Help with Amp Selection

[kostask]

Only problem with it is the digital stuff used to recreate 16 different amp voices. If you want an all tube amp, get an all tube amp. This isn't an all tube amp. Fender would have done much better to leave out the digital stuff, and just run as a straight tube amp.

Kostas

P.S. In the first review, the reviewer states "the amp the big boys wish they had". Well, it occurs to me that the "big boys" could have any amp they want, including this one. The fact that the "big boys" use something else should be telling enough.

P.P.S. You also may want to take a look and see if you can find a Peavey Bravo 112, or a Laney LC30-II. The Bravo is a real hidden secret, and is versatile as all get out; good cleans, decent overdrives. Its actually a 2.5 channel amp; Clean channel, Overdrive channel, and a boost for the Overdrive channel that can really boost gain. The Laney LC30-II is very British in sound, with really, really nice cleans, and a passable overdrive channel. The Bravo is about 20-25 W out of 2 EL84s, and the Laney is 30W out of 4 EL84s. Both have spring reverb, both have master volume.

 

[Tunes]

There is also a vintage (1980's) Fender Champ 12 for sale locally .... any issues with this one? It's all tube.


http://www.spacemanmusic.com/Amps/Tube+ ... o+1980%27s

 

[stclrob]

There is also a vintage (1980's) Fender Champ 12 for sale locally .... any issues with this one? It's all tube.


http://www.spacemanmusic.com/Amps/Tube+ ... o+1980%27s

If it's local to you, grab that Blues 90 and try it out! Looks nice.

 

[Default]

That's identical to the one I had. Go try it out and see what you think.

 

[BluesDan]

I'm thinking that THIS one might be pretty cool. Got that '58 mojo goin'.....

 

[capnjuan]

I'm thinking that THIS one might be pretty cool. Got that '58 mojo goin'.....

Good one Dan; that's all you need Tunes ... remarkable condition too!

 

[Tunes]

I'm thinking that THIS one might be pretty cool. Got that '58 mojo goin'.....

Good one Dan; that's all you need Tunes ... remarkable condition too!

Yes - it would be - only it's "No International Bids", which means this excludees your oh so friendly neighbor to the North. Drat. I see this all too often on stealbay.

 

[capnjuan]

I'm thinking that THIS one might be pretty cool. Got that '58 mojo goin'.....

Good one Dan; that's all you need Tunes ... remarkable condition too!

Yes - it would be - only it's "No International Bids", which means this excludees your oh so friendly neighbor to the North. Drat. I see this all too often on stealbay.

Hi Tunes; it's no secret around here that I'm a big fan of Gibson amps. I've tried not to drone on about it if for no other reason than I've been here long enough to know that whenever anybody asks about strings / tonewood / new tuners ... that they get inundated with well-meaning suggestions that for the most part, reflect the tastes and preferences of the people making the suggestions. Said another way and in short, the fact that I prefer Gouda has nothing to do with whether you'd like it.

What you haven't said so far is what you'd do with your new amp; go on tour to Japan, play Alice Tully Hall, make the nightclub/cabaret circuit in Toronto, fashion yourself into a Canadian version of Walter Broes ... or just noodle around in your back room, experiment with your new guitar, maybe mess around with some friends in some informal jams. If the latter, then you don't need more than 5-8 watts ... regardless of make and model. The linked Gibson is in VGC, has a fresh speaker and filter caps ... and it will sell at a premium.

If you think you want to take a shot at it, PM me and we can discuss what you think you'd be willing to put into it. The amp is in Ohio, I'm in FL, you're in Canuckistan. If your interest remains strong and you win it, either I or another BBer - one who lives closer to the amp and you - can buy it for you and ship it to you. It's one of the attributes of LTG that makes it the outstanding place that it is.

Anyway, don't be too bummed about the 'no sell to stinky Canuckis' thing ... it can be gotten around. John

 

[BluesDan]

I'm thinking that THIS one might be pretty cool. Got that '58 mojo goin'.....

Good one Dan; that's all you need Tunes ... remarkable condition too!

Yes - it would be - only it's "No International Bids", which means this excludees your oh so friendly neighbor to the North. Drat. I see this all too often on stealbay.

Maybe some of the LTG brethren in Ohio could lend an assist? Just a thought.

 

[capnjuan]

Maybe some of the LTG brethren in Ohio could lend an assist? Just a thought.

Hi Dan; yes, Ohio or western PA. I can think of one Ohio BBer ... who owns a '60s Gibson amp too ... If/when the times comes, maybe he could be prevailed upon. J

 

[fronobulax]

Said another way and in short, the fact that I prefer Gouda has nothing to do with whether you'd like it.

Well said. However, that fact that we both agree on the virtues of Gouda makes me interested in your opinions in other areas. But those would be another thread and a significant veer at that. Just because we both appreciate Stoli doesn't mean it is what I would order for myself, if other choices were available.

 

[Tunes]

All,

Thanks again for suggestions, particularly with going so far as offering pickup and shipping!! Nowhere else but LTG would you see this (or trust someone to do it :lol: :lol: ).

However and unfortunately, regardless of who is shipping the cost to send an amp is going to run me $75 - $100 Cdn. Seeing how I only wish to invest $300 or so in an amp at this point in time, shipping will run me a large portion of my investment.

Someone asked a very pertinent question about planned use. Well since I am just starting on electric, chances of playing Massey Hall in the next year or so are pretty remote. All I will use this for is home playing, and more importantly doing so in a way that does not completely alienate my dear wife. So no louder than a D55 !!

Someone recommended a VOX AC4. I found a audio review on boobtube - this sounds pretty darn good!! There is also a local dealer who has both models in stock. Retails for about $300 canuk bucks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXtsVvJl5pg

For about the same price, there is this vintage Fender Champ 12. I took my Blues 90 down and plugged it in yesterday. Hey - it sounds pretty cool for starters! Wish I could play it better. I sucked. However, even on "2" this was LOUD. Can't imagine what it would sound like cranked. It's selling for $350, could probably talk em down $50.

http://www.spacemanmusic.com/Amps/Tube+ ... o+1980%27s

So I am kinda torn between these two at the moment. Votes?

 

[Default]

The Champ twelve is 6-8 watts, the AC4 is around four.

The Champ twelve is loud enough for a fairly quite venue, like a church gig.
AC4 is better for a livingroom, if you're just screwing around at home. Running it at the 1 watt setting allows you to get a cranked sound at a lower volume than the Champ.

Champ has push-pull boosts and reverb.
AC4 has a variable output levels, Champ does not.

Champ has a 6L6 power tube. Easy to get.
AC4 has an EL84, also easy to get. Different sound than a 6L6.

Champ is "vintage".
AC4 has "warranty".

If you were made of money, I'd say buy both, but you should at least play the AC4.

Then go with whichever has the best intrinsic sound for what you want to play.

 

[gtraddict]

Does any of your local stores have the Vox's in stock go to the Vox website and do a rundown you will be surprised how loud 4 watts class A can be. I bought a newer Gibson 15watt amp over the Les Paul Jr because it was a better buy and found out it was unusable to turn up and do what I wanted it to do and had to sell it. You might want to check out Peavey Classic Series they run around the price you are looking at in the used market and they are made in the US and are very nice, they have nice clean tones to begin with. Or try the Vox Valvetronix Series I had two and liked the AD60 I had it had very surprising tones.

 

[dapmdave]

Does any of your local stores have the Vox's in stock go to the Vox website and do a rundown you will be surprised how loud 4 watts class A can be. I bought a newer Gibson 15watt amp over the Les Paul Jr because it was a better buy and found out it was unusable to turn up and do what I wanted it to do and had to sell it. You might want to check out Peavey Classic Series they run around the price you are looking at in the used market and they are made in the US and are very nice, they have nice clean tones to begin with. Or try the Vox Valvetronix Series I had two and liked the AD60 I had it had very surprising tones.

This is some good advice. Lots of place carry the Vox line. The Valvetronix are a lot like the aforementioned Fender Superchamp XD. These "modeling amps" use DSPs to digitally create the tones (or someone's idea of the tones) of some other amp.

Dave

 

[BluesDan]

All of the advice here is good stuff. Plus, it now frees me up to go after that Gibson GA5! :wink:

 

[Tunes]

Thanks again. I got some work keeping me busy for a couple of days, but mid next week will zoom down to my local music shop and test run those VOX's - they have them in stock. I'm thinking for my great Music Room Tour it will fit the bill. I am not planning on gigging with this anytime soon - maybe next summer if I'm lucky.

I'll let ya'll know how that works out.

I did get a chance to hear my Blues 90 plugged in for the first time when I tested the Fender amp - hey it sounds pretty darn good to me! But I am an electric virgin, so I don't really know what I should be listening for, nor can I play this thing well enough to really see what it can do.

All I know is acoustic tunes, and Heart of Gold just does not translate too well to electric. I gotta learn a few good rock riffs ... that's my weekend project.

 

[Default]

All I know is acoustic tunes, and Heart of Gold just does not translate too well to electric. I gotta learn a few good rock riffs ... that's my weekend project.

here ya go bud!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYV6PAckr5w

 

[fungusyoung]

Tunes, I've got to agree with BluesDan & Cap'n J. That '58 GA-5 is a great option. Loves P90's! I've got a '60 that doesn't appear to be in as good of shape cosmetically, but it's a fantastic sounding low volume amp. At 5 watts, it can get plenty loud for around the house. If you don't go for this, the next best thing, IMO, is a 70's era Fender Champ or Vibro Champ. Just my 2 cents, and again... that Gibby looks sweet!

 

[Tunes]

I went to bid on the Gibson amp - only ships to USA - 1 hour left. Drat.