Amp Suggestions

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Commy
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Amp Suggestions

Post by Commy »

Greetings,

I recently purchased an ED MIJ Les Paul Custom.

I am now on the lookout for a good amp. I want something for my home, and do not want to buy something in six months to replace something I'm not happy with. I will be scouring pawn shops and sites that offer used amps for sale, etc. I won't be gigging.

Are there any recommendations; models, model numbers, etc?

I realize that this is a very tall order of a question.

Thanks very much.

Commy
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charles
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by charles »

I think you can never really go wrong with a good condition Traynor/Garnet/etc tube amp... maybe a nice little combo is out in your local shops.
Although nowadays I just have a little solid state Crate Powerblock and 1x12 cab. :shock:
I started ElDegas.com many years ago to help celebrate and inform about El Degas instruments. It all started with a used Ric 4000 bass copy I bought in circa 2000.

El Degas stable as of 03/2022: 42 :shock: (13 bass, 26 electric, 3 acoustic)
sambonee
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by sambonee »

Well the VR30 and VR15 vox amps are probably the best "unknown" jems out there.

The are hybrid amps with the tube running in the power section.

I got the 30 for $99 and the 15 for $60. I would pay up to $150 and $100 respectfully because of how totally amazing they are. They can also power an 8 or 16 ohm cabinet!

Just an FYI: I've have about 65 amps in the last 20 yrs and currently also have a '64 original Princeton and a Carr Hammerhead mkii.

Lmk what you think of them. Both chanel switching. I can co on and on....
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Barry
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by Barry »

I'd echo what both Charles and sambonee have referenced. Tubes are really where it's at if you're looking for "pure" vintage sound and the Garnets and Traynors are certainly tops. My band buddy has an older Crate (don't know what model) and loves it. Never uses his big Fender anymore!

I'm also a big booster of VOX. I happened to pick up a little DA5 model (reluctantly at the time) which came with a guitar purchase thinking that I'd just dump it. Boy was I wrong! This thing is called a practice amp and rated at 5 watts. But holy smokes, sounds more like 50! It's got 11 amp models X 11 effects and you can program your own. It runs with an AC adapter or C-cell batteries! Solid state and light as a feather too. And on those occasions when you need more power, it acts as a preamp for a bigger system. Just patch out to your big amp or mixer board! It's what I use all the time in my music room now. The Roland Cube 100 has dust on it!

If you're looking to just play around the house or at small parties, go get one if you can still find them; they're out of production.
Last edited by Barry on Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:16 am, edited 1 time in total.
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charles
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by charles »

I've heard nothing but praise for the small VOX's, good suggestion.

If you would like to be small and inexpensive but also tube, you can also take a look at some of the small ones like the Blackheart Little Giant or Killer Ant, Epiphone Valve Junior, etc. I used to have a list of most of the small wattage tube amps but I must have deleted it off my computer. :?
I started ElDegas.com many years ago to help celebrate and inform about El Degas instruments. It all started with a used Ric 4000 bass copy I bought in circa 2000.

El Degas stable as of 03/2022: 42 :shock: (13 bass, 26 electric, 3 acoustic)
Commy
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by Commy »

Thanks everyone.

Your input is very helpful.

I have an opportunity to purchase a friend's Fender Junior Pro. Any thoughts on this amp?
sambonee
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by sambonee »

if you can get it for under 350, go for it. an amazing amp. Jeff Beck plays through one live sometimes. I giged with one frequently in the 90's. I think i bought the first one to come to canada.
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Frenchy
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by Frenchy »

My best amps are Traynors (and Garnet's)... My pratice ones are the Traynor Bass Mate 2 combos... I have both versions, 15 to 20 Watts combine with a 15"... amazing for bass and a killer for guitar... Great for pratice for a bass, could jam with a band with a guitar.. I use much bigger for bass with a band...These tube amps sound amazing, will last a lifetime and if you are patient you can get them for great low prices... Great investments also, you will not lose on your investment.

Just my 2 cents

P.
Commy
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by Commy »

Hello Friends,

Thanks for the insightful info. and suggestions re. amps. I recently purchased a Fender Deluxe 85 (circa 88-93) in excellent condition for $150.00. It's a great amp and has a headphone jack which is a necessity. For the price I couldn't go wrong and with 65 watts it's fine for practising with the band.

Cheers
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charles
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Re: Amp Suggestions

Post by charles »

Way to go - my old guitarist had a Deluxe (I think) and it sounded really excellent and stood up to my huge vintage Ludwig kit just fine. :D
I started ElDegas.com many years ago to help celebrate and inform about El Degas instruments. It all started with a used Ric 4000 bass copy I bought in circa 2000.

El Degas stable as of 03/2022: 42 :shock: (13 bass, 26 electric, 3 acoustic)
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