The Chetboard

I've been home recording with my 6120 through a Fender Bullet amp. It's advantages are that
it's small, light (15 lbs) and has plenty of volume (for an apartment dweller). I auditioned a Fender
Blues Jr. the other day, & it has advantages--it's tube, it has a lot more depth, it reduces the fret buzz
on my guitar, it's got a 12" spkr vs. the 8" spkr of my Bullet. On the same day I tried a Pro Jr., a Blackstar,
and an ampeg, but the Blues Jr. sounded better to my ears.
There's a million opinions about spkers (Celestion vs stock vs Jensen) but for me, it's just whether
Gretsch folks have had good/bad experiences with the stock Blues Jr, or would recommend an amp in the
same price range (about $500).
Any feedback will be appreciated.

JerryG

My only input would be that if you're experiencing fret buzz you probably either need a setup or you've got your action too low. A really low action should not be an end in itself

As far as the amps are concerned, if you can, take your guitar and run the pickups full out. If you have a tone control or mudswitch run the tone control full out and the mudswitch in neutral and control your volume from the amp. This is usually your guitar's best tonal advantage.

What sounds best to you in those circumstances is what you should buy.

First, If you go to youtube, you can find a clip (by the Gretsch folks) on how to get rid of fret buzz. Usually it's due to a bowed neck. They show you how adjust the truss rod (if your guitar uses one). Note that I am no authority. I have never done this myself !

Next I suspect that the Blues Jr. is a pretty sassy amp. I have a Kustom Tube 12A from Kustom Amps of Cincinatti. It has a single tube in it's preamp stage and this is supposed to make everything sound softer and sweeter. I guess it does. You might give one a try. They're a lot cheaper than a Jr. at any rate although the Celestion speaker it uses is only 8".

I have a Musicman RD50 112, a Fender DR Reissue, and a Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue (similar to the Blues Jr), and I like them all. I am surprised that this is true, but I like the Blues Deluxe the best. To my ears, the highs are not as harsh as the MM and the DR, and the bass notes are tight and focused - not boomy and overpowering. The Blues Deluxe Reissue has 6L6's instead of 6V6's, so perhaps that is some of the difference between it and the DR. Also, it has an Emminence speaker instead of a Jenson. I play my 59 NC and my Gibson CG through it, and I like the sound of both guitars equally well.

I agree with Norm, it is best to play your guitar through the amp and elvaluate based on it. Another option is to buy at Guitar Center; they have a 30 day return policy, so if you don't like it you can return it. I have played amps in the store and liked them; when I got home where I could hear better, they didn't sound as good. It's nice to have the option to return it.

Good luck,
Jeff Stovall