Tremoverb for a Mini Rec?

[bendo]

I have an opportunity to trade my Tremoverb almost strait up (it's really close) for a new Mini rec. I played the mini the other day and was blown away by it.

I didn't spend much time on the Clean channel and was a little concerned about clean headroom.

I am not totally happy with my tremoverb, and can see my self quite content with the mini through my 2x12 recto cab. I never use the tremolo and I can live without reverb.

Should I take the deal and trade my Tremoverb for a MiniRec? I am torn because I feel like I am insane trading a 100W Dual Rec 2x12 for a 25 watt single head. But, I am really GAS'n the Mini.

 

[Nitrobattery]

I still don't understand all of the excitement over the mini recto...especially from people who already own a Recto. A THD Hot Plate would solve all of your unhappiness, and then you'd still have the power if you needed it.

 

[YellowJacket]

If you do a straight up trade, you will use equity in the long run. I thought Tremoverbs were going for c.a. $1,200 used while the Mini Recto is $999 new. I'd suggest to hold out for a couple of years and pick up a Mini used.

 

[noodles]

I still don't understand all of the excitement over the mini recto...especially from people who already own a Recto. A THD Hot Plate would solve all of your unhappiness, and then you'd still have the power if you needed it.

That depends on what you're buying it for. If all I did was bedroom jam, I certainly wouldn't run a 100w halfstack and a Hot Plate. What's the point of that?

The Tremoverb is the oddball Recto with a different voicing. That's cool if you like that sound, but I know I could never quite get what I wanted out of one, leading to me selling it. Maybe the OP just wants that more traditional Recto sound, and if he doesn't gig, going with a smaller amp makes sense. However, YJ is right that a straight up trade is a ripoff. I could see it if it was a Dual, but Tremoverbs aren't very common, and tend to command a higher price. I'd sell the Tremoverb and then buy the Mini. If he's gigging, then sell the Tremoverb, buy a used Dual, and spend the extra cash on a Hot Plate for home.

 

[bendo]

I appreciate everyone's comments.

I don't gig, so that's not an issue. I might in the future, just have to see how things work out. I play about 5-6 hours a day, and tube life is a big concern, and the cost of replacing a quartet is a bit high. And, I will actually be making a little money on the Tremoverb. I got a good deal on it. Not much, but it helps it make sense. It's a bit nicked, so selling it for 1200 would be tough. Amp itself works flawlessly.

I live in a large house by myself, so loudness is not an issue.

 

[94Tremoverb]

Oddly enough, much as I love the Tremoverb, if I was you I would do it. If the Tremoverb isn't doing it for you, and you like the sound of the Mini, go for it. (Assuming the clean headroom is sufficient.) Tremoverbs aren't that rare, and don't command enough money that getting another would be really hard if you change your mind. The size and weight keeps the price down. At least in the UK, a near-straight-up swap for a used Tremoverb combo against a new Mini would be a *very* good deal, significantly overvaluing the Tremoverb... although I can't speak for the US prices. I've liked what I've heard so far from clips of the Mini, too.

But - for what it's worth, even if you play several hours a day, tube life is not that much of an issue with the Tremoverb. The EL84s in the Mini will burn through a lot faster, and even though they're cheaper you'll use a lot more of them - it might not work out that much different.

A Hotplate with a 100W amp is also sensible for low-volume playing - it gives quite a different feel and tone from using a small amp. Personally, I prefer it. I would not swap my Tremoverb for a Mini, but that's because I really love the sound I get in the tube rectifier mode when the big power section is being pushed, with the attenuator. You'll never get that from a 2-EL84 solid-state-rectified amp.

 

[siggy14]

You could at least get 1100 to 1200 for the tremoverb and then you are able to buy a brand new mini with full warrenty. I would do that or ask the guy to throw in a $100 on top of the deal.

I appreciate everyone's comments.

I don't gig, so that's not an issue. I might in the future, just have to see how things work out. I play about 5-6 hours a day, and tube life is a big concern, and the cost of replacing a quartet is a bit high. And, I will actually be making a little money on the Tremoverb. I got a good deal on it. Not much, but it helps it make sense. It's a bit nicked, so selling it for 1200 would be tough. Amp itself works flawlessly.

I live in a large house by myself, so loudness is not an issue.

 

[siggy14]

The mini's are a different class, even with a hot plate you are not going to get the same sound out of a dual. The mini's have more upper mid's and bite like crazy due to those EL84's.

I still don't understand all of the excitement over the mini recto...especially from people who already own a Recto. A THD Hot Plate would solve all of your unhappiness, and then you'd still have the power if you needed it.