I've got pretty bored with my amp (Laney TR300, 1x12 combo) and I plan on buying a tube head and a 2x12 cab.
I'm very undecided on the head part. I'm considering getting two, one normal one (say max 50w) and then a very small one that sounds different (maybe a zvex nano, or those new fender ones or whatever), for now though, i'm more considered wit the main one.
Feature wise I would like something like this...
Preamp volume
Bass
Middle
Treble
Master Volume
I dont really want reverb, but it doesnt matter if its there. I'm happy with single channel, but more than that is ok, as long as it isn't too overloaded with features, I'm looking for something with a fair bit of simplicity.
Really, I don't sound like I'm ruling a lot out here , but I've done that on purpose I suppose. I was pretty set on getting a 50w JCM800 before, but I decided I should consider other things before I get one.
Sound wise, I find it hard to describe what I want, and local shops suck for selection so I havent been able to try much out. I'd like it to be capable of a fairly warm and full sound, as well as something a bit more bitey and trebley. Responding well to pedals is very important as I want to have a few extra dirt options, but sounding good dirty is important too.
Fuck it, I dont know what I'm talking about. Basically, recommend me amps that go up to 50w, and are fairly simple. I'll be trying to buy second hand and could go up to £500 or so, maybe a bit more, but I'd like to spend more like £350-400.
What should i be looking up? Can I get a second hand ampeg or something for that price? the JCM800 seems to fit the bill well, I dunno really, I'm pretty clueless here. Over to youse.
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 9:37 pm
by Bacchus
Orange Tiny Terror?
I can't recommend the Epiphone Valve Junior Head enough as a small amp.
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 10:49 pm
by arcadedave
The Tiny Terror is a safe bet, but it costs 300 by itself. The Valve Juniors are nice for the price, but sound a lil flat. If your after a small Head, I've heard good things about the Matamp Minimats
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:12 pm
by James
Cheers you two.
I've been considering the matamp mini, the ebay price stays so close to the retail price that if I get one I'll probably order direct and wait it out (getting to pick what options I want and that).
The tiny terror, I've heard nothing but good things (mostly here I admit) and the video demos seem decent. It was on those albini videos and sounded pretty good too. The price is well within my budget as long as it's loud enough.
Both are amps I've been looking at prices for already, and seem like decent candiates.
Keep the suggestions coming.
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:20 pm
by Mike
Tiny Terror is definitely the one for the small amp section. I know i'll buy one at some point - they sound amazing.
For a simple one channel good sounding tube head your can do a whole lot worse than a single channel JCM800.
Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 11:24 pm
by Bacchus
Mike wrote:Tiny Terror is definitely the one for the small amp section. I know i'll buy one at some point - they sound amazing.
For a simple one channel good sounding tube head your can do a whole lot worse than a single channel JCM800.
I think that for a big, giggable amp, you can't go wrong with a Marshall, and I reckon the Tiny Terror would be ace as a small amp, providing the budget allows for both. The Tiny Terror might also be loud enough to be the 'big' amp as well.
I reckon the next amp I buy will be a Tiny Terror.
Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 5:57 am
by mickie08
I now gig with my Tiny Terror and an Avatar 2x12 over my 73 super reverb. Unless you want endless clean headroom it will work as a amin stage amp. I am even considering gettign a second one, and using one as clenn and one as a drive channel.... It wouls still be alot cheaper than getting a 2 channel orange....
Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 6:01 am
by a66jagdream
arcadedave wrote:The Tiny Terror is a safe bet, but it costs 300 by itself. The Valve Juniors are nice for the price, but sound a lil flat. If your after a small Head, I've heard good things about the Matamp Minimats
Thanks! i didnt know about these.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:51 am
by Bacchus
mickie08 wrote:I now gig with my Tiny Terror and an Avatar 2x12 over my 73 super reverb. Unless you want endless clean headroom it will work as a amin stage amp. I am even considering gettign a second one, and using one as clenn and one as a drive channel.... It wouls still be alot cheaper than getting a 2 channel orange....
Does that have to be mic'd, or is it loud enough as it is?
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:52 am
by Mike
Cranked through a 2x12" - 15 tube watts is PLENTY.
Clean headroom is the only issue.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:54 am
by Bacchus
I've been thinking about selling the AVT150 head. If the Tiny Terror is loud enough for gigs, then I might.
I'd still kinda want that Marshall sound sometimes though...
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 10:56 am
by Mike
How much would you get for the head? Can't you keep both? I imagine that an AVT150 doesn't have great resale - did you get it fixed in the end?
Save up properly on the side and keep it - like me. Amps are your friends.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:00 am
by Bacchus
Mike wrote:How much would you get for the head? Can't you keep both? I imagine that an AVT150 doesn't have great resale - did you get it fixed in the end?
Save up properly on the side and keep it - like me. Amps are your friends.
That's what I was thinking. I think £150 would be optimistic. I haven't checked to see if letting it dry out fixed it yet. I've been busy. Too busy to check if I blew up £350 worth of savings...
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 11:01 am
by Mike
lol.
Keep it. After fixing it (if necessary) you'll get fuck all money back so it's worth you keep it for the sondz.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:24 pm
by mickie08
15 w tube is plenty. It is just clean headroom that is an issue. Even then it is only if you want that really super clean sound. The 15 watts does a great clean tone with a little break up at full volume.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:44 pm
by gary
If it is specifically a head and you don't mind another Laney, go for a GH50L. Personally I've used the Laney TF700 and they're okay, but their valve stuff is where the real tone is. Fits the bill in terms of price, simplicity and versatility. I know this as my housemate has a GH100L with 4x12 which I gigged with, does 'clean to scream' as the saying goes. I used it for jazz/funk (which need a great clean) and he uses it for hard rock and metal (which needs a lot of gain with definition). Worked well for both.
Dunno really I'm just a Laney whore.
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:56 pm
by Mike
GET A TINY TERROR:
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:13 pm
by Doog
Whats the point in demoing an amp with a pedal,and not actually mentioning it until someone asks in a comment?
Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:17 pm
by James
You didn't gather that he's a cockmuncher from his playing?
Totally with you though, the pedal isn't even on screen.