Advice on sub-$300 amp

roth · May 9th, 2006, 07:02 PM

I am looking for a pratice amp to compliment my teles and Vox Tonelab SE. I don't need anything fancy - all my modeling and effects are taken care of with the tonelab - just need something with a nice clean tone that will compliment the Tonelab and the occasional raw tele signal.

I am open to any brand, solid state or tube.

Thanks!

sandman72202 · May 9th, 2006, 07:11 PM

but it really depends on how its to be used. do you need more power ? is it for home or somewhere larger ?

roth · May 9th, 2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandman72202

but it really depends on how its to be used. do you need more power ? is it for home or somewhere larger ?

Strictly for home use. I just want something to practice with. Nice tone at a low volume.

peteb · May 9th, 2006, 07:54 PM

if you do not need power, you can not beat a champ and $300 is the price

Ptrallan01 · May 9th, 2006, 09:17 PM

G40V, new from $199 to $300 (price is going up as people find out). Change the tubes if you like (some do others get some chinese tubes that aren't microphonic).
I got one for $117.50 used, changed the tubes and have a good CHEAP amp that can get really loud too!

peter

RelicStrat · May 9th, 2006, 10:19 PM

Another vote for a Champ. I just picked up a SF Champ for $240 on ebay last week and it sounds great. Certainly can't go wrong.

Brick · May 9th, 2006, 10:24 PM

A MusicMaster Bass would be good also. The 12 speaker is a good option.

PraiseCaster · May 11th, 2006, 04:26 AM

If its for home, there is a little 5 watt tube amp thats getrtin a lot of good comments from users right now: The Epiphone Valve Junior.

Its a 1 knob wonder that has a lot of people going, Oooooh! & Aaaaaah!

Comes in a little combo with an 8 " speaker, that seems to be surpising the heck out of everyone. Or you can get a valve Junior head. Both are being sold around a hundred bucks.

tbradshaw · May 11th, 2006, 02:40 PM

I shopped Champs a bit (and liked them a lot) but ultimately opted for the Valve Jr. combo. My decision was largely financial.

For low-vol., at home practicing I love the VJ. It's tones up to around 12 o'clock on the volume are awesome and not super loud. Above that the grind really kicks in. My only beef is the stock distortion is a good bit fizzy...harshly so to my ears. I do best at low amp volume and a Tube Screamer for kick and a Tube Driver for more distortion.

My next projcet will be some of the mods for this amp to take the fizzieness out.

a42 · May 11th, 2006, 03:16 PM

+1 for the Champ.

For new production stuff take a look at a Fender Pro Jr.

Chicago Slim · May 11th, 2006, 03:32 PM

I use Peavey Transtube amps (Bandit & Studio Pro), with a modeling pedal. With a model/muti-FX pedal, they are not level sensitive. I've played them at bedroom levels, to outdoor concert levels, with an extention speaker cabinet. You can find them used for 200 or less.

Tim

J-man · May 11th, 2006, 04:04 PM

Vox AD series amplifier, it will definitly compliment your Tonelab, and they sound incredible for the money!

I have a Vox AD30VT, and I wouldn't part with it.

Coach · May 11th, 2006, 04:06 PM

If you are mostly going to run your ToneLab through it, I would bypass some of the amps like Champ and others. The reason I say this is that you are going to want something that has a Power Amp in jack so that you can bypass the pre-amp. I know you can run the modeler straight into the preamp but it sounds better straight into the power amp and bypassing the pre altogether. If however you decide you won't use the ToneLab as much as just the amp alone, grab a Champ or something similar.

roth · May 11th, 2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

If you are mostly going to run your ToneLab through it, I would bypass some of the amps like Champ and others. The reason I say this is that you are going to want something that has a Power Amp in jack so that you can bypass the pre-amp. I know you can run the modeler straight into the preamp but it sounds better straight into the power amp and bypassing the pre altogether. If however you decide you won't use the ToneLab as much as just the amp alone, grab a Champ or something similar.

This is a good point, I don't see myself NOT going through the Tonelab that much. Can you recommend an amp that lets you bypass the pre (sorry for the newbie question)...

To be honest, since posting this thread a few days ago, I plugged the Tonelab right into the amp I use for my Korg TR61 keyboard (a Roland KC-60) and man does it sound sweet... Am I tempting the tele Gods by plugging my beloved MIM blue agave into a KEYBOARD amp?

sandman72202 · May 11th, 2006, 07:46 PM

would be to look for a little vox pathfinder. you can find them for about $100 and they are perfect for practice, nice tone....plus you get reverb and trem

Chris S. · May 11th, 2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roth

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coach

If you are mostly going to run your ToneLab through it ... you are going to want something that has a Power Amp in jack so that you can bypass the pre-amp.

This is a good point, I don't see myself NOT going through the Tonelab that much. Can you recommend an amp that lets you bypass the pre (sorry for the newbie question)...

You can likely use the "effects return" (or "effects in") input on any amp that has an effects loop available.

Also, I was going to post earlier that there are very few questions involving "sub $300 amp" for which Peavey Classic 30 is not one possible answer – AND it has an effects loop. ;-) You have lots of good choices already, but a used PC30 is one of the best gear buys on the market. (IMO, of course.) Powerful enough that you can actually play gigs with 'em, too. I used mine for a small club gig this past Friday, and it performed like a ... well, I was going to say "champ," but it performed like a Peavey Classic 30. Hee. ;-) Best of luck, CS

Rob DiStefano · May 12th, 2006, 07:41 AM

Personally, I'd stick with either a Champ or an MMB, basically for one reason - PTP wired. A few other good reasons are - great tone, easy to repair, great tone, will only increase in value ... and of course, great tone. 8)

6942 · May 12th, 2006, 08:45 AM

Roland Cube 15.......$95.
Was looking for a good, cheap, practice amp.
Read the amp reviews on Harmony Central for ideas.
One reviewer, a guitar/amp tech, said the DISTORTION channels, were, at best, mediocre.
But, said the CLEAN channel was so clear & "lush", that he uses it as his test bed, to check other equipment.
Well, not being into metal/grunge, I was looking for a nice clean sound...so I bought it.
Wow, was he dead on!
The DISTORTION channels are: C / C-.
The CLEAN channel: A-/B+ (remember, $95 amp).
I play a Squier Tele, and an Agile P-90 through it.
Sounds clear as a bell, and the 8 inch (closed back) speaker, really cranks for only 15 watts.
It's built like a TANK, with a 3 year warranty to boot.
Maybe the smartest buy I've ever made!
Except for my ENRON stock....what a steal!!!

popthree · May 12th, 2006, 09:59 AM

an old roland blues cube would be a good fit if you decide to go solid state.

May 9th, 2006, 07:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
roth Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Age: 30 Posts: 314 36 Photos	Advice on sub-$300 amp I am looking for a pratice amp to compliment my teles and Vox Tonelab SE. I don't need anything fancy - all my modeling and effects are taken care of with the tonelab - just need something with a nice clean tone that will compliment the Tonelab and the occasional raw tele signal. I am open to any brand, solid state or tube. Thanks!

May 9th, 2006, 07:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
sandman72202 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Arkansas, currently on walkabout Posts: 476	sounds like a fender champ or vibrochamp to me but it really depends on how its to be used. do you need more power ? is it for home or somewhere larger ?

May 9th, 2006, 07:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
peteb Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 248	yup, thats what I was thinking too if you do not need power, you can not beat a champ and $300 is the price

May 9th, 2006, 09:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ptrallan01 Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 571 3 Photos	Pignose G40V, new from $199 to $300 (price is going up as people find out). Change the tubes if you like (some do others get some chinese tubes that aren't microphonic). I got one for $117.50 used, changed the tubes and have a good CHEAP amp that can get really loud too! peter __________________ Ooh, I want my guitar to sound like Jimmie Smith's organ!!!

May 9th, 2006, 10:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
Brick Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Jose Age: 58 Posts: 793	MMB A MusicMaster Bass would be good also. The 12 speaker is a good option.

May 9th, 2006, 10:19 PM	#6 (permalink)
RelicStrat Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Laguna Hills, SoCal Age: 49 Posts: 426	Another vote for a Champ. I just picked up a SF Champ for $240 on ebay last week and it sounds great. Certainly can't go wrong.

May 11th, 2006, 04:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
PraiseCaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Whittier, California Posts: 4,428 16 Photos	If its for home, there is a little 5 watt tube amp thats getrtin a lot of good comments from users right now: The Epiphone Valve Junior. Its a 1 knob wonder that has a lot of people going, Oooooh! & Aaaaaah! Comes in a little combo with an 8 " speaker, that seems to be surpising the heck out of everyone. Or you can get a valve Junior head. Both are being sold around a hundred bucks. __________________ Later! PraiseCaster Visit Guitarists Praise and Worship Forum!! Dance Like David, MySpace

May 11th, 2006, 02:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
tbradshaw Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 162	I shopped Champs a bit (and liked them a lot) but ultimately opted for the Valve Jr. combo. My decision was largely financial. For low-vol., at home practicing I love the VJ. It's tones up to around 12 o'clock on the volume are awesome and not super loud. Above that the grind really kicks in. My only beef is the stock distortion is a good bit fizzy...harshly so to my ears. I do best at low amp volume and a Tube Screamer for kick and a Tube Driver for more distortion. My next projcet will be some of the mods for this amp to take the fizzieness out.

May 11th, 2006, 03:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
a42 Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bowie, MD Posts: 191	+1 for the Champ. For new production stuff take a look at a Fender Pro Jr.

May 11th, 2006, 03:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
Chicago Slim Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sebastion FL Posts: 333	I use Peavey Transtube amps (Bandit & Studio Pro), with a modeling pedal. With a model/muti-FX pedal, they are not level sensitive. I've played them at bedroom levels, to outdoor concert levels, with an extention speaker cabinet. You can find them used for 200 or less. Tim

May 11th, 2006, 04:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
J-man Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Wales/Scarborough Age: 20 Posts: 6,371 9 Photos	Vox AD series amplifier, it will definitly compliment your Tonelab, and they sound incredible for the money! I have a Vox AD30VT, and I wouldn't part with it. __________________ Write a wise saying and your name will live forever. - Unknown "The large print giveth and the small print taketh away." - Tom Waits

May 11th, 2006, 04:06 PM	#13 (permalink)
Coach TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: York, PA Posts: 76	If you are mostly going to run your ToneLab through it, I would bypass some of the amps like Champ and others. The reason I say this is that you are going to want something that has a Power Amp in jack so that you can bypass the pre-amp. I know you can run the modeler straight into the preamp but it sounds better straight into the power amp and bypassing the pre altogether. If however you decide you won't use the ToneLab as much as just the amp alone, grab a Champ or something similar.

May 11th, 2006, 07:46 PM	#15 (permalink)
sandman72202 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Arkansas, currently on walkabout Posts: 476	another option would be to look for a little vox pathfinder. you can find them for about $100 and they are perfect for practice, nice tone....plus you get reverb and trem

May 12th, 2006, 07:41 AM	#17 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 63 Posts: 4,915	Personally, I'd stick with either a Champ or an MMB, basically for one reason - PTP wired. A few other good reasons are - great tone, easy to repair, great tone, will only increase in value ... and of course, great tone. 8)

May 12th, 2006, 08:45 AM	#18 (permalink)
6942 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Western Maryland Posts: 1,631	Roland Cube 15.......$95. Was looking for a good, cheap, practice amp. Read the amp reviews on Harmony Central for ideas. One reviewer, a guitar/amp tech, said the DISTORTION channels, were, at best, mediocre. But, said the CLEAN channel was so clear & "lush", that he uses it as his test bed, to check other equipment. Well, not being into metal/grunge, I was looking for a nice clean sound...so I bought it. Wow, was he dead on! The DISTORTION channels are: C / C-. The CLEAN channel: A-/B+ (remember, $95 amp). I play a Squier Tele, and an Agile P-90 through it. Sounds clear as a bell, and the 8 inch (closed back) speaker, really cranks for only 15 watts. It's built like a TANK, with a 3 year warranty to boot. Maybe the smartest buy I've ever made! Except for my ENRON stock....what a steal!!!

May 12th, 2006, 09:59 AM	#19 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Age: 43 Posts: 2,949 49 Photos	an old roland blues cube would be a good fit if you decide to go solid state. __________________ "chips are falling....." -Dr. Johnny Fever