Rivera Jazz Suprema Single Channel 1x15.

**louisguitar** · 01-15-2016, 03:00 PM

Hi all,

I have the chance to buy this amp with 1x15 speaker, used, but as new.
In Italy it's a rare bird and I don't have a chance to try it before purchase.

Some time ago I wanted to buy the Acoustic Image with raezer's edge, then, due to various problems, it all come to nothing.

What do you think about the Rivera?
I must confess that it has always been a my wish.

Thanks, Gigi

**helios** · 01-15-2016, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by louisguitar

Hi all,

I have the chance to buy this amp with 1x15 speaker, used, but as new.
In Italy it's a rare bird and I don't have a chance to try it before purchase.

Some time ago I wanted to buy the Acoustic Image with raezer's edge, then, due to various problems, it all come to nothing.

What do you think about the Rivera?
I must confess that it has always been a my wish.

Thanks, Gigi

Rivera is quality alternative to Fender theme'd amplifiers. I didn't know Rivera made a single channel Jazz Suprema 1-15?
The two channel version is EL-34 powered, but can be biased to accommodate 6L6's. The two channel version is light for an amp of it's size, and is versatile. I would not hesitate to acquire a Rivera, as they have a great reputation.

Just checked Rivera website:

This is the one I had (which they still make):
http://www.rivera.com/product/combos...azz-2-channel/

The newer single channel version(s)-which I have not tried:
http://www.rivera.com/product/combos...ingle-channel/

**2bornot2bop** · 01-15-2016, 06:26 PM

Didn't Rivera make the Rivera Jazz Suprema exclusively for Lou of 'Guitars 'n Jazz? I seem to recall Lou's voice on several guitar recordings of players in his shop that the Jazz Suprema was made exclusively for GNJ

I wanted that amp too, until Rivera released their newer Jazz Suprema and its updated styling.

Note the script on GnJ's youtube page that states the following: "A Palen Performer and an Eastman Jazz 16 Elite played through a Rivera Jazz Suprema 15 amplifier. All three only available at Guitars 'n Jazz"

**louisguitar** · 01-16-2016, 05:26 AM

I know that the single channel was made for Soundpure.

Rivera Suprema Jazz Combo Amplifier | Soundpure.com

In fact I was very surprised when I saw this amp here in an Italian shop, it was of a collector and is in pristine condition.

I further believe that the 15" speaker is better than 12" and then the tubes are always the tubes for a really warm sound.

In my wish list there was the Acoustic image, but now that I discovered this opportunity I don't think that I will let it go away even if my wallet weeps.

I would like to know only the weight of this beauty.

**louisguitar** · 01-16-2016, 05:35 AM

Right now Rivera Amplification wrote me:
Hi Gianluigi,

Unfortunately I don't have one here to weigh but I believe it is 48 pounds . You might want to ask the buyer to weigh it as well just to be sure .

**EddieLastra** · 01-16-2016, 06:13 AM

Hi Gigi,

I bought the Rivera Jazz Suprema 55 with the Jensen P15n alnico speaker from Lou at Guitars 'n Jazz 10 years ago and still have it. I've kept it because it's a marvelous sounding amp, that 15 inch really brings everything out of a hollow body archtop and then some, I don't think you would be disappointed. It weighs about 40 lbs, the cabinet is made from lightweight Italian poplar hardwood and the alnico magnet is small so the speaker does not weigh a lot despite it's size. I've kept the EL-34 tubes as I've not felt the need to replace them. I am satisfied with the sound, don't know if 6L6 tubes will improve the sound, maybe others have tried it. Rivera amps have a great reputation, I also have a Clubster Doce that is one of my regular gigging amps

~Eddie

**louisguitar** · 01-16-2016, 07:37 AM

The single channel 15" version is loaded with a Jensen C15N.

**louisguitar** · 01-16-2016, 01:31 PM

Hi 2bornot2bop,

Do you think that the older model, the 55 two channel, is better?

**2bornot2bop** · 01-16-2016, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by louisguitar

Hi 2bornot2bop,

Do you think that the older model, the 55 two channel, is better?

Hi Louis! I don't have first hand experience with the product. I had the rivera jazz suprema at the top of my list to sample after owning a pair of Twin Reverbs, a Heritage Patriot, and a Henriksen JazzAmp 110. Suprema's are rarely found on the used market, and as fate would have it a Headstrong 2x10 availed itself. I bought that amp a few years ago and that acquisition ended my amp search.

I know Sound Pure carries the newer Rivera jazz amp, but I don't believe SP carried the previous Jazz Suprema at the time Lou of G'nJ carried it. It was my understanding that Lou encouraged Rivera to create the Jazz Suprema as a "jazz" amp for jazz guitarists, and Lou promoted those amps as such.

As to an "older model 55" I've no personal experience...I'm sure someone will chime in

**louisguitar** · 01-17-2016, 01:36 AM

Thanks.

**louisguitar** · 01-17-2016, 07:36 AM

Sorry,
with older I meant the first model, the JAZZ SUPREMA 55 1X15 made for G'nj.

With newest I meant the Soundpure model, the JAZZ SUPREMA 25 or 50 watt, 1X10", 1X12" or 1X15" (this is what I could buy, the 15" version).

I read that the G'nj model is really a good amp, but I would like to know if the SP model is good also.

I don't know if some great players use it.

Thanks

**2bornot2bop** · 01-17-2016, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by louisguitar

Sorry,
with older I meant the first model, the JAZZ SUPREMA 55 1X15 made for G'nj.

With newest I meant the Soundpure model, the JAZZ SUPREMA 25 or 50 watt, 1X10", 1X12" or 1X15" (this is what I could buy, the 15" version).

I read that the G'nj model is really a good amp, but I would like to know if the SP model is good also.

I don't know if some great players use it.

Thanks

If the price was right I'd not hesitate in buying the new Rivera Jazz Suprema. If you do a search here you'll find others that like the amp. But I only buy used, and that new model has rarely come up on the used market...heck, they're only $1800 for a new RJS, so I'd think you'd be able to get a good buy on a used one, even in Europe

**louisguitar** · 01-17-2016, 10:13 PM

It's the first that I ever seen in italy, both new or used, it's really as new and costs €1350 about $1470 now.

**Jabberwocky** · 01-18-2016, 01:08 AM

Lous, it is a good deal. You're overthinking this. Brand-new, it is $1995. Throw in Italian VAT, shipping, import duty and you're looking at $2800 to $2900. And the uncertainty of whether it is going to be delivered safely or not.

I love collectors. You get their barely played gear, essentially new gear, at half the price of new. Someone else took the hit for you.

Buy it and enjoy it.

By the way, Lou of GnJ says that it weighs 40 pounds and that it has an Italian poplar ply cabinet that he ordered specially for it.

**Jabberwocky** · 01-18-2016, 07:18 AM

Louis, do you have a chance to see the Rivera amp in person and plug your guitar into it? It is best to check it out for your own ears to see if you like it or not.

**louisguitar** · 01-18-2016, 08:37 AM

No, it's impossible, it is 600 miles away.

**Jabberwocky** · 01-18-2016, 09:13 AM

I see what you mean now. The one that you are looking at is the single-channel black tolex version :
Rivera Jazz Suprema Single Channel 1x15.-4480146_11452328372-jpg

Rivera Jazz Suprema Single Channel 1x15.-4480146_11452328372-jpg

You are asking if this single-channel version is as good as the two-channel version sold by Lou of Guitars N Jazz.

This is the one sold by Lou of GnJ and it is based on the regular Rivera Suprema 55: Suprema 55 1×15 Jazz (2 channel) | Rivera Amplification

Channel 1 of Lou's Jazz Suprema is a LEAD Channel. That means it is a high-gain channel voiced for lead guitarists and has overdrive in it. Channel 2 was re-voiced for jazz guitarists as stated in the video. Black and Tweed tones. Remember that Lou's two-channel Jazz Suprema is a re-voiced version of the former Rivera Suprema 55 with a clean second channel. The original regular Suprema 55 (not to be confused with Lou's 2-channel Jazz Suprema 55 or the single-channel Jazz Suprema 50W) was more of a rock and blues combo with a low-gain dirty channel one and even dirtier high-gain channel two.

Rivera has now taken Channel 2 of the Lou's two-channel Jazz Suprema and put it into a single-channel Jazz Suprema 50W which is what is up for sale in Italy. I guess Rivera figured out that most jazz guitarists used and wanted only the clean jazz Channel 2 from that amp and so dispensed with Lead channel 1. Suprema Jazz series (Single Channel) 1×12, 1×15, 1×10 | Rivera Amplification .

The single-channel Jazz Suprema 50W has a Minimum Advertised Price of $1899.00, $96 cheaper than Lou's 2-channel version. So, you see, Rivera reduced the price on it because Rivera removed one channel. Fair, if you ask me. I don't know if the cabinet is poplar ply; it may be birch-ply. No difference to me.

If you don't see yourself playing LEAD and are using the amp strictly for archtops, you are not missing anything. In fact, the single-channel Jazz Suprema 50 is a more purist approach. Don't pay for something you don't use. You are not going to miss it.

As for me, I would happily take either one. Buy what is available to you. Lots of nice demos on Youtube. I like what I hear and would happily buy it sight unseen, sound unheard.

Negotiate with the seller though. Did he get it from Soundpure or Sweetwater? Does it require an outboard step-down transformer? If it does, is it included in the price? It has to be fairly large, about 500VA at least. A 1000VA is better but it is HUGE and HEAVY. If the Jazz Suprema 50 is already wired for 230VAC, 50Hz you don't require an outboard step-down transformer.

**Jabberwocky** · 01-18-2016, 09:20 AM

Sorry for my tortuous and tortured piece of writing. I wanted to make sure nothing would be lost in translation.

**Jabberwocky** · 01-18-2016, 09:32 AM

Do you hear a difference? Both played by the tasteful Mitch Holder on the same Epiphone Howard Roberts Custom through the same clean jazz channel.

**louisguitar** · 01-18-2016, 08:16 PM

Dear Jabberwocky, first of all I thank you because you gave me part of your precious time.

I wanted post the photos of the amp, but I have some problems with technology.

Yes, the amp is the single channel in black tolex version with the cloth divided in two parts.

I think this:

At first Rivera made the amp based on the regular suprema 55 for Lou of G'nj.

Then they made the single channel for Sp without the dirty channel, with some controls dedicated to the arch tops guitars like the focus and fat and without other controls like, for example the boost and ninja.

They made this new amp like an evolution for jazz guitarplayers with 15" and 12" speakers and then they made the 25 watt with 10" speakers maybe for commercial reasons.

I don't know why they have changed the 15" speaker model.

Now I have a little Yamaha THR10C for practice and a Bruno UG 30 combo 2x12.

The ug 30 is a good amp, but is very heavy and with the volume to 4 it begins to break, it isn't really a jazz amp.

Here in Italy there is a website where you will also find rare instruments.
I can also pay in installments the amount of three timesToday I have seen a used 20 watt version of this amp and a wonderful used Victoria Regal ll, but I want an amp exclusive for archtop guitars, for jazz, not for blues or fusion or other, I can play another amp for other music genres

a) I like the Twin Reverb, but it's heavy.

b) I like the vibroverb reissue, but for big gig it is not powerful enough ( like the Regal ll ) and it breaks too soon.

c) I like the Acoustic Image with RE ( I never play Enriksen, Evans or the new Schertler Charlie ), but they have not a very warm sound like tube amp.

d) I had never thought about Rivera because of its rarity here, but perhaps it is the best of the list, the definitive amp for archtop guitars.

Now I found it at a good price and I can also pay the amount in three times because I know the shopkeeper.

I think tomorrow I phone and I stop it.

Thanks, Louis.

**louisguitar** · 01-18-2016, 08:28 PM

Please, read this second revised and corrected version of my post.

Dear Jabberwocky, first of all I thank you because you gave me part of your precious time.

I wanted post the photos of the amp, but I have some problems with technology.

Yes, the amp is the single channel in black tolex version with the cloth divided in two parts.

I think this:

At first Rivera made the amp based on the regular suprema 55 for Lou of G'nj.

Then they made the single channel for Sp without the dirty channel, with some controls dedicated to the arch tops guitars like the focus and fat and without other controls like, for example the boost and ninja.
They made this new amp like an evolution for jazz guitarplayers with 15" and 12" speakers and then they made the 25 watt with 10" speakers maybe for commercial reasons.

I don't know why they have changed the 15" speaker brand.

Now I have a little Yamaha THR10C for practice and a Bruno UG 30 combo 2x12.

The ug 30 is a good amp, but is very heavy and with the volume to 4 it begins to break, it isn't really a jazz amp.

Here in Italy there is a website where you will also find rare instruments.
Today I have seen a used 20 watt version of this amp and a wonderful used Victoria Regal ll, but I want an amp exclusive for archtop guitars, for jazz, not for blues or fusion or other, I can play another amp for other music genres.

a) I like the Twin Reverb, but it's heavy.

b) I like the vibroverb reissue, but for big gig it is not powerful enough ( like the Regal ll ) and it breaks too soon.

c) I like the Acoustic Image with RE ( I never play Enriksen, Evans or the new Schertler Charlie ), but they have not a very warm sound like tube amp.

d) I had never thought about Rivera because of its rarity here, but perhaps it is the best of the list, the definitive amp for archtop guitars.

Now I found it at a good price and I can also pay the amount in three times because I know the shopkeeper.

I think tomorrow I phone and I stop it.

Thanks, Louis.