Thinking of simplifying my amp collection between these two options.

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

Right now I have 4 amps.

Hiwatt DR103 Custom 100
Reeves DR504 Custom 100
Matamp GT150
Ampeg VT22

As much as I love the the Matamp and Ampeg I am really missing the stereo harmonic tremolo and surf ready reverb of my old Magnatone Panoramic Stereo head. While the Magnatone was an amazing sounding amp even played without Trem or Reverb, my two Custom 100's are my two favorite amps I have ever played. Even when I had the Magnatone and a Dr Z Rt66 as well as a Z-Verb reverb unit if I was not particularly wanting the reverb or trem I would most often plug into the Hiwatt and Reeves. In fact those two Custom 100's with my Tape Echo and Z-Verb in stereo put out the most amazing tones I ever got from any set up I have played through.

My first thought and option is to sell the Matamp GT150 and Ampeg, and buy another Magnatone Panoramic head. While I do slightly prefer the sounds of my two Custom 100's the Magnatone does indeed have a certain sweet cranked low power vintage amp tone not many amps can match. The first day I got it I immediately played Bang, Bang then Shakin' All Over with my Eastman ES330 copy and immediately fell in love with that amp.

The second thought is to sell the Matamp, keep the VT22 as a backup to my Custom 100's incase one goes down, and purchase a Flux Effects Liquid Trem, and an old Tube Works Stereo Spring Reverb along with a second Mesa Powerhouse attenuator to go with the one I have now for reigning in the loud as hell Custom 100's. In which case I can have both my favorite amp tones along with an amazing stereo harmonic trem as well as many other awesome sounding trem options and a deliciously deep surfy spring reverb at all times with it all controlled via my Rocktron Midi Mate and Loop 8 pedal switcher for ultimate switching simplicity while playing.

Any thoughts? Which would you choose?

 

[renderit]

Victoria Reverbrato.

The reverb is fantastic and the vibrato is true vibrato, rich deep and VERY usable, much like and as good as the Magnatone.

And, of course, you can use it with all your amps!

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

Victoria Reverbrato.

The reverb is fantastic and the vibrato is true vibrato, rich deep and VERY usable, much like and as good as the Magnatone.

And, of course, you can use it with all your amps!

Victoria makes some of the most amazing gear, and their Tweed work is meticulously beautiful. Unfortunately I am looking for stereo units. Unnecessary yes, addictive positively. Have you ever played through stereo harmonic trem with spring reverb going through two amps/cabs set a good 6' to 10' apart? It's one of the most gorgeous tones I ever heard, and completely killed my Leslie gas.

 

[Xpensive Wino]

Victoria makes some of the most amazing gear, and their Tweed work is meticulously beautiful. Unfortunately I am looking for stereo units. Unnecessary yes, addictive positively. Have you ever played through stereo harmonic trem with spring reverb going through two amps/cabs set a good 6' to 10' apart? It's one of the most gorgeous tones I ever heard, and completely killed my Leslie gas.

Swart.

Swart Stereo Master 20

Or...

Buddy Miller’s current live and studio amp rig of choice is a pair of Swart AST Pros that he runs in stereo .... He loves the amps’ tremolo. “I have not turned my tremolo off since ’81, ’82,” says Miller. “I mean, why would I?”

swart amplifier co - AST PRO

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

Swart.

Swart Stereo Master 20

Or...

Buddy Miller’s current live and studio amp rig of choice is a pair of Swart AST Pros that he runs in stereo .... He loves the amps’ tremolo. “I have not turned my tremolo off since ’81, ’82,” says Miller. “I mean, why would I?”

swart amplifier co - AST PRO

If I went along that route, then I'd end up getting another Magnatone Panoramic head and pair it with two Coffee Can SR015 loaded 1x15 cabs. If you haven't played one I highly recommend it. The optical trem is as good as any I have ever heard from any amp, and the perfectly tuned phasing of the stereo harmonic trem is unparalleled.