pawprint
Halfnote
Posts: 77
Formerly Known As: pawprint
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Post by pawprint on Apr 5, 2020 18:29:37 GMT -5
Hi folks,
Have an opportunity to purchase a Music Man 112 RD65 amp locally at a decent price. It seems like an earlier version, with pre-amp tubes instead of the solid state pre-amps they eventually went to. It looks like it is in excellent shape, looks-wise. Unfortunately, the person selling it doesn't know much about it (she must have picked it up at an estate sale, along with some other crap), doesn't know much about amps in general or specific, and because of our current situation, I'm not able to play it. It seems to be pretty original. no known history on it. I'm sure that someone will grab it shortly.
Can any of you tell me anything about these amps that might help me decide? I'm a basement noodler these days. I know this is overkill, but I'm still sort of drawn to it. Obsessing over it, actually...
Thanks in advance.
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DrKev
Wholenote
It's just a guitar, it's not rocket science.
Posts: 416
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Post by DrKev on Apr 6, 2020 3:34:06 GMT -5
I have no experience with this and can add very little other than this video which literally came out just a few days ago. It's pretty cool!
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Ayns
Wholenote
Posts: 767
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Post by Ayns on Apr 6, 2020 4:00:50 GMT -5
I've never played one, so I can't comment on quality/ sound etc, but I can say that they appear to be going for quite high prices here nowadays.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Apr 6, 2020 4:32:43 GMT -5
They are built like tanks. All top-quality components and heavy. They are great for loud and clean.
If you're a home player, this amp would be way overkill for you; you'd never be able to play it dialed up to the volume where it really starts to sing unless you use an attenuator.
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Bbendfender
Wholenote
Mostly play Fender guitars and amps. I'm 71 and have had a guitar since 1964. Got serious in 1975.
Posts: 216
Age: 71
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Post by Bbendfender on Apr 6, 2020 9:38:36 GMT -5
I have owned 2 of them and they were both great amps. The 410 HD was a little heavy but that was expected. I used to see them everywhere but not so much these days. If the price is right, get it.
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herb
Wholenote
Posts: 159
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Post by herb on Apr 6, 2020 13:02:38 GMT -5
Where is this amp located?
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Post by stratcowboy on Apr 6, 2020 15:22:54 GMT -5
One of the most respected players in our state used to use one, and he always sounded great through his. Killer amp. Great tones, for sure. But, yeah...could be a bit much for home stuff.
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Ayns
Wholenote
Posts: 767
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Post by Ayns on Apr 6, 2020 15:50:28 GMT -5
I've never played one, so I can't comment on quality/ sound etc, but I can say that they appear to be going for quite high prices here nowadays. I know I said they were quite pricey here, but I didn't realise how much. I've just had a look on eBxy, and there's a fairly tatty looking RD50 1x12 listed for £1,250
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pawprint
Halfnote
Posts: 77
Formerly Known As: pawprint
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Post by pawprint on Apr 6, 2020 17:44:17 GMT -5
Hey, thank you for the sound (literally) advice...
I texted that I'd take it, deposit by paypal, etc., but no clue if I'll hear from the seller. The waiting game - one we all know - has begun!
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Post by stratcowboy on Apr 6, 2020 19:19:37 GMT -5
If the price is reasonable, it's a worthwhile gamble. These are great amps. I doubt you'd lose any money on it ultimately.
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pawprint
Halfnote
Posts: 77
Formerly Known As: pawprint
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Post by pawprint on Apr 6, 2020 19:26:09 GMT -5
Don't mind saying - it's $500, and it looks practically mint. No rust anywhere. Even the cover looks mint, so it's been stored very well. Since here in the east coast they are issuing citations for non-essential travel, and I'd be going to the next state (Pennsylvania), she agreed to hold it for me until I can be street legal. Tried giving her a deposit but she didn't want it from me. Would have almost preferred she took it, but this should work out. Eventually.
And it gives me something to look forward to, which is good and i appreciate! Thanks for your help, gents...
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Post by stratcowboy on Apr 6, 2020 19:59:13 GMT -5
Wow! If it winds up being what it seems to be, that will be killer.
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Post by langford on Apr 9, 2020 10:04:28 GMT -5
A friend of mine owned one of those back in the day. A fine amp, indeed. At $500, sounds like a deal, too. If you have the money to spend, why not? There's no rule that says you have to be a basement player forever!
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Post by K4 on Apr 26, 2020 23:03:32 GMT -5
I had one for about 12 years. Great amp. The OD is very good on the RD model. Even at slightly louder than bedroom levels. I also had a RP112, loved the phaser. This one has a phaser channel instead of a distortion, so needed to be driven pretty hard to get sweet. Both amps took pedals well. Played live with them weekly. Heavy bastages.
Stock they came with EV speakers. Mag weighs 60 pounds or so......
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Post by LTB on Apr 27, 2020 1:28:02 GMT -5
Wow! If it winds up being what it seems to be, that will be killer. Yes, does sound very nice! Great price too. Hoping all goes well and it turns out to be an awesome buy. Let us know how you like it
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Post by mikedetorrice on May 7, 2020 22:31:07 GMT -5
I believe there were several different MusicMan circuits used over the years when the original company was active. This is what I recall from amp catalogs and interviews ..... but it was along time ago, so who knows how accurate my old memory is !
The first models, as used and endorsed by Eric Clapton included the HD One Thirty and HD Sixty Five amps (spelled out in script on the amps) in heads and combos and used EL-34's and a 12AX7 as a phase inverter. Volume and master volume controls could adjust the solid state preamp gain/distortion and a High Power/Low Power switch did a bit to regulate power amp influence on the sound.
Then, I recall, they came out with the RD and RP series heads and combos rated at 150 and 65 (then 75 ?) watts. These used 6CA7 power tubes (a "cleaner" and stouter American version of the El-34, and I believe reportedly used by EVH in his Marshall head) These series amps had a solid-state phase inverter and preamp, still had a High Power/Low Power switch and used Gain and Master volume controls to adjust basic amp drive. The RP featured a Phaser and the RD featured a vibrato and more focus on the Gain channels.
Finally, late in their initial companies existence, they came out with the RD50 series, initially in 1-12" and 1-10" combos and I think heads later became available. These were "Boogie" style competitors and had 6L6GC power tubes and a 12AX7 "tube limiter" circuit in the pre-amp. I am not sure whether the phase inverter was tube or solid state.
The first series with tube PI and EL-34s as well as the final RD-50 6L6 series with the tube limiter circuit seem to have the best sound reputation, but all MusicMan amps are pretty highly regarded as well built amps with excellent sounds and fine platforms for pedals.
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avspecialist
Quarternote
Horizontal
Posts: 10
Formerly Known As: avspecialist
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Post by avspecialist on Jun 11, 2020 19:56:10 GMT -5
I have a mint Music Man 210 with 1 12AX7 phase inverter tube and 2 el34 power tubes and 2 alnico square magnet 10’s. It’s sort of a Fender Deluxe sized amp with master volume. I think it is closer to a clean Marshall type of sound and sort of Fender. I use it once and a while just for a tone change.
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Post by Lesterstrat on Jun 12, 2020 23:07:32 GMT -5
The “RD” has distortion. They had another version that had a phase circuit. Don’t expect a fabulous distortion. Music Man I was really known for superb cleans. I actually preferred them over Twin Reverbs back in the day, but twins were more readily available.
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Post by pcalu on Jun 13, 2020 13:49:16 GMT -5
I know my opinion runs counter to a lot of people. I'm nostalgic I know... The Leo Fender Music Man's with the SS PI are incredible amps and very much IMO influenced by CBS Fender's Ultra Linear amps. (also incredible amps) Albert lee still uses/gigs primarily those early Music Man's with the SS phase inverter. Till you see him live do you get "Ah Ha!" that's why he uses them!
Great amps for playing fast articulate and clean. (and not sounding thin or weak doing it!)
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Post by Mikeyguitar on Jun 14, 2020 12:50:18 GMT -5
I have a mint Music Man 210 with 1 12AX7 phase inverter tube and 2 el34 power tubes and 2 alnico square magnet 10’s. It’s sort of a Fender Deluxe sized amp with master volume. I think it is closer to a clean Marshall type of sound and sort of Fender. I use it once and a while just for a tone change.
I used to have this same amp. I don't even remember where I got if from, but I got it with no speakers...so I put some Weber speakers in it. I never really used it much and sold it about 10-15 years ago. I don't think I ever really cranked it up, but it did have a cleaner, boxy sound to it as I recall.
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