Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 21:02:39 EST From: Harmonik~ol.com Subject: Re: Texas Crude Amp
I have been playing through my Texas Crude 2x10 w/3 knob reverb for three years now, and I really like it. But then, again, I like the Sonny Jr. also.
It is not quite as 'brown" and "warm" as a 59 Bassman, but then What the Heck. Depending on the style of music, I don't strive for the exhaulted Chicago sound all the time. However, the tone is not far removed from that which one could expect from a 59 Bassman; after all, that amp is said to be the Texas Crude's engineering grandfather.
The amp is loud (!), cutting through the most vigorous set of drums at about 2/3 volume. It is surprisingly resistant to feedback, regardless of mic used (Shaker Dynamic, JT-30, Bluesblaster, etc). The response I get regarding tone (ohhh...that lovely Chicago sound) from other musicians - particularly harmonica players - is strongly affirmative.
Incidedently, the usual preamp mods (e.g. lower gain tubes) add nothing to the quality of the sound coming from this amp. I put the factory preamp tubes (12aX7) back having tried 12aU7s, 12aY7s, 12aT7s in various combinations.
The amp has functioned perfectly for me during the time I've had it, and I bought it well "played out."
