Anyone gigging with an Epi Valve Jr.

[Faraldi]

Recently got a used VJ and matching cab because of all the great things I've heard and the opinions are dead on. Such a simple circuit and such an awesome tone.

So I had an outdoor gig recently and thought it might be cool to give it a shot (mic'd) (as opposed to my Peavey Triumph PAG 60). I loved it and my buddy from one of the other bands really loved the sound as well.

My only issue was that there wasn't much stage volume. As a singer / guitarist, I tend to rely on my amp rather than hearing the guitar sound through the monitors. (I actually almost never have the GTR in the monitor mix)

Do you VJ owners gig with it or do you use it more for home / studio?

[strat a various]

I've used mine three or four times just to see if it could be done. There are a few blues places in SoCal that are small enough to get by with a Valve Jr, but I don't use the Epi cab, I have several others I choose from. It's a good sounding little amp, and a great harp amp if you don't need much volume. With an efficient speaker, you can about double the perceived volume, but that's still pretty quiet.
If you won't run the guitar through the monitors, you can never use it at a louder venue.

[Martin R]

I'm looking at getting the head for a backup. I've got a '65 Deluxe that's always worked, but it is older than the drummer.

Just keep it in the truck and have a speaker cable with clips on one end. If the Deluxe ever quits, pull out the Valve Jr., set it on top of the Deluxe and hook it to the Deluxe speaker, (after disconnecting the bad amp).

We usually have a spare SM57 so it could be mic'd if needed.

Anyway, that's the plan...just need to buy the amp.

Martin
E. Christina Herr & Wild Frontier

[strat a various]

Originally Posted by Martin R

I'm looking at getting the head for a backup. I've got a '65 Deluxe that's always worked, but it is older than the drummer.

Just keep it in the truck and have a speaker cable with clips on one end. If the Deluxe ever quits, pull out the Valve Jr., set it on top of the Deluxe and hook it to the Deluxe speaker, (after disconnecting the bad amp).

We usually have a spare SM57 so it could be mic'd if needed.

Anyway, that's the plan...just need to buy the amp.

Martin
E. Christina Herr & Wild Frontier

VJ is nowhere near loud enough to sub for a Deluxe Reverb, unless you always play it on "3" with plenty of distortion. You need a 15 watt head.

[giantslayer]

I gig with mine. I have the 12" cab. I'm usually about 5 feet away from my amp and have it pointed towards me on a stand, so I don't have any problem hearing myself. I usually play it around 8 o'clock, 9 if I am a little further and we are being really loud. Of course, it is mic'd for the house and other people's monitors.

[Southpaw Tele]

I was using mine in our church's praise and worship band. I couldn't hear myself very well, so I converted it into a Lite IIb 18 watt. Plenty loud and awesome tone!

[Martin R]

Originally Posted by strat a various

VJ is nowhere near loud enough to sub for a Deluxe Reverb, unless you always play it on "3" with plenty of distortion. You need a 15 watt head.

Funny you should say that. I was complaining a few weeks back about never being able to turn up my little 22 watter in most of the clubs we play.

The Epi head would just be a back up...and I could mic it and put it through the PA if needed.

I've tried a used one at a local music store and it didn't sound that great. But this was one of the earlier versions. Is the "v3", the one with the 4-8ohm dial, better?

Martin
E. Christina Herr & Wild Frontier