[Harp-L] Fender RI Bassman vs. SJR 410

[Vince Meghrouni <Foomcorp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I toured with in the late 90's with a re-tubed 90's Fender Bassman RI  
(the guitarist had an endorsement so I got it for a very nice low  
price).  I really enjoyed the sound I got with the Fender Bassman  
RI.  After a few tours doing that and plenty of gigs around town I  
bought a Sonny Jr. 410.  There is no comparison.  The Sonny Jr. 410  
wins hands down, night and day.  The Sonny Jr. has monster tone and  
much more useable power.  The bottom end is like a freight train, the  
response is amazing, the tone is three-dimensional and rich.  Then  
there's the build.  I cannot imagine it being any more solid.  It is  
built to last seemingly forever.  The electronic build looks like  
art.  The speakers are fantastic.  The lacquer job is absolutely  
beautiful.  It is a golden honey color that is once again, art - and  
it's protective.  The thing looks majestic.  Ok, sorry to go over the  
top there, but that's the way I feel about it.  I am damn proud just  
to look at it.  And whenever I hit that first note before the  
downbeat, I am proud as hell to play through it.

When I bought the Sonny Jr. with my credit card, I fretted over  
spending so much money.  Once I got it out of the box my jitters  
ended.  I have not had one moment of regret over my purchase.  I get  
lots of positive comments about my sound - much more now than with  
the Fender RI.  I play in two different groups where the volume level  
I have to compete with is extremely high.  The Sonny Jr. wins hands  
down there as well.

I have had occasion to speak to Sonny about the amp, tube combos,  
etc., and he is there for those he sells his amps to.  He's a phone  
call or e-mail away.  I even sent a track and got some constructive  
criticism which I put to use which has definitely served me well.

I am not the world's greatest harp player, that's for sure.  But I  
have worked all over the place playing the harp, and having the SJR  
has removed the worry from the amp aspect of my setup.  It is  
inspirational, and will keep pace with my improvements, i.e., it will  
never be outgrown.  The only bummer about the whole thing is that now  
Sonny's got the Cruncher going, and until I can afford one, I will  
want it.  As soon as I can afford it, I intend to get it.

Vince Meghrouni