Jonny-Two-Shoes
So I know absolutely jack about amps. I have no idea what brand is the best and what is the best for what sound etc etc..
Anyway in December I am definately going to upgrade what I have and I thought I better ask around and start researching. At the moment all I have is a Kustom 20-30watt something or other...sounds nice especially when mic'd up...but it is definately time to get a little more serious with my gear.
So I am looking for something decent...but purely for practice as I don't belong to any bands and have in fact hardly played for anyone other than myself. Look maybe what I get should be decent to use in a jamming session or two as well for just in case.
So the budget at the moment...I am looking to spend in the region of 2-3k and maybe add another 1.5k for an effects pedal or something to experiment with...else not get the pedal and throw that into the amp as well. I would hate to spend any more than that just for practicing but if needs be I can go over budget a little.
I have a Sammick Les Paul which is still in good condition and needs no change as yet. I play a lot of metal but change from time to time to softer electric acoustic stuff. Would like a well rounded amp but must sound especially great for playing heavy metal, lead included.
Any suggestions?
FatBoy
I would recommend a VOX Valvetronix amp, I have an AD50VT and I really believe it is the best you can buy for a starter amp. They also have an "XL" version which is more geared towards metal / hard rock. The 30watt one may fall in your price bracket, but I'm not sure about that.
http://www.voxamps.co.uk/valvetronixxl/ad30vt-xl.asp
Martyr
don't the Vox amps come with built in effects?because maybe you should get an amp with built in effects?for R1500 i don't really know what multi effects pedal you can get,besides a zoom and from what i've they aren't exactly amazing...i would recommend a peavey but then you gonna pay quiet a bit for a decent one,i'm using the peavey studio pro 112,it's a 65 watt amp but sounds much much louder!!
so yeah,i rate you should get a Vox and if you want effects maybe get the Vox with built i effects,sorry i really don't know the model names ?
FatBoy
Yes they do, the Valvetronix series are modelling amps, they emulate 11 amp types plus they have 11 effects you can dial in. They are really popular as practice amps, and mine goes so loud I'm sure I could gig with it, if I could play guitar properly that is ? The Roland Cube amps are good as well, but I prefer the Vox Valvletronix series.
Jonny-Two-Shoes
Hmmmm...from what you guys are saying I am already quite impressed by this Vox amp. Look...if the gear is really as good as you say I don't mind spending 6k for it either and I was not aware that it comes with built in effects which is nice too ?
I will definately give it a test run though before I buy if the music shop will allow it and if they stock it locally?
DNC
2-3k your looking at a solid state amp... Which realy give you a huge choice of brands....
If you play most metal go check out peavey the have 50w amps in you range (not sure) of models. Hiwatt is also a metal tipe amp.. But really there is so many different brands....
Just go out and test alot of amps.. test the vox see if you like the sound there very good amps.... Just go an check what sound you like....
enjoy!!!
Martyr
if you gor 6k then go for a marshall ?
they also have some with built in effects and i love their tone ?
Jonny-Two-Shoes
I have been hearing some strange things about Marshall especially that their ratings have dropped significantly over the years. Once they were the best and then they were nothing. Is this true?
Otherwise so far you all have given me a great start already ? thank you
FatBoy
The way I see it, one first needs to figure out what kind of sound you want to get from your guitar. There are so many different amps / cabinets / speakers / effects etc out there that this can be a daunting task for a beginner. I like modelling amps like the Vox, because it allows you to experiment with different types of sounds until you hit one that screams "that's me!" THEN you go and fork out big bucks for a specific amp that does that sound the best.
I got my AD50VT on special for R3150 and I must admit it's way more than I need for practice, the 30 or maybe even the 15 would have worked just as well. I have had a few of my friends that CAN play test it out and they all love it to bits.
bENDER
I am in exactly the same dilemma as Jonny Two Shoes!
I would also just like to know how loud a 50W amp is, because I don't have any experience with anything other than my 10W Practice amp and one of my mate's 30W amps. How much bass tone can you get out of one of the 30W or 50W amps?
Thanx for the advice already given!
DNC
bENDER wrote
I am in exactly the same dilemma as Jonny Two Shoes!
I would also just like to know how loud a 50W amp is, because I don't have any experience with anything other than my 10W Practice amp and one of my mate's 30W amps. How much bass tone can you get out of one of the 30W or 50W amps?
Thanx for the advice already given!
50w is loud enough for band practise and most gig's. At almost all gig's I do mine is only turned half way up. But it depends, some brands amp are softer... but I would think 50W is enough...
FatBoy
I cranked my 50w all the way "to 11" the other day and the walls of the house started rumbling. I would say that 50w is more than enough dude, if you are in a bigger venue, then just mic up the amp
Martyr
i have a 65watt peavey and all i'm gonna say is that thing cranked up sounds more like a 100watt...
i played in a hall(for a school thing last year) and i only had to put it on level 6(of 10) and it was more than enough...
bENDER
Shot for the advice! 8)
