BFDR help

[wleeds]

I have a chance to buy a 66 BFDR w/JBLD120.
Great sounding amp however it doesn't completely blow my DRRI w/C-REX away, which actually sounds killer live.
What do you do?

 

[Blue Strat]

Spend the money on something else and PM me with contact info for the BF amp

 

[nolenuttt]

Spend the money on something else and PM me with contact info for the BF amp

And if you can't reach Mike, Call me.....:BEER

 

[wleeds]

How do I date it: sn#A1494x
JBL-D120 - grey basket with Fender part number on it
power - 606-5-48
next - 606-6-02
next - 66-5-52

caps look like they have been chaned to blue ATOM(?)

thx,mark

 

[slider313]

From the tranny's; early '66. What's the tube chart letter code?

 

[wleeds]

From the tranny's; early '66. What's the tube chart letter code?

production - '22' AB763
it also says PC in the bottom left

 

[fr8_trane]

I would stick with the DRRI or spend $750 and get a silverface which is a much better deal in handwired fender amps.

The money the BF combo amps are going for is STOOPID these days. If you really want a BF amp get one of the heads. They are a much better value.

 

[drbob1]

March of 1966. The JBL was an expensive and unusual option for the DRs (gives it more of a hi-fi edge with less breakup than the more usual speakers-so great for country and a base for pedals, less of a rock and roll tone, but louder and cuts like a mofo). All in all, probably a $2400 amp (depending on condition) and one any collector or player would be proud to own...

 

[slider313]

I have a chance to buy a 66 BFDR w/JBLD120.
Great sounding amp however it doesn't completely blow my DRRI w/C-REX away, which actually sounds killer live.
What do you do?

Well the '66 may need a little work. It should be a "no contest" when put side by side with a "reissue". What's the asking price; if you don't mind?

 

[wleeds]

$2400.00
Strangely enough it sounds great with an Eric Johnson Strat side by side with a new DRRI. My DRRI has been biased and has a C-REX. I use an 86 Am Std Strat-stock and side by side with mine, there is not that much of a difference.

 

[wleeds]

Another test.
When I have both my DRRI w/ C-REX and the BFDR w/JBL at vol-5, treb-4,bass-3 1/2, the DRRI is significantly louder and more open. The BFDR sounds like there is a blanket over it(?). It looks like it has new caps, blue Spargue Atom. Am I missing something?

 

[BudLite]

get rid of the oxford speaker, find an orig jensen c12n. or weber 12 50 watt light dope...

 

[wleeds]

IT has a JBL D-120

 

[SkydogFan81]

Hard to believe that a Reissue is better. How abou this...unplug the C rex and unplug the JBL. Now plug the C rex into the BFDR and vice versa. If there is no diff, save your money.

I have played some DRRI and I thought they were very harsh when compared to my BFDR w/ an AlNiCo tone tubby.

 

[slider313]

The taper of the pots are different. You may also have a tired JBL. Cross the '66 over to the CREX and see if there's a big difference.

 

[orogeny]

Another test.
When I have both my DRRI w/ C-REX and the BFDR w/JBL at vol-5, treb-4,bass-3 1/2, the DRRI is significantly louder and more open. The BFDR sounds like there is a blanket over it(?). It looks like it has new caps, blue Spargue Atom. Am I missing something?

you are CLEARLY missing something: you already have a great-sounding amp. either that, or the bf is in need of work to get it to sound as good as a drri with your bias and speaker. . . . if i ever stumble on a bf OR a silverface, them things had better tickle my nuts. like anyone can tell ya. . . some are great. . . some. . . ain't so great. . . . save that dough for something else. . .

 

[wleeds]

When I run the C-Rex into the BF it makes he JBL sound very tired.
I think I'll keep it and get it serviced with some new tubes. It also has these MESA tubes.
Next question, rather than the C-Rex what would you put in it?

 

[SkydogFan81]

BFDR love NOS RCA's I love the Tone Tubby AlNiCo in mine, but others seem to like ceramic speakers too. The Webers get good reviews. That C-Rex is a fine speaker

 

[fr8_trane]

The C-Rex gets alot of love around here specifically for the DR. Any particular reason you want to swap it out?

If you can't leave well enough alone I can recommend 3 speakers that might work well.

Jensen NEO. Nice round lowend, smooth treble response incredibly light. This speaker is a GREAT match for the DR. (so is the C-rex tho)

Celestion G12-30. 70th anniversary edition. I have this in my victory. HUGE low end, crisp top, neutral mids.

Eminence texas heat. Another popular speaker choice for the DR.

Personally I would stick with the REX since it seems to sound good to you already.

 

[wleeds]

I don't want to swap the C-Rex, love it.
I was comparing it in a DRRI with a BFDR w/JBL-D120 I just bought. The JBL seems tired and doesn't have near the response the C-Rex does. The BFDR also seems like it might need a tune up.

On another note, the C-REX in my DRRI cuts great live with or without keyboards. Tight yet lively.