What is the cleanest AND quietest amp that Fender or any brand makes (for guitar)?

[The Pompous of Love]

I understand that the Roland JC120 may be one of the most sought after amps for clean guitar playing, but from what I’ve heard that amp is quite noisy on both channels, even with the volume all the way down. I guess it has some kind of hiss in there that some say is inherent to the Roland JC line of amps. I’m guessing that the cleanest Fender amp, for example, is probably not any less noisy than a JC120, especially an old Fender? Basically, I’m looking for a guitar amp that will give me an absolute pristine clean sound at a decent volume for recording while also being quiet, i.e. no excessive hiss like the JC120, fairly reliable like the JC120 is said to be, and can handle effects well. I suppose I would prefer solid-state for the reliability, but if its tube then that’s fine also. Price doesn’t matter – not that I’ll be able to afford it, but I would still like to know of this amp because I may be willing to sell my car to buy it (and that’s dedication!). Oh, and it doesn’t have to be Fender; as long as it has that pristine clean sound, is quiet enough for recording, and is fairly reliable I don’t care who makes it. Thank you very much any suggestions.

[TensTheBlend]

I'd try a 60s Fender blackface amp, or a later silver face modded back to the earlier design. These amps have very low noise levels, and usually it is the guitar (pickups) that are what you may have to quiet down. You need to make sure all light dimmers nearby are off. These amps have a VERY clear clean sound at good levels for recording.

Try a Princeton, Princeton Reverb, Deluxe, Deluxe Reverb, Vibrolux Reverb, or Pro Reverb, Super Reverb. The NON reverb amps have one less gain stage, and have even less hiss.

I use a 69' Vibrolux and HISS from the amp is NEVER a problem, however sometimes I have to be carefull with pedals (some add noise when "bypassed") and guitars with single coil pickups.

Forget the new reissues ESPECIALLY the Vibrolux custom, as it is know for BAD noise problems.

[This message has been edited by TensTheBlend (edited 09-18-2002).]

[This message has been edited by TensTheBlend (edited 09-18-2002).]

[bryceyaworsky]

I have the Fender Cyber-Twin, and it's by far the quietest amp you can get.

[Sip]

Man, I really think you should put some more thought into what you want out of an amp. Look for one that has a great tone without being "really" noisy. I don't have time to go into to much detail cause I've gotta go out for the night. I will take a second to say a few things though. I have had a lot of great amps over the years. Find one with the right tone, and a little hiss is not going to matter. Even if don't us any noise reduction, how loud is a little hiss going to be in the mix. Don't run your amps too quiet when recording, cause the S/N ratio will cause problems.

I'll try to wrtie more later to help you out if you want.

[Pricey]

I use an Ampeg V-22 (combo version of V-4) for clean guitar. Tube amp, 1970's, unique tone section, beautiful sound, LOUD, no hiss, around $500 used. Sounds best with 7027 power tubes if you can get them. You can also pull out the middle two power tubes to make it 50 watts, if you want distortion.

Bryan Price
Price Recording
Chicago, IL

[Pricey]

One more thing, it's built like a tank and is extremely heavy.

[Chris B]

I'm with Sip on this one. Tone is the most important thing. I've found that most of the noise coming from amps is actually a result of the instrument anyway. As someone stated earlier, single coil pickups will always buzz. I believe it was also Sip who pointed out in another forum that if you've got a vintage Tele or something like that with single coils you don't want to swap them out for humbuckers because it will never sound the same, although it wouldn't hiss, might give you more gain before feedback and less distortion. It wouldn't have that Tele tone. One VERY important thing to consider is cable quality and length. Ever been using a cheap cable when someone turns on the blender in the other room? All of the sudden you're amplifying all of your household appliances as well as picking up strong radio signals and whatever else happens to be flying around (cell phones etc.) Use good shielded cable in short lengths and it won't act like a radio antena. I think after that most quality amps would be quiet enough that it shouldn't be a problem so just pick the one you like.

[dubs]

definitely good guitar tone is 1st and foremost important. i mean just listen to Stevie Ray vaughan's version of "Little Wing" on Sky is crying Cd, you hear amp/pickup hiss and all, but man what TONE!!