Solid state
I must say that I really like my Vox DA5 "chromie" solid state modelling amp without any tubes. It produces some great sounds, but the Pathfinder 15R does one thing really well and you can crank it up and it does it even better.
I bought my son a Crate RFX 65 three channel solid state that is also a great sounding amp, discontinued.
Vox still makes the Pathfinder. I find this impressive because the sales are probably miniscule compared to the sales of the inexpensive chromies. Maybe they keep making it out of respect or tradition. Maybe they want to maintain that traditional image, even in the low cost range. Or maybe there are things we don't know, like professionals might like and order a lot of Pathfinders for studios and practice, and keeping these serious customers happy might be one of their priorities.
I hope they keep making the Pathfinders for a long long time. It is an amp that is almost like an instrument. With a decent guitar you play the Pathfinder. It is more than just a means of amplification of a guitar's sound. It has a sound all its own, almost like my AC105c1 Custom new style. The new AC15 I have is an amp that I am growing into, constantly learning new things about it and how to set it for different sounds. It is capable of some really chiming sounds, unlike my other amps and a range of other tones. Tonight I noticed that two different strats sounded completely different thru it at the same settings. One sounded shrill and uncontrollable, with Texas Specials; the other, a Squier Deluxe sounds incredible and smooth and rich with no problems at all, pure excellent sound. That Squier Deluxe is a great strat. Really glad I got that guitar. That is another instrument I have grown with and it ages with a real vintage vibe. The "white" necks a lot of people complained about is aging beautifully into a beautiful honey color. I have been polishing the basically unfinished fretboard with lemon oil. This brings out the grain and soaks in a little.
Duffy Bolduc
South Williamsport, Pa.
"Now all the things that use to mean so much to me has got me old before my time." G. Allman, "Old Before My Time", Hittin' the Note.
Major changes to guitars and amps, to be updated soon.
Fiance - Supportive of musical art