I've got a 65 PRRI (currently in the classifieds) which is a marvellous thing but, ultimately, is a bit too clean, even wound up.
I've tried a DS-1, OD-3, Keeley BD-2, Carl Martin Blue Ranger, Digitech Screaming Blues and, finally, a Darkglass Vintage Micro Tubes and none of them really do what I want, so I'm beginning to think I don't really know what sound I'm after.
I have a THR10C which I always use on the highest gain setting, with a lot of gain and I have to say to my ears that it sounds more organic than the PRRI with any pedal.
I have considered the Blues Cube Hot - probably the same issues as the Princeton - and I'm going to try the Vox AV30 or AV60 at some point, having been impressed by the Andertons review where, funnily enough, I liked the Marshall/AC30 tones best.
There's a Carr Mercury 112 at Coda that is interesting too. I'm not wedded to valves and am a firm believer in progress.
To summarise, I need (want) an amp which gives nice distortion at low levels and works for blues - anywhere from BB to Gary Moore via Cream era EC. Guitars are an LP Standard with burstbuckers and a Strat with Texas Specials, and taking a back seat, a Squier Mustang with some fancy Seymour Duncans and a Squier MP Jaguar with P90s. I only play at home too.
Of all of them, the P90 Jaguar sounds best wound up so that gives you a clue where I'm heading.
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The nearest was with a Nobels ODR-1, but in the end I gave up and bought a Jet City Custom 22.
With a good reverb in the loop it covers the Princeton territory pretty well too.
The best bit is now they are discontinued they are cheep as chips. I saw one the other day for £600. Kicking myself for not getting a second one. Only downside is they need a really quiet tube in the first preamp slot or can hiss a bit at the really high gain settings.
Take one PR on volume 1-2, add an OKKO Diablo OD pedal and some 'verb and you can get the most glorious OD tones for Blues at home levels. It's sickening how good it is.
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www.riftamps.co.uk
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