Thoughts on Alessandro DRRI vs Ceriatone JM50? Is one a better route to go for the Mayer tone? If they are that close, what are some considerations with who might want to go the Ceriatone route vs Alessandro DRRI route?
Bonus points for Alessandro DRRI vs Milkman thoughts.
that sounds like you are on the right track! You can't go wrong with the Ceriatone for sure. It's a fantastically built amp that will last you a very long time. You can ask Nik to add the "Tone Geek Bass Jumper" mod for you too 😎
Probably the JM50, its the most spot on amp I've heard through (admittedly crappy) my computer speakers. It seems like the high head room and using pedals to craft the overdriven tone is key to getting in the neighborhood on the JM tone. John has mentioned during the Silver Sky release that he thinks people should play it through Fender amps, but I think that was more accounting for the fact most people can't afford boutique amps such as Milkman, Two-Rock, and most Dumble Clones.
I also like the fact the JM50 has the master volume and attenuation option, not to mention the effects loop adds modestly more versatility. I am mostly going to be using for playing at home and just jamming with people (no gigging plans since I'm still learning and its just a hobby), so being able to play at a range of volumes is appealing, although buying a Two Notes Torpedo or UA Ox solves volume issues easy enough for any amp. Getting SRV tones are also very appealing which is probably much more achievable by going the JM50 route rather than Milkman or handwired DRRI.
Still have some time to decide, but I'd be willing to bet when I move from the apartment to a house, I'll be ordering a JM50 and a Horsebreaker.
This is a great question. My gut reaction says the Ceriatone JM50 or 100w is the way to go. The tone is really versatile and I was able to get Fender Blackface tones out of it by leveraging the mid boost switch. The Alessandro DRRI is a great offering as well, but I don't hear the snappy "Mayer thing" from it. If you're into Dead & Company, then maybe, but the JM50/100 can cover that pretty well too. The Alessandro does not have a mid adjustment which is where I think a lot of the "Mayer thing" can be found, by adjusting the mid pot.
Alessandro DRRI vs Milkman, I'd recommend any of the Pedal Steel line up of amps. I would have a hard time recommending between the Pedal Steel & Ceriatone JM/SSS. Both would be a fantastic option, in fact, John used a Pedal Steel 85W for a short period. I don't know why he didn't stick with it more but that would be my choice if money wasn't a huge consideration.
What one are you leaning towards?