In praise of the Blue Angel

[tiktok]

So, years ago I happened to plug into a Blue Angel 4x10 to check out a guitar I was interested in buying, and quickly concluded that it was the best clean amp I'd every played through. But, I wasn't into combos back then. Time passes, and I'm playing a lot of low gain combo type stuff, and last weekend I picked up a 1x12 BA, since the 4x10 seemed overkill for all my gigging situations (for rehearsal I've been using a Subway Blues).

The BA always seems overlooked--all the single-channel clean guys tend to abhor Mesa in favor of vintage Fender, Dr. Z, Vox, etc. And I've heard about noise issues, but while the noise floor seemed a bit higher than say a BF Deluxe Reverb, it didn't seem noisier than many tweed amps, and to me it sort of straddles the BF/Tweed Fender tones. On stage, the noise is completely unnoticeable, but the tone was righteous. All the other guitarists on the bill wanted to know what it was and if I'd done any mods to it, but it's totally stock, with the original tubes. About the only thing I could wish for is built in Trem, but my Diaz Tremodillo covers that.

Still, there's a 4x10 for sale just 30 miles away, you know, just thinkin'...for backup or something.

 

[phyrexia]

I just bought a BA head. It should be somewhere over the rockies now.

I have heard with a preamp tube swap the noise is drastically lower. I can't wait to play it.

what's your favorite power section?

 

[Murphy Slaw]

My #1 has been a Blue Angel with a Celestion V30 for the last year plus. Sits on a flight case and will kick anythings *** it touches. Tone for days, zero, and I mean ZERO noise.

I have no idea why these amps are not the most horded amp in the history of amps.

Fender Deluxe?

Whatever..........

Murph.

 

[cvansickle]

I had a 112, and sort of wish I still had it. In fact, I'm wearing my Blue Angel t-shirt while I'm typing this, no lie!

I got away from the playing style that the Blue Angel was good for, and had a job loss and needed the cash. But someday....

 

[fireonhigh]

kevin eubanks plays that amp??

 

[MikeK]

kevin eubanks plays that amp??

That's what I've heard too. It sounds like he might have a pedal or two in there, so I can't really tell.

I've got a one-twelve. Found a brand new one about a year and a half ago, almost NOS since it's been a while that Boogie stopped making 'um. Swapped out one of the preamp 12AX7's that was slightly noisy (covered under warranty!) and it's been perfect ever since.

phyrexia: The 6V6's sound really good ... but the EL's have a charm and chime that is hard to beat, too. The manual recommends the 4ohm out for the 8ohm speaker when you're on the 6V6 setting, but you've probably already read that ...

 

[tiktok]

what's your favorite power section?

For low volume, the 6V6, for stage, the Progressive Linkage.

 

[Murphy Slaw]

I stay in the 4;EL84 mode most of the time, but a few songs per night, drop to the 2;6V6's, crank the volume wide open, and feather the volume on my 91 tele for a badass gain, pure tube distortion. It's very touch responsive and if you learn to work it, will work miracles.

I'm actually using this more lately in smaller clubs, which is about all that's left around here now that nobody can smoke in bars anymore. The larger clubs are all closed now. Hope you guys aren't having this problem!

Best of luck.

Murph.

 

[trackerdan]

What a great amp!

I owned 4X10 for awhile beautiful as well as toneful.

Always wanted a 1X12 combo.

TD

 

[RocksOff]

Love 4 x 10 BA! Which power section for me depends on the guitar. Mine is ABY'd with a Lonestar Special 2 x 12. Killer!

 

[MetalMatt]

All this talk is making me want one :x

I love the Blue Angel for one thing. It's progressive linkage without it there would be no Road King

Any of you kind folk like to post a clip or two of the BA?

 

[Murphy Slaw]

I barely remember the Tshirts from old brochures.

Too bad they don't make them anymore.

Any pics?

Murph.

 

[phyrexia]

I am possession of Blue Angel #99. Something's wrong though, it oscillates. I will check the tubes tomorrow.

 

[phyrexia]

Swapped some preamp tubes, no whine. Sounds very nice so far.

I picked that cab up for $150 at a pawn shop, does that count as a good deal? It has a Fender Oxford speaker in there but there's an Altec 417 now. :twisted:

 

[Murphy Slaw]

Is that #99? Cool.

I guess mine is # 1806. It's a 1;12 combo. I bought it without a speaker because the guy had sold the original and put a neo in it. I wasn't interested in that.

I dropped a V30 in it because I was used to them, and was in a hurry (gigs lined up) and love it. Like I said, mine is very quiet.

Best amp I've ever had the pleasure to gig with.

I bought a "Boogie" badge for it, and it never fails to get an extra look from "players" , sittin' on that flight case.

"If ya know what I mean!"

Best to ya.

Murph.

 

[tubetone]

My Angel is #1709. What an awsome amp! I've got a picture but I can't figure out how to post it. tt