I really like my Deuce II. A few years back, around when they first came out, I had one that was custom tolexed, etc straight off the floor from a local Boogie dealer after using Orange AD30s/AD140s. I needed more balls, but didn't really want to get another Dual Recto. That thing was killer! But it died on me right before a crucial tour. It cost me $300 to fix it, and I was loaned a 3-channel DR for the tour. Really bummed me out. When I came back from tour I sold the Stiletto, returned the DR and vowed never again to use a Stiletto (went to Soldano actually). A few years, many amps later, I'm back to a Deuce II and couldn't be happier. I mean, the cleans alone on this amp are pretty spectacular. I've never heard another high gain EL34 amp do the cleans this thing does.
The dirty tones are VAST. I don't think this amp's been retubed in 3 owners so it's definitely due for a new set. I'm thinking some JJs through Eurotubes with the high gain option and KT77s will certainly make a difference. I've also found a new and interested tone from messing around with the tite gain setting with my tone knob for the neck pickup of my LP turned all the way down and a CMATMODS Super Signa drive and its boost engaged. It gives this amazing 60s/70s fuzz sound... pure ecstasy and infinite sustain.
I know I've written a small novel here, but I've gone through A LOT of amps in a short period of time and I haven't found a more versatile amp. I'm not a wealthy guy and to find something like this that can handle any setting, any style is a blessing. It's kind of sad how people dismiss the Stiletto due to its bad rep of being "too bright" or harsh. I'm not playing with a band right now, but I have and the Stiletto II next to a Mark IV is such a killer combo in a 2 guitar band.
