Smaller Valve Amps

mastermorya · Post by **mastermorya** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 4:12 am

I've never played one, but I recently saw David Bazan play through a little Ampeg GVT15-112 combo mic'ed into the PA. Check it out. Amazing cleans, amazing tone, this is definitely the next amp I am planing to get. It may replace my MMB, or turn it into a museum piece for me.

Gabriel · Post by **Gabriel** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 8:34 am

Thom wrote:I A/B'd the Cornell Romany with a Fender Princeton Reverb in Mansons a couple of years ago, and whilst a nice amp, I bought the Princeton.
The Princeton is just a glorious little amp and I don't see my self selling it. One day I'll put a more efficient speaker in there, either swap out the baffle for a 12", or go for an Eminence Rajin Cajun, which seems to be a popular option for them. It's not too heavy either - 12.7kg.

I don't know why I hadn't thought of the Princeton Reverb, they're lovely amps. I can try one out locally too which is a plus.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:55 am

Nice one.

Stuart · Post by **Stuart** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:03 pm

Isn't this actually just the job for a modelling amp and not a small valve amp at all?

The Fender Mustang I got my little brother for christmas is pretty great sounding particularly for fender cleans, plus has a bunch of other stuff to throw in if needed and you can use a foot switch to go between two presets. If I was playing in a stage band, or doing covers or any of that kind of thing I'd probably get the head version and stick through my marshall 2x12.

Progrockabuse · Post by **Progrockabuse** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:59 pm

Stuart wrote:Isn't this actually just the job for a modelling amp and not a small valve amp at all?

The Fender Mustang I got my little brother for christmas is pretty great sounding particularly for fender cleans, plus has a bunch of other stuff to throw in if needed and you can use a foot switch to go between two presets. If I was playing in a stage band, or doing covers or any of that kind of thing I'd probably get the head version and stick through my marshall 2x12.

I have the mustang II and echo Stuart's comments. Though the II has the larger speaker and the extra wattage. I've used it love before and it keeps up plenty with a loud band. Works well with pedals.

Your welcome to borrow it if you like, your not that far from me.

timhulio · Post by **timhulio** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 11:19 pm

I had trouble with a Mustang II in rehearsal. I honestly couldn't get it loud enough. The thing was also shrill at volume. I also hated it.

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 12:23 am

I was going to mention the Roland Cube but I think I'm getting a bit redundant, posting on about it.

► Show Spoiler

Gabriel · Post by **Gabriel** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 12:48 am

Thanks for those suggestions guys. Call me a snob though but I'm looking at valve amps really because my other two amps are already solid state and I want something a little different.

I'm going to try a Princeton when I get the chance, I was looking at DR Z stuff too but their amps are a bit pricey.

Concretebadger · Post by **Concretebadger** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 12:04 pm

I tried a Princeton once and was really impressed with it. At the time though I thought it was a bit pricey and wasn't convinced that 10" speaker was giggable so eventually went for the DRRI because that had a 12" speaker and wasn't all that much more expensive. You'd get a great clean tone and portability either way, and with the benefit of hindsight (and discussions on this forum and elsewhere since then) I daresay both would be loud enough volume-wise.