Reeves Custom Lead vs Germino (long shot question)

[steelvalley]

Anyone else have a Reeves Custom Lead? Mine's actually the HG version. This amp is so versatile I want to keep it, but I keep wondering if it can ever cover early Plexi tone like a Germino. It's spec'd like a '68 JMP but configured like a 4 holer with the inputs jumpered. Has a well executed MV and London PS which can both be effectively dialed out of the circuit. Also has a boost function that adds another gain stage, effectively making it a 2204. I have no trouble nailing higher gain (some grind) classic rock (Molly Hatchet) and hard rock (Priest, Def Lep). It's the elusive pure crunch (no grind) 60/70's tone that seems to come easily to the Club 40 that I'm struggling to nail down. I'm fairly sure it's too much to ask. By the way, all the buzz about the Metro-plex - seems like the Reeves does that in a 50W. Not sure why it never became more popular.

 

[steelvalley]

Anyone else have a Reeves Custom Lead? Mine's actually the HG version. This amp is so versatile I want to keep it, but I keep wondering if it can ever cover early Plexi tone like a Germino. It's spec'd like a '68 JMP but configured like a 4 holer with the inputs jumpered. Has a well executed MV and London PS which can both be effectively dialed out of the circuit. Also has a boost function that adds another gain stage, effectively making it a 2204. I have no trouble nailing higher gain (some grind) classic rock (Molly Hatchet) and hard rock (Priest, Def Lep). It's the elusive pure crunch (no grind) 60/70's tone that seems to come easily to the Club 40 that I'm struggling to nail down. I'm fairly sure it's too much to ask. By the way, all the buzz about the Metro-plex - seems like the Reeves does that in a 50W. Not sure why it never became more popular.

 

[Zuper]

There's a reason original 4-holers and clones are still so popular. You can get close with the Custom Lead; it's a great amp. If you want the real deal crunch tones and feel, you've got to make the sacrifices.