Matchless Chieftain: best kept amplification secret?

[lukeII]

I have been on the hunt for a couple of months for an amp that is really different from my TR Classic Reverb. In the past two or three years I've had a Fargen Blackbiird 30, a Suhr Badger 18 and a CAA OD50 classic +. I can get the TR in the same ballpark as blackbird which is why I sold that to a friend (I regret that one cos even though the TR gets close to the Fargen, the Fargen still does what it does better) and I struggled with the headroom on the Badger 18 -which I also regret selling as it is a great home and studio amp with a nice mix of Vox and Marshall). I don't regret letting go of the Classic + as the clean sounds were in the same league as the TR except the TR is far better and despite a month or two working the od channel it was either too dark sounding or too harsh for my tastes it was also (despite a great master volume) a bit too loud for my wants or needs. The CAA is a good amp it just wasn't the right amp for me.

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a Matchless Chieftain head with reverb that I have been running through my Reinhardt 1x12 with his proprietary 1265 speaker. It seems the Chieftain is well suited to the Reinhardt as the Chieftain is quite a bright amp and the Reinhardt slightly tames the high end while retaining the complexity. That being said I haven't played the Chieftain through Matchless cabs so wouldn't be able to say if that were better are worse. I played the CAA through a Matchless ESD212 (when I bought the CAA) and compared to the Reinhardt, the Matchless cab was definitely brighter. It took me some time to figure out a couple of different settings on the Chieftain (not a plug and play amp) but now that I have I am damned if this isn't one off the most original and best amps I have ever played. It sounds like nothing else I have ever heard from any other amp manufacturer (see each setting below for explanation).

- The first setting I have is basically to run treble and bass at 1 o'clock, brilliance at 12 o'clock, mids at around 11 o'clock (lower than that the amp is not as good with pedals I find), gain any where between 9 and 12 o'clock and Master Volume and Reverb as desired (beyond 1 o'clock on the Master you get some power amp distortion). This setting gave me a really nice clean sound that run well with pedals. It sounded especially great with single coil guitars (strats and teles) yielding unbelievable chime swirl and body to the tone or some klang when you really hit chords. The closest thing to describe it is a mix of Tweed, Vox with a little Hiwatt mixed in. With humbuckers you still have a decent amount of clean headroom and get a nice clean tone for rock or alternative but obvously you loose some chime and swirl because of the higher output of the Humbuckers. In any case the amp has a very fast response. you can play a number of clean styles so long as you accept the fast response. I used a Timmy, a Zendrive and a Little Green Wonder in this setting and they all worked great. The bumped mids in the Zendrive was great for adding some body to the bridge position of single coils for a low to mid drive and the LGW worked great with humbuckers to get a Marshall type drive.

- For the second setting I found I moved the gain up to about 1 or 2 o'clock, the bass down 11.30, mids and treble at 3 o'clock and brillance to around 10.30. Again Master and reverb set to taste. With this setting you are in low breakup territory which I think is the best overdriven sound the Chieftain has to offer. You can push the preamp more but from my perspective I don't think it as musical as it doesn't give a really rich sound and get a bit buzzy. This second setting gives a nice low drive with single coils but it sounds best with a Les Paul. This is Black Crowes territory and sounds great for the Who and Stones songs as well (depending on where you are on the vol knob of the guitar). kind of like a Tweed overdrive mixed in with a Hiwatt and that nice Matchless klang, it is not as full sounding as an old plexi or JTM45 but just a really great tone. Response of the amp is immediate and percussive. What a great tone. For a little more push I use the Timmy and roll of the Treble and Bass to yield a fuller tone great for Classic Rock tones and a little AC/DC. The Zenrdrive is also very good and the mid push adds a little more muscle to the tone. The LGW doesn't add much in this setting.

This amp really has a great tone of its own, its not a Marshall, Fender or Vox tone and won't copy those tones. Then again I don't think any other amp I know of that can get the tones the Chieftain gives up either which makes it unique. If you like good old fashioned rock n'roll or alternative rock this is an amp to seriously contemplate if you want very responsive and complex tones. If you want a very full sounding overdrive like an old plexi or a big sounding mid to higain distortion like those offered by modern amps you will be (bitterly) disappointed. This amp doesn't get as much attention as the DC30 or the Clubman but I think it is every bit just as much of a classic as those are. I chose the Chieftain over the Clubman because I thought the EF86 makes the Clubman more aggressive sounding than the Chieftain and the Chieftain has just about enough in that department for my taste. As for the DC30 I've never really clicked with that tone and tend to prefer the less aggressive and klangy character of the more traditional AC30 or its clones.

I would be Interested to know the thoughts, suggested settings or tube and speaker combos used by other Chieftain owners.

[NyteOwl]

If I could only have one amp, it would be a Sampson-era Chieftain.

[indravayu]

I love the sound of a Chieftain 2x12 combo.

[BlackIrish]

If I could only have one amp, it would be a Sampson-era Chieftain.

Hi sorry for the noob question but what makes that era more desirable? Different transformers or something? Please inform me?
Thanks,
Tim

[Stormin]

If I could only have one amp, it would be a Sampson-era Chieftain.

I love my '98 Chieftain 1x12! I switched out the Matchless G12H for an English V30 which works a little better with the Gibson. I tend to run my gain around 10:00, with the Bass at 1:30, Mid at noon, Treble at 10:00, and Presence at 9:00. The Master Volume is set appropriately. Pedal wise, I use an OCD or a Fulldrive II to go from BB King to Setzer to Thorogood.


http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j7/Stormin70/DreamRig1.jpg

[harryjmic]

Hi sorry for the noob question but what makes that era more desirable? Different transformers or something? Please inform me?
Thanks,
Tim

Hype, nothing more.

[GreenKnight18]

Hype, nothing more.

I was going to say the same thing, or add: guys trying to unload their Sampson era amps.

[traviswalk]

Nice Luke, I dig your tastes so I'm going to have to check those out in earnest!

[lukeII]

I think Sampson are viewed as more desireable because he was viewed as the Moses of Matchless amps. Mine is likely a 2008 jamison era and it sounds really great and quality wise is buily beautifully so from my perspective (and I'm not the only one) the added collector value of a Sampson era is not worth the premium (for some collectors it might be). Phil Jamison has spoken about how he feels that this era Matchless is at least as good or better in terms of build quality and his dealers and a lot of end users have backed up this claim.

[bismark]

Mine is a trusty '96 Chieftain 1x12 combo. It's my one and only amp for years now. I use the Ethos Overdrive.

[therhodeo]

I believe Sonny Landreth Uses a Chieftain with his dumble. Not too bad of an endorsement.

[sickboy79]

I've got 2 Chief heads from the Sampson era. They don't make them anymore but, it's the Chieftain's bigger brother. 4xEL34s and a SS rectifier - same preamp circuit. Definetly one of my favorite Matchless amps.

[guitarsnguns04]

I love the chieftain I have. They are amazing amps and I have owned a few of them. If you havent tried one do so. It may not be the amp for everyone but those looking for those types of tones will look no further. Quality and tone to spare for sure.

[NyteOwl]

Hi sorry for the noob question but what makes that era more desirable? Different transformers or something? Please inform me?
Thanks,
Tim

Hype, nothing more.

I was going to say the same thing, or add: guys trying to unload their Sampson era amps.I don't know about these guys, but I'm speaking from my own personal experience.

A few years back I had four Sampson-era Chieftains and was offered a newer Matchless in trade for one. When it arrived at the house I plugged it in and thought it sounded like crap so I turned down the deal. A few months later I did a deal for a Gain Star 1x12 combo and didn't even keep it a week. Call it hype or whatever you will, but my Sampson-era amps sounded much better to me.

[snoggin]

I have both a Chieftan and a Clubman.. I am using the Clubman more right now as I am into more of a heavy rock thing but if I do some more country roots thing it would be the Chieftan. And I am gonna do that so its going nowhere. Plus it matches the 4x10 I am using now.

exquisite

[harryjmic]

I don't know about these guys, but I'm speaking from my own personal experience.

A few years back I had four Sampson-era Chieftains and was offered a newer Matchless in trade for one. When it arrived at the house I plugged it in and thought it sounded like crap so I turned down the deal. A few months later I did a deal for a Gain Star 1x12 combo and didn't even keep it a week. Call it hype or whatever you will, but my Sampson-era amps sounded much better to me.

It could have been all kinds of things, tubes, bias point, speakers you had at the time.

[Jerrod]

It could have been all kinds of things, tubes, bias point, speakers you had at the time.

+1 not to mention that as a "hand-wired" amp, there's some inherent possibility for variability from amp to amp.

[lukeII]

Traviswalk the Chieftain is absolutely worth a try. If you can try some place that will give you a decent amount of time to figure out the tone. The Chieftain doesn't bare its charms easily but once you figure it out it is really an original voice. Not for everyone like I said but if its your thing its your thing. It is as far removed from the Two Rock's as you can get.

[stonedtone]

secret?

[lukeII]

Secret as there isn't much talk about the Chieftain for the great amp it is.

[BlackIrish]

thanks for the info

[NyteOwl]

It could have been all kinds of things, tubes, bias point, speakers you had at the time.Yeah, it could have been any or all of those things you mentioned or it could have been none of them at all.

All four of the Sampson-era amps I owned sounded better than the two newer amps, and all I did was unpack all six and plug them in.

Absolutely no offense intended here, as I fully understand we all have individual tastes and opinions, but I'm curious. Are your remarks based on your own personal experiences with Matchless amps?

[Madison]

I just don't understand how there could be any worthy difference if Phil, who's been with Matchless since '92, is building them exactly like the 'Sampson era' product. I haven't been able to compare so I honestly don't know, but it seems as if any noticeable difference would be so minor as to be inconsequential, 'cork sniffers' excluded.

[lukeII]

+1 with Madison and harryjmic. Also if an amp has been used regularly for ten or more years isn't going to sound better than the exact same new amp because of the years of use its has (I think Jamison mentionned that in an interview) as compared to an amp that has just been burned in??

If any one in France has a Sampson era Chieftain I would love to compare my new Chieftain against theirs just for kicks.

[harryjmic]

Yeah, it could have been any or all of those things you mentioned or it could have been none of them at all.

All four of the Sampson-era amps I owned sounded better than the two newer amps, and all I did was unpack all six and plug them in.

Absolutely no offense intended here, as I fully understand we all have individual tastes and opinions, but I'm curious. Are your remarks based on your own personal experiences with Matchless amps?

Like I said, it's tubes, speakers (age is a huge component of how a speaker sounds, because it's been used longer), and all the other stuff. I have heard older Matchless amps and have heard newer ones, they all sounded like Matchless amps to me.

What do you know accounts for the difference? Right now you are saying older is better without backing up your arguement with any factual data. Phil at Matchless say's he builds them the same as ever so the only arguement I could see as being possibly valid is that the older ones are more broken in, other then that the arguement doesn't really have any legs to stand on.

I would agree with you if you said I prefer the Clubman when they used the 6sn7 tube vs. the EF86 or 12ax7 (whatever the difference was, I can't remember) but your not pointing to any specific changes.

[Dave Orban]

If I could only have one amp, it would be a Sampson-era Chieftain.I've been gigging mine (a 1x12 combo) for several years now. Been VERY happpy with it!

[Docker]

I think your descriptions nail the "Chieftain Tone" quite well lukeII -- I've owned a Sampson 2x12 for 5 years now, and after much experimentation with settings, I came to the same conclusions as you.

I will say that I'm in the midst of experimenting with different tubes -- I haven't settled on anything yet, so I won't give any recommendations to that end, but by all accounts (including mine), the Chieftain is VERY sensitive to what sort of tube array you're running (not only brand to brand, but batch to batch). . .might be a key in figuring out not only what your particular Chieftain is capable of, but it also some fundamental differences in tone/feel, Sampson vs Jamison. . .

[lukeII]

Thanks docker for your comments. I was wondering if I had it completely wrong since no one stated their agreement or disagreement with what I wrote. As for tubes it is a little tricky to get at the tubes in the head cabinet without pulling out the chassis. I managed to slip a GT 12AX7C i.e. chinese into v1 last weekend and it definetely improved the tone by giving it more girth and taming the highs a bit but not overly so. I definetly want to continue the tube experiments but since Matchless go through tubes quickly I think I will stay clear of NOS tubes for it as that could be very satisfying but a very expensive hobby.

[Last Nerve]

If I could only have one amp, it would be a Sampson-era Chieftain.

+1 Million.
The only amp I REALLY wish I owned.

[NyteOwl]

Like I said, it's tubes, speakers (age is a huge component of how a speaker sounds, because it's been used longer), and all the other stuff. I have heard older Matchless amps and have heard newer ones, they all sounded like Matchless amps to me.

What do you know accounts for the difference? Right now you are saying older is better without backing up your arguement with any factual data. Phil at Matchless say's he builds them the same as ever so the only arguement I could see as being possibly valid is that the older ones are more broken in, other then that the arguement doesn't really have any legs to stand on.

I would agree with you if you said I prefer the Clubman when they used the 6sn7 tube vs. the EF86 or 12ax7 (whatever the difference was, I can't remember) but your not pointing to any specific changes.

First of all, I never discounted the possibility that tubes, speakers, or "...all the other stuff..." could be responsible for the difference(s) I heard.

Second, I don't believe I ever said older was better. If you review my posts in this thread, what I did say was I owned four Sampson-era Chieftains which I compared to a newer Matchless and a GainStar. I played them side-by-side and thought the older amps sounded better. I realize there is no logical explanation I can put forth to support my position, especially when faced with the fact that today’s Matchless amps are built to the same specs as the original amps, so I am not trying to convince you or anyone else that Sampson-era Matchless amps are better. My ears preferred the older amps, and if I were in the market for a Matchless today, my preference would be to buy an older one. Just because I'm expressing my opinion doesn't mean I expect anyone to agree with it.

[Jahn]

Just last night I picked up a 1996 Matchless Chieftain 112 in Dark Burgundy, which makes it Sampson-era methinks? It has the date in white on the side of the power transformer and since it was made in January, it's safe to say the rest of the amp was assembled later that same year. Anyhow, our very own Occtone hooked me up here at the local GC and I really feel like I picked the perfect amp for my needs. Having gone the EL84 and 6V6 routes, I was looking for some big bottle and big iron for a baritone build I'm putting together next week. Having a Fender and Vox lineage, I was leaning towards a blonde piggyback or even a dedicated Ampeg fliptop, but the 40W of the Chieftain plus the Marshall-like EL34 power tubes in this overbuilt 1X12 cab with the custom Celestion made for Matchless - man, it's like a Fender Bassman injected with a mean mean Vox AC sound, but with plenty of clean to do some modulated or reverby baritonish stuff before breakup (nice subtle reverb, but for surf I'll use my Fender Reverb Unit here). So I guess you can tell I like it. Below is a pic of the model, just imagine it in Burgundy, but when I get home I'll take a real pic.

http://www.jacksonsrareguitars.com/image.php?id=1939&type=D

[clothwiring]

2x12 Combo from 1996 here. Normal setup is bass and mids full on, high and brilliance is around 12, reverb around 12, gain around 4-5 and the volume usually low as it gets loud quick. :)

http://www.apollo19.com/goldtele/gigliotti_matchless_nye.jpg

[Jahn]

Wow, your tele matches the Matchless! Great combo!

[clothwiring]

Yeah, that Gigliotti is gone, traded it a bit over a year ago.

[amc]

I've gigged with a Sampson-era Chieftain (2x10 combo) for many years.
I love my Chieftain, it sounds great 99% of the time.

The negative 1% relates to a somewhat flubby bottom end at max. volume

just my 2 cents............

[guitarsnguns04]

amc...stock speakers...any pedals pushing it? Do you have any more details about your findings?

[Jahn]

Got home, fired it up again (still fun!) and here's a pic! I figure if you're going to get a Chieftain, get one in Washington Redskins livery, right?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v449/jahn0603/Matchless/matchs.jpg

[Jahn]

I was fooling for a hour with this guy today and I definitely have to learn to wean myself off those lush Fender Brownface mids - I find myself EQing those mids in with the Chieftain. The Chieftain brings some serious spank with a very responsive Brilliance control. I have the reverb down to a "set and forget" level, and if I want a Reverb as an Effect I'll wire up the Fender Reverb Unit. I have high hopes for this guy to be able to handle a baritone axe I'm making, since it can get big and clean in the bass but still have plenty of character up top. My settings are Bass, Treble and Brilliance around 11 O'Clock, Mids around 1 O'Clock, reverb around 10 O'Clock, Vol and Master as appropriate.

[case4bass]

best amp around.....

[toadcaller]

Yeah, I know this is an old thread, but I was just browsing and came across it.

My Sampson-era Chieftain 4x10 is pretty unique and sings killer fat blues clean or dirty. I like it better than the 2x12, but I'm keeping them both!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm133/robious/matchless_chieftain_410.jpg

[Jim S]

I was at Ultrasound Studio last month a played a ton of boutique stuff. Gene was awesome. We ran into:

various Bruno, Komet, Matchless, Alessandro, Dr. Z

Two my three favorites, and probably the two that I liked the most were the Matchless Chieftain and Matchless Independence. The Chieftain had gorgeous chime and cleaned up nicely; the Independence almost had the Chieftain's ethereal beauty but it's high gain settings were soooooooo nice and fun.

[ahardmark]

Yeah, I know this is an old thread, but I was just browsing and came across it.

My Sampson-era Chieftain 4x10 is pretty unique and sings killer fat blues clean or dirty. I like it better than the 2x12, but I'm keeping them both!

http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/mm133/robious/matchless_chieftain_410.jpg


Oh baby, that is sweet! Not sure I want to know how much it weighs though. Road case with wheels FTW.

[Hangfire]

That's gotta weigh a ton...

[toadcaller]

That's gotta weigh a ton...

Oh baby, that is sweet! Not sure I want to know how much it weighs though. Road case with wheels FTW.

Well over 100 pounds. I keep it in the flight case where we practice, and have a 212 to practice at home. They each have their own sound, but I am not sure there are many more 4x10s out there. PM me if you got one! :D

[Jahn]

Oh man, that 4X10 looks like mine just ate BB King. That must move some serious air! BTW I put some Mullards in V1 and V2, the two preamp gain stage tubes, got a sweet GE 5AR4 to rectify, and didn't need to touch the GT E34LS power tubes, they are great. Man it's like another level of complexity just bloomed out in the cleans, and the overdrive is more musical. My PRS KL33 Korina Santana right now is bringing out some great stuff from this amp, as the Wolfetone Caretakers are like slightly hot PAFs and clean up any possible flub in the bass. I like cranking the Matchless and flipping to the bridge only, or staying clean and going neck only (with this guitar/pickup combo, it's possible, nice and clean with great depth), only going to the middle for sharp funk and garagey freakouts.

And as said above, it really takes dirt pedals well. Reverb still doesn't hold a candle to my '65 Fender Reverb Unit, but it does add a nice subtle background thing if needed. This amp is as solid as a rock, no rattles or buzzes, and is built like a tank (and weighs like one too). I can't stop playing this one, I think it'll have Favored Status for quite a while longer.

[clothwiring]

My 2x12 weighs in around 85. With roadcase I believe around 120. But with rollers, I've not had to lift it that much so I don't really notice the weight. :)

[macmax77]

Traviswalk the Chieftain is absolutely worth a try. If you can try some place that will give you a decent amount of time to figure out the tone. The Chieftain doesn't bare its charms easily but once you figure it out it is really an original voice. Not for everyone like I said but if its your thing its your thing. It is as far removed from the Two Rock's as you can get.

i have a big problem, i played a two-Rock and matchless the same day and loved both but here's the thing:

Even though they have their own thing going, both of them, i don't know how in hell i manage to sound the same thru any amp :facepalm

Of course there were nuances and variations , but in the end, just the same stupid me.....

i feel like crying...

[Jahn]

i have a big problem, i played a two-Rock and matchless the same day and loved both but here's the thing:

Even though they have their own thing going, both of them, i don't know how in hell i manage to sound the same thru any amp :facepalm

Of course there were nuances and variations , but in the end, just the same stupid me.....

i feel like crying...


That reminds me of my Three Stage Plan:

First Stage - Sound bad through any rig.
Second Stage - Sound bad through a bad rig, sound good through a good rig.
Third Stage - Sound good through any rig.

I'm so happy to say that I can finally attain the Second Stage on occasion, but the Third Stage still remains elusive.:AOK

[BTBAM]

I'd love to head some more clubman vs chieftain thoughts

[macmax77]

i don't know why i sold mine, what a great amp!!!!!

[Blanket Jackson]

Buy a Chieftain.
Stop the madness.
You heard it here.

[TNJ]

I owned that '96 Chieftain 112 combo that Dave Orban now has.
That beauty brought life to the hype. Chimey cleans, and growly overdrive...ethereal reverb...world class efx loop.
Wish I still owned it. Why did I get rid of it? I was dumb, and thought I needed a bigger/multichannel amp.
I was wrong...all I needed was a boost pedal (Klon) and a microphone into the PA.
Live and learn...hopefully! :D

S.
j

[DrJamie]

My go-to amp since 1996. I can hear the special tone if this amp even on recordings. I generally dime the mid control for more drive. To me a simple amp that needed no time to dial in. The only odd thing about my head is the reverb sounds funny (bad) when the pot is turned over 3/4 up. Since I don't use that much, I haven't checked into it in all these years. My tech thinks it's a design glitch. It's probably fixable though.

[TNJ]

Well,
I have one on the way in a couple of days. :dude

A Chieftain head, that is. I already have Matchless 112 and 212 cabs.

So, I'm set!

More later,
S.
j

[harryjmic]

I'd love to head some more clubman vs chieftain thoughts


I have both. I think the Chieftain is the sweetie pie of the bunch. The Clubman has some C-Series feel because of the ef86, but it's not a straight ahead full out midrange amp like the C-Series is. This amp has really solid bass which is felt and the highs can be extended and steely.

I think they can be dialed up to sound similar, but the Chieftain with the midrange control is nice for fine tuning. The Clubman with the ef86 gives you a kick you will not get with the Chieftain.

The Chieftain is probably still my favorite and just yesterday a ran the 1x12 Chieftain (V30 speaker) with another 1x12 with a Celestion Gold. It sounded so awesome after nearly crappy my pants I started crying. :D

Next up for me is probably a 2x12 cab and I will put a V30 and Celestion Gold in it.

[bismark]

Next up for me is probably a 2x12 cab and I will put a V30 and Celestion Gold in it.
Interesting. I wonder how would this compare with the Chieftain 2x12 default G12H30s speakers.

[buddyboy]

I used to gig with a fairly early Clubman (maybe 1994). Great amp through a 4x12! I stupidly sold it for something else in about 2000. Sort of like a Hiwatt in it's explosiveness, but would grind. Always promised myself that someday I would get another Matchless.

This summer I found a used 1x12 Chieftain. Used it on three gigs and sold it. It did nothing for me whatsoever. So my vote goes for the Clubman.

[harryjmic]

Interesting. I wonder how would this compare with the Chieftain 2x12 default G12H30s speakers.

I have a 96' 1x12 and Phil told me the amp was designed around V30's. The Gold is similar to the Anniversary except it's alnico. He has defaulted to Anniversaires because he no longer likes how V30's sound.

[TNJ]

Well,
Chieftain Head in the house!

http://www.jackzucker.com/forsale/chieftainfront.jpg

http://www.jackzucker.com/forsale/chieftainback.jpg

This one's a '98, and when I hooked it up to the Matchless 112
cab I had...instant sonic beauty right out of the box!
Cleans that are stunning/swirling...and the reverb adds a nice touch
of wetness to the delay I have in line.
My trusty FD2 MOSFET works beautifully with it as well...both my PRS Custom 22 and my ES335 sound marvelous through it.

And it's green/black...the two cabs I have are: 112 (Green), 212 (Black).

DONE...cant wait for the first gig later next month.

:cool:

S.
j

[harryjmic]

Excellent to read TNJ. I brought the Clubman to a salsa band practice yesterday and had a hard time using it. The volume of that amp makes the Chieftain seem a little wimpy.

I think the Chieftain is a little more user friendly for most gigs. The ef86 amps Matchless makes are so loud and explosive it can be tough to get it dialed in. In louder situations however there are no issues. :D

[TNJ]

I've not had any experience with the Clubman...but I know some folks who swear by it.
Our own Scott Peterson had one for years, and loved it.
It has that 'crushed glass' type of clean that I really love too.

This Chieftain seems to be able to get pretty loud.
I have yet to try it through the 212 cab, but that should help things out a bit too.

The basic tonality of this amp is just luscious...in a word.

S.
j

[michael.e]

To each his own...

I had both the Chieftain and Clubman. I far prefer the Clubman for being part of a Human/Guitar/Amp trio.

YMMV.

[riffmeister]

To each his own...

I had both the Chieftain and Clubman. I far prefer the Clubman for being part of a Human/Guitar/Amp trio.

YMMV.

Howso M.E.? S'more verbiage describing the differences would be appreciated...

[TNJ]

Yes Michael,
And did you have a Chieftain head or combo?
If head, what cabs/spkrs?

I just ran my Chieftain through my 212 open back Matchless cab (4ohm)
with G12H30 and Greenback (matchless treated)...absolutely stunning cleans with my 335 and my Custom 22. The FD2 gave me some serious gain with a marshallesque quality, yet still having definition within chords and single notes.

I forgot how much I missed the 112 Chieftain combo I had so long ago...that now belongs to Dave Orban.

S.
j

[michael.e]

They were both heads and were used in to the same 4-12's. '72 Marshall with a quad of Greenies.

In short, I REALLY like ef-86 front ends. I found that there was more character to chording and the shimmer had a different, more likeable aspect. At high volume, there was also more pushback/bounce from the power secton from the Clubman. Don't know if the power sections are same/similar, but the both Clubmans I had shared this increased overall sensitivity to my playing in a way the Chieftain did not. My second Clubman also took a treble booster much better. If I could justify having a 4th amp to myself, I would be looking for a Clubman.

The Chieftain is also a fine example of Matchless. I was addressing the question posed by the OP.

[TNJ]

The EF86 channel drives EL84's in the Clubman, yes?

Also a bump for pix on page 4 of my '98 Chieftain head! :cool:

S.
j

[CharAznable]

Best amp I ever played was a Chieftain.

[michael.e]

The EF86 channel drives EL84's in the Clubman, yes?

Also a bump for pix on page 4 of my '98 Chieftain head! :cool:

S.
j

That is correct.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/M_E113123/P1010003.jpg

I liked "Chiefy" best with this cab...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/M_E113123/DSC04763.jpg

[harryjmic]

The EF86 channel drives EL84's in the Clubman, yes?

Also a bump for pix on page 4 of my '98 Chieftain head! :cool:

S.
j

The Clubman goes like this - 12ax7 input V1, ef86 tone section V2, phase inverter V3. I have a reverb model so I have two other 12ax7s for it. The reverb sounds just like the Chieftain.

Chieftain - V1 input 12ax7, V2 tone section 12ax7, V3 and V4 reverb send and return 12ax7s, V5 phase inverter 12ax7.

Both amps use el34's. The Clubman reminds me of the ef86 side of the SC30 but using el34's instead.

[Blanket Jackson]

JFTR, I exchanged emails with Phil Jamison when I was looking for my Chieftain. He said that many speakers would work OK for it, that the V30s are the best and categorically to avoid greenbacks. That may explain why the Marshall cab was more better suited to the Clubman.

Like many here, I also state that if I could only have one amp, it would be a Chieftain.

[TNJ]

Michael
That CAA 412/Matchless rig looks righteous!!

I have the Bogner OS 212 and straight 412 cabs. Wonder how the Chieftain would sound thru them??

Hmmm...

S.
j

[michael.e]

Oh, sorry, that is a 4-10.
I did gig with my Clubman and a Bogner 4-12 with a Pair of Scumback Greenies and a pair of Golds. Sounded beautiful! Those were my gig settings and then slammed with my BSM treble boost.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y175/M_E113123/GEAR/DSC02757.jpg

[TNJ]

Yet another righteous rig!
I'm definitely going to hook up my Chiefy to those 4 V30's in my straightfront 412 cab.
More tomorrow nite!!!

S.
j

[katuna]

Excellent to read TNJ. I brought the Clubman to a salsa band practice yesterday and had a hard time using it. The volume of that amp makes the Chieftain seem a little wimpy.

I think the Chieftain is a little more user friendly for most gigs. The ef86 amps Matchless makes are so loud and explosive it can be tough to get it dialed in. In louder situations however there are no issues. :D

So, am I reading this correct? A clubman is louder? I want to try one or the other, but I need lots o' volume!

[STEELLEFT1]

I am a 58 old player and just bought a 2-12 Chieftain.
I have played lots of amps in my years of playing, and still have a herd of Fenders. This Chieftain has exceeded my expectations. The only amp that comes close it my 66 vibrolux reverb. It is a 96 2-12 model. My favorite guitar with this amp is my G&L ASAT lefty. With this guitar I am able to dial up great tones from clean jazz, Jerry Garcia Dead tones, Clarence White tones and some really good blues tones (enough to make me happy). I have not yet tried it with effects or my gibsons but I am very happy. I play pedal steel and want to try that out as well. A true classic worth the investment.:aok
Lefty

[Aidanspaghetti]

Yup!
Ive a 97 2X12 Chieftain in green and i'll never , ever sell it. Brilliant amp and delightfully simple to get great sounds out of (If you're using pedals).

I use mine with a Fulldrive 2 and a Jester (Amazing flexibilty with the clean boost on jester) a FF/Big muff and I have an Ethos incoming..

Im dying to try the Ethos through the Chieftain... Somebody earlier said they use one through a Chieftain? Interested to hear a report on that...

All in, a great amp. Modern Classic? Im keeping mine ;)

[Gearopenia]

I'm reviving this thread because I am at a crossroads...
I have a Carr Imperial that I love.
That sorta covers the Fender area.
I have a Matchless SC30 which is in the Vox arena.

I'm looking to get a Marshally/ rock style amp.
Would a clubman get me there?
Should I consider the Pheonix or King Cobra?
Help me out!!!

[dangeroso]

I'd love to try a King Kobra, but haven't ever seen one in person.

I was on a quest for a Cheiftan a while back, and went instead with the Avalon 35. I thought the Avalon sounded better.

[rogerramjett]

I have a Sampson era 2x12 Chieftain (Sampson or Jamison - they sound pretty much identical) and the trick I've really learned with single coils is to keep the treble down. I run it around 9 o' clock and that's where the amp seems to really come alive. The mids are emphasized and those are the frequencies which really cut through in a band setting.

I can't make up my mind between my SC-30 and the Chieftain! My SC-30 seems to take pedals a bit better.

Anyone else A/B'd these 2 Matchless amps?

[Stormin]

I can't make up my mind between my SC-30 and the Chieftain! My SC-30 seems to take pedals a bit better.

Anyone else A/B'd these 2 Matchless amps?

Send a PM to HarryJMIC - he's owned both of them at the same time.

[Jerrod]

Hey, i got a pretty good Deal on a Matchless 2x10 Chieftain.
The Serial Number is:
M2899 i assume that 99 stands for 1999,
is that considered to be a Sampson era Amp and worth more than the newer Chieftains ??

Thanks for your help !

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=matchless+serial+numbers

[JasonD]

The Chieftain is my favorite of the Matchless amps that I've played.

[Bluewail]

I joined the club! So I just scored a '96 Chieftain head in mint shape for a great price, and its in lovely turquise shower cutain tolex to boot!
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/bluewail/IMG_0554_zpseae3d038.jpg
I own a '96 SC-30 as well and you can hear the family resemblance in the punch and authority of the tones. The Chieftain will probably end up being my favored amp. It has a certain bluesy richness that the SC-30 does not have and its a lot easier to dial in mildly overdriven tones an a reasonable volume. Did some tube rolling and V! and V2 react strongly to the choices. Ended up with 2 JJ ECC83S in both but I went through a bunch off JJ's, Amperex Bugle Boys, Telefunken smooth plates and more until I settled on those. Tighten up the bass and somewhat tame the highs.
As an aside the fellow selling the amp had not one but two Dumbles. Really! Frankly I liked the Chieftain better.

[Mr.Strat]

I joined the club! So I just scored a '96 Chieftain head in mint shape for a great price, and its in lovely turquise shower cutain tolex to boot!
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/bluewail/IMG_0554_zpseae3d038.jpg
I own a '96 SC-30 as well and you can hear the family resemblance in the punch and authority of the tones. The Chieftain will probably end up being my favored amp. It has a certain bluesy richness that the SC-30 does not have and its a lot easier to dial in mildly overdriven tones an a reasonable volume. Did some tube rolling and V! and V2 react strongly to the choices. Ended up with 2 JJ ECC83S in both but I went through a bunch off JJ's, Amperex Bugle Boys, Telefunken smooth plates and more until I settled on those. Tighten up the bass and somewhat tame the highs.
As an aside the fellow selling the amp had not one but two Dumbles. Really! Frankly I liked the Chieftain better.


Sweet Jeezuz!!! I love that color :thud

[sickboy79]

Congrats! One of the best amps around. My Chief (Chieftain's big brother) has been getting a lot of use lately.

[pjrhd28]

I had a Chieftain and now have a C-30R.

To me,they have a lot in common. I was happily amazed that the C-30 can get really close to the fat, chewy cleans of the Chieftain on channel 1 if you EQ it correctly. I also think the C-30 can get more plexi than I ever imagined,but you really gotta watch the treble/ high end.

The C-30 is inherently brighter,but again, I have found it fairly easy to EQ the high end out, but I've never had to ridemy tone controls as much, either.

[Skoczylas]

My amp is actually a clone of a Matchless Chieftain. While using Humbuckers with it I wasn't completely satisfied with the tone; however, once I got my P90 and single coil, everything changed. I love it!

http://gp1.wac.edgecastcdn.net/802892/production_public/Photo/12246509/image/1355693222_guitarAmp.JPG
http://www.reverbnation.com/page_object/page_object_photos/artist_2995760?sel_photo_id=12246509&onphotoview=increment_lp_photo_views

[macmax77]

i had a '95.
will buy another one b4 i die!