Personal Journey with Guitar Amplifiers: From Peavey to PRS
As guitarists, we often find ourselves exploring different amplifiers in search of the sound that matches our musical aspirations. My journey with guitar amplifiers started with a Kustom rig I purchased back in my early twenties. However, after years of consistent use, it finally gave way to a new challenge. It was time for an upgrade, and with the help of some expert advice, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect match.
The Quest for the Perfect Amp
The best advice I received was to bring my guitar to the music store and test out the amps. This piece of guidance turned out to be invaluable. I visited both big chains like Guitar Center and smaller local mom-and-pop shops, trying out a wide range of models including Fender, Orange, Peavey, Black Star, Marshall, Mesa, and VOX.
After extensive testing, I stumbled upon a small, 15-watt guitar amp from Paul Reed Smith (PRS). The moment I plugged into it, I was awe-struck. The sound was truly remarkable, with crystal-clear cleans, an on-point EQ, and an incredible dirty channel. However, my initial concern was whether a 15-watt amp could handle the demands of a full band setup.
An Epic Choice: VOX AC30
To alleviate my worries, I spent some time with the VOX AC30, which became my primary amp for about eight months. Despite loving it, my thoughts often drifted back to that PRS MT15. Finally, I decided to give it a try and discovered that it indeed had the power to handle my band's needs. The volume was sufficient, even over acoustic drums, and it was flexible at all volumes. After evaluating it further, I made the decision to purchase the MT15.
Since bringing it home, the PRS MT15 has proven to be a worthy investment. It not only met my expectations but surpassed them. The clear highs, balanced mids, and powerful lows shine through every performance. I am thrilled with my choice and highly recommend it to any guitarist seeking a high-quality, affordable amp.
Another Side Story: My Wife and the VOX AC30
A funny side story has to be mentioned. My wife, who plays acoustic guitar in my band, started a separate girl band and began playing electric guitar. Upon plugging into the VOX AC30, she was instantly enchanted. She approached me with a request to take over the VOX, laughing and joking, “ummmm… fyi, this is mine now.” It’s these moments that reinforce the joy and camaraderie of our shared musical journey.
The Workhorse: 1967 Fender Pro Reverb
While the PRS MT15 is perfect for most gigs, I also have a trusty workhorse—my 1967 Fender Pro Reverb. This amp has been a staple in my setup due to its remarkable versatility for various styles. It excels in providing a great clean sound for jazz with its lower-gain V1 tube. A 12ay7 in the non-reverb side complements it wonderfully for light-gain distortion pedals or when cranked standalone for a range of genres including blues rock, pop, and country. For a dirtier sound, it outshines a Twin but still maintains clean tones better than a Super Reverb.
Conclusion: The journey to find the perfect guitar amplifiers has been rewarding, and sharing this experience has taught me that sometimes, it's the unexpected that delivers the best sound. Whether it's the clarity of the PRS MT15 or the versatility of the Fender Pro Reverb, my collection continues to grow, and I eagerly anticipate discovering more gems along the way.