The Most Famous Amp You've Never Heard Of
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- Paul Rivera is undoubtedly one of the most influential amp builders of all time and one of the Godfathers of the boutique amplifier category in the music industry. Paul’s modifications to Fender amps in the 1970’s and 1980’s became the standards by which many big-name brands were influenced by and borrowed from. Namely, tube buffered effects loops, push/pull pots for bright, bass boost/cut, mid-range voicings, and channel switching in small/compact amplifiers. Paul’s amps are some of the most recorded amps ever made, and defined nearly two decades of Pop and Rock music from the 1970’s through the 80’s and into the 1990’s. These amps were “go-to’s” for session legends like Paul Jackson Jr., Steve Lukather, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Jay Graydon, Dean Parks, and Tommy Tedesco - who collectively made up an overwhelming majority of recorded guitar found on television shows, jingles, and hit records from the 1970’s through the 1990’s. Whether you know it or not, you’ve heard countless songs with a Paul Rivera modded Fender amplifier whether it’s a Toto classic like “Hold the Line,” or a Michael Jackson hit like “Beat It” or “PYT”. Needless to say, these are some of the best sounding and most versatile amplifiers that many guitarists have heard, but never heard of. The pedigree of players and recordings that used Rivera amps is unmatched. Luckily, Rivera has released a replica of their most popular modifications done to classic Fender-style amplifiers in their new Stage IV model. Stage IV is the culmination of all of Paul’s most popular mods integrated into one amp, giving you all the options for channel switching, buffered effects loops, line outs, integrated reverb and tremolo, countless EQ options with a 5-position fat knob, treble and bass boost/cut via push/pull pot, a gain boost (that can act as third channel), and equipped with a EVM12L replica speaker made by Eminence. Watch us take the Stage IV through the paces, using some of the most iconic recordings that it was used on, and re-create the guitar parts from scratch.
SKIP TO 05:39 FOR PLAYING EXAMPLES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 Intro Jam
00:15 What Makes the Stage IV Great?
01:51 Origins of the Rivera Stage IV
04:27 Our Objective
05:05 Recreating "Peg" Solo Tone
06:35 Recreating "Hold The Line" Guitar Tone
07:51 Recreating "PYT" Guitar Tone
09:26 Recreating "Beat It" Guitar Tones
10:43 Recreating "Running with the Night"
11:54 Final Thoughts on the Stage IV
Rivera Stage IV Amplifier:
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CREDITS:
Host/Co-Production: Mason Marangella
Video: Nico Sotomayor
Video Editing: Mason Mejia
Co-Production/Design: Mason Mejia
Audio Engineering: Hunter Harrison
#riveraamps #paulrivera #riveraamplification - เพลง
Let us know what you think of the Rivera Stage IV! And if we missed any hit songs that featured a Rivera-modified amp, tell us about it in the comments below!
I still have minidisc recordings of Jim Mesi tearing it up at Clyde's Prime Rib as a Rivera artist that I haven't got to transfer yet...A Rivera TBR-2 is on my list of "Big Amps to Own at Some Point". Rest In Power, Jim...the Italian Chainsaw is remembered.
I mean, you gotta love when an amp maker has the cojones to call one of their amp models quite literally The Hammer (TBR 3 and 5) and they can back it tf up lol
Do you know anything about the song Jane by Jefferson Starship? I have no idea what they used, but the distorted guitar tone sounds like it could be one of those amps
@@russellzauner Wow coo!
@@kwyatt261 I know the song, not sure what they used.
Dog gone-it ... now Sweetwater is gonna sell out before I can afford to get one ... great video and demo as always
Not only was this video informative but equally inspiring. I have been a Mesa Boogie loyalist for ages but, after listing to your demo and heritage of the Rivera Stage IV, I am blown away. I previously owned a Rivera Rock Crusher and was not disappointed. Lastly, your articulate and poised communication skills are absolutely appreciated and value. Thank you!
Wow, thanks!
Ela Taki! I was a boogie mkiv man for over 20yrs. I came upon a Rivera R55 1x12 and I found myself no longer having to tweak. I'd like to try one of the stage 4's but not easy to find.
Paul makes some of the best amps ever. He modified my Fender Silverface Vibrolux back in the mid 70's. I had had it since the late 60's and it was handwired. It was wonderful. Since then I've owned countless Rivera's and they are fantastic.
Wow, bet that amp is worth a fortune!
Been playing Rivera since the early 90’s. Never had a problem ever and that’s hundreds of gigs. Great amps. The Rivera I’ve used since the 90’s is the S120. Phenomenal amp. Would like to try this one.
It's a wonderful amp!
I bought an S-120 stack from a pawnshop in high school for $900. Super cool amp but I didn't understand how to dial in sounds at that point so it was overkill for me. She's still in storage at my dad's house 15 years later so some day I'll have to dust it off and give her another try.
@@Terribleguitarist89 It definitely takes patience but it’s worth it in the end.
It is. a great amp! Takes some time if you use different guitars but mannnn…it is one sweet amp
Great video and awesome performance demos using the Rivera Stage IV Amp! You definitely got me interested in taking a look at this amp. Thanks!
It's a great amp!
I love every detail of how this video was made. Thank you, thank you!
wow, thanks!
Bought a Rivera Thirty Twelve back in the early 90's and it was my go to amp for many years. Still sounds great today and has never given me problems.
Great amps, this Stage IV is one of the best amps I've played in the last 10 years.
I have 2 friends that have Riveras and they have had nothing but trouble with them both. Burns through power tubes like crazy. Reverb stops working.
@@electricj5 They must be the exception and not the rule, and again I don't know your friends of the backstory of the amps, but among techs and players alike, these amps are pretty universally revered as high quality and great sounding amps.
@@VertexEffectsIncit’s a bs account. Dont believe him
@@electricj5I call bs
What a great video. All tones and licks are spot on.
I used to own a Rivera 55/12 back in the 90s. Beautiful combo but I parted with it as it was way too much amp for me to use at home as I don't gig anymore. Was wasted on me but I am glad to have experienced it, a thing of great quality and tone.
They're fantastic amps!
I bought a Rivera pubster last year fr9m a friend. I love Rivera amps and innovations, the pubster is only 25 watts and a 10” speaker but it sounds massive. Amazing gear
Amazing!
This was amazing. Thank you very much.
Great vid! I used to own a River era Fender Concert. Wish I still had it. Might have to grab one of these.
Great amp too!
It's funny how often gear was modified before it became "vintage." The Amp sounds great, and it was very interesting to hear its story and how important Paul Rivera's Mods were to the tones heard in many iconic recordings. Thanks
Such an iconic amp!
Yeah, Paul Rivera is a legend!!! He has been for as long as I can remember-especially for those of us who’ve been playing for the past 40+ years🎶✊🏼☮️
Great video. Amazing how the Diaz and Rivera modded Fenders made such a huge impact on our life soundtrack.
Rivera was the studio sound of the 70's and 80's - it defined a generation of pop music and rock music.
I've been a RIVERA user since 1995, Knucklehead and 55/12 combo (swapped out the stock speaker for an 80 watt Celestion G12 Century Neo in 2001, FANTASTIC speaker), great amps and both very versatile. I have not tried the Stage 1V, but have been hearing tons about it's attributes and tones, and that has just been verified, , , I can't wait to plug into one. . .Great vid again Mason. Thanks.
Hope you try one out, you'll love it!
Excellent video and amps. Great sounds.
Bought my first Fender Concert Rivera head in the 80's. Sold it, missed it, and eventually bought a used 112 Concert combo. Not letting go of it this time. Definitely want to check out the Rivera Stage iV.
You're gonna love it. It's got better cleans and OD channel than the Fender IMO.
Awesome job. I always wondered about the Rivera amps. It makes sense
This Stage IV model is the one to get, is the classic sound of the session scene in the 70's and 80's and clearly can create that sound with ease!
Amazing! My favourite video you've ever done.
Wow, thanks!
I have a Rivera Clubster 45 that I love, though many amp techs don’t like working on them.
Great amps!
Better than a Mesa! I've had solid state amps that techs didn't like working on. Every Rivera I've owned has been fairly open and accessible on the inside of the chassis. The only tricky part is when components are on the underside of the PCB as it was with my Fandango.
Great history, review, video!!
Glad you dig it!
Amp sounds killer and Running with the night is amazing!! That clean sound on PYT is to die for!
Heck yea!!!!
Mason very informative. This is in my amp collection Love it!
Great to hear!
really good tones. im a guitar into an amp guy. I only have the fab 5 peddles and use them only when required. so i appreciate the diversity in the one good amp.
I have the Jay Grayden combo from the late 90s. It is RIDICULOUS. Everything from super-clean, to Peg, to King's X, right from the front panel. Amazing amp.
Phenomenal job, definitely know your stuff and did your homework!!! Tones are as dead on as you can get, love how you have examples from all the different albums we heard that amp on, those solos and tones are etched in our minds since childhood! 🤣👏🔥
Thanks for watching!!!
You are surrounded by beautiful gear.Thanks for covering the Rivera.
It's a dream amp for me. Great content as always!
Very interesting and informative, also I have the Rivera era Fender Champ 2.
Great! This one will help fill out the collection :)
I had my Rivera 30/12 I bought in 1993 refit this year and it will be good for another 30 years. Amazing amp.
The best!
Long time Rivera owner and user. I still have a Rake Reverb head, a Knucklehead Reverb 55 head, a Sedona 55, an R55/12, and a Princeton Reverb II that was built during Paul's stint at Fender. Though Paul didn't build the PRII (seems like Ed Jahns built it IIRC) it has the Rivera sound. I still own (or once owned) almost every amp brand, and the mix of sound, road-worthiness and bang for the buck makes them a staple in my touring rigs. Thanks for the info!
Got a Rivera Quiana since early 2000. It’s evolved with me thru the years. Still sounds Great.
Wow, great!
Great to see some appreciation for Rivera amps! I have a "lesser" version, the Thirty-Twelve, but I still love it.
Still a great amp
I recorded an album using only the thirty twelve without pedals
This was a fantastic historical perspective. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm still having a blast with mine! Thankfully, the folks at Rivera put caster sockets on the bottom, (though no casters) because this thing is pushing close to 60 lbs. Plus, pre-pandemic, I got an in-house Rivera version for about what the modded Fender sold for.
Such an amazing amp! I'm trying to convince Paul to make me a head! I'm sending in a deposit as we speak with my fingers crossed!
Hey CPFS can you tell me more about the in house Rivera you spoke about
@@andrewmorabito6712 That was a special run of Rivera-modified '68 Deluxe reissues that Sweetwater did a few years back. They sold out pretty quickly. The Stage IV, (before the Covid "price bump") was almost the same price. More now, though, like just about everything.
Rivera. If you know, you know. I have a Stage IV and it’s amazing.
All of that 😅was amazingly interesting. I think what makes the Rivera so versatile is what I describe as openness. Some use the term transparency. But basically even when the overdrive channel is used it has no flub or muddy-ness. It makes it easy for the producers and engineers to lay down a track without having to spend hours fixing the EQ and tone profile of a guitar track.
Such a great amp!
I've always wanted to play thru this brands amp. Skid row used them in the 80s and had great tone. 🤘♥️
What a beautiful insight. Brilliant!!
Thanks for watching!
If I’m not mistaken,that’s the kind of amp that Jay Graydon used and still uses.He played the solo for the song Peg…Steely Dan.Among many other things,Mr.Graydon is one of absolute best session guitarist in the world.
Good point
More folks need to talk about Rivera products! One of the few Made in USA quality manufactures left.
Agreed!
Jerry Garcia was going to be transitioning to Rivera amps shortly before he died. His passing brought that to a halt. Garcia had been using a Twin and then Twin into a Macintosh for twenty-five years or so. It says everything that he could use anything, and he chose Rivera. Would have anyway. Vince Gill set aside his old Fender for two R series amps. Rivera are really the top of the top of amps.
Great vid on amazing amp
Heck yea!
Great job thank you!!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent Vid A+++++
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent video and great amp.
It sure is a great amp!
The 'Beat it' tone was awesome!
Yes indeed, Rivera OD channel slays and Tim played it great!
I love Rivera amps. Paul Rivera is a genius!! Thanx for the video!
The best!
Hey Mason, thanks for bringing at least my attention to this amp. Placed an order for one at Sweetwater.
Hope you enjoy it!
I bought an M100 back in the 90s. It was an amazing amp!
Paul’s always made great stuff!
Great video, feel better my friend
Believe it or not this was two weeks after having RSV
All these amps and pedals and things were 25% cheaper just a year ago. Stage IV is a great 2 channel amp at a fair price point! I went with the Venus Deux Rec 55W/15W, so one really great channel and pedal platform, plus the mini RockRec which is such an asset. Rivera amps are so top notch! Kind of like a Fender amp if it was out on a hot date with a Marshall amp at the drive-in.
I don't know how they make these amps so well and so affordably for what they are.
I have the recent sweetwater Fender Deluxe Rivera Mod. I knew nothing about Paul nor was I planning to buy an amp when I bought it used. I’m a fender amp guy and always plug into one when trying out guitars. I plugged into this modded Deluxe and was blown away by the warmth and clarity that sounded better than the Deluxe I was used to. all I can say is it was the tone I’ve been after and I got it just by plugging straight into the amp. I then tried a bunch of low end guitars (my go to amp test) with same reaction, the amp makes crummy guitars sound open! I went home and played my vintage twin, got back in the car to buy it, and it had been sold! I tracked down another used one across the country and had it shipped out. It is my go to amp since then. It takes pedals well, but every time I just plug straight in, I have to question if I’m using too many. It’s just butter. It was the ultimate splurge, but it was one of my better decisions. I’m sure it’s the same with these models.
I played a rivera 1 time - by far the best clean sound I ever heard come out of an amp - I couldn't believe what I was hearing - and so touch sensitive every little detail from your hand would come out of the amp
I've never played a rivera using overdrive but I can imagine
I always dreamed of blending 4 amps: boogie mark 3, soldano, marshall plexi and rivera
I use a Analogman Prince of tone and a Analogman Astro Fuzz with mine. It is amazing. I also recently added a Real McCoy RC11 and could not be happier.
Great demo.
I'm interested in the Venus Deux Recording 6V6 combo but there's not many reviews... I like that it's portable, has an effects loop, and attenuation... Any takes on this combo? thx!
They’re great, versatile!
Speaking of Rivera amps, Jay Graydon. He is my most admired guitarist. So someday I want a Rivera amp.
Jay is a great player!
@@VertexEffectsInc Jay played Peg on Red 335 with stop tailpiece.
I almost bought a Mick Thomson Rivera back in the day but wound up going with a Marshall JVM back then. Looks like this time around, I will be going with the Rivera.
The Rivera is unbeatable!
@@VertexEffectsInc this is one of those amps where I can play an entire gig with simply a Klone, some delay(and maybe chorus?) in the loop, and a compressor. I can see how this amp manages to be so legendary
@@dannyllerenatv8635 It's a prefect amp for this!
Love how this amp sounds!
One of our loca clubs has a Rivera as a backing and I love it when I play there haha
If my penultimate pedal is a Boss DC-2W should I still use an additional output buffer?
Boss Buffers aren't quality buffers, use it for your chorus, not your buffer.
I’ve got a Rivera Venus Deux with the Electrovoice speaker, it’s one of the cleanest tones I’ve ever heard and it’s my best amp.
My Rivera Clubster Royale Recording Top absolutely freaking rips! Everyone loves my amp when they hear it and especially when they play it. The gain on the Royale is far heavier than on the Stage IV due to the boost on the Lead channel. Huge gain tones while remaining articulate and responsive.
There is a lead channel and Boost on the Stage IV, FYI.
Clean sounds nice and warm.
The Beat It sound was impeccable! Crazy.
Hope the Rig Doctor gets to feeling better!!
Getting over RSV...still pretty horse even though I was better a few weeks ago.
@@VertexEffectsInc You did remarkably well for having RSV, I only really noticed it at the end of long talking segments.
Love my 6L6 based Quiana 50 watt 2x12 combo ( in a lovely Burgundy Tolex ) Paul makes incredible amps!
Heck yea!
@@VertexEffectsInc I have owned this amp for decades now, aside from a newer set of tubes I have Never had any issues whatsoever - I wish my Big Rigs ( I own a Trucking Company ) where this reliable
I have a Venus 6 & various other topshelf handwired amps from Suhr Matchless Mesa Marshall...the Venus 6 does Blackface\Tweed & Vintage Marshall type drive. These tones are pristine 3D & authentic. This amp is the best amp Ive ever used! My only complaint is the boost is too loud but can be tamed with your volume knob. In a combo with a Celestion gold it is absolute sonic bliss. Rivera rules!!
I have a RIvera Fifty-Five-Twelve. Not sure how similar it is to the Stage IV but can confirm it is absolutely KILLER. Amazing cleans, gain tones, excellent effects loop and unbelievable (frankly too much for me) amounts of volume on tap.
They’re different, this is a little more classic vintage tones.
Very cool!
Thanks for watching!
Great video, such great timeless tones, i feel like the mesa boogie fillmore series can kind of do this too, thoughts?
This murders the Boogie! I’d say the Mark series is smilier, but nothing new from boogie compares
@@VertexEffectsInc hahaha yea I agree just was thinking of cheaper alternatives…the tones in the video are among my favorite ever, the Michael Jackson clean funk rhythm is just out of this world man
@@MNGuitars I can’t imagine this is much different in price than a Boogie
I’m a proud keeper of a Rivera S120 4x10. It’s a wonderful tool.
Paul makes great stuff!
I’m in love with this amp.
Really sweet intro.
Yet another great vid, thanks a lot! The glory days of the almighty can do it all combos, that will never go out of fashion. (once you've sold your modelers because you know better ;))
A niche tipp for the interested: if you use Synergy preamps, the B-Man module gets you very close to that sound also (forget the Bassman reference for a sec, it doesn't sound like a Bassman 4x10 combo per se, I mean how could it?!?) If you have a cab with something beefy that isn't a V30 the better.
Thanks for watching!
I’ve order Rivera Stage 4 with 6L6’s and 2x10’s .. can’t wait..
Where is the best place to purchase a great Les Paul Standard? That Les Paul you're holding in the beginning of the video is making me want one.
That one is an R8 - 1958 Reissue. I would say go to a place where you can play a dozen or more. They are variable.
A+ playing by Tim!
Tim Marco killed it!
Very impressive.
wow, I didn't know about it. Cool amp!
Definitely check it out!
How does it compare to a two rock style amp? Currently saving up for a two rock but I’m not dead set if something is better
Name a hit record that used a Two-Rock? Great amps but super specific for the Dumble thing. If you want a workhorse that has the classic clean and drive sounds in one amp and all the hip features like channel switching buffered effects loop, spring reverb, tremolo, boost on board and footswitch this is the move.
Hi Mason,
We met last week. I have a question. Is it possible to fix a pedal's off and on switch under the foot pedal switch? I have an excellent Boss Turbo Overdrive OD-2r, and I cannot really use it because of the switch mechanism. Or would it be easier to purchase another used pedal? I am grateful for your videos, you help me to expand my musical experience. Thank you sincerely. John. (I'm the guy who said people say songs created with me remind them of Kirk Cobain. I just like letting go, quiet within, and jamming. I'm always happy and satisfied there.)
Hey! Nice to hear from you. You can buy an OEM footswitch like this www.amplifiedparts.com/products/switch-replacement-boss-effects-pedals it’s simple to replace.
Mace get some chicken soup and halls! Great video bud. Amp sounds dope
Believe it or not this is two weeks after having recovered, voice is still pretty horse.
I have to agree this amp sounds great not everyone is obsessed with high gain scooping the mids and so on, I like that it sounds so good without the use of pedals
It sounds good with pedals too, just wanted to keep it about the amp!
I had a Rivera hundred duo twelve for 10 years. Amazing amp, unfortunately that particular model had an issue and was always in the tech shop. But amazing Marshall and fender tone in one amp. Got tired of the problems and gave it to a friend. Now just rely on an 73 super reverb and 0 problems. Never more amps with circuit board.
Did you ever consider brining it to Rivera's attention? I'm sure they could resolve.
@@VertexEffectsInc yes, but I live in Portugal. It would be amazingly expensive. Problem was a cap in power section blowed and opened a hole in the circuit... That's a bad hit
@@TheMarcosgomes73 Ahhh, yes, that creates a problem.
That's a total fluke. I own several Riveras and never had a real problem. The Fandango had a cap in the power section go bad, replaced it and it never was a problem again with that. I've had old point to point Fenders act up. Had a non master silver face Twin blow a filter cap. These things happen. But a reoccurring problem just means that amp had a flaw. It could have been corrected if you had easy access to Rivera. You don't so that's that.
@@augustusbetucius8279 An hole was opened in the circuit board by the bad cap... Anyway, I don't trust amps with the tube sockets in the main board anymore. Fender and Marshall got it right the first time. That's where I am at this point now. It's not a question of tone, I loved that amp
I heard the Giant jam again (sounds like the riff of Slave To The Rhythm)
About time we see yt videos talking about guitars in pop and soul recordings.
Question: any idea what Dann Huff uses on Amy Grant recordings and on David Benoit's Freedom At Midnight?
What year was it? A lot of Huff’s rigs are well documented.
@@VertexEffectsInc David Benoit's Freedom at Midnight album was released in 1987. On the Amy Grant albums I say the ones released between 1985-1991.
@@bpabustan Was probably what you see in his Session Tips videos.
@@VertexEffectsInc oh by that time he more or less use the same gear, oh cool! Thanks!
I bought a fender deluxe reverb because of rivera and have since bought a rivera amp and his rock crusher recording also
Nice! Wish Paul would still mod a Deluxe Reverb! I'd send one in to him immediately!
Not everything fell short for session amps and full coverage of all genres. Matchless Independence!
Matchless is good, not nearly as iconic or versatile is this amp.
Picking up my Rivera Venus Deux Recording 55 watt amp today!
Great amps!
i've got rivera clubster royale , that very versatile amp😄
Great amp too!
I have a Rivera modded 1969 Vibrolux and its wonferfullllll Paul told me he worked on it in about 1982
Wow, amazing!
Paul Rivera is saying that those speaker cones and the speakers are specially made to his specs also in those amplifiers because I've watched it interview with him at norm's guitars and Van nuys and he is kind of explains the what he's done to those amps but it sounds very close to Steve Luther of Toto on those songs it's a very very close you know in the ballpark definitely so if you want that sound that amp really gives that sound it seems. That was a nice video to go over which albums and guitarist play through that amp the Paul Rivera modifications because I've I've been curious too on which albums and guitars have used it to go over that those sounds those trademark sounds thanks for doing that
Paul makes a great amp, no doubt!
@@VertexEffectsInc This Podcast he does with his son Rivera JR talks about the EM Eminence speaker has a lot of copper which takes an oversized output transformer. The EM speaker only works good Rivera says when the volume is max out because of the type of speaker assembly of the voicecoil and magnetic used. The FAT switch is to add harmonics and overtones to the top strings G,B,E which makes those strings have a fat tone to them. Its a special type of FAT switch which is not in most amplifiers. CLICK here to watch the video th-cam.com/video/S-p84GMWugQ/w-d-xo.html
Rivera lead channels have never been exactly my cup of tea, but my goodness, the cleans are some of the best true cleans I've ever heard.
I would say this is much more mild and vintage than any Rivera of modern day. It actually doesn’t have too much gain and we used the boost channel on most lead sounds to get the gain up. I think you’d find yourself at home on this amp in particular - it’s much less modern than any Rivera before it, I mean listen to the clips, they’re all pretty “rock” on the lead channel.
@@VertexEffectsInc Definitely looking forward to trying it out whenever a store near me has one.
@@Texasbluesalley let's hope they expand the dealers a bit, right now it seems like CME and Sweetwater only.
Also... feelin' ya, man- also totally full of flu here in England! You're a trooper!
Believe it or not, this was two weeks post recovery from RSV and I'm still horse.
I noticed that this amp has optical tremolo and most other amps with built-in trem tend to have tube tremolo. I'd guess the mechanical difference is just light bulbs vs tubes creating the effect, but do you think there's a big difference in the effect itself? Do you have a preference?
Prob weight at the very least
Tube bias tremolo will be much deeper in amplitude sweep, as well as a little sweeter sounding. The downside is that it's often a little more expensive to implement, requiring an additional tube stage or two, accommodating the additional current draw, B+ filtering, and components associated with that. Because a tube bias tremolo essentially varies the output power of an amp, it will also behave differently when you crank the output into saturation. For gainier amps, optical tremolo can sometimes be the better choice. That said, the amps Paul was modding during this era likely had optical trem, so he may be keeping true with that.
@@b-spot You could do an optical style with a tube, however most do SS as it's easier and the tube isn't required.
@@VertexEffectsInc Yes, some optical tremolos use a tube(s) as the oscillator, but that doesn't make it a tube bias tremolo.
I've used both and there's a noticeable difference in the 'feel' between the two. They are both good, it's not a matter of one being superior to the other. I like them both, but do prefer optical. It also depends on how the circuit is done. I've played optical tremolo that was not good.
How is it different from the R55? LOVE my R55...... Thanks!
Better question for Rivera, I don't know.
what speaker is in that?
I still have my Jake studio 55 watt combo I purchased new in the 90’s
Nice!
And Tim is a fantastic player!
Agreed!
Jay did use PR modded amps quite a lot. So does George Doering (pair of modded 60's DR's) top LA session guy for film/tv mostly, and many others. Often pairs of modded DR's in stereo. Don't think they had loops then tho. Can't remember. Sometimes they'd just use the power section and use a rack pre like a Demeter or some other (SLO etc). Odd thing about Jay was his guitars of choice.
I just discovered that Danny Chauncey used a Rivera amp to record his guitar parts in the .38 Special song "Second Chance" in 1988. Do you happen to know which Rivera amp he used? That is one of my favorite guitar tones of all time and I've been trying for several years to find out exactly what I need to replicate it. Thanks!