13 Legendary RECORDING GUITAR AMPS Comparison - Fender, Gibson, Supro, Magnatone, WEM, Gretsch!

[@RedboneBlueObelisk]

This is the best, most enjoyable, and most instructive music video I have ever watched on KZbin. Totally awesome. Far out. Thanks 🙏 for the comprehensive assortment, and the many hours crafting this post.

[@theshyguy1580]

If Gibson wants to be authentic, they've got to reissue these.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah they have cool heritage that they should celebrate more

[@FantasticExplorers]

THANK YOU!!!

[@EasyHeat]

I couldn't agree more!

[@Nottalottasleep]

That was a whole lot of work and well done gentlemen. That's a rare event on KZbin for me - something useful. Cheers.

[@ravenslaves]

What each of these old amps have, which is mostly lacking in newer amps, is what we used to call "swirl". That happens when the amp starts almost playing itself with changing harmonics and overtones, that bring an amp alive and changes the way you play in the process. You lose an amount of control and the results are as satisfying as it gets. All these amps were designed to be as clean as possible. Which is partially why they sound as good as they do when they're pushed (hint: they push _back_ ) Great stuff. It's both nice and a rarity to see someone on KZbin who really gets it.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks, I’m really glad to hear that!

[@Quasimmoddo]

Coming back to this again after a long time - those Gibson Skylark Amps just sound amazing to me..... and that magnatone?!? Holy wow Looks like I’ve got to get a new (old) amp again....

[@jwmcmillenii]

My goodness, man, I couldn't begin to pick a favorite out of that lineup of killers. I can just say you've got the best job on the planet. Cheers, sir!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks my friend! I am indeed a lucky bastard! :-)

[@daviddawson1718]

@@JohanSegeborn but you know that you are lucky. Enjoy every day

[@marcelbelanger4424]

What a great video! There was something to love about all of these. My favorites in no particular order are: '54 Magnatone Varsity Deluxe 108 '61 Gretsch 6156 Playboy '66 Gibson Skylark (the '64 is close) '57 Fender Vibrolux These four amps all sound open and dynamic. They have a great balance across the frequencies, and you can hear details even with the gain up. Longer notes bloom as the overtones decay. The Gibson EH-185 and the Les Paul Jr. were also very cool with unique voices. After making my short list, I saw that the '60 Fender Deluxe was your favorite. Listening again, I think that amp didn't get a fair shake because its recording is quieter.

[@revelry1969]

1. 1960 Deluxe: just sounds amazing and #1 for sure 2. Magnatone varsity: sounds super mean and amazing for its size 3. 1964 GA5-T: love the tremolo 4. 1961 Gretsch 6156 great balance.. active tone 5. 1940 EH-185 full and overflowing (maybe hollow body magnified that)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man, yeah the Deluxe is a monster indeed!

[@enochporch]

that eh-185 is a heavenly sound

[@andrewpearson1903]

Never heard of Watkins, thank you for the tip. My favorites here are the EH-140, the Supro Thunderbolt, and the brownface Vibroverb; behind those, the Les Paul Jr., tweed Deluxe, and Watkins Scout had things to recommend them too.

[@brettdavis6151]

I liked the Gibson EH-185 the best, I think. Amazing how radically different the two Vibroverbs sounded!

[@FreddyFuFu]

That EH-185 was pretty special

[@enochporch]

I've never heard better

[@supersolo]

My favorite is defenitely the 1964 Gibson Skylark, GA5T. Keeping my eyes on one ....

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks!

[@CastlesMadeOf...]

Man I am going to have to listen to this 100 times 😁

[@JohanSegeborn]

Glad to hear that! :-)

[@Kashed]

They all had their own charm. The Vibroverb stood out to me. The real winner was my ears with those sweet riffs! 🎸🤘🏻Excellent as usual Johan! 👍🏻

[@timmiller4205]

The 1961 Watkins scout is number one to my ear it sounds absolutely amazing and the 1957 Supro Thunder bolt was number two but they all sound Amazing... great video ✌️🎸🤘 Rock on Johan!!!!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Tim, Rock on!

[@rocknrollboise]

This might be my favorite vid yet...

[@davidleslie1127]

The Maggy Varsity, Fender 5E3, and EH-185 sounded amazing....in particular.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks David!

[@EdgarsLS]

the 1954 magnatone is actually from 1956, if the speaker is original. the EIA code 395 was for Permaflux speakers, they filed for bankrupcy in 1956 meaning that that speaker was one of the last from the company (10th week of 1956 as indicated by the 395*610* code)

[@Terryomalleyonline]

Tweed deluxe and Magnatone were my favourite amps of that lot. Great vid

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Terry!

[@joeschlicht]

Tough one, but in this order: 1: Watkins Scout 2: Magnatone 1954 3: Les Paul Jr 5 watt 4: Fender Deluxe 1960 5. Gibson EH 185 This order could change at any given minute, but I repeatedly picked these out as my 5 favorites. Also the Gretsch could maybe replace the EH185 in my lineup. I think most of the amps sounded best with p90s (my favorite), though the 1960 Deluxe sounded killer with a strat. My guess is the Watkins is your favorite... I don't know why, just a wild guess.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Joe! My fav is the Deluxe but the Scout was amazing especially with the Strat

[@erikhartley2494]

Wow that 1940 Gibson is incredible!!! Otherwise I like the Tweed Vibrolux the best, followed by the Supro.

[@skullheadwater9839]

That 1960 deluxe too

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

Without looking and only listening and not knowing which amp was which I had my favorites and then had to go back and look at which ones they were. I liked the Gretsch Playboy with the les paul custom best because it had a midrange I liked. Second was probably the lil 54 Magnatone Varsity and the 64 Gibson Skylark the one with only 2 knobs. They all sounded great though. My favorite with the strat was the 64 Vibrolux reverb with the 15 in ch speaker. I also really liked the Supro Thunderbolt but was bummed you only played the one guitar through it. I would have liked to hear the Thunderbolt with the Les Pauls or the Les Paul jr. I like my 64 Thunderbolt with a guitar that can push it a bit.

[@thorwulfx1]

All were wonderful in their way, but that '66 Gibson Skylark kept grabbing my attention.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Patrick!

[@grondsmaak4]

No pedals can beat this thank you

[@rlcsheldon]

1- 1960 Deluxe! 2 - 1963 Vibroverb is a monster 3 - I've loved the tiny Les Paul Jr Amp

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Roberto! Yeah that Deluxe is a killer :-)

[@stubrakon9683]

More great work! Everything sounds epic. Great guitars. I'll take the lot please. 😎🤘🎸

[@RussellProthero]

Roughly in order of preference: 1091 Gretsch 6156 Playboy 1963 Fender Vibroverb 1966 Skylark GA5T 1940 Gibson EH-185 1965 Supro Thunderbolt S6420 I have a 1964 Skylark which I love but I tended to prefer the 1966 version in this video. The Gretsch Playboy just has the sweetest most balanced sound.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Russell!

[@RussellProthero]

@@JohanSegeborn - by the way, I'd recommend trying out a Supro Blues King 8 if you can get your hands on one. It's a tiny amp, currently in production - could be a future classic - I was very impressed with it. Sounds great with a Les Paul.

[@jakewilliams5796]

Thank you for the good stuff.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Jake!

[@gph2193]

That was so beautiful. Thank you guys.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks!

[@chrisf6216]

Thank you JS and SK! Certainly no losers here. Some sound brighter than others to me, if all things could be considered equal, though I bet they would cut through a band mix nicely. Thanks SK for 15:45 now that awesome riff is once again stuck in my head - cheers!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Chris! I have a bunch of his riffs in my head too! ;-) Cheers!

[@adampearson1541]

I wish I could figure out how to play it

[@RByrne]

Loved the Gibson EH-185 and Gretsch. All had their own cool tones, though

[@OnlyDansMusic2112]

I love your videos Johan! You should really try and do demos without the added reverb on amps that don’t have reverb. Most tube amps will sound good with reverb but it doesn’t show the true sound of the amp with it added.

[@4headgaming448]

This was amazing! Been loving all of what you do.

[@sidvicioux]

loved this vid. i want them all.

[@chociemirozanski8658]

Ok now i know... I just managed to find an 8" Jensen PM from 30' (!) It's different from the one in your magnatone but it is great for overdrive too - unlike my new 8" and 10" which are good for cleans only... I noticed that the cone must be very thin. The sun shines through it!

[@ferranmelero7727]

I like them all

[@JohanSegeborn]

Glad to hear it!

[@Johngonefishin]

Cool to hear the differences between the 63' and 64' Vibroverb, completely different circuits and sound, the 63' has the classic brown tolex Fender sound , and the 64' blackface with more headroom was a big change, saw SRV in the early 80's and he had a 64' Vibroverb and a 64' Super Reverb running together.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks John!

[@joem5903]

Deluxe!!!!! The one that was a very pleasant surprise was the old 1940 Gibson.

[@gobigrey9352]

How the hell did I miss this?? Now I gotta finish it when I have more time. You do great work man!

[@DMSProduktions]

THIS is gonna BE a LONG 1! \m/

[@gobigrey9352]

Ok fine, staying up past my bedtime to watch. Hope I dream of amps. God, the sweet tones. Can't get enough!

[@popeye089]

You had me at Vibroverb

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hahaha! Killer amps indeed

[@GiantPinhead]

No doubt. Strat through AA763 Vibroverb? Yes please.

[@popeye089]

@@JohanSegeborn I just picked up an AA763 built in January 64. It has an Altec 418-8h in it now but I have a JBL E130 Tone Tubby reconed with his Hempcone. Can't wait

[@JohanSegeborn]

@@popeye089 Cool! Classic SRV!

[@elgen0314]

The tweed deluxe really stands out

[@JohanSegeborn]

My fav too. That amp sounds like a Marshall full stack.

[@patrickwilson623]

You fellas made ALL of them sound great! The one that spoke to me most was the Brownface 1963 Fender Vibroverb. It was pure rock and roll with your Les Paul. It was interesting to compare with the Blackface Vibroverb from 1964. Fender took a different direction in tone as they adapted their circuit. I also liked how the lower-wattage amps with some seriously small speakers and somewhat primitive circuits came across as real contenders and it's easy to see why people would use them in the studio. You made vintage recording history come to life. I really enjoyed that.

[@jonnybeck6723]

You made all those GREAT amps sound wonderful... I love both of the Vibroverbs... To me, those are the stuff

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Jonny, glad to hear it!

[@peterschmidt9942]

Most of the Gibson's (except the 4W) sounded pretty good as did the magnatone (which was probably my pick of the bunch)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man

[@michaelwhite4592]

your best video yet Johan!!! let's also hear it for Simon 🤙

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks my friend! Glad to hear it

[@clusterchord1]

i listened without watching the video, each time i was blown away i stopped to see .. Gibson Skylark. each guitar, each setting. also liked Magnatone and Watkins. but in the end they are all really good.

[@davidkieltyka9]

They all sound pretty darn good! Can’t beat a tweed Deluxe IMO, but there are plenty of equally good if different options. Impressed by the Magnatone Varsity in particular. The Watkins Dominator is a cool amp…got to play through one years ago. It’s circuit and sound are very similar to Marshall’s 18 watter…the Marshall has a bit more gain.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks David!

[@joem5903]

I was wondering what the Watkins would have sounded like with better speakers,

[@jessedelaney77]

That 1960 5E3 Deluxe is amazing. I’m tipping that’s his favourite.

[@darwinsaye]

I'm generally a little biased toward Fender Tweeds, Browns and Blacks, but that Magnatone absolutely stole the show here, %100.

[@otaviodecanini5309]

Damn, that Gibson EH-185 from 1940 is divine.

[@paulcowart3174]

Oooooh yeah took me two years to catch this Very cool It's nice going back to take a look Cheers...sounds great All of them...have to go back to see which ones were your favorite I'm trying to date an old Supro 1/10 Chicago 52 Control panel on top back Pretty even/square front Spk right in the middle All the Tweed has been stripped off Yes a couple of these are special 👍

[@Chris-hq7nl]

1/2 are the 1960 Deluxe and the Dominator. Flip flop them - I loved them both. 3: That EH-185. WOW. The ghost notes and harmonics on that one are AMAZING. 4: 1963 Vibroverb 5: The '56 LP Junior!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Christopher!

[@siegfriedwashburn3484]

Hi, Johan! Without no hallucinations (now I will know) I think, the best one is Deluxe and Skylark is on the second place. Nice video, must to say. C.U. Z

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man! Deluxe is my favorite too.

[@daviddawson1718]

@@JohanSegeborn I agree, my Mentor and friend Tim Graham played a 22w Fender deluxe. Now I play the Epiphone version of Gibson's Skylark, the Pacemaker

[@telsutton]

@@JohanSegeborn Do you have any of the Hohner Orgaphons amongst your incredible collection..? I picked up a 1965 Orgaphon 45MH a couple of years ago and it's a monster of an amp... ECC808, EF86, ECL86, ECC83. Thankfully the £300 service it needed was only double the amount I paid for the amp itself!!!

[@drmentorrr]

Just brilliant vintage amps! Amazing channel.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Victor! Glad to hear it

[@jcoulter43]

Is your favorite the 1960 Fender Deluxe? Each one has it's own mojo and sounds cool with different guitars. Must have them all! God bless and rock on 😎🎸👏

[@JohanSegeborn]

It is indeed. That amp is 1 in 1000

[@Neboviews]

Whoa...it'll be some work and time sorting out these beauties...wish my real job was judging favorite amp tones. A serious response list may take a few days Johan! I bet your 2nd favorite of all time is that Varsity Deluxe you've been cozying up to lately though! (and I can't blame you =) I was surprised how much I liked the 1966 Gibson Skylark too...very nice!

[@johntolve8372]

I think the pairing of a particular amp with a guitar is key for me to get the tone that's right for a solo or rhythm line in the song it kind of like painting a picture with sound the right color the right shading make it come alive

[@byronlaird5116]

Tweed Deluxe had to be your favorite, right? ..considering the raging sounds Neil Young gets from one, I can't imagine any other choice.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Indeed! :-)

[@michaelcraig9449]

Vibroverb

[@Schlumpf.Meister]

I honestly couldn’t make a choice, though they all do sound quite different, every single one great in its own way. Simon - I just love your playing, I even started picking up some of your licks! On a side note - I once had the opportunity to plug into a tv deluxe (I know, quite different design), and it was eye opening - to this day 20 years later it resonates with me, literally. So there is something magic about these old amps, each for its own.

[@simonkarlssonroxx7233]

Andreas Rükgauer Thanx man!

[@gwEmbassy]

For me the Deluxe is in first place, the the Skylark and then the Magnatone Varsity. I see a few others had the same opinion, but I did not read the comments before writing! I just think these amps have a raw/direct/electric sound to them.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Yeah Deluxe is my fav too

[@mitchellferre1652]

Magnatone Varsity for me ! I like them all ! Great video Johan 👍:-)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Mitchell!

[@SlickCat]

I had a Tweed Deluxe years ago and called it my portable Marshall stack....lol Now older and play at home I use my 5F1 champ. That Magnatone sounded great too. Johan you have the best channel! Where else can we listen to all these old classics side by side? Thanks.

[@chrisjones8977]

WOW Great Video!!!!!! I know these amps sound great but I think the players deliver the magic!!!!! That Magnatone is a Beast with the LP custom. Keep up the good work.

[@wojciech2456]

1960 deluxe really cool

[@marksguitars5617]

I really like the 1960 Deluxe, seems to do everything good and has great saturation although all those other amps are great too and each has a very pleasing and usable sound

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Mark!

[@chriswebb2221]

Favourite 4 in no order were the Fender Vibro, Fender Deluxe and the 2 Skylarks, I had different favourites out of the 4 depending upon the guitar and playing style. 5th Favourite was the Magnatone. Hope that one day I find an old Skylark for sale...or, (even more unlikely) Gibson start making them again

[@joellebrodeur1015]

Nothing beats the tone of an old tube amp.

[@mvonwalter6927]

1960 Deluxe (pure 5e3 magic!) 1954 Magnatone 1963 Vibroverb I own the '90s RI of the '63 VV and have never put a Les Paul to it. Might have to now!

[@bishlap]

So many different tones, so little time.. off the bat The SUPRO and VIBROLUX and VIBROVERB really turned me on and the 54 MAGNATONE was shockingly good.

[@josephfish3353]

In no particular order: Watkins scout, supro, 66 Skylark, magnatone and 63 vibroverb were my favorites

[@TheChadPad]

We had 3 of the same favorites! What's up :) scout, magnatone, and 63 vibroverb too

[@auntjenifer7774]

That 1966 gibson skylark is awesome for driving tweed. The 1940 gibson amp too .

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Jenifer

[@BigTrouble324]

Skylark amps are my favorite. Very smooth and varm breakup.

[@FreddyFuFu]

I love them all! I cant choose!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Freddy!

[@BcBaxley]

your a savage with these amps you must be having tons of fun..those dam Gibson skylarks are the winner for me so much character in there tone!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Bryan!

[@BcBaxley]

@@JohanSegeborn thank you man! love your videos cant wait to see more of them..ill be watching lol

[@EasyHeat]

I'm really been gassing over small low watt combos since parting with my Vox AC4 1x12 combo. Those new Supro Delta amps look interesting. Watching this didn't exactly help with my gassing though! Ha! I love the guitar/amp "meat & potatoes" that is your channel Johan! Keep being awesome!

[@nickangelo3283]

To me, the ones that really stood out the most were the ‘63 Vibroverb and the 1940 EH-185. The EH-185 has an incredible throaty roar that really stands out from the rest. It is so authoritative sounding that it makes a lot of the other amps sound thin by comparison. Unreal that it is from 1940....

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah, they nailed rock tone early :-)

[@justinshaffer3214]

That specific Deluxe sounds absolutely incredible. They don't all sound like that. Really like the Magnatone and EH-185 as well. I consistently don't prefer 15" speakers for guitar... I think it's because the mids are beamier and slower. Possible exception to this is Celestion 15s. Thanks Johan! This was a fun one

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Justin! Yeah unusual with this much attack and nasal tone. It sounds like a Marshall

[@justinshaffer3214]

@@JohanSegeborn Do you happen to know which OPT or Output tube brand were in that specific amp? Not that that is why it sounds as it does, just would be interesting to know.

[@randallhelton6011]

I asked....and I received.Thank you, Johan.

[@scottlocaputo4290]

I really like the sound from the Gibson Skylarks and the Magnatone.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man

[@Ridgeback65]

For amazing crunch, especially with the LP, the Magnatone hands down. I can’t believe the sound that comes from that 8” speaker! But for the overall win, it’s the Fender Deluxe for sure. Glad I own a clone that comes reasonably close!! Now if I could just find a Varsity!!!!

[@MrBluesilverred]

If I could guess your #1 of these superb amps, the ‘60 Deluxe is it. This is one of my top demos you have done so far! Thanks Johan.....😎

[@rickmartin3073]

wow great vid as always thanks , that 64 skylark sounded best to me I'm very surprised

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Rick!

[@karst41]

The 66 ga5 t Gibson was unbelievable. Did they tune each piece of metal in every tube? Never heard tubes sing like that

[@cpamiseso]

sad, i never knew and own original amps. i started with roland cube 30, and now using zoom g3xn. i recognize some sounds, from the sim names, from youtube videos, but i never really know by heart how these cabs and tubes responds. sigh.... props to you who manage to experience such oldskool amps.

[@cpamiseso]

i mean, the way those amps tubes reacts, would simply shape how gentle and hard i would pick and strum. develop all those 'feeling' in blues, damn.

[@FantasticExplorers]

How does this video only have 350~ likes?

[@artisanmetalcraft]

Great video! I really liked the cleanish 185amp with the 295 but I’m thinking He might have been digging the JR with the JR amp?

[@mattblack156]

They all had great tones, but I preferred the Strat with the less bright amps and the LP with the sharper ones. Great video!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Matt!

[@rikmcrae]

The Magnatone is killer. Love it.

[@davidbuzzin426]

👍🇺🇸❤12W 1960 Fender Deluxe

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks David! That’s the one!

[@davidbuzzin426]

@@JohanSegeborn 👍🇺🇸❤MY FAVORITE COMBO AMP OF ALL TIME IS........🇺🇸GIBSON MAESTRO DELUXE.....CAN U EVER HUNT ONE DOWN & DO A DEMO ?

[@hoboroadie]

It is unlike what I have always thought of for guitar tone, but I find the 1963 Vibroverb singularly compelling. I am going to look for some 10" Oxfords. I can't even afford to look at prices on gear like the Amp itself, my friend Art Najera started on one, but they're uncommon. (Art told me his Fender came with Utahs. His Momma sure did love him.😸)

[@JohanSegeborn]

I love 10” Oxfords. I have them in my silver face Vibrolux

[@dominiqueredongibsonchani851]

I WANT THEM ALL

[@vinnieramone4818]

I like the gretch 6156 and the les paul jr something about those field coil speakers It would be cool to hear some of those in a 4X12 also if you pump less voltage to the coil you can get less volume out of them (kind of like an attenuator)

[@pensive_]

Strange thing, the epic Fender well known amps basically suck against the other amps. Totally unexpected. To me, about all amps were better than the fenders, and I am a fender nut !

[@efrazable]

supro 100%, felt like a full range amp in a good way.

[@curtevans838]

Watkins Scout, then the Gibson with Electromagnet, then the Supro, then the Gibson Skylark.

[@fernandes5986]

Hi Johan, contrary to todays amps they all sound beautiful and diverse. My favourites are all the Gibsons. I guess your favourite is the EH.185, right? See ya tomorrow. Cheers.

[@crabejoss]

Gibson's LP Jr amp for me plz. Then the Elac Watkins impressed me, btw they're all great.