Looking for new small amp

aznrambo481 · June 5th, 2006, 10:42 PM

Note: by "small", I mean 20-40 watts max. I want something reasonably playable in the apartment.

I have a Fender Frontman that came with my squier, and now that I have an american strat, I want to get a good amp to complement it. I want either a tube amp or amp with tube modeling, something I can use for a while. Here's some I've been thinking about:

Vox AD30VT: tube modeling, but online reviews cite it as being completely unreliable with cheap hardware (knobs etc.)

I'm pretty sure there was a fender tube amp for about 30 watts for about 400/500 dollars. A little on the expensive end, but probably worth it. Just depends on how much I want to dish out.

I've wanted a Marshall, but I'm pretty sure the only tube amps are the cabinets and the AVT series, which are hybrid and come in 20 watt and 50 watts.. The cabinets are too big/expensive for someone on a tight budget.

I'm open for new suggestions, and any preferences that any fellow guitargeeks may have. I'm not in a hurry, but want to get a good amp now that I have a good guitar.

jdimitri · June 5th, 2006, 11:00 PM

Well you can try a Roland cube 30... i had one, it was alright
But i think the ad30vt are great for the price, IMO built like a brick too!
Im pretty sure the knobs won't break unless u drop it... like 10 floors down...
All i've heard was something about the jack coming loose and dropping in, this can be easily fixed by opening the case, it takes 5 mins
You get warranty too, so...
But the best way to find out is to go to a guitar store and trying out the amps there!

sixty4fairlane · June 6th, 2006, 11:13 AM

I just got a cube 30, I recommend it for a small amp, if you are ok buying used look for a peavey classic 30, if you are not afraid of going big the classic 50 can be found for a little bit more then a 30, thing is it is a big amp, either a 2x12 or a 4x10. The vox I like too, but I didnt get one, I've just tried them at the store and they sound good.

popthree · June 6th, 2006, 11:42 AM

i'd keep playing the frontman till i could save a few more skins to help with the purchase

http://www.yorkville.com/products.as...&cat=18&id=251

Tim Armstrong · June 6th, 2006, 12:15 PM

Small coin, great sound: Vox Pathfinder 15R.

Cheers, Tim

stantheman · June 6th, 2006, 12:26 PM

Peavey Delta Blues is two very cool Amplifiers.

KC · June 6th, 2006, 01:29 PM

Lots of fun amps in this category: blues junior / pro junior, vox ac15, gibson/goldtone GA15, champs, crates, etc. But if you want a marshall, you should save up for one -- there's a DSL 201 in the garage sale right now that's $500 and would do the trick perfectly.

On the other hand, all of these are too loud for comfortable apartment playing, except maybe the champ. a master volume will get you in the ballpark but no amp sounds best with the master all the way down. I'm currently experimenting with the epiphone valve junior $99 5-watt head (through a nice celestion 12) and so far I'm impressed. Worth a look, anyway. Have fun.

lpacilio · June 6th, 2006, 01:35 PM

Look at the Vox AC15CC.

Two EL84's, two 12AX7's, SS reverb and trem for $600. It has a master volume so you can get some good crunch at reasonable volumes.

TG · June 6th, 2006, 03:09 PM

I have 2 amps...a Fender Blues Junior and a Roland Cube60. I gig both (miced thru the PA, although the Cube60 has a good line out) but they are both great home practice amps too. You can get great sounds at low volume.

R.M.S. · June 6th, 2006, 03:12 PM

I can't recommend it because I haven't heard it, but feature-wise I suspect a Carvin Vintage 16 (16w/5w switchable) would be up your alley. Tubes, reverb, overdrive and not too expensive. I know I'm eyeing these amps :)

maestrovert · June 6th, 2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.M.S.

I can't recommend it because I haven't heard it, but feature-wise I suspect a Carvin Vintage 16 (16w/5w switchable) would be up your alley. Tubes, reverb, overdrive and not too expensive. I know I'm eyeing these amps :)

not too long ago i was in SoCal and i got to visit Carvin's facility, and also their retail outlet (in Santa Ana i believe, but don't quote me on that).....
i was VERY impressed with the 16/5's tones, and
their new V3 2x 12" combo was also tonealicious.....

CancerLeoCam · June 6th, 2006, 05:22 PM

...Vox Pathfinder.

Rick Towne · June 6th, 2006, 05:47 PM

with reverb is a great recommendation. Many of the other amps, especially the AC15, will blow away your apartment and most of your neighbors.

J-man · June 6th, 2006, 05:52 PM

Vox AD30VT.

Anyone who has problems with the knobs must either just have plain bad luck or attack them with hammers!
As someone else already said - they're built like bricks!

TeleTurkey · June 6th, 2006, 06:12 PM

+1

I've had mine for over a year with zero problems. Holy cow does this amp do a lot of things very well.

As far as it's build goes, are you planning to take it to gigs 5 nights a week, play at home or some combination? I can imagine that if you knock it around a bunch it isn't as sturdy as some others, but if you just plan to play it at home and to occaisional gig or jam it should be more than fine for that.

aznrambo481 · June 6th, 2006, 10:33 PM

I'm probably going to be using it for mostly home use, but my guitar teacher's trying to get me to play as backup with him at cafes and stuff over the summer. I'm looking into starting/joining a band, so I can see the amp being used every now and then for gigging/loud practices. I'm actually play in the garage, and have the 15 watt frontman at volume 1.5 at home (w/ gain). However, I've heard the vox AD30 VT has an additional master knob on the back, which would probably make setting the volume a lot easier. Also, I want a good clean sound, because with my guitar teacher I play a lot of bossa nova (acoustic). So basically the amp has to sound good quiet and loud, clean and heavily distorted(power chords!). I think the vox modeling amp would be the most versatile one mentioned yet.

aznrambo481 · June 6th, 2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maestrovert

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.M.S.

I can't recommend it because I haven't heard it, but feature-wise I suspect a Carvin Vintage 16 (16w/5w switchable) would be up your alley. Tubes, reverb, overdrive and not too expensive. I know I'm eyeing these amps :)

not too long ago i was in SoCal and i got to visit Carvin's facility, and also their retail outlet (in Santa Ana i believe, but don't quote me on that).....
i was VERY impressed with the 16/5's tones, and
their new V3 2x 12" combo was also tonealicious.....

One problem about Carvin is that they many places don't carry them because they can't guarantee the lowest prices. Carvin sells them off their website for a rather inexpensive price. I suppose the best thing to do is to either find someone with a Carvin or go to the retail outlet (if it's in SoCal it's not that far away, probably )

sandman72202 · June 6th, 2006, 11:22 PM

its 15 watts tube, doesn't have reverb but i haven't missed it a bit.has a good clean....not great...like a fender...but good, can get real nasty when pushed. good for blues or rock.also comes with a headphone jack. a rarety in tube amps. has an out jack if you want to add a cabinet.
i love mine. you can find them on ebay for less than $300
i got mine for a steal $240, i thought i'd play it awhile...see what it was like and then sell it for what i bought it...but this is a keeper. because of the versatility, i almost like it better than my VC. just a different type of sweet tone.

FMA · June 7th, 2006, 10:35 AM

The AD30 is plenty loud for small gigs and sounds pretty good. The Fender models have a nice clean tone. I have one that I use for rehearsal and small gigs.
That said, check out a Vox AC15CC. Great sounding amp.
I'd also check out Peavey Classic 30s or Delta Blues. Both great amps for good prices...

J-man · June 7th, 2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznrambo481

I'm probably going to be using it for mostly home use, but my guitar teacher's trying to get me to play as backup with him at cafes and stuff over the summer. I'm looking into starting/joining a band, so I can see the amp being used every now and then for gigging/loud practices. I'm actually play in the garage, and have the 15 watt frontman at volume 1.5 at home (w/ gain). However, I've heard the vox AD30 VT has an additional master knob on the back, which would probably make setting the volume a lot easier. Also, I want a good clean sound, because with my guitar teacher I play a lot of bossa nova (acoustic). So basically the amp has to sound good quiet and loud, clean and heavily distorted(power chords!). I think the vox modeling amp would be the most versatile one mentioned yet.

The knob on the back is an attenuator, it adjusts the amp's wattage output. (so the amp can be driven at low volumes).

Daddy Elmis · June 7th, 2006, 12:15 PM

I've got the Pro Jr. (15 watts), a Marshall DSL 201 (20 watts) and a Reverend Goblin (5/15 watts).

For a good, versatile tube amp, I'd get a Goblin. There are out of production now (beginning last Fall as I remember), but are rock solid amps, can be easily voiced (via a simple front panel switch) from Fender blackface to tweed to Vox to Marshall. The switchable 5/15 watts gives you as little or as much juice as you are likely to need in your situation, and mic'd the amp sounds great for bigger gigs. They can be had on eBay from time to time at a slight to substantial premium over their former street price.

The DSL201 is a great amp, IMO. Definitely gives up the Marshall crunch, but the OD channel is very "modern." It doesn't sound that great to my ears unless the Master Volume is cranked -- so I use a Weber attenuator with it. I don't know that it would be my first choice in a low volume (coffee house) setting (especially compared to the Goblin).

The PJ is the best amp for the money out there, IMO, if you want straight ahead tube amp tone with no frills. I put a Weber on that as well and drive that puppy at about 6-7 on volume and use the guitar vol to clean it up. Definitely a baby Bassman/old Marshall drive. But not that great for traditional Fender "clean" tone, IMO. And it's no frills -- no reverb, tremolo, effects loop, it has one vol and one tone knob. If you want to build tone starting with a solid amp, this is it.

BTW, my son has a Vox AD30, and there are some good tones in there, and the "attenuator" feature on the 30 is great for setting tone independent of overall volume. I'm not much into modeling amps, so my view is biased. I think it's a good amp to play with to learn what various effects do and get some sense of what some classic amp tones "sort of" sound like. I think if you play out a lot, you'll probably ultimately go get an amp that nails the tone you want (Fender, Vox, Marshall) and add a few pedals for specific effect flavoring rather than rely on the modeling -- but that's just my view.

Old Guy · June 8th, 2006, 09:31 PM

I have a Carvin Vintage 16. I would recommend it to anyone. Mine did not have the current Celestion Vintage 30 speaker so I put a Weber Blue Dog in and wow ! This is my first Carvin product and I would buy one again in a heart beat. Good Luck !

maestrovert · June 8th, 2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznrambo481

Quote:

Originally Posted by maestrovert

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.M.S.

I can't recommend it because I haven't heard it, but feature-wise I suspect a Carvin Vintage 16 (16w/5w switchable) would be up your alley. Tubes, reverb, overdrive and not too expensive. I know I'm eyeing these amps :)

not too long ago i was in SoCal and i got to visit Carvin's facility, and also their retail outlet (in Santa Ana i believe, but don't quote me on that).....
i was VERY impressed with the 16/5's tones, and
their new V3 2x 12" combo was also tonealicious.....

One problem about Carvin is that they many places don't carry them because they can't guarantee the lowest prices. Carvin sells them off their website for a rather inexpensive price. I suppose the best thing to do is to either find someone with a Carvin or go to the retail outlet (if it's in SoCal it's not that far away, probably )

???
Carvin has always sold direct...., it's just the way they have always preferred to do business.....since '46 or so.
i was surprised to find that they even had a retail outlet, but it's a CARVIN store.....

JamonHamon · June 8th, 2006, 11:15 PM

Ive got one its great, I re-tubed it twice once for blues and it was fantastic in the 5w mode it was Aurie hauntingly woody sounding at lower volume, Then turn it up it zep zz top. Then I re-tubed it for clean country and jazz in the 16w mode & I'm talking plexy cleans, Wow twang like you've always dreamed of, I love this amp. The amps that I own are, Victoria 45410
Dr Z Mini Z
Vox ac30cc Head with 212 alnico blues speakers
Fender twin with Jbls
B1uesboy TVL5 with Jensen p12q
and the Carvin Vintage 16

June 5th, 2006, 10:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
aznrambo481 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla, California Age: 17 Posts: 2,884 6 Photos	Looking for new small amp Note: by "small", I mean 20-40 watts max. I want something reasonably playable in the apartment. I have a Fender Frontman that came with my squier, and now that I have an american strat, I want to get a good amp to complement it. I want either a tube amp or amp with tube modeling, something I can use for a while. Here's some I've been thinking about: Vox AD30VT: tube modeling, but online reviews cite it as being completely unreliable with cheap hardware (knobs etc.) I'm pretty sure there was a fender tube amp for about 30 watts for about 400/500 dollars. A little on the expensive end, but probably worth it. Just depends on how much I want to dish out. I've wanted a Marshall, but I'm pretty sure the only tube amps are the cabinets and the AVT series, which are hybrid and come in 20 watt and 50 watts.. The cabinets are too big/expensive for someone on a tight budget. I'm open for new suggestions, and any preferences that any fellow guitargeeks may have. I'm not in a hurry, but want to get a good amp now that I have a good guitar. __________________ Check out my bands, and feel free to PM me comments on them! The Eclectics (guitar/vocals) SLIP (bass)

June 5th, 2006, 11:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
jdimitri Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia! Posts: 232 4 Photos	Well you can try a Roland cube 30... i had one, it was alright But i think the ad30vt are great for the price, IMO built like a brick too! Im pretty sure the knobs won't break unless u drop it... like 10 floors down... All i've heard was something about the jack coming loose and dropping in, this can be easily fixed by opening the case, it takes 5 mins You get warranty too, so... But the best way to find out is to go to a guitar store and trying out the amps there! __________________ What do I want people to get from the music? Whatever they want. [pauses then looks to the camera] Whatever you like - Jeff Buckley

June 6th, 2006, 11:13 AM	#3 (permalink)
sixty4fairlane Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Shreveport, Louisiana Posts: 293	new or used ? I just got a cube 30, I recommend it for a small amp, if you are ok buying used look for a peavey classic 30, if you are not afraid of going big the classic 50 can be found for a little bit more then a 30, thing is it is a big amp, either a 2x12 or a 4x10. The vox I like too, but I didnt get one, I've just tried them at the store and they sound good.

June 6th, 2006, 11:42 AM	#4 (permalink)
popthree Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Tulsa Age: 43 Posts: 2,949 49 Photos	i'd keep playing the frontman till i could save a few more skins to help with the purchase http://www.yorkville.com/products.as...&cat=18&id=251 __________________ "chips are falling....." -Dr. Johnny Fever

June 6th, 2006, 12:15 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tim Armstrong Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Berlin, Maryland, USA Age: 49 Posts: 10,262	Small coin, great sound: Vox Pathfinder 15R. Cheers, Tim __________________ http://www.moodswingers.org

June 6th, 2006, 12:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
stantheman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 5,071	Peavey Delta Blues is two very cool Amplifiers. __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

June 6th, 2006, 01:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
KC Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 1,255 16 Photos	apartment living Lots of fun amps in this category: blues junior / pro junior, vox ac15, gibson/goldtone GA15, champs, crates, etc. But if you want a marshall, you should save up for one -- there's a DSL 201 in the garage sale right now that's $500 and would do the trick perfectly. On the other hand, all of these are too loud for comfortable apartment playing, except maybe the champ. a master volume will get you in the ballpark but no amp sounds best with the master all the way down. I'm currently experimenting with the epiphone valve junior $99 5-watt head (through a nice celestion 12) and so far I'm impressed. Worth a look, anyway. Have fun.

June 6th, 2006, 01:35 PM	#8 (permalink)
lpacilio Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 252	Vox AC15CC Look at the Vox AC15CC. Two EL84's, two 12AX7's, SS reverb and trem for $600. It has a master volume so you can get some good crunch at reasonable volumes. __________________ The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side. - Hunter S. Thompson (RIP)

June 6th, 2006, 03:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
TG Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Beside a bog in the west of Ireland Age: 47 Posts: 4,716 7 Photos	I have 2 amps...a Fender Blues Junior and a Roland Cube60. I gig both (miced thru the PA, although the Cube60 has a good line out) but they are both great home practice amps too. You can get great sounds at low volume.

June 6th, 2006, 03:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
R.M.S. TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Belgium Posts: 35	I can't recommend it because I haven't heard it, but feature-wise I suspect a Carvin Vintage 16 (16w/5w switchable) would be up your alley. Tubes, reverb, overdrive and not too expensive. I know I'm eyeing these amps :) __________________ Blowin' down the road.

June 6th, 2006, 05:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
CancerLeoCam Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mule Deer-Mt. Lion Safari, CA Posts: 1,692 5 Photos	I was thinking... ...Vox Pathfinder.

June 6th, 2006, 05:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
Rick Towne Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Woodland Hills, CA Posts: 825	Vox Pathfinder with reverb is a great recommendation. Many of the other amps, especially the AC15, will blow away your apartment and most of your neighbors.

June 6th, 2006, 05:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
J-man Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Wales/Scarborough Age: 20 Posts: 6,371 9 Photos	Vox AD30VT. Anyone who has problems with the knobs must either just have plain bad luck or attack them with hammers! As someone else already said - they're built like bricks! __________________ Write a wise saying and your name will live forever. - Unknown "The large print giveth and the small print taketh away." - Tom Waits

June 6th, 2006, 06:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
TeleTurkey Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: North Carolina Age: 43 Posts: 804 5 Photos	Vox AD30VT +1 I've had mine for over a year with zero problems. Holy cow does this amp do a lot of things very well. As far as it's build goes, are you planning to take it to gigs 5 nights a week, play at home or some combination? I can imagine that if you knock it around a bunch it isn't as sturdy as some others, but if you just plan to play it at home and to occaisional gig or jam it should be more than fine for that. __________________ The culture of the country has been hijacked by life-style hotshot pimps who join with consumer fascists in selling you back to yourself. Ry Cooder

June 6th, 2006, 10:33 PM	#16 (permalink)
aznrambo481 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla, California Age: 17 Posts: 2,884 6 Photos	I'm probably going to be using it for mostly home use, but my guitar teacher's trying to get me to play as backup with him at cafes and stuff over the summer. I'm looking into starting/joining a band, so I can see the amp being used every now and then for gigging/loud practices. I'm actually play in the garage, and have the 15 watt frontman at volume 1.5 at home (w/ gain). However, I've heard the vox AD30 VT has an additional master knob on the back, which would probably make setting the volume a lot easier. Also, I want a good clean sound, because with my guitar teacher I play a lot of bossa nova (acoustic). So basically the amp has to sound good quiet and loud, clean and heavily distorted(power chords!). I think the vox modeling amp would be the most versatile one mentioned yet. __________________ Check out my bands, and feel free to PM me comments on them! The Eclectics (guitar/vocals) SLIP (bass)

June 6th, 2006, 11:22 PM	#18 (permalink)
sandman72202 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Arkansas, currently on walkabout Posts: 476	peavey classic 20 its 15 watts tube, doesn't have reverb but i haven't missed it a bit.has a good clean....not great...like a fender...but good, can get real nasty when pushed. good for blues or rock.also comes with a headphone jack. a rarety in tube amps. has an out jack if you want to add a cabinet. i love mine. you can find them on ebay for less than $300 i got mine for a steal $240, i thought i'd play it awhile...see what it was like and then sell it for what i bought it...but this is a keeper. because of the versatility, i almost like it better than my VC. just a different type of sweet tone.

June 7th, 2006, 10:35 AM	#19 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,174	Another vote for Vox The AD30 is plenty loud for small gigs and sounds pretty good. The Fender models have a nice clean tone. I have one that I use for rehearsal and small gigs. That said, check out a Vox AC15CC. Great sounding amp. I'd also check out Peavey Classic 30s or Delta Blues. Both great amps for good prices...

June 7th, 2006, 12:15 PM	#21 (permalink)
Daddy Elmis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 961	I've got the Pro Jr. (15 watts), a Marshall DSL 201 (20 watts) and a Reverend Goblin (5/15 watts). For a good, versatile tube amp, I'd get a Goblin. There are out of production now (beginning last Fall as I remember), but are rock solid amps, can be easily voiced (via a simple front panel switch) from Fender blackface to tweed to Vox to Marshall. The switchable 5/15 watts gives you as little or as much juice as you are likely to need in your situation, and mic'd the amp sounds great for bigger gigs. They can be had on eBay from time to time at a slight to substantial premium over their former street price. The DSL201 is a great amp, IMO. Definitely gives up the Marshall crunch, but the OD channel is very "modern." It doesn't sound that great to my ears unless the Master Volume is cranked -- so I use a Weber attenuator with it. I don't know that it would be my first choice in a low volume (coffee house) setting (especially compared to the Goblin). The PJ is the best amp for the money out there, IMO, if you want straight ahead tube amp tone with no frills. I put a Weber on that as well and drive that puppy at about 6-7 on volume and use the guitar vol to clean it up. Definitely a baby Bassman/old Marshall drive. But not that great for traditional Fender "clean" tone, IMO. And it's no frills -- no reverb, tremolo, effects loop, it has one vol and one tone knob. If you want to build tone starting with a solid amp, this is it. BTW, my son has a Vox AD30, and there are some good tones in there, and the "attenuator" feature on the 30 is great for setting tone independent of overall volume. I'm not much into modeling amps, so my view is biased. I think it's a good amp to play with to learn what various effects do and get some sense of what some classic amp tones "sort of" sound like. I think if you play out a lot, you'll probably ultimately go get an amp that nails the tone you want (Fender, Vox, Marshall) and add a few pedals for specific effect flavoring rather than rely on the modeling -- but that's just my view. __________________ Elwood: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we're sure glad to be here in Cocomo tonight. We're the Good Ole' Blues Brothers Boys Band from Chicago. I sure hope you like our show. I'm Elwood, this here's my brother Jake.

June 8th, 2006, 09:31 PM	#22 (permalink)
Old Guy Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2005 Location: WHITTIER, CA Posts: 113	I have a Carvin Vintage 16. I would recommend it to anyone. Mine did not have the current Celestion Vintage 30 speaker so I put a Weber Blue Dog in and wow ! This is my first Carvin product and I would buy one again in a heart beat. Good Luck !

June 8th, 2006, 11:15 PM	#24 (permalink)
JamonHamon Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,411	Carvin Vintage 16 Ive got one its great, I re-tubed it twice once for blues and it was fantastic in the 5w mode it was Aurie hauntingly woody sounding at lower volume, Then turn it up it zep zz top. Then I re-tubed it for clean country and jazz in the 16w mode & I'm talking plexy cleans, Wow twang like you've always dreamed of, I love this amp. The amps that I own are, Victoria 45410 Dr Z Mini Z Vox ac30cc Head with 212 alnico blues speakers Fender twin with Jbls B1uesboy TVL5 with Jensen p12q and the Carvin Vintage 16