Power attenuator

[Bluefingers]

Hi everybody
I like that friendly forum
Some members want more activity
I agree
I go with mine

I own a Fender Blues Deluxe 1996 40w
I like the clean sounds from this amp, but I don't reach to get that "sweet spot",you know, when the amp begins to cranck, this setting where you get a clean sound picking lightly and an overdrived sound picking hardly
The volume setting with my Bluesband is max 3/12
At this point, the amp is really loud but always clean
For that reason, I wonder about a power attenuator
I can find a lot on the market less or more expensive (rather more...)
I plan on the Dr Z airbrake lite
200€, 45w max, -11db, and you can scew it inside of the combo
Any experience with this one or others power attenuators in this forum?
Happy New Year to everyone

[zagatron1]

I've read quite a bit about attenuators, but never even thought about them as the music I play is clean for the most part. I use pedals for dirt, but I would like a low power all tube amp though. Like an Allen amps Chihuahua for example.

[DetroitBlues]

A friend had the the 4x10 blues deville.  He tried an attenuator, but it just muffled the tone more than drop the volume.  My advice is get a smaller wattage amp or start using OD pedals to compensate.  Most would agree with me.  But I'd keep that amp because its got enough under the hood to compete with the drums during live play.

[IM4Tone]

I own the reissue version of the Blues Deluxe and share your exact take on the vol/tone issue. I have toyed with getting an attenuator, but for some reason haven't pulled the trigger as of yet. So please let us know if you get one, how you like the results.

I had it narrowed down to the same Dr.Z airbrake lite and a Weber Mass Lite.

In the interim, I'm using lower wattage amps.

[Bluefingers]

I didn't know the Allen amp Chihuahua
10w for a home amp is loud and not enough for live gig
I also prefer a 12" speaker
I heard the audio clips
Don't you think that the Tele is detuned?
Perhaps a vintage tele with 3 saddles for intonation set up?
Anyway, that amp cranks easily, if it was the meaning of you post, I agree

I heard about attenuators transparent (not at bedroom volume)
But they are very expensive (for me...)
 - Db Killer MK 2 from NOS (french) 290€
3 switches -6db -12db -18db
 - Ultimate from Magus Innovations
 - Aracom
 - Kock
 - Dr Z airbrake and Brake-Lite
I thought about the Brake-Lite for
 - his reasonnable price (hum...)
 - No impedance selection
 - Transparent sound (they say...)
 - Screw into the combo

An OD pedal will make the job, that's the way I used it still now, but every pedal has his own sound and I would like to play with the natural Blues Deluxe overdrive (on clean channel) + an OD eventually

At home, I play with a Vox DA5 It's perfect

[zagatron1]

I can dig what you're sayin' Blue, but I don't worry about live gigs. I play for fun now. I do however have  live gigs covered with several amps that can do the job. In fact, too many. He He! I'm lookin' at rec room type playin' as well as bedroom. I still do studio work at times, but not that aften.

[creekster52]

Re: Allen Chihuahua

Do people really pay $950 for a 10 watt 1x10 amp?

[DetroitBlues]

Ever looked at the price of the fender '57 champ?

[IM4Tone]

I try not to look.

[zagatron1]

Re: Allen Chihuahua

Do people really pay $950 for a 10 watt 1x10 amp?

If you think that's big, try a "Divided by 13" amp model CJ 11 that goes for $1950! It's a 11 watt, class A amp.

[pictoratus]

Here you go: 12 watts into a 12 inch speaker Only $1999.99!

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/57Deluxe/

I played through one of these a guy had in a local store. Sounded great but can't see paying 2000 dollars for it though.

[DetroitBlues]

My buddy makes clones of those amps as well as his own design.  The parts are only around $300 or so.  Way overpriced for having someone "handwire" the amp.  Might as well buy a do it yourself kit.

[IM4Tone]

My buddy makes clones of those amps as well as his own design.  The parts are only around $300 or so.  Way overpriced for having someone "handwire" the amp.  Might as well buy a do it yourself kit.

IF you have good soldering skills. I never felt I was good enough to attempt it, although I'd love to try.

[DetroitBlues]

That's why I don't attempt to build one.  I had a disaster of a time trying to mod a dunlop crybaby....

[creekster52]

My buddy makes clones of those amps as well as his own design.  The parts are only around $300 or so.  Way overpriced for having someone "handwire" the amp.  Might as well buy a do it yourself kit.

Allen Amps kit is $549, so they figure $400 labor I guess. It's still too pricey in my opinion.