I'm pretty clueless re fender amps (ok most amps) I've read this http://musictoyz.infopop.cc/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=6476029571&f=4066066091&m=3386049963&r=5276059373#5276059373 and I've AB'ed a late 60's Silverface with my AC15 ri. I liked it.

I might have a chance of a DRII but in the Dr megathread nobody mentioned it except by inference ie 1982 onwards being the Rivera era.

Are these amps OK?

Am I allowed to mention Paul Rivera without being run out of town?

What are the weak points?

Is a stratight swap with an AC15ri doing one of the parties an injustice? If do who?

Sorry about the amount of questions and thanks in advance BTW it's getting late in UK so I'll read any answers tomorrow.

Well, I only played one briefly, but as I remeber, it doesn't sound much like the original deluxe reverbs. I mean, it sounded just fine, but I wouldn't be running to get one.

The Paul Rivera era Fenders are PTP wired amps with too much circuitry and junk in the works to deliver true classic Fender tone, in my opinion. These amps were designed at the time ('82-'84) to compete with hot rodded takes on classic circuits, such as Mesa Boogie. Clean channel is "ok", but dull & lifeless as compared to an exceptional Deluxe. High gain channel is horrendous - buzzy and harsh.

If you have a jones for a Deluxe, my budget choice would be to play as many silverface era DR's as you can, & buy the best sounding one you can afford. I'm partial to my brownface Deluxe, but it's a different beast, and is in shorter supply than SF's, don't know how they compare as to price.

Can't speak to who would be done an injustice financially on the AC15RI / DRII swap - but in terms of tone, whoever winds up with the AC15 would be the winner in my book. Sorry to read of your recent troubles with the Vox, hope all has been resolved.

Gentlemen thanks for the replies. I think I might soldier on with the Vox.

I have played a lot of these Rivera era amps, mostly at jams, or on a one night check out at a gig [ music stores let me take em out for a ight to listen on a gig.]
the concerts and red knob somethin or other [ super 60?] sounded muffly and weird , not a sparkly tone. the redknob twins are a little strange as well.
unfortunately I didn't get to try a Deluxe II, but the
SMOKER of the bunch that I actually owned for a year or so was the Champ II.
great little amp, like a champ with twice the power [ 2 6V6s] and a ten instead of an eight.
It had a mid boost pullknob, but not too much extra other junk to get in the way.
I got more compliments on my tone with that thing - no pedals...
if you ever see one, GET IT

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