Down By The Rivera

OR for that matter
Matchless
Bad Cat
Tone King
Blackvolt
Supro
Carr
or BOGNER ---?
(on looks alone ID take the bogner Goldfinger please)

1627851312281.png


ALSO -- a thought-- have you considered making a LIST of items and features you desire (your "dream amp") and getting a custom amp builder to make you "that" amp?? my understanding (depending on build level and combo/head etc) its NOT THAT MUCH MORE that what your looking at for the Rivera

HELL we have some VERY VERY talented builders right here on these very forum pages......
Maybe one of them is up to the task?
 
syscokid said:
FWIW... I noticed in the Sweetwater ad description, that it describes the reverb as a six spring tank. That's a mistake, and its three springs instead. My Quiana has the six spring reverb tank, and there's no way that tank is going to fit in the smaller cab of the Clubster.
Click to expand...
I had to go back to the Sweetwater link to check the specs, but yes, I believe you are correct. The overall width of the amp head is 16.5".
The 6 spring reverb tanks are the type 9 tanks, which are the same length as the type 4 tanks commonly used in Fender amps, both types being 16.75" long. No way a 16.75" tank can fit in a 16.5" wide head.
I did notice that the reverb tank was first stated to be a 3 spring type. Later in the specs stated as 6 spring.
The 3 spring tanks are the type 8, being 9.25" long. I imagine someone accidentally slipped in a typo. Good catch Sysco. Does appear to be a helluva amp & does sound very good in the Sweetwater demo. Cheers
 
eSGEe said:
I am also curious --- why RIVERA and not MESA?
eSGEe said:
OR for that matter
Matchless
Bad Cat
Tone King
Blackvolt
Supro
Carr
or BOGNER ---?
(on looks alone ID take the bogner Goldfinger please)


ALSO -- a thought-- have you considered making a LIST of items and features you desire (your "dream amp") and getting a custom amp builder to make you "that" amp?? my understanding (depending on build level and combo/head etc) its NOT THAT MUCH MORE that what your looking at for the Rivera

HELL we have some VERY VERY talented builders right here on these very forum pages......
Maybe one of them is up to the task?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


You make an excellent point. Once you’re willing to go past the $1200.00 mark and enter semi-boutique to boutique territory for a compact head, you’re met with several perfectly viable candidates, and this can make it hard to make a decision! That Boogie Mark 5:25 head is very attractive, too. I’ve looked at it before; I may look at that again. However, one thing that captures my attention with the Rivera is that the model I’m looking at uses 6V6 tubes. These generally provide more clean headroom. They also can provide a pretty smooth, creamy distortion. The Boogie uses EL-84. I don’t hate this sound, at all. But, I think the 6V6 will provide something a little different. Though, you’re right; just about any of the amps you mention would be quality candidates.

Comments from others here, namely @syscokid and @gball , who have actually used Rivera also impress me. Neither of them have used the exact model I’m considering, but they do have experience with the brand and their high marks for the build quality and the sound give me a lot confidence.

There is one feature of the Rivera I hadn’t actually used as a criteria, but is actually pretty interesting to me, now that I’ve seen it. The Clubster Royale Recording has what is called a “No EQ” out. Right now, I use an iso-cab, which I really like. But, the No EQ Out would let me run into an impulse response box. Using the IR box, I could load any IR I wanted without even needing a speaker. Although I have no immediate plans to use this, the option is fairly attractive to me.

Another feature that the Clubster has that is nice is that Rivera has built into the chassis the Rivera RockRec attenuator. The RockRec is essentially Rivera’s own speaker attenuator. Having that built in is another one of those things for which I don’t have any immediate plans, but I could see it being really useful in the right situation.

Also, lately there is a part of me that just wants to have something different than the almost predictable run of Fender and Marshall.

But, you ask a good question. How about using our own amp gurus?

Okay. These would be my criteria:

1. The amp must be a two channel amp.
2. Each channel must have its own EQ section. I do not want an EQ section shared by both channels. This is one of my complaints about my DSL-5C. I didnt think this would be an issue when I got the amp, but it bugs me now.
3. Effects Loop. The ability to adjust FX level is nice but not required.
4. Channel selection must have a foot switchable option.
5. The clean channel must provide a TRULY CLEAN, undistorted sound. This means, it must have a lot of headroom and stay clean even without “rolling back” the guitar’s volume. This is my main issue with the DSL-5C.
6. The distortion channel should not be fizzy. This is another issue I have with the DSL-5C. There is kind of a sweet spot with that amp. If you step outside that zone, the distortion really fizzes out.
7. It is my understanding that an amp with 6V6/6L6 tubes can most easily satisfy requirement 5, so that’s why I am leaning toward them.
8. I want an amp that doesn’t require any mods! Since I am only looking for a head, I realize I’ll have to select a good speaker for it. I don’t consider that a mod. But, I have no interest in rolling tubes, clipping capacitors, swapping resistors, or anything like that!
9. I want something that is pedal-friendly. I use a Tubescreamer up front and am fairly wet with effects in the loop.
10. I want an amp that doesn’t feel cheap and is dependable.

So, those are just some of the thoughts I think about.
 
smitty_p said:
You make an excellent point. Once you’re willing to go past the $1200.00 mark and enter semi-boutique to boutique territory for a compact head, you’re met with several perfectly viable candidates, and this can make it hard to make a decision! That Boogie Mark 5:25 head is very attractive, too. I’ve looked at it before; I may look at that again. However, one thing that captures my attention with the Rivera is that the model I’m looking at uses 6V6 tubes. These generally provide more clean headroom. They also can provide a pretty smooth, creamy distortion. The Boogie uses EL-84. I don’t hate this sound, at all. But, I think the 6V6 will provide something a little different. Though, you’re right; just about any of the amps you mention would be quality candidates.

Comments from others here, namely @syscokid and @gball , who have actually used Rivera also impress me. Neither of them have used the exact model I’m considering, but they do have experience with the brand and their high marks for the build quality and the sound give me a lot confidence.

There is one feature of the Rivera I hadn’t actually used as a criteria, but is actually pretty interesting to me, now that I’ve seen it. The Clubster Royale Recording has what is called a “No EQ” out. Right now, I use an iso-cab, which I really like. But, the No EQ Out would let me run into an impulse response box. Using the IR box, I could load any IR I wanted without even needing a speaker. Although I have no immediate plans to use this, the option is fairly attractive to me.

Another feature that the Clubster has that is nice is that Rivera has built into the chassis the Rivera RockRec attenuator. The RockRec is essentially Rivera’s own speaker attenuator. Having that built in is another one of those things for which I don’t have any immediate plans, but I could see it being really useful in the right situation.

Also, lately there is a part of me that just wants to have something different than the almost predictable run of Fender and Marshall.

But, you ask a good question. How about using our own amp gurus?

Okay. These would be my criteria:

1. The amp must be a two channel amp.
2. Each channel must have its own EQ section. I do not want an EQ section shared by both channels. This is one of my complaints about my DSL-5C. I didnt think this would be an issue when I got the amp, but it bugs me now.
3. Effects Loop. The ability to adjust FX level is nice but not required.
4. Channel selection must have a foot switchable option.
5. The clean channel must provide a TRULY CLEAN, undistorted sound. This means, it must have a lot of headroom and stay clean even without “rolling back” the guitar’s volume. This is my main issue with the DSL-5C.
6. The distortion channel should not be fizzy. This is another issue I have with the DSL-5C. There is kind of a sweet spot with that amp. If you step outside that zone, the distortion really fizzes out.
7. It is my understanding that an amp with 6V6/6L6 tubes can most easily satisfy requirement 5, so that’s why I am leaning toward them.
8. I want an amp that doesn’t require any mods! Since I am only looking for a head, I realize I’ll have to select a good speaker for it. I don’t consider that a mod. But, I have no interest in rolling tubes, clipping capacitors, swapping resistors, or anything like that!
9. I want something that is pedal-friendly. I use a Tubescreamer up front and am fairly wet with effects in the loop.
10. I want an amp that doesn’t feel cheap and is dependable.

So, those are just some of the thoughts I think about.
Click to expand...
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... :hmmm:

Sounds like..................................



I think that...............................................




............... that you should get a Rivera Chubster Royale... :whistle:



Then we can ask you how your royal Chubby is doing... :cheers:
 
syscokid said:
If you're familiar with the modern Vintage 30, and you already like it, then go for it. But in my very biased and honest opinion... I'm a big fan of Scumback Speakers products. Jim Seavall, of Scumback, makes a version of the Celestion 12M-65 Creamback called the Scumback M75-LD. Absolutely love these with clean tones to mean tones; open back or closed back cab. On his website you can fill out a form and describe your preferences, and he will usually respond quickly. You can also pick the brains at Warehouse Guitar Speakers and Eminence Speakers too. I also hear great things about the Mesa/Celestion V30, aka Black Shadow C-90, that is actually made in England and not in China! Take your time on this... :fingersx:

Have seen one of these yet...:
View attachment 71564

www.mojotone.com

Mojotone Slammins 1x12 Convertible Iso Cabinet

New and Improved for 2024! The wizards in the woodshop have reduced the overall width of our ISO by 2" allowing for a smaller footprint and less overall weight. Additionally, the team has upgraded the lid attachment hardware, making it much easier and faster to install and remove the lid. On top...
www.mojotone.com www.mojotone.com
Click to expand...

One small correction: the Mesa-branded V-30 and the C-90 are two different speakers( both are British-made). The V-30 does not sound exactly like the old British Celestion-branded ones - it's got a bit more presence in the upper mids to my ears and I would argue its the best version of the V-30 that's ever been made. The C-90/Black Shadow is apparently based on the G12M-80 but is something unique to Mesa, and it is by far my favorite speaker of all time. I prefer them to any other speaker I have ever used (which is a lot at this point) and for any application. One caveat is that they were evidently designed for open-back cabs and they have an incredibly controlled low end in that type of cab, but can get a little boomy in a closed back cab without some EQ'ing.

smitty_p said:
You make an excellent point. Once you’re willing to go past the $1200.00 mark and enter semi-boutique to boutique territory for a compact head, you’re met with several perfectly viable candidates, and this can make it hard to make a decision! That Boogie Mark 5:25 head is very attractive, too. I’ve looked at it before; I may look at that again. However, one thing that captures my attention with the Rivera is that the model I’m looking at uses 6V6 tubes. These generally provide more clean headroom. They also can provide a pretty smooth, creamy distortion. The Boogie uses EL-84. I don’t hate this sound, at all. But, I think the 6V6 will provide something a little different. Though, you’re right; just about any of the amps you mention would be quality candidates.

Comments from others here, namely @syscokid and @gball , who have actually used Rivera also impress me. Neither of them have used the exact model I’m considering, but they do have experience with the brand and their high marks for the build quality and the sound give me a lot confidence.

There is one feature of the Rivera I hadn’t actually used as a criteria, but is actually pretty interesting to me, now that I’ve seen it. The Clubster Royale Recording has what is called a “No EQ” out. Right now, I use an iso-cab, which I really like. But, the No EQ Out would let me run into an impulse response box. Using the IR box, I could load any IR I wanted without even needing a speaker. Although I have no immediate plans to use this, the option is fairly attractive to me.

Another feature that the Clubster has that is nice is that Rivera has built into the chassis the Rivera RockRec attenuator. The RockRec is essentially Rivera’s own speaker attenuator. Having that built in is another one of those things for which I don’t have any immediate plans, but I could see it being really useful in the right situation.

Also, lately there is a part of me that just wants to have something different than the almost predictable run of Fender and Marshall.

But, you ask a good question. How about using our own amp gurus?

Okay. These would be my criteria:

1. The amp must be a two channel amp.
2. Each channel must have its own EQ section. I do not want an EQ section shared by both channels. This is one of my complaints about my DSL-5C. I didnt think this would be an issue when I got the amp, but it bugs me now.
3. Effects Loop. The ability to adjust FX level is nice but not required.
4. Channel selection must have a foot switchable option.
5. The clean channel must provide a TRULY CLEAN, undistorted sound. This means, it must have a lot of headroom and stay clean even without “rolling back” the guitar’s volume. This is my main issue with the DSL-5C.
6. The distortion channel should not be fizzy. This is another issue I have with the DSL-5C. There is kind of a sweet spot with that amp. If you step outside that zone, the distortion really fizzes out.
7. It is my understanding that an amp with 6V6/6L6 tubes can most easily satisfy requirement 5, so that’s why I am leaning toward them.
8. I want an amp that doesn’t require any mods! Since I am only looking for a head, I realize I’ll have to select a good speaker for it. I don’t consider that a mod. But, I have no interest in rolling tubes, clipping capacitors, swapping resistors, or anything like that!
9. I want something that is pedal-friendly. I use a Tubescreamer up front and am fairly wet with effects in the loop.
10. I want an amp that doesn’t feel cheap and is dependable.

So, those are just some of the thoughts I think about.
Click to expand...

I've owned three Riveras: An M-60, an R-30 and a Pubster 25. All were really kind of different from a voicing standpoint but all were unusually well-built and durable and all sounded really great. So good its one of the reasons I was thinking of getting another, and my logic for it is a lot like yours: the 6V6 power section, which my Pubster had and is very nice souding, along with all of the other features like the attenuator, etc. I have a Mark 5:25, so just feel it would be a nice compantion to change it up every so often. Also thinking abut the Marshall Studio Classic/JCM-800, so haven't decided for sure yet.

I used the Riveras with a variety of different speakers. Mostly Greenbacks, but generally I preferred the Mesa C-90 with them.

Good luck no matter what you decide.
 
gball said:
The C-90/Black Shadow is apparently based on the G12M-80 but is something unique to Mesa, and it is by far my favorite speaker of all time. I prefer them to any other speaker I have ever used (which is a lot at this point) and for any application. One caveat is that they were evidently designed for open-back cabs and they have an incredibly controlled low end in that type of cab, but can get a little boomy in a closed back cab without some EQ'ing.
Click to expand...

Thanks much, gball.

Is this the C-90 you were talking about?

store.mesaboogie.com

Speaker - 12" Celestion Custom 90 - UK Made

The official Mesa Boogie online store for factory replacement parts, custom parts, hardware, shirts, hats and accessories.
store.mesaboogie.com store.mesaboogie.com
 
can I just ask.................is ANYONE sending me a Bogner goldfinger to fondle? (not asking for friend) ;)
 
gball said:
Yup, that's the one. Man, I just love that speaker.
Click to expand...

Given your comment about that speaker being designed for an open-back cabinet, I’m wondering how it would sound in an isolation cabinet. I would build an open-back enclosure for the speaker, itself. But, that will be going into a larger, closed space with a couple inches of dense, sound-absorptive insulation.
 
smitty_p said:
Given your comment about that speaker being designed for an open-back cabinet, I’m wondering how it would sound in an isolation cabinet. I would build an open-back enclosure for the speaker, itself. But, that will be going into a larger, closed space with a couple inches of dense, sound-absorptive insulation.
Click to expand...

Can't claim to have tried it in an iso cab, but my experience trying them in sealed-back cabs leads me to believe it would not be the answer in that application. Me, I'd likely drop a Classic Lead 80 into an iso cab. I like that they have a nice smooth transition from lows to highs, without the midrange honk that the Green/Creambacks have. I love Greenbacks in a 4x12 configuration but only playing in a band to cut through...by themselves they are too nasal for my taste. Doesn't hurt that the Lead 80 is UK made; I think it makes a huge difference. The Chinese Celestions I have had all had a fizz in the high end that never really went away after breaking them in. Diminished, but never disappeared completely (experiencing this now with the Eight-15 that's in my DSL-1)
 
mcblink said:
You socked in with smoke up there too, Goo?

Friggin' smoked out here....and not in a good kinda way lol
Click to expand...
Heck Mc B we have been real smokey most days in MPLS lately from the Canadian forest fires. Evidently our air quality has been worse than L.A. and they are asking people to drive less and recommending not to exercise.
 
To get back on track, that Rivera looks really cool. I have never paid any attention to them before, but now I think I need to explore them more. I have a 1 watt, couple of 50s and a couple of 100s. Now I want, no need, something in the 20-30 watt range and something other than a Marshall would be a nice addition. Great thread.
 
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