The BEST Fender Amp I've EVER Heard

[@ethelwulfmountbattenderoth2286]

I have a '73 Fender Champ that I've been lugging around since '83. I finally took it out of storage last year and looked at it. The only thing I could see obviously wrong was a speaker cone that had long ago turned to dust. I bought a new Jensen AlNiCo speaker and stuck it in. Fired it up and it worked! It sounds really good after all those years. The tubes, caps, et all., have been in there 50 years and still work. I was amazed.

[@FakeGlasses]

Recently bought a '73 fender deluxe that had been modded to include a master volume. Had a tech bring it to blackface spec, move the point where the master volume applies in teh circuit, and put a creamback in it. Sounds awesome.

[@bldallas]

Such great little amps. I’ve had a ‘65 Champ for 25 years now. It’s still all original except for the grounded power, I had installed about 20 years back. Recently I sold it for a significantly reduced price to a buddy who will use it for recording sessions in Nashville. Although I still love it, that little black-faced amp deserves to be heard.

[@RG-yz8ov]

If only the speaker survived 😢, was it due to mould? I have 71 pulsonic greenback. Love old speakers

[@413TomaccoRoad]

Celestion!

[@sharonlee4773]

I have a 66,what speaker was in yours please as mine has the wrong one in it.cheers

[@elantric]

I'm Steve Conrad, and after Paul departed Valley Arts, myself and Steve Fryette became the Amp Techs. I also worked in Guitar Repair at Valley Arts until 1986 when I left for NASA/JPL

[@timpierceguitar]

Wow, Steve! You were there for a huge time in Valley Arts history.

[@IronSwan-ll5ju]

NASA is the devil.

[@petschem]

I have a 1999ish Chubster 40... (supposedly one of the first ones from Rivera) that I bought new. i was living on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle at the time. As soon as I got it home, I was having terrible trouble with radio interference. Like...I could clearly hear radio broadcasts through the amp. I actually spoke to Paul himself and he helped me troubleshoot it over the phone. It turned out to be the reverb. He immediately sent me an extra long wire (connecting the spring tank to the amp) with RF chokes installed. It cured the problem. It's still my only amp to this day.

[@oyemimelaza]

All of my Fender amps are either Rivera-era or modded by my tech as inspired by Rivera's own innovations. The dude is the granddaddy of them all. So happy to see he's still doing his thing, while paving the way for future generations of techs and players alike.

[@RobScott-x2y]

Tim, You are such a great host, full of enthusiasm and passion. I’ve only recently discovered you and am loving all your stuff. I played drums in the stage band at Grant HS, Luke was the guitarist. We were scheduled to rehearse for an upcoming competition at Randy Rhodes Mother’s music school w the whole Big Band. I get a call from Luke and he asks if I can bring my Fender Super Reverb as he had just blown his up at a session that afternoon. I brought it Like plugged in, ran the knobs to set up and realized there was a Pull on Master Volume where the tremolo knob was supposed to be. He flipped out and made the most wonderful guitar sound. Randy Rhodes came by as we were playing, we took a break and he was saying what a great sound Luke was getting. Luke said “it’s Rob’s amp, I’m trying to buy it from him”. They continued to rave about it. I still have the amp, it’s never been worked on and I might add has NEVER sounded that good when I played on it. 😂 Like told me that Paul Rivera was the gentleman who had modified it. So thanks for reading and for giving me such a great story Mr. Rivera!

[@steverussell8804]

Paul is a true craftsman. His commitment to sourcing the best components, the time he devotes to preparing the amps and his unwillingness to compromise on quality are testament to this. Great interview - and, as always, some wonderful tasty playing, Tim.

[@tg4878]

Bravo Tim for this great and important interview! I was in LA in 1979 and had Paul modify my Fender Deluxe and Princeton to "Stage 3!" Thankfully, I still have the Princeton! Thanks, Mr. Rivera, for all you did to shape the music of my generation's guitar heroes! Bravo!

[@ErikThomasMusic]

I currently own 11 vintage Fender amps, mostly from the black faceplate era. All are in excellent to mint condition and maintained. Paul talks about the wax on the boards in the 70s. That was a temporary solution at the time to the conductivity issue, however in the long term, the wax was not a good idea as it adds further issues to the amp. Many amp techs spend a lot of time removing old wax from 70s silver faceplate boards. The best Fender amps were pre-CBS, which is essentially anything built before mid 1965. Fender sold the company to CBS in early Jan. 65, and there was some time period where they ran though their old stock of chassis, boards etc before any changes were made. CBS did not make any changes to the circuits of the amps, until May, 1968 however they did cut a few corners with components from late 65 on. There is nothing wrong with a 1965-68 black faceplate amp, however the pre-CBS early blackface, blondes and brownfaces are just a little bit better built with better components, especially resistors. I own 4 pre-CBS amps and the tolerances on the resistors that they used pre-1965 are amazing. They used Allen Bradley resistors that to this day usually measure less than 5% variance. Of course with old carbon comps, absorbing moisture is another issue that can happen. In late 1965 CBS switched to a lessor quality resistor brand, and there is a lot more drift in the late 65-68 resistors. Right now Im plugged in to a 63 Tremolux and its amazing, quiet and the tone is perfect.

[@ttyR265]

Show me someone else that smiles as much as Tim when he's playing...except maybe EVH, RIP.

[@fivewattworld]

Wow! The legend himself! Thank you Tim

[@dannymeans53]

In 1975 Paul did sound for my band in Yuma Arizona when I played there with my band Opus..It was strange because we didn't know he was going to be there ...I already knew who he was ...he also did a slight modification on my Clyde McCoy Vox Wa Wa for nothing ...! I still have it ! Great segment here ...Most enjoyable...

[@tel5690]

Paul is a legend He definitely needs to be talked about more. Glad he is still doing his amp modifications today.

[@blueterrace]

Do you know what he would charge to mod. to a 65 Princeton?

[@rolandmengedoth2191]

I own a Rivera Combo 100 Duo 12 for about more than 20 years and i am still happy with it.😊 What a great soundig Amp, really !!!!

[@donaldblankenship5163]

Paul Rivera was a great interview! Thank you so much Tim! ❤

[@stratopastor_uk]

Thanks for this! I kind-of 'curate' info about the Fender Rivera-era and the new (to me) info from this video is really helpful. My respect for Paul Rivera just keeps on increasing.

[@SilverParatrooper]

Man what a great video! Paul just absolutely knows stuff and he’s so articulate about it. Great solo too by the way.

[@GRobLewis]

I wrote most of Fender's ads and literature in the early 80's, and Paul was good enough to give me a couple of his new amps: a solid-state London Reverb and the limited-edition Super Champ Deluxe in the solid oak cabinet with the "boat anchor" E-V 10" speaker. Very different amps but both awesome! Over the years the London Reverb developed a few problems but I was able to rebuild it with a PCB from a guy who was parting one out on eBay. I even upgraded the critical op amps with newer, quieter ones. I also put a pair of 5" Jensen guitar speakers in the head so I can use it by itself as a practice amp.

[@melodiemaker86]

4:31 pure high class guitarsolo and then this end 5:29-5.35 speechless, this man is a guitar wonder with the biggest smile. Wonderful done Tim.

[@jeffrowlette]

I own a '74 Silverface Deluxe Reverb I bought 30 years ago for $150....LOVE THAT AMP!!!

[@IsakuItou]

You over paid man… I got it just $50. 1995 😂

[@addradz]

Remaking a superchamp, a no brainer that Fender never thought to do? Dropped the ball on that one ! Great to see and hear these pearls of wisdom and delicious truth nuggets!

[@_RLP]

Tim is just aweosme. And that solo was pure fire! Great interview. Very cool to hear the man himself. Keep it up!

[@timhouston1638]

Why is every video I watch on KZbin today about Tim? I'm a Tim, and I also have a 1979 Deluxe Reverb........I guess it turns 50 in 5 years. Love this!

[@Java8427]

Great interview with Paul. This man is the amp godfather! Thanks Tim for doing this interview and for the tasty playing. I still play my treasured Rivera TBR-1 beast(mainly studio). Built tough and never breaks down. Incredible and versatile tank of tonal flexibility.

[@arustydodge2111]

What a great; “session” TIM! Fantastic history with Paul Rivera. The man is a tone design GIANT! For me this went by too fast. Thoroughly enjoyed this, would like another sit down with PAUL. Thank you🙏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@homepropestcontrol9248]

Ive got 3 rivera amps, 1 100watt head, 40 watt combo and a 50 watt with a closed back, these amps have the best cleans and the overdrives make you a better player, over the years ive had more complements over my tones, both live and in the studio than any other amps which include fender, ampegs, marshalls boogies, Koch, peaveys, even my custom audio... Riveras have character!! Theres been times ive been in front of my amp and think...that sounds ...pretty good... then i here it in the mix and im like holy shit!!! That sounds good!! His amps are underrated, and so is his influence on music and the amp build/ mod industry, look up Lee jackson...find out where he got some of his tricks... Lol...not that anyone knows who he is either lol!! Thanks for posting this Timmy!!

[@WalktheWalk-ki9kj]

I have a 1963 Fender Deluxe that has the sweetest sound, but can belt out the sound. I use new old stock tubes in it. It is in excellent condition.

[@atomwatt77]

I have a 1968 silver face Deluxe Reverb that I bought from the original owner in 1994. It’s all original, including the tubes. The sound is absolutely incredible. I loan it out to friends on occasion for studio tracking. I’ve had countless offers for it over the last 30 years…no way I’m ever letting it go. ❤️

[@jeffsaginaw1769]

I have 2 Rivera Concerts and a Deluxe Reverb II. Had a 2x10 Concert back in the early 80"s but I just "had to have" a Boogie. Wish I hadn't done that. The 2x10" Concert with a 1961 ES-345 was magical. No Flub! Thanks Mr. Rivera for some of the most magical guitar sound ever recorded. Thanks Tim, also for this video.

[@robertvavra414]

The amp channel switching during the amp sounds so smooth! The balance between the channels is great.

[@BrandonSorianoMusic]

I bought my Clubster Royale from Norm’s almost exactly a year ago, and I haven’t used another amp on any gig since! It’s made its way onto most of my recording projects, too. Seriously amazing amp, and the small size is just gravy on top.

[@scottmclennan6114]

1:47 wow what a great tone!!

[@aGabay]

Paul is the man! Playing a Quiana for the past 16 years, always sweet and powerful!

[@Pete-n4t]

Tim you never cease to amaze me. Great solo!

[@claudehopper9813]

I bought a Rivera modified Princeton years ago my bandmate named it the " Chainsaw " because the way it cut threw the mix . Luckily i still have it .

[@loudmouthnewyorker2803]

Didn't understand a word these giants are speaking about and i love it.

[@jjemsnd7]

Paul lived in San Diego for a while in the 70s. He had a shop on University. He put a master volume in my black face Super and later an Ampeg V4 and he built me this big speaker cabinet with 3 12s stacked vertically that was horned it was very thick and a pain in the arse to move.

[@soundslikebstome]

I had a 73 princeton and a 73 SG. Once i finished the Alfred's book 6, my parents splurged and bought them for me. And I SUCKED just as bad when I finished book 6, as the first day I opened up Book 1!!!!!!!! 100%

[@zeusse2212]

I have a 68 Fender Twin all original show room floor condition that use to belong to my Dad. I will be putting it up for sale soon and be real sad to let it go but my arthritis has done me in!! Best clean ever!

[@monsarad888]

There are some vids I would like to give 2 thumbs up. This is one of them.

[@timpierceguitar]

Wow, thanks so much for the kind words. :-)

[@audiophileman7047]

I've heard of Fender, Marshall, Supro, and other fine amps, but Rivera amps are a new one on me. When I'm ready to upgrade my amp, I'll seriously consider buying a Rivera amp. As you said, they truly sound terrific. Thank you for posting this really good video. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@univox_guitar]

I plugged a 1980s Strat into a couple of ‘73 Pro Reverb silver faces and it was instant SRV tone. 🤘🏼

[@kleberkshima]

Paul Rivera is a true genius!!!

[@zaphodrahja]

That is truly!

[@TDenander]

Oh those are 3 of my photos of the old Valley Arts store 🥰 And I just adore Paul, his wife and son jr. What a legend

[@timpierceguitar]

Tommy, that is absolutely amazing... These photos just pull at my heart strings... Way to go Hope you are very well :)

[@30smsuperstrat]

I bought quite a few of Paul's amps from A # music back in the day. Great amps. Thanks, Tim, for this. Thanks, Paul, for your dedication to your craft. Whether fans of the music these amps played on or players playing through them, we all have been blessed.

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

I love tinkering with amps, pedals and any other piece of gear. I bought an amp kit from Amazon and did the exact same thing, where cheap, run of the mill parts were used, I upgraded to the best on the market. One of the easiest mods to improve your amp is replacing the pots. My Fender Hot Rod Deville 212 had a volume pot that just going from 2 to 3 took it to its max volume. Settings 4 thru 10 was damn near the same. So I put in the linear pot that spread out the volume over the whole range. That simple mod made the amp work harder when at higher volume and it came alive.

[@keagansemon8506]

Man just when I’ve convinced myself to enter modeling world this man makes the amp of my dreams.

[@hod8931]

Cool, thanks for the history! No my wife says I drive to Sweetwater way to much 😂 Next trip will be to pick up a new Amplified Nation amp, next month. I tell the wife its for my heath because of the salad bar 😊

[@Kevin-v8y2b]

TOP GUN Paul Rivera, without doubt one of the best amp gurus ever. I met Paul at a guitar show in the Uk, one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet! Absolute respect.

[@ericwg73]

Love hearing about and from all these people shaping things behind the scenes, influencing all the music that’s been so important in my life.

[@KevinCowden-ow5to]

Awesome, I haven't seen a Tim Pierce video in a minute. Dude did a perfect Jay Graydon imitation.

[@Deuce_Luminox.]

Thanks for showing the world that a Les Paul doesn't need an insane flamed top to sound good. Plaintops rule!

[@artform1364]

I bought one of those Rivera Reissues of his famous DR mod that Sweetwater sponsored about 7 years ago. Great amp. I like it because it’s so versatile.

[@ericdiberardo1117]

Paul is the best-met him in my California studio days. Home Studio in Valencia-30 yrs ago

[@Jamman610]

Just love these interviews you do.

[@lzurich70]

Geez... The sound of your hands and that amp is pure bliss. Smoking.

[@kodymartens8201]

That Rivera might be the best amp I've ever heard. Thats exactly what I've been looking for and have been unable to find! Beautiful

[@bradwilliams7145]

Wow, Tim, that solo was mesmerizing!

[@RoelCyborg]

Hi Tim , I enjoyed that interview hearing Paul talk about his innovations . I have a fender Showman red knobs Its still an Paul Rivera designed amp (around 1987 model) All the knobs have pull function for boost or double functions, except the gain (I think the knucklehead Rivera is a similar amp) It great .Its full of harmonics . (The pull functions are on all the tone knobs [ boost] on the presence [mid tweak] on the volume [boost] and then it has a 3way damping switch [high/med/low] High gives the normal very bright tome , med give it a Marshall feel , low give it a compressed sound like Fryette ... I tell ya its a cool amp ! Thx Paul !

[@geoffsebastian1738]

Cool video. I have a 70’s Silverface Deluxe that Paul Rivera modified for a LA studio guitarist. It still has the Valley Arts sticker on the back. It has a few pull pots on it in addition to the Master volume and stacked tremolo. I contacted Rivera about it but haven’t been able to get in touch with Paul.

[@jjfalstaff]

Rivera era Concert circa 83. Best amp I've ever heard. Gain channel is workable but clean channel is amazing. Had it for 30+ years.

[@Jonathan-L]

I heard John Heussenstamm play a 52 Tele into a Concert II (no pedals) and the clean tone was unbelievable.

[@jackprice7828]

What an amazing concept of using an exp pedal like that. There is a natural beautiful edge of breakup to that Rivera.

[@Twominutedevotions]

I had an 80s red knob Super 210 designed by him. It was the loudest, best, creamiest amp ever. I ran a solid state head in the fx loop so I could crank it at low volumes. So good.

[@colinwallace5286]

I have a Peavey Backstage Plus. A great sounding little amp I bought in 1983. It’s always nice when affordable turns out to be decent as well.

[@timpierceguitar]

That's awesome, glad you found a great amp at a good price!

[@colinwallace5286]

@@timpierceguitar I drove through Meridian, MS a couple of times. Seems like an unlikely spot for an amp to be born. I like to think they must have been pretty proud of Peavey back in the day.

[@BillDutton]

So good! I've just returned to using my amp live over my modeler...I almost forgot how good a tube amp feels. I'm currently shopping for a high quality low wattage combo.

[@jim-topia2599]

I’ve got my dad’s 65 fender deluxe and his Bassman head with cabinet from around the same time as well

[@xpump876]

Cool interview. I've a stock 74 Deluxe I bought for 300$ at a steel guitar convention in St Louis couple decades ago. It sounds good but my 2004 Vibroverb 15" Cesar modded sounds awesome.

[@HeathFoley]

My main gigging amp from 1994 - 2013 was a Rivera R30. Fantastic little combo. Paul is a genius.

[@mrsamhmvteare9807]

From amongst the disorder on the border, way across the pond, watching this video just now was both a nice surprise, having a face AND voice put to a highly respected and well known name in musical instruments guitar amplification design and also the music and explanatory stories accompanying the well made presentation was a pure pleasure to enjoy. To see people I read about three decades ago in Guitar Player, Guitar World and Guitarist Magazines is brilliant and I'm glad they're still going strong. Keep up the good work and well done. Kind regards from an extremely mediocre guitarist. P.S. I own a 'Silverface' Fender Twin Reverb I bought yonks ago, and by George, full tilt, it's a little loud for front room or bedroom jamming! P.P.S. At first, I thought you were going to mention Dan Torrè/és! Mighty surprised was I. Awesome presentation. Thank you. 😊

[@toddkoenig426]

Thanks, cool interview! My first amp in high school in 1980ish was a small Fender - but older CBS version. Sounded good with my Fender Lead III, played in Jazz Band in Montana! 👍🏻

[@spetersonmusic]

I've owned a lot of Rivera amps, some of my favorite of all time. TBR-1SL, TBR-2SL, Knucklehead 100, Rake 55, and a Rake 55 Reverb. I'd do a lot to get that Rake 55 back again. Loved that thing.

[@skipneumann1]

My 1960’s Vibrolux was my best amp of my life- played in my high school days

[@boddumblues]

I tried one and it was the sweetest amp I've heard, just not enough power for me unfortunately. I might think otherwise today though...

[@williammouri1096]

That man is a true legend!😊

[@robinr.2233]

Excellent Jay Graydon impression.

[@saucyjk6453]

I had a silver face early 70s vibrolux, had it overhauled by Jim Walton in philly....I ran stereo w a 41 eh150 gibson pedal steel amp, input the moc channel . At the time I was using a Rick 12, a tele and an es295. Quite the sound

[@projectsixstring9784]

Thanks for everything you do Tim, you are a true gem in the music industry, it wouldn't have been the same without you!

[@timpierceguitar]

Wow, thanks so much for the kind words!

[@nickgassman2909]

That was interesting, and I did enjoy it. So many times companies don't prioritise quality and consistency and it's the people who do the mods that make the difference. I'm not sophisticated enough to know whether I'm listening to a guitar or an amp, so it would be really helpful to be able to listed to the same guitar through an un-modded and a modded amp.

[@TheMolo12]

Such a great interview, I so love Paul’s amps and have for so many years!

[@davidhaugh3544]

I can attest that the solid states he refers to are really good sounding. Thx for the vid!

[@robinstokes5179]

Nice idea using a dual pot combining the vibrato controls, leaving a spare pot for master vol (or could be mid eq for amps that don't have one, like a pro reverb). That purple custom Rivera seems like a tool, compact too. Good to see a 330, a bit tidier than my tatty '63, but I'd never part with it!

[@freddiwilkins9985]

I bought a Rivera modified Deluxe from Sweetwater a limited run of 200 by Paul Rivera. SKIPPED my house payment to buy it. It' has a tour case to set on fo the big stage. Amazing sound Fat and sweet

[@AMP98765]

I used to gig twice per week 20 years ago using a Rivera Suprema 55 combo that sounded like heaven on earth. It had that Ninja boost on it that made solos sing like nothing else. Used it about 6 years I think and never one time had any problems. Kinda wish I still had it to be honest.

[@Ivorjonesdrums]

Excellent interview Rick, thank you for your interesting content!

[@e4w1r4]

M60 owner here. Paul makes great amps.

[@PageMarker1]

You're playing on the blue Stratocaster was absolutely delicious, Pops, you rock!!

[@JoshYenne]

What I love is "each to their own" and how everyone loves a different thing.. while Rivera is obviously a great engineer and genius in the world... but on my end not even remotely do I prefer any of the "Rivera Mods" on Fenders... and I look at a "master" on a Deluxe Reverb and that is a HUGE negative in my book.. but I love that the world has people that think exactly the opposite of me!!! ha! and either way no doubt Paul Rivera is a freaking beast! Just not my thing....:-)

[@epsilonvonvehron5820]

What the hell was that last chord at the end of the video 13:30. An A chord with an A flat bass being bent up,? you bet I’m stealing that. Thanks Tim. 😊

[@markusfinkler9625]

Listen to Led Zeppelin, they got a Whole Lotta more to steal 😂😂😂

[@kellyblack4897]

As an electronics head I greatly appreciate this episode. Bitchen amp! Thanks Paul Rivera!! 🤘🏼

[@joejoe3011]

My first tube amp ever was one of his Fender Concerts from the 80's. That thing was built like a tank and was HEAVY. I miss that thing

[@createlovehappy]

Is that the same Joel Jaffe who has Studio D in Sausalito, CA? If so I worked there for a bit as an intern. Great guy. Great ears. Learned a lot.

[@bongnp]

Never played a Rivera amp that sounded bad. All are great. Been playing them since 1999, and people always ask me about them after shows.

[@dorian1112]

Jose Arredondo modified my Fender Twin Back In the late seventies. Similar Master volume tweak. He also modified my Marshall jmp 50w. I metJose in a music store where he worked back in the day somewhere in Canoga Park I believe

[@MichaelHeinrich1]

Two musical geniuses in an interview.

[@monmixer]

I used the reverb channel and footswitch as clean boost and didn't use the reverb tank with an ice cube. I'm sure you have heard of this. It was a great clean boost. The amp was not modded. Bought it about 76 I think. I don't like digital reverb but I used one due to the fact that my reverb tank in tha amp didn't work. Effectron adm 256 for slap back

[@douglasnielson8250]

I have the Rivera Venus Recording amp and it’s great. Has a lot of the tonal features of the modded Deluxes.

[@csharp57]

I was so into what Rivera was saying that I didn’t realize the interview was over. Lol

[@goodknight37]

I don’t know how Rivera amps aren’t more popular. So versatile it’s ridiculous

[@MegaByrds]

Whoa! I hope that isn't all we get with Paul Rivera! This is excellent. Maybe there is more in the can? 14 minutes isn't nearly enough! rb

[@TR4Ajim]

Tim, please please please do an episode about your Mosrite!🤘👍

[@RickO.-vq8oh]

WOW! Legendary video. THANK YOU TIM!! Happy new year!

[@SimonGaiser]

I do think this is the best sound I have heard from you.