Ruminations

SMALL AMP/BIG AMP

Over the course of my career, I've played amps that had headroom to spare; whether it was a Mark 1 Boogie, Fender 59 Bassman, Fender Super or a Fender Michael Landau Deville. What's changed for me over time, is the need for a high-wattage amp. Clubs are smaller, PA systems are much more efficient, and most venues are either listening rooms that don't require a lot of volume, or insist on a lower volume.
Over the past year, I've been playing a 15 watt Fender Blues Jr.; and I'm astounded at how well it sits in a mix. The fact that I can get this amp to break up at a reasonable volume leads to another point; once your ear gets used to a low watt amp, a world of dynamics presents itself.
I still use a bigger amp for rooms that require it, but I really like the dynamic freedom that a lower watt amp provides.

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