Amplifier and
Speaker Cabinet Manufactures
ampsandspeakers.shtml | Updated: 18-Jun-2009 - 11:44
This page contains links and information on combo amplifiers, heads and speaker cabinets that are being used by my fellow jazz guitarist around the world.
Jazz Tone Tips: - A jazz tone is not too bassy or muddy. It has a bell like quality that is more of a mid range sound. I start with the bass, middle and treble controls flat at 5 or 6 and cut or boost from there. The guitar tone knob is usually close between 7 and 10 and roll it off from there.
My settings for a Clarus IIR amplifier head and custom Raezer's Edge Stealth 12 with a NY One 8 cabinents are to bass, middle and treble set at 12 o'clock with very little spring reverb. The guitar, a Benedetto Benny 7 is set on the neck pickup with the tone at 9 or 10. Depending on the room I have to tweek the settings to roll off the bass for the 7th string. This is the setup that was used for most of the Midnight at the Jazz Cafe CD
Amplifier Manufactures
- Accu Groove
- Acoustic Image
- AER
- Alessandro
- Alpha & Omega Amplifiers
- Bag End Loud Speakers
- Cheshire Guitar Amps
- Comins
- Crate
- Doberman Music Products, LLC
- Dr. Z Amplication
- Electric Lion
- Epifani Custom Sound
- Euphonic Audio
- Evans Custom Amplifiers
- Fargen Amplification
- Fender
- NEW Fishman
- Flite Sound
- Fuchs Audio Technology
- Genz Benz
- Henriksen, Inc.
- Heritage Amplifiers Of Tennessee
- Holland Amps
- JazzKat
- Kendrick Amplifiers
- Koch Guitar Electronics
- Lace Music Products
- Leonardo Custom Cabinets
- Line 6
- London Power
- MATAMP Pro Audio
- Maven Peal Instruments
- Melo Custom Instruments (Spain)
- Mesa Boogie, Ltd
- Orange Amplification
- Peavey
- Polytone
- Pritchard Amps
- Raezer's Edge Guitar and Bass Cabinets
- Redstone Audio
- Roland Music Corporation
- Sadowsky Guitars
Misc
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Amps and Speaker Manufactures
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Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: Acoustic Image
Info
(Ed. Sept-2007) This amp sounds great with my new American Archtop Collector Series 7 string guitar.
I've used the original Clarus 1 as my main amp with a bevy of Reazer's Edge cabinets (Stealth 12, 6/8, NY8) and a Wes Montgomery L5, a Benedetto Benny and now the American Archtop 7 stringguitar. Now using the new Clarus Series II Clarus 2R with the 7 string and it sounds great.
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Links
Info
Alpha & Omega Amplifiers is a small-batch tube-type guitar amplifier builder based in Albuquerque, NM. The Alpha & Omega team members are all musicians who appreciate the sound and look of vintage tube amplifiers.
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Epifani Custom Sound
68 34th Street 3rd floor
Brooklyn NY 11232
Phone: 718-832-4664
Fax: 718-832-9250
Evans Custom Amplifiers
5900 Barbell Circle
McLeansville, NC 27301
910 968 0333
1 800 697 2347 (Fax)
Links
Dealer pick for price and service: Legato Guitars and J. Hale Music Supply
Both of these dealers offer a wide range of strings suitable for the jazz guitarist.
Here is a page of information on the most
popular amplifier heads used with archtop jazz guitar.
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Links
- www.fender.com
- Fender Ukuleles
- WidipediA: Leo Fender
- WidipediA: Fender
Harmony-Central user reviews: Fender
Info
A tried and true Fender Twin Reverb will always work. It's one of the amps one will always find in a studio and can rent when on the road. Learn to how to dial in your sound from a Twin.
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Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: Fishman
Info
( from listing's site ) - For over 25 years, the Fishman name has been synonymous with technical innovation in acoustic amplification. Fishman pickups and preamps, toneshaping products and amplifiers are the essential tools acoustic musicians, performers and sound technicians rely on to accurately amplify the natural tones of acoustic instruments.
Shoreline Music has a great selection of the top brands of pickup and preamps and loads of information.
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Links
Henriksen JazzAmp™ Convertible
(from the Henriksen web site ) The Henriksen JazzAmp™ Convertible combines the best of both worlds. You get the convenience of a combo with the versatility of a separate head and speaker. The JazzAmp™ Convertible comes out of the box with a JazzAmp™ Head-R, a 2 foot speaker cable, and a JazzAmp™ Mini-Cabinet with a 10” Eminence® Beta speaker, all packaged together in a padded gig bag.
PA Dealers
Keswick Music Works
363 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA
215-887-1462
Menkevich Guitars Elkins Park, PA
215-288-8417
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Heritage Guitars, Inc.
225 Parsons St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone 269-385-5721
Fax 269-385-3519
Sales and Marketing
Lasar Music Corp., PO Box 2045
Brentwood
TN 37027
Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: link
Notes: When Gibson moved to Nashville, theses are the master builders that didn't move. Very nice instruments.
See the Dealers page for two dealers that carry these guitars: Wolfe Guitars and J. Hale Music Supply
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Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: Kendrick
Info
Amplifiers, Guitars, Cables and Accessories
Klotz Cables
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5561 Engineer Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
714-898-2776 tel
714-893-1045 fax
Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: Lace
Info
Just had to list this company. They have licensed Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's Rat Fink character and created a line of guitars and amps.
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Line 6
Line 6, Inc.
26580 Agoura Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1921
Main Phone#: (818) 575-3600
Main Fax#: (818) 575-3601
International
4 Sopwith Way
Drayton Fields Industrial Estate
Daventry, Northamptonshire
United Kingdom, NN118PB
Telefon: +44 (0) 1327 302 700
Fax: +44 (0) 1327 302 702
Links
Info
LINE 6 — Modeling Pioneers
Most non-musicians are likely unaware that the past fifty years of guitar amplifier technology has had a more significant impact on the history of rock music than the electric guitar itself. Each individual amp and effect design was created to distort and color the guitar signal in a different way, contributing significantly to why the guitar sounds of the Beatles were so different from Jimi Hendrix or Pink Floyd. Both the subtle and overt differences between the many types (and even specific serial numbers) of amps and effects, became cherished tonal signatures that were sought after for the particular sonic mood that they might inspire.
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MATAMP Pro Audio
MATAMP AUDIO TECHNOLOGY
Brigg mills, 5 The Cobbles
Meltham, Huddersfield
W.Yorkshire
HD9 5QQ, UK, England
MATAMP Distribution, USA
P O BOX 1624
Spokane, WA 99210
Maven Peal Instruments
1270 Peck Hill Road
East Calais, VT 05650
voice 802-456-1607
fax 802-456-1609
Melo Custom Instruments
Josep Melo i Valls
Pare Sallarés 79-81 08201 Sabadell
Spain
Tel/fax 937250397
International 34937250397
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Peavey
International Headquarters
Peavey Electronics Corporation
5022 Hartley Peavey Drive
Meridian, MS 39305
Customer Phone: 601-483-5365
Fax: 601-486-1278
Europe
Peavey Electronics LTD
Great Folds Road, Oakley Hay Corby
Northants NN18 9ET England
Tel: +44 (0) 1536 461234
Fax: +44 (0) 1536 747222
Pritchard Amps
290 Pritchard Lane
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411
1-8-SSSO-COOOL (1-877-762-6665 Toll Free)
Fax: 304-258-4673
Polytone Musical Instruments, Inc.
6865 Vineland Ave.
N. Hollywood, CA 91605
818 760 2300
818 760 2302 (Fax)
Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: Polytone
Here is a page of information
on the most popular amplifier heads used
with the archtop jazz guitar.
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No Listings for Q
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Raezer's EDGE
Raezer's EDGE Guitar and Bass Cabinets
600 Hartbrook Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
Toll Free Voice: 877 976 5200
Fax: 262.367.5140
Links
Info
"A Big Focused Sound in a Small Portable Cabinet"
No matter what amp you use a Raezer's EDGE cabinets is a must. With everyone searching for that classic jazz sound this is more than half of it is in these cabinets. If I could afford more I'd have a few more ;-)
(From J Hale of 
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When the original JC-120 Jazz Chorus amp was introduced in 1975, its most obvious cosmetic distinction was its silver-cone speakers. And now these classic silver-cone speakers are back, giving the JC-120 the legendary clean amp sound found on countless records over the years. With the JC-120's lush chorus effects, dual-amp design and high-quality reverb, the "sound" is undeniable! 120 watts (60+60 stereo) and two 12" speakers.
(New for 2004) - Roland's CUBE-60 takes the acclaimed CUBE amplifier line to new levels and larger venues. It packs a punchy 60 watts of power into a compact 12-inch design, giving you the performance of a bigger amp, without the excess baggage. It features enriched COSM® amp models, popular digital effects, versatile outputs and well-respected reliability. Just like its popular siblings, CUBE-60 stretches the limits of where you can go with your music, both in terms of tone and venues. Powerful 60-watt output in a compact, 12-inch speaker design. Built-in 9 COSM guitar amp models, including JC, British Combo and R-Fire. New Dyna Amp feature offers expressive control over enhanced dynamics and tone transitions based on picking style. Six classic built-in Roland effects, including Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Tremolo and independent Delay/Reverb. Multiple outputs, including Recording/Phones Out, Line Out, Tuner Out and Ext Speaker Out (for connecting external cabinets). Channel switching, delay/reverb and effect on/off control via optional footswitch.
The Cube-30 represents an incredible value in compact guitar amps. Not only does this little brute pack a 10-inch speaker with 30 watts of punch, but it also has 3-band EQ, COSM Guitar Amp Modeling and built-in DSP effects. The COSM modeling gives you 8 distinct guitar amp sounds, while the EFX section offers chorus, flanger, phaser and tremolo. There's even independent Delay/Reverb processing-and the EFX section is controllable via optional footswitch! High-quality DSP guitar amplifier with 30-watt output and 10" speaker Includes 8 COSM guitar amp models: JC Clean, Acoustic, Black Panel, Brit Combo, Tweed, Classic Stack, Metal Stack, R-fier Stack Powerful onboard EFX section includes chorus, flanger, phaser and tremolo. Independent Delay/Reverb processor. Two-channel operation (Clean/Lead) with footswitch control of channels and EFX section. Recording/Headphone output for silent practice and recording. Auxiliary input for connecting CD players, drum machines, etc.
Don't let its diminutive size fool you-the Cube-15 sounds BIG! This 15-watt guitar practice amp includes an 8-inch speaker and a two-channel configuration with four popular overdrive and distortion colors, ranging from “Overdrive” to “Metal Stack.” Three-band EQ, plus a built-in Recording/Headphone output and Auxiliary input make this little amp a great value! Compact guitar amplifier with 15-watt output and 8" speaker. Two-channel operation (Clean/Lead) with footswitch control. Lead sounds include Overdrive, Distortion, Metal, and Metal Stack. 3-band EQ for precise tonal shaping. Recording/Headphone output for silent practice and recording. Auxiliary input for connecting CD players, drum machines, etc.
Ultra-compact portable DSP guitar amp with 5-inch speaker. Runs on battery or AC power (adapter supplied) and includes carry strap. 7 COSM guitar amp models including JC-120 and a special mic preamp model. 6 DSP effects: chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo and separate Delay/Reverb. New Digital Tuning Fork with support for flat tunings up to 2 semitones. Recording/Headphones output and stereo Auxiliary input for CD players, etc.
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Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: Sadowsky
Info
See the February 1999 issue of Just Jazz Guitar for an article about Roger Sadowsky.
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THD Electronics, Ltd.
3510 6th Avenue W
Seattle, WA 98119-1513
Phone: 206.781.5500
Fax: 206.781.5508
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UltraSound Amplifiers
UJC Electronics
2150 Delavan Dr Ste11
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Sales: 888-308-1557
Links
Harmony-Central user reviews: Ultrasound
Info
UJC Electronics, ULTRASOUND Amplifier's parent company, specializes in contract electronic manufacturing. UJC Electronics has been in existence since 1985, and has produced a diverse range of electronic parts including smoke detectors, pest control devices, digital recording devices and LED lighting systems just to name a few. Their corporate headquarters are located in West Des Moines, Iowa.
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Harmony-Central user reviews: Vero
Info
(From the Vero site)
Designed with electric archtop guitars in mind
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Links
Info
(from their site (Mark Baier)) - In 1993, I set out to faithfully recreate the crown jewels among the many classic amplifiers developed by Leo Fender. The tweed amps of the late '50s defined the sound of rock and blues on vinyl and on stage, but they had also become increasingly scarce, and well beyond the reach of most working musicians.
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Links
- No Known Web Presence, contact directly
Harmony-Central user reviews: Walter Woods
All custom made, prices from $900 to $2000 depending on options.
Dealer pick for price and service: Legato Guitars and J. Hale Music Supply
Both of these dealers offer a wide range of strings suitable for the jazz guitarist.
Here is a page of information on the most
popular amplifier heads used with archtop jazz guitar.
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No Listings for X
Y
No Listings for Y
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Links
Info
Makes the coolest effects and mini amps.
(from their site) -
The world's smallest production tube amp, the Nano Head by Z.Vex Amps. This little marvel is a one-half watt (distorted) powerhouse that will surprise you with its apparent volume. Plug it into a 4X12 (or any 8 to 16 ohm speaker) and listen to it roar! This amp is voiced to deliver classic rock tone, with a very high level of crunch available if it's wanted. Just crank the volume knob around to the level of distortion you desire, from a very quiet (one tenth watt) clean mode to a micro-Marshall (TM) blast when cranked up. I am making myself a little ill (gag!) trying to describe the tone of my Nano, using the same tired old phrases that all the amp and distortion box makers use, but I think it's true... it does a great job of emulating big amps at very reasonable volumes, which makes it exceptionally nice for recording.
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Getting the Exlusive Jazz Tone
- Raezer's Edge settings
- Amp settings settings
Here is a page of information on the most popular amplifier heads used with the archtop jazz guitar.
Jazz Amp Dealers
What you will find in your dealings with the dealers that are listed here, is that they are the nicest people to deal with. I would be nice if the rest of the music retail establishment would be this nice and helpful to their customers.
Mailing Address Only:
1121C Military Cutoff Road, # 342
Wilmington, NC 28405
Tel: (910) 686-3264
Links
By Appointment
I have dealt with Bill Fender of Legato Guitars for a few years now and he is the BEST dealer around for jazz guitars. Has one of the best selections going. I bought my Benedetto Benny 7 from Bill.
Legato Guitars is an Authorized Dealer for: New Guitars by: Robert Benedetto, Guild Benedetto, John Buscarino, Mark Campellone, Bill Comins, Dell'Arte, Guild, Hofner, Ted Megas, Gary Mortoro, Arthur Napolitano, Ed Schaefer, Henry Verri, Benedetto Pickups & Tailpieces, Acoustic Image Amplifiers, Evans Custom Amplifiers, Polytone Amplifiers, Raezer's Edge Custom Speaker Cabinets and Thomastik-Infeld Strings
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Info
Sound Island's guitarist-proprietor is Michael Biller. He began his musical training at a very early age while growing up in Latin America, eventually moving to the USA and playing in his midwest area College Symphony Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble.
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Amp Stands and Accessories
Links
- www.KangarooAmpCovers.com (dead link)
Custom made amplifier cover with large exterior pockets for storing cords and effects; made with 1050 denier ballistic nylon or 32 oz heavy-duty textured vinyl. Features leather reinforced handle opening, double stitched inside seams and leather logo. Velcro inner pocket straps pull up and over the top of the amplifier holding the pockets open while loading or unloading. The 1050 denier ballistic nylon is water repellent with ≤ inch urethane backing and offers snap buckles. The vinyl model is UV resistant, mildew treated face and back, cold crack to 10 degrees and offers nickel-plated rust resistant buckles.
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Misc. Resources
- Tips and Tricks - Getting just that right sound.
- Web Resources
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The rec.music.makers.guitar.jazz FAQ newsgroup's FAQ answers lots of questions on selecting a guitar suitable for playing jazz.
Then check back here for the best list of manufactures.
Getting the Most Out of Your Amp
Getting that big jazz guitar sound we're all looking for can at times be challenging. Here are some tips to help you get that sound. With most amps available geared towards the rock player and having a clean and distortion channel. We jazz players only really need the clean channel to play straight ahead jazz. I run thru the clean channel with the treble up. The mid range in the middle and the bass up over half way. This seems to give me a pretty clean, bright, big sound.
If at a recording session be sure to bring along a reference CD so the engineer can have something to go be. It's a lot easier to hear than explain.
To get the warm tube sound from a solid state amp try using a tube preamp.
Building Your Own Amplifier and Speaker Cabinets
Here is a JazzGuitarResources.com -
page of information
on building and reparing amplifiers. Mainly tube amplifiers.
Thanks for visiting and checking out my site!
Content is always being added and updated. So check-in often. Curt Sheller
MAY 2009 Now accepting selected advertising.
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