Photo of Rivera Chubster 40 and more gear in a pedalboard and amplifier

Rivera Chubster 40

$956.91 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (2)

1 Critic Review

Find out who is using Rivera Chubster 40

2 community setups

1 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Jun 20, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 20, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (4)

$956.91 2 available Used

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Average Price: $957

High-end/Boutique

$300

$701+

Price Tier

In the Combo Guitar Amplifiers category, Rivera Chubster 40 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The Rivera Chubster 40 (Kee-Ya-Nuh) features 40watts of EL-34 power, 2 independent & foot-switchable channels with boosts. Four different style of cleans can be had on Channel 2 and American or British rock and Blues on Channel 1.

Two Channels with 40 watts of EL34 power, five 12AX7 preamp tubes, housed in a extra deep open-back enclosure and fitted with a Celestion 70/80 speaker. Rich and fat low end, and spongy sweet mids and highs for an overall pleasing tone. Like most Rivera amplifiers, features include two fully independent preamp channels, each with its own distinct voicing (British and American), and footswitchable boosts delivering four easy to dial-up sounds, preamp/power amp patch loop, and line out. This amp sounds much bigger than its size and is affordably priced. Get some “Chub” in your life! (available as a 55watt with Effects loop line level controls)

The Chubster 55 features all the same features as the Chubster 40 except for the addition of a 15 more watts, Send and Return level controls on the effects loop and a second speaker out.

Product specs

Brand	Rivera
Model	Chubster 40 40-Watt 1x12" Guitar Combo
Finish	Black, Blue, Burgundy, Green
Year	2010s
Categories	Guitar Combo Amps
Built-In Effects	Built-In Effects
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts)	40
Power Tube Type	EL34
Reverb	Spring Reverb
Speaker Configuration	1x12"

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Rivera Chubster 40 suitable for?: The Rivera Chubster 40 is versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, and jazz. Its EL34 power tubes and spring reverb provide rich, warm tones and dynamic response, ideal for both clean and overdriven sounds.
Does the Rivera Chubster 40 take pedals well?: Yes, the Rivera Chubster 40 is known for handling pedals effectively. Its clean channel provides a solid foundation for effects pedals, allowing for great tonal flexibility and experimentation.
How loud is the Rivera Chubster 40, and is it suitable for gigging?: With 40 watts of power, the Rivera Chubster 40 is loud enough for small to medium-sized gigs. Its 1x12" speaker configuration ensures it can fill a venue with sound while maintaining clarity and detail.
What are the main tonal characteristics of the Rivera Chubster 40?: The Rivera Chubster 40 offers rich, warm tones with a strong midrange presence. Its EL34 power tubes provide a classic British-style overdrive, while the spring reverb adds depth and ambiance to the sound.
Does the Rivera Chubster 40 have built-in effects?: Yes, the Rivera Chubster 40 features built-in effects, including a spring reverb, which enhances its tonal versatility and allows for ambient soundscapes without additional pedals.

Videos

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Rivera Amplification

Rivera Chubster 40 features, functions,Eq Demo

Rivera Amplification

Rivera-Chubster 40 played by Mike"Fish" Herring Part 1

Rivera Amplification

Rivera Chubster 40 played by "Fish" part 2

Rivera Amplification

The Rivera Chubster 40 Guitar Amp Overview

Lane Music

Rivera Chubster 40 watt amp with a Strat

northfortyrecords

RIVERA chubster 40 Channel2（Fender sound）→Channel1（Marshall sound）【Gear Demo】

ROCKN MUSIC

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Rivera Chubster 40.

User experience

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Owners often regret selling their Chubster 40 due to its versatility and tone, suggesting a strong emotional attachment and satisfaction with the amp.
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It's noted that Rivera amps, such as the Chubster 40, efficiently handle pedals, making them suitable for ambient rock and other pedal-heavy genres.
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Features and functionality

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The Chubster 40 offers both blackface and tweed cleans, though some find the Marshall-type lead channel somewhat underwhelming compared to its clean tones.
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Rivera amps, including the Chubster 40, are recognized for their high volume output, which is appreciated for providing ample headroom, even if not fully utilized.
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The Rivera Clubster Royale Recording model includes a built-in Rockcrusher with cab sims, offering a direct-to-FOH option, praised for its studio and live sound quality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Swapping the original speaker with a Tone Tubby Red is a suggested modification to enhance the Chubster 40's sound.
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A user replaced the stock speaker in their Rivera amp with a Celestion G12T-75 and a Fane full-range speaker, enhancing headroom and clean tones.
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Use cases and applications

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The Chubster 40 is praised for its ability to cover a range of styles, making it suitable for both gigging and recording environments.
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Build quality

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The Chubster 40 is noted for its sensitive EQ, which requires careful dialing to achieve the desired tone, indicating a high level of precision in its design.
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Rivera amps are built robustly, often described as "built like a tank," indicating durability and reliability across their range.
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Comparisons

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Owners note that Rivera amps, including the Chubster 40, provide a more open and less compressed sound compared to Mesa amps, maintaining clarity even at high gain levels.
Source

Critic Reviews

Chubster 40 Review: I've been playing for almost fifteen years now and this is... | Rivera | Guitar Amplifiers | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

Rivera's Chubster 40 is a versatile powerhouse that excels in delivering a wide range of tones, from Marshall-esque overdrive to Fender-like cleans, making it an ideal choice for cover band guitarists. With its dual channels and gain boost, it provides the flexibility of multiple amps in one compact unit. The reviewer praises its reliability and durability, suggesting it's a significant upgrade from solid-state predecessors. However, it lacks some modern conveniences like a headphone jack and extension cab output, which could limit its adaptability in certain settings. Overall, this amp is a superb investment for those seeking tonal variety and quality.

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4.5 out of 5

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Artist usage

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Todd Farrell

Guitarist

Two Cow Garage

Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Todd Farrell Jr., he is shown using a Rivera Chubster 40 amplifier. The post's caption states, "Last gig’s rig pick for the algorithm. Playing at @cobra_nashville tomorrow night, info on slide 2," providing context for the gear used in his performance.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Rock

Metal

Folk, World, & Country

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Rivera Chubster 40, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

EarthQuaker Devices Levitation V2 Reverb Effects Pedals

Dunlop Glass Slide 234 Slides

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Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals

Dunlop Jazz III Standard Nylon 1.38mm Guitar Picks - Red Picks & Pick Holders

MXR M169 Carbon Copy Delay Effects Pedals

Community setups

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toddfarrelljr

Gear IQ 216

sprucebringsteen

Gear IQ 28681

Similar

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1 alternative for Rivera Chubster 40, curated by the Equipboard community.

Rivera Chubster 55 Combo Guitar Amplifiers

4.5 (2)

similar sound mod

According to Rivera's product description;

The Chubster 55 features all the same features as the Chubster 40 except for the addition of a 15 more watts, Send and Return level controls on the effects loop and a second speaker out.

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