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argylelewis wrote:I really should try an amp out before I buy it but finding hard to put aside time so am looking just on Ebay. In your experience would a Vox be able to give me that Gallows/Forward Russia type sound? I play alot of other things as well but would mainly use it for that type of sound. Is a vox more or less versatile than a Marshall?

And what kind of sound is that?

Are you using pedals for drive?

argylelewis wrote:I really should try an amp out before I buy it but finding hard to put aside time so am looking just on Ebay. In your experience would a Vox be able to give me that Gallows/Forward Russia type sound? I play alot of other things as well but would mainly use it for that type of sound. Is a vox more or less versatile than a Marshall?

Also, at this end of the market, there's nothing wring with going around shops with your guitar and a pedal or two in your pocket and just seeing what there is. If you find something that works, then there's not much arguing with that.

As for versatility, I dunno about the Vox, but the Valvestates are versatile as anything, particularly when you get towards the higher wattages, on account of their being more channels. Mine (AVT150) has a clean channel that goes from crystal clean (and loud), an OD1 channel which goes to balls out Marshall style gain, an OD2 channel which goes far beyond that and sounds pretty close to a Marshall valve amp with the gain dimed and an overdrive pedal on, and also the Acoustic Simulator channel, which I've never used but it's an option (actually I do use it, but I put the volume and 0 and use it to kill the amp).

Each of these channels has independent EQ, and buttons like "Bright" "Cut" "Scoop" and stuff.

Add very good reverb (nine different types: three each of hall, room and spring), and very usable other effects (chorus, delay etc. None as good as an actual pedal, but still useful).

Everything is switchable too.

My point is that the bigger Valvestates are very versatile indeed.

Definitely look out for one of the older valvestates - like the one Doog just picked up.
I had a VS100R for a good few years and it was great.
After I sold it I spent about 5 years trying to get back the tone I used to get with it

Thanks everyone, been a massive help. There's a valvestate ending tonight on Ebay I'm going to go all out for that one. Will let you know and post pics if I manage to get it.

Any word on this?

Well sort of, I spent my money that I had saved for an amp on the duo that RobRoe is selling I'm trying to talk my friend into letting me buy his valvestate off him, he said it might need a service but still wants £80 so not sure on that, seems a little pricy. Definitely settled on a valvestate I think though

I honestly can't see how you'll be disappointed. What size is it? I assume if it's your mate's you'll get playing it before buying. I'm not sure what all could be serviced on them, to be honest. I thought that modern solid states are pretty rugged (as far as I know, the valvestates are basically sold state amps with a valve sellotaped to the inside of the box).

Yeah I know I couldn't work out what needed servicing either. I have played it before but I suspect I'll check it out this week, see if anything is wrong with it but will more than likely try and save pennies from this months pay day to purchase it.