jmsdiabrrocks wrote:
I realize this is VERY redundant but I get a little tired of seeing the same threads over and over again. 

If you had $1,000 and wanted the classic Fender tone...aka Mayer tone what would you get? Well, we repeatedly hear get a Mayer sig and xyz amp usually the blues Jr....Well guess waht...the blues Jr. SUCKS! IMO  

It's hands down one of the most overrated amps out there, it's flooded the market and the only reason people like it so much is because they can mod it so it doesn't sound like a Blues Jr. at all....sure that's all fun but why not just buy an amp that has a good sound out of the box? We all know the amp is the most important part of the rig for sound, so don't buy an American or sig guitar when you only have a limited budget. 

This thread is more of a rant and to raise awareness to a Fender alternative than anything so here ya go guys. 

I challenge anyone to find a better sounding rig for under a grand (buying new or lightly used)

Ampeg JVT 15 Watt amp $500 USD

Grab a $400 MIM strat or MIJ strat on the bay for $400 and you have $100 bucks left for a cable and a TS9 or TS808 if it were me...i'd get a delay since the Ampeg has a solid lead channel. 

There ya go...

What would you guys do with $1k? 


Brandon, I love your passion against the Blues Jr.- puts a smile on my face.  That Ampeg demo sounds very good!!  I'll always agree with you that the Black Tolex Jr. sucks, but disagree with you on the NOS Tweed model = I think mine sounds good and covers Blues, Country to Rock well with no mods.  The JR get's the attention for three (3) key reasons:

1.  Easily tried/purchased in stores around the globe.
2.  Hits a high ring targeted retail price of $500-ish.  
3.  Has the "F" logo on it.

Ampeg amp distribution is not that of Fender's, kids don' know that old school brand and kids want "F" logo on their gear. 

To answer question based on buying new:  I would recommend the Princeton, as it has mid control and DR does not.  For me, though overpriced, easy choice = the little Eric Clapton sig amp.  Delivers classic Fender tweed tone, easy to record with, great for home, crank it up for organic Blues to Classic Rock like stuff.. I need this EC amp!!!