked me a year ago I’d have given a different answer. And next year, who knows?

heavyrocker · December 2018

mart said:

https://img.discogs.com/lgV977v0iSaIzAQ2PK_mNT-usYY=/fit-in/600x468/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-1412659-1282586260.jpeg.jpg
Thats where I’m at at the moment - stuff the gas, just get on and play. But tbh, if you’d asked me a year ago I’d have given a different answer. And next year, who knows?

I agree. Forget about changing gear and use what you have to play music.

Freebird · December 2018

The warmer tones of a Les Paul would probably be better for messing around on the sofa, but I think P90's sit nicely in a mix. I'd like to have both

koss59 · December 2018

In my opinion I much prefer sitting down with ES guitars than Les Pauls. The grass isn’t always greener.

munckee · December 2018

Princeton reverb smaller and quieter than DRRI.

stickyfiddle · December 2018

munckee said:

Princeton reverb smaller and quieter than DRRI.

But not as good sounding, imo...

Phil_aka_Pip · December 2018

koss59 said:

In my opinion I much prefer sitting down with ES guitars than Les Pauls. The output jack on a 335 doesn't foul the settee cushion like it does on an LP,

Fixed

robinbowes · December 2018

The guitar I play most is a fairly battered Yamaha Pacifica that I picked up for next to nothing, has a trem that doesn't work properly, and has only had 5 strings for about 3 months.

pmbomb · December 2018

by the time I got to end of OP I had forgotten the start.

what was the question again?

munckee · December 2018

stickyfiddle said:

munckee said:

Princeton reverb smaller and quieter than DRRI.

But not as good sounding, imo...

Maybe in the flat?

gringopig · December 2018

.

Freebird · December 2018

munckee said:

stickyfiddle said:

munckee said:

Princeton reverb smaller and quieter than DRRI.

But not as good sounding, imo...

Maybe in the flat?

B-flat?

Fuengi · December 2018

In my humble opinion pedals make as much sonic difference as amps and guitars. Wouldn't it be simpler and cheaper to buy a few of them?

John_A · December 2018

I used to have dilemmas like this, and the “shut up and play guitar” is the best bit of advice on here (wiz awarded).

richardhomer · December 2018

stickyfiddle said:

munckee said:

Princeton reverb smaller and quieter than DRRI.

But not as good sounding, imo...

Interesting.... Whenever I’ve A/Bd them in a shop, I always thought the Princeton was better sounding.

terada · December 2018

I too think that Deluxes just sound better than Princeton's every time I A/B them. I bought one recently, and quality issues to one side, it really was too loud for home use. Specifically, it was too loud to play clean at home. It only really did that deluxe clean thing (that gives me the Cheshire Cat grin too

) after about 2 on the dial, and at that point it was already very loud. Lower than that and it just sounded a little strangled.

As much as I'd have liked to replace it with another (I really do prefer Deluxes

), I've gone for a Princeton. Hasn't been delivered yet, but I'm hoping it will give me the clean blackface tones I love at home volumes.

As for changing up gear, don't pressure yourself into thinking you have to either splurge or restrict yourself because of some notion of what is 'right'.

You don't have to be a gigging musician to have nice instruments. Those moments on the sofa are plenty reason to treat yourself.

JDE · December 2018

stickyfiddle said:

Would would you do?

Be happy with what you have. It’s the cheapest and easiest answer. And it’s not like you’re playing a banjo through a Smokey, is it?
Fair do’s if you decide that your particular gear isn’t for you - I have played hollowbody p90 guitars for a long time and what they are on paper doesn’t always translate to reality so I get that - then play the long game, sell it at a good price and get something you think you will jive with. There will probably never be a shortage of good LP’s and Blackface Fenders, even in UAE, especially if you’ve sold your other stuff and are actively looking.

Fwiw, do really try and spend some time with an LP and a Deluxe Reverb. For many it’s a real corker, but I have been deflated every time with that combo. Just my 2p.

Th4fonz · December 2018

If you got the funds buy whatever you want that is gonna bring the most enjoyment. You sound like you have a nice setup as it is. I also find people buy new stuff to get out of a rut and relight the fire but a cheaper option is go learn some new chords and learn the theory behind them and focus on improving your playing instead.

Danielsguitars · December 2018

Love p90's personally and customs are one my favourites too, that's what I'd get if i was buying but i build em so never go shopping or get gas

There's an idea get building something it cures gas

Wazmeister · December 2018

Keep searching, spending, trying and swopping...

GAS in an instinct... the journey is exciting, expensive, frustrating and joyful.

But along the way, you’ll pick up wisdom and gear that works for you...

BUT, trust your instinct and learn to know what YOU like; that’s the only way to find the sound in your head,,,,

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A potentially long post about guitars and amps and worrying too much about things

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