Amp selection made - Thanks for the forum's help

[Pinelake]

I started looking for a new amp several months back. Narrowed the search to Mesa and Rivera. My main amp to this point has been my Marshall Silver Jubilee. I gravitated to jazz and still do a lot of blues and some fusion. I was looking for an amp that could cover a wide range, wouldn't be too loud or break my back.

My local music store let me bring home a Mesa Express 5:25 and a Rivera Venus 5 to play side-by-side. I loved the Mesa. Very versatile amp and it's own unique sound. Same for the Rivera. I did choose the Rivera. It was 2 months old and brought back to the store by a 62 year old gent who primarily plays in church only. Too much amp for the venue. I picked it up well below list price. The Venus 5 has 5 12AX7's and 2 6l6's. 15 watt / 50 watt switchable.

Once again, I love the Mesa sound and know I'll be back looking around to add one to the collection... once my wife is over the sticker shock of what I just did!

Great forum with intelligent discussion.
Cheers!

 

[vbf]

Glad you found the right amp for you. But once you get the Express in your blood..... BTW, you mentioned "intelligent discussion" which means I wasn't part of it.

 

[Pinelake]

Trust me... this was a hard decision. I told the guy at the music store that I felt like I had to chose between Jessica Simpson and Cameron Diaz. Both hot numbers just different models. Both well constructed!

The Rivera has an oversized cabinet for a 1-12 and sounded a little bigger on the cleans. A lot of nice dirt too. The 6L6's have their own unique presence and bite. The EL84's in the Express just squeal so nicely. I'll have a Mesa sooner or later.

Thanks again to all who weighed in over the last few months.

 

[THE TUBENATOR]

Trust me... this was a hard decision. I told the guy at the music store that I felt like I had to chose between Jessica Simpson and Cameron Diaz. Both hot numbers just different models. Both well constructed!

Oh, Jessica Simpson all the way.......my opinion is based solely on curves....

 

[EtherealWidow]

Yeah and Diaz is a huge germ freak. Opens doors with her elbows and all that.

 

[Heritage Softail]

Simpson can really help a sweater out....

 

[Pinelake]

Yes, Jessica has more curves than the Rivera. As for Carmeron... I'd open the door for her and turn down the covers, being the gentleman I am! Gotta watch those germs.
8)

 

[THE TUBENATOR]

Simpson can really help a sweater out....

Nothing better than a set of beautifully matched 6L6 tubes!

 

[GoranS]

Nothing better than a set of beautifully matched 6L6 tubes!

Yes.... In size D...