I would just buy a small used Roland cube and then save what you have left over when you know more about what you are looking for.

I sold my 20w for R1100 and that thing was build like a tank. I had it for 2 and a half years and it did everything I needed. Then when it didn't I went and bought a 200w amp for gigging.

/2c

I've been using the modelling stuff for well over a decade now and am really happy with how it's developed. We've come a long way. Then again, there is still nothing like a good valve amp for playing pleasure and to blow up my skirt.

In your situation (leaning towards tweaking and needing something you can play at low volumes), a modelling amp does make sense. Another good thing about the modellers is they allow you to try a bunch of different amp sounds, so that by the time you come to getting your valve amp, you have a better idea of what you really want.

However, also understand it's easier to get good tones from a modeller if you already know how to get good tones from a real valve amp - there is an element of playing the amp as much as the guitar (the video I posted above is a good example of that). Real valve amps also have far fewer distractions from playing/practicing than a modeller with effects built in. Take it from a terminal tweaker, it's easy to get so lost in tweaking that you forget to learn how to play properly. :-[ The biggest downside to the modellers is that most lock you into an upgrade loop, where you are upgrading to the latest greatest version every couple of years and they lose a lot of value the moment a new model comes out. On the other hand, a good valve amp will outlive you and retain a fair amount of it's value (especially if you buy secondhand).

BTW - someone mentioned the fizziness of the Mustangs earlier... Fender have fixed this in the V2 versions. I found the version 1 Mustangs to be a little uninspiring feel-wise but still very good tonally, the new versions have improved on that (although they still have a way to go). Otherwise I have always liked the Vox modelling (but then, they do a better job than most of nailing the Vox tones, which I'm a fan of).

Firstly, thanks for all the replies people!!!

I did watch the video (which educated me plenty I might add) , so thanks for that! I almost never mess with the little orange amp I have or the tone on my electric... I'm just still trying to make sure my fingers are in the right place lol...

I think I now understand the difference in buying a tube amp vs a solid state and vice versa, which helps a lot...

I think what is luring me to the latter is the learning process of working with the many effects on the mustang/cube variety ( I initially went into the store looking to buy an effects pedal), and the fact that I play solely on my own (my mates who play guitar are never really up for a jam session), so playing along with a tune or looping a backing track and playing a solo over it just seems more fun right now... I know that might seem doff, but I've had so much fun so far I'd love to keep my learning process similar going forward?

The tube option has definitely piqued my interest now, so if I have time (my bday is on the 7th but my family need a directive in the next day or so), I'll go plug in my simple little bullet and give that option a try...

I must say I'm leaning towards solid state currently, but I'll go plug in again, (make all the guys in the shop wince - it's terribly embarrassing), and see what happens...

Any further feedback on this reply?






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I think you have enough to go on now. The main thing IMO, is to understand there are pros and cons to each approach and know enough about them to make an intelligent decision based on your needs.

Maybe I shouldn't throw this in the ring at this stage, but if the effects and tweakage therof is a a big interest to you then something else to look at would be the modelling multieffect pedals (things like the Boss GTs, Line 6 PODs, Vox Tonelabs, etc.) - most of which have amp and speaker modelling built in, but are a lot more comprehensive on the effects side than the modelling amps. With a decent pair of headphones, they make an excellent quiet practice solution too. The reasons I usually hesitate to push newer players to these devises is the aforementioned "distraction factor" and the fact that when you do play with other people, what you plug it into can make a huge difference to your tones.

bindog wrote: Firstly, thanks for all the replies people!!!

I did watch the video (which educated me plenty I might add) , so thanks for that! I almost never mess with the little orange amp I have or the tone on my electric... I'm just still trying to make sure my fingers are in the right place lol...

I think I now understand the difference in buying a tube amp vs a solid state and vice versa, which helps a lot...

I think what is luring me to the latter is the learning process of working with the many effects on the mustang/cube variety ( I initially went into the store looking to buy an effects pedal), and the fact that I play solely on my own (my mates who play guitar are never really up for a jam session), so playing along with a tune or looping a backing track and playing a solo over it just seems more fun right now... I know that might seem doff, but I've had so much fun so far I'd love to keep my learning process similar going forward?

The tube option has definitely piqued my interest now, so if I have time (my bday is on the 7th but my family need a directive in the next day or so), I'll go plug in my simple little bullet and give that option a try...

I must say I'm leaning towards solid state currently, but I'll go plug in again, (make all the guys in the shop wince - it's terribly embarrassing), and see what happens...

Any further feedback on this reply?


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One final piece of advice that I have to offer is to go to a big music store and try out everything you've looked at and anything in your budget; modelling amps, valve amps and multi-effects pedals. You can then properly choose which you like the most. Also, don't be embarrassed about your playing in a music shop, you are bringing income for them, and you can always ask them to show you how it would sound with a more experienced player ?

Cool thanks guys!! The advice is appreciated... If I can get to music connection today I'm gonna go try some options out, and see where my heart takes me ?

Thanks again and I'll let you know what happens !!


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Good luck with the search man. Some good advice here from all parties, so not much more to add except that if you're buying new NEVER pay the sticker price. There is always discount to be had but they won't offer it if you don't ask for it ?.

Hmmm...I am biased because I have one and ignorant because I have no experience with the others but I would definitely recommend a Cube 40. You can cut the output for home use, the modelling options are good and they are tough. Playing in a band situation depends on the guys you're playing with. If you're trying to compete with a 100W on 8 and a drummer using broomsticks then you will have a problem. Otherwise it's quite adequate.

As mentioned by a few guys here, you need to try out the VOX amps. I have an AD30VT-XL that I am very happy with. Firstly, it has a wattage control on the back so you can turn the amp right down for night time practice. Secondly it has a valve pre-amp built in so you get a proper valve sound from a solid amp. Thirdly it has all the different amp models and some basic effects built in to give you a huge range of options.

I too am a tinkerer and have found sounds that suit the style of music I play and have then stored in the A and B channels on the amp that I can select from with a foot switch. I can also have a manual setting to give three different options for quick selection.

For most gigs you would want to mic the amp up and play through the PA so tou don't need a massive amp. I am just as loud as out lead guitarists 100W VOX in the mix.

To extend the sounds you get you can then get yourself a VOX Stomplab or other modelling pedal to give you hunderds of other options. You could possibly pick up a 30W VOX and a pedal for your budget.

Hey guys...

Firstly, thanks for all the input!!

After much deliberation, googling, youtubing, head scratching, in store testing, and general fannying about, I have finally decided on the mustang III v2...

I just liked the tone of the fender over the Roland 80gx, simple I guess... And the customization options really interest me being technically minded...

Should have it by Tuesday or Wednesday so I cannot wait to play with the new toy!! (Hopefully Tuesday cos that's my birthday - yaaayyyyyy)

Anyways I'll keep you all posted with some pics when she arrives ... I cannot freaking wait!!!




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