Brownface Boutique Amp Shootout: Fender '62 Chris Stapleton Princeton, Suhr Hombre & Dr Z Z-28
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- This is the ORIGINAL Brown Sound!
In today’s video, we wanted to revisit one of the most overlooked guitar tones of all time. The secret studio weapon for countless guitar heroes of the 60s & 70s, the humble low-powered brownface Fender amp was key to nailing many of the great tones we’ve come to commonly misjudge to be much more powerful amplifiers. Truth is, a lot of the time, we were hearing an amp that many would have considered a ‘practise rig’!
These days, there are several options available if you want to dig in to this magical, chewy tone for yourself. Fender have recently released the ‘62 Chris Stapleton signature model Princeton - a pretty dead-on repro of the overlooked reverb-less older brother of the ‘65 gem. This amp delivers on those woody & sweet tones that slot so effortlessly in to densest of modern-day mixes. Suhr’s offering is the Hombre, a heartfelt recreation of one of John Suhr’s personal favourite amps of all time, the 6G3 Deluxe. With modern build quality and a couple of signature Suhr tweaks, this amp offers slightly more flexibility, volume and punch, still in a compact package with a timeless aesthetic. Lastly, we’ve pulled in Dr Z’s Z28 1x10 combo. Punching well above its weight, this little powerhouse offers a different spin on the classic Fender theme, leaning on the infamous EF86 preamp valve to deliver milkshake-thick tone, with a powerful EQ section to add all sorts of character.
If you’re looking for an amp that responds to your guitar like no other, these may be exactly what you’ve been searching for!
Let us know your favourite of the three in the comments below, thanks for watching!
Check them out here:
Fender '62 Princeton Chris Stapleton Edition - bit.ly/3fdKpJr
Suhr Hombre 1x12 Combo - bit.ly/2IOXCMP
Dr Z Z-28 1x10 Combo - bit.ly/2UJ11PG
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Thank you for not using pedals, this was great.
So true. Hopefully both bedroom and professional guitarists will follow this idea.
@@vintagesoul5146 As someone that owns the Suhr Hombre, good luck turning it up to 4 or 6 without annoying everyone in your home, or your neighbors. It's an amazing amp, but quiet is something it is not. A bedroom guitarist might be able to turn it up with attenuation. They are becoming more common it seems, but still not everywhere given the typical cost for something better than an L-pad.
@@Andy_Yates I just got a 61 Princeton and it is perfect I've been using low wattage amps lately Got a Tone King Gremlin head recently and it's perfect too and plenty loud enough to gig with
Man...that Z28...WOW!
That Fender Princeton is just amazing !
Why they didn't call it the staple-tone, I don't know!
Now that I've owned my original '62 Brownface Princeton for a few months, I can safely say that the Stapleton reissue gets pretty damn close! I just love how the Princeton gets into almost fuzzy territory, but I'll be back on the hunt for a Deluxe one day lol. Great video guys, cheers!
Suhr...all day, everyday! I have played mostly Fender amps my whole life but the Suhr is really a terrific sounding amp!!
Definitely love my Brown Sound amp. Have had a 63' Vibroverb RI for nearly a year and I'm fairly sure its my desert island amp. The only way I'd part with it would be for a hand-wired version.
Amazing amp demos, unbeatable! Suhr Hombre just sounds wonderful clean and bad ass dimed with a humbucker guitar. Love Z's as well, fantastic amps!
I got the Hombre from you guys a few months back (it sent me down a bit of a Suhr rabbit hole to be honest) . I highly recommend it, fantastic amp. I recommend getting a reactive load box as well at the moment given most of us aren’t getting out playing loud.
What reactive box you reccomend?
@@blam07 Suhr
Thanks. Went in thinking the Suhr Hombre would come out on top, with the bigger cab/driver. But actually, I preferred the Chris Stapleton's character by quite a lot. But then, the Z28 really sounded the biggest of the three, by far. And there's Z28 head version, so I think I'm sold on a Z28. To add a classic vintage Fender Deluxe tweed type tone to my arsenal, joining a Marshall ST20H JTM and a Vox AC30. I reckon the Z28 head with a larger 1x12, or even 2x12 Greenback or Creamback cab will sound huge.
All 3 are good. The z stands out.
man, what en epic demo. nice one
Great playing mate 👍🏼
Suhr for the win! YMMV. 😉
great video! need a blackface shootout now
Amazing playing and great amps but that Z 28 sounder stunning
Great tones and great playing!!
Not my cuppa tea. I'll take that Princeton Fawn everyday.
That Z with a 12 inch speaker would be nice All sounded good but enjoyed the Hombre w that Celestion
No Tone king amp??
Man, I can't believe most people seem to be on the Dr. Z bandwagon here. It's the darkest, with the least amount of transparency, and the least amount of frequency breadth. It breaks up earlier, and really only does one thing, which is to fill midrange. It sounds big, but that is because the sound lacks depth and so you're just hit with a dynamic-less wall of the sound. You really just hear that preamp tube working. You definitely DO NOT hear the amp working as a whole. It was frankly boring, but I totally get why most people liked it, and that's because most guitarists really just want their amp to do that one thing well and nothing else, and to seem like it's tonally full when in actuality it's just a manufactured sound. Now, I don't care if you like it. I mean, you're welcome to like it. I would even encourage you to like it. I don't have anything against liking what you like or thinking it's great. It's your sound and your opinion. But man, I am so very surprised by the amount of people who liked it. Especially when the other two amps clearly sound more like vintage brownface amps. And I'll tell you, I have many of them. I'm looking at a 1961 Deluxe and a 1962 Princeton at this very second. And that Dr. Z sounded literally nothing like any Brownface amp I've even heard.
I like them all but I would trade the vibrato for tube driven spring reverb. Who uses vibrato anyways?
Amazing
All 3 sound very good just a bit different
The Z!
$2000 for the Princeton??? Highway robbery for a very limited amp. In other news, I love Peach Guitars. You put out the best guitar-store videos on youtube. Big thanks.
Fender probably based the price on what vintage Princeton's go for online, but that's just a guess. I've seen used one's go on Reverb for as little as $1500
@@CargoShorts7
Fender drove up the price of vintage ones when they released this amp.
I think the reason for it being a little overpriced is the combination of it being hand wired and an artist signature model.
I think if it weren’t a signature model the price would be closer the the hand wired 57 Champ instead of being the same price as the 57 Deluxe.
@@charlesbolton8471 I bought a new Strat in 1967. Adjusted for inflation that would be around $2800 today. I didn't whine like a little girl to anyone who would listen about the cost and go on about how the big greedy corporation was ripping me off. Get a Chinese amp and guitar and don't worry about it. It's called a free market. No one cares if you think it is too expensive, yet on every gear review, the garage sale guy shows up.
@@samnewton5959
I didn’t complain about it being expensive. I tired to explain the reason for the price.
I will admit that I said it might be “a little overpriced”, but that wasn’t a complaint it was part of my pricing explanation. If we want to use your example of vintage price versus inflation I’ll point out that in 1962 a Champ was $62.50 (still the same tweed 5F1 design it had been since 1955 which didn’t transition until 1964) and the Princeton was $99.50 (it had just transitioned from tweed to brown face). In 1962 there was $37 between the price of a Champ and a Princeton. Today the hand wired 57 Champ is $999 and it essentially the same as a narrow panel tweed Champ from 1955-1964. The Chris Stapleton 62 Princeton is $1,999 and fairly close to an original brown face Princeton. That is a $1,000 difference in price. Adjusted for inflation the $37 price difference in 1962 would be around $320. I would say that supports my statement about it being closer to the price of a 57 Champ if not for it being a signature model.
Personally, I think it is great amp and I am a fan of Chris Stapleton so I would definitely consider it if I were in the market for this type of amp. However I have preferred Fender Tweed style amps for years. I own a 1960 Champ and a Victoria Ivy League (which is their version of a Fender Harvard) and it is priced close to Chris Stapleton Princeton. I also own a less expensive Mojotone Tweed Deluxe and Fender 59 Bassman Reissue. I like the Ivy League the best out of the four. However, I’m strongly considering shifting to a Blackface Vibrolux.
@Sam Newton I already have all of the guitars and amps I need. Most were made in the '50s and '60s.
Fender was the best. Cuts thorough any stage! Twang & midrange!!
4 winners: 3 amps and 1 guitar player
princeton sounds fuzzy at higher volumes.side note this guy is a phenominal guitar player
Suhr all day everyday is correct answer.
☠🤘💥👀
I agree pedals suck tone.
That Z literally eats those other amps for breakfast.
In this instance, the Suhr sounded more versatile in terms of tone.
The artist 20 watt valve sound better for only $600 and these surh are like $4000
That Suhr sounded like something straight off of the first ZZ Top album!
After 27 years , my original ‘62 Princeton remains my favorite amp ever
The best played, documented, musical and precise demos in the guitar community! Well done! Hats off! Those 3 amplifiers are a win. I would go for the Suhr myself. Incredible sound.
All 3 are top notch but that Z-28 really has something special to it, sounds so open and rich!
Agreed, I think that about Dr Z just generally. They always sound so open, rich and have lots of harmonic overtones and just a very 3D sound. Always very Zingy too which has now become vital for me in an amp now.
It’s the EF86 preamp that makes it special, like a Vox AC Top Boost. I have an amp like this a 20w Barr NY-made boutique amp with parallel, switchable EL34/6V6 power sections with separate volume controls. A very unique, gainy amp that rocks!
I could never live with the name "Dr. Z."
I've built copies of American amps. Easy.
Anything euro will have that EF86 .VOX, whatever. I bought200 NOS tubes. I gave up. This tube is over mylimit. Nothing sounds better than an EF86 tubed amp. Ill just buy that Dr. Z
The Z-28 is the clear winner in my opinion. I've owned all 3, still have the Z, as well as a MKII Z-28.
The right way to demo an amp. No pedals, No flash shredding. Just hearing the amps tone. I already have a Chris Stapleton Princeton but I enjoyed hearing it played well. Also have a 59 fender Bassman, another great tone amp.
Can't go wrong with a 4/10 59 Bassman It's my birth year amp
Man...Imma tell you what! Jack, your playin' absolutely brings the best out of these amps. So many tasteful chord progressions intertwined with articulate tone settings. Your insight into these amps is very informative. Cheers from Texas!!!
Ya, right? You definitely wanta get this kid playing your band ... :--)
Loved the Dr Z the most with the Princeton coming in at a close second
Great amps. Love the simplicity and sound of the Z.
The Hombre really shines. I was more impressed than I thought I'd be.
That's the best clip I've seen/heard showcasing the Z-28.
I would have liked to hear a Z28 with a 12" speaker at the 333 setting. Thanks for the comparison, stellar quality, and playing.
What is that microphone you guys use on your videos? It always sounds great.
How about the Mesa Boogie CA Tweed. Mine has tons of Brown tones and attenuation to boot. Goes from Champ to BandMaster in a second flat.
Z28..........my fav DrZ amp, and one of my fav all time amps...........simple on the outside, but a LOT going on under the hood.........and you’d never believe that was a 1x10! 😎😊👍
Dr Z amps names are DUMB. . . Z-28 (Camaro), Jetta, Carmen Ghia. . .all CRAPPY CARS
My first observation, and the characteristic which stayed with me, was the spongy sound - which is a form of "natural" compression (i.e. rectifier tube sagging). It doesn't suit every music style, but it's just right for grungy blues, classic rock or, like you say, the dirtier end of Americana. However, your cleaner demo revealed that the "sag" doesn't happen until you really dig in and whack the strings. This sag is quite different to any compressor pedal on the market, although it's reminiscent of vintage optical compressors.
Yeah I thought the Suhr for my tastes, sounded great 👍
Good choice of guitar to demo the raw tones of these 3 great amps, Suhr “wins” for me due to my own requirements, but no losers in this company! Great playing and excellent that there are no pedals involved which allows a true comparison of the amps/speakers!👍👏👏🎶
I can’t tell which is more brown on the '62r. The tolex or the power section.
That first progression you played on the Suhr using the middle position and a clean sound was awesome. Reminded me a bit of Norah Jones, actually...
Killer upload!
Wow! All 3 sound amazing. Excellent playing Jack-great touch and tone. I'd happily take any of those 3 and paired with that guitar they sound fantastic.
I really like the sag of the Stapleton Princeton when cranked.
As far as I'm concerned, this guy is the best player on youtibe. Are you in a band? Where can I hear your music? Thank you very much!
I second this!
He is
Like and wish I could try all three, but I own the Stapleton Princeton, so adding a few thoughts: (a) maybe weird to say this, but it sounds great with IR cab extensions, better than all the heads I own, and isolating the handwired amp while quieting the little speaker through an Ox or Torpedo has replaced a lot of my digital modeling in quarantine times; (b) wish the "speed" of the trem had a bigger range, everything above 2-3 is really fast but between 1-2 it's rich and on all the time; (c) it does seem expensive for this simple circuit but for a handwired fender it's comparable to the boutiques in the category and maybe has a brand to carry value later? (d) It can get very loud; and (e) I appreciate Stapleton but don't play his style of music, it's just a great amp
I couldn’t give you a flip for any of them frankly 😮
Nice one, hombré.
Is not de better speaker choice for the hombre , think a speaker up grade .
Most excellent, Jack! Z-28 was where it be eht, man.
I would have liked to have heard the normal channel on the suhr as well
An embarrassment of riches. So nice. Tx for this demo!
Dr Z. Wins. And it has the Dr Z name. And it chimes 😎
Agreed Amp comparisons are best dry, no pedals, straight into the amp. Thanks!
This video made me buy a Z-28 -/10” combo. Thanks man.. can’t wait till it comes in.
1. Z-28
2. Suhr
3. Princeton
Thanks for posting! If you have a second, I've been recording some original acoustic songs. As a fellow music lover, I'd love if you would take a listen. It's on my channel. Hope you enjoy.
I own 4 original Brown Face Fenders and I'd say Dr Z has the best tone.
The Dr Z was the winner here!
IMO They all sounded amazing, however the DR Z was the meanest, and with a ten inch speaker? Put that through a Z Best 2X12 and bye bye! You’re a great player my man. Love the clips!
I'm all about that Z-28!
Your demos are top notch and made greater by your fantastic tasteful playing. Keep up the great work!
What mic is that?
That Suhr sounds like all the late 60's Woodstock era stuff. Incredible
But the DR Z seems to be the most versatile and spanky. That overdrive 😮
10:20 vs 15:01
Z~28 my favorite Camaro but the Suhr was Awesome great demo 👍🔥🎸🦅
6g2 is fixed bias but sounds squish/compressed when pushed(cathodyne PI design with modest B+ filter),a different animal from the others..The Dr Z is aggressive and wringing,nice tight clear crunch.The Hombre seems to fill the middle ground.All nice amps.
Princeton wins for me
I preferred the Chris Stapleton sound - most authentic.
Suhr is killer!! But,,,, I love a hotrodded princeton. 22 watts and or 36 watts.
Ditto...........thanks for NOT using any pedals that's the best way to demo clean to overdriven........cheers!! I liked the Suhr in this line up.
I was lucky enough to have both amps(Fender and Suhr) as a weekend loan from my local brick and mortar music store. I was looking for a nice amp for my Jazzmaster. I liked em both bought finally bought the Fender which is unsurpassable when in conjunction with a Jazzmaster(i have a niiiice 62)….the tremolo was what sold the amp to me….
The hombre is more closely related to the Deluxe as opposed to the Princeton so it should have a bit more headroom..
There's no Z-28's on your site so I'm guessing this video has served it's purpose well!! It sounds fantastic and as usual your demonstration of the capabilities of the kit is second to none. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos so informative and not the usual widdly widdle pants.
I take it back, searching on the site brings up the Z 28 but for some reason using the filters doesn't include that model in the DR Z range? Never mind! As you were
Thanks for pointing that out, will have a look into it. Glad that you found it in the end!
If in doubt we try to include links for the products used in the description so keep an eye out there too!
DOWN BROWNIE is the best one of them all.
Suhr Hombre wins.
Excellent picking here, no bluesy noodles to be heard. Thank you.
Dream guitar and dream amps right here
I just bought this amp second hand for $1200. It arrives on Tuesday. I am so excited.
That Princeton sounded LUSH
Sounded like the Dr.Z had more to give
Bloody Brilliant Vid! Love your playing. Thanks!
I like them all but that Z-28 seems the most versatile , it has something different going on
All three are excellent, but I give the nod to the Z for that EF86 preamp. There's just a little something special about that sound. Same for a Vox AC15.
who is this kid? killer chops, my man.
Also, thank you for tuning your guitar with having it in tune all throughout the demo. Lol. Princeton to me sounded the best. I guess they got there first and everybody tried their version which was just a modif ied version of the original
I think the Princeton by a mile. 🤷🏻♂️