Bugera V5 Club [Archive] - Telecaster Guitar Forum

timmer114

November 19th, 2010, 12:19 AM

I got one today, 129 out the door at GC unplayed. I went off of reviews and you tube vids especially the ones by Frets 99 who seems like a decent guy. I have to say, it was much better than I expected it to be. Grood chimey little amp, wonderful cleans and when you really crank it a nice vox type of break up.

I can't believe how much headroom this little fella has, the rest of the goodies like headphone jack, attenuator and digiverb are icing on the cake. I like that I can dial warm tones through a glassier tone on the tone knob (which works well) the Verb sounds pretty good for digital verb also.

Speaker is a nice greenback type of clone but I might throw a jensen cr8 in there because I have one laying around. The build quality of this amp also blows me away, very nicely put together. I know there have been complaints about failures but from what I gather, it sounds like tube issues most of the time. The tubes it shipped with were kind of crappy but an EH preamp and JJ power tube cleaned it up very nice and now it has that nice glassy tube amp sound which I love.

I wish more people would give this little amp a chance, I know we all have our own ears and tastes, but I think theres alot of people missing out on a great little tube amp on the cheap because of the Beringher stigma attached to it. Bugera has a dedicated factory that does nothing but build tube amps. Yeah it's Chinese, but so are the Vox's, Champs, VHT's and Cubes that it competes with.

I love mine, it's only been a day so my opinion doesn't mean squat lol, I did buy the 2 year warranty to be safe but it just sounds soooo nice that I had to join the movement :)

timmer114

November 22nd, 2010, 12:00 AM

Couple experiments this weekend. First, I put a well broken in Jensen CR8 in my V5. Very nice results. It sounds more champy now, accenuated highs and tighter lows. I actually had to back the tone control down some or it would fatigue my ear. After a day of playing with the CR8 I went back to the stock speaker for comparison and I think I like the stocker better. I am thinking the greenback type stocker is better suited to what this amp is trying to accomplish; more of a British type tone, the classic el84 chime.

I have a feeling that once the stock speaker breaks in and loosens up a bit its going to be great. I really haven't been able to push the amp hard for long periods of time this weekend to break it in, but I might crank it out in my Sister's barn a couple hours next weekend, we'll see how it goes.

The amp gets a bigger open tone I think due to the fact its enclosure is quite roomy and open backed. I think this amp in a Baltic Birch cabinet with a 12 inch Alnico Blue would rock, but I bought it for easy grab and go.

The stock preamp tube is pretty good actually, it's a Chinese 12ax7a, over the years it seems the good Chinese tubes run in cycles. I have heard great Chi-tubes and horrible ones from the same factory. I pulled the EH and put the stock one back in but I might throw an older RCA tube in it if I can dig one up. The JJ power tube compliments the amp, I tried a Sovtek for comparison and the stock Chinese el84 and the JJ is much smoother. Still, its nice having a SE amp where I can try all kinds of oddball single EL84 tubes. For now I am sticking with the stock Chinese preamp and JJ power.

This amp is put together nicely. I looked inside the chassis and the circuitboard seems pretty solid, heavy solder joints and lots of room. I didn't see any op-amps which surprised me. My Crate V5 had a TL072 and I think alot of other production amps have them also. It seems to be well put together for the price.

I might try to come up with a switchable brite cap mod by puting a cap across volume. Just because I must alter things :D

Anyone else digging on this amp? It now has me seriously considering the V22.

waitcoatmn

November 22nd, 2010, 01:43 PM

My V5 has been excellent. I bought it for the living room of our college bachelor pad. My roommates can use it if they like. I am not worried about it. I keep my Princeton Reverbs in my bedroom now.

I really enjoy using it as a play-along tool. I put a record on at a low volume, put the amp on a low volume and play along. Super easy to achieve the right volume while still getting a decent tone out of it!

I've also used it when somebody wants to jam around campus. It is super easy to lug up flights and flights of steps!

fatcat

December 12th, 2010, 11:36 AM

I bought it just because it was a tube amp with a headphone jack. I have been very pleased. It can hold it's own against my Fender Deluxe...at lower volumes. But the Fender is hot enough to make your ears bleed if you are not carefull. I like to run them in stereo when I have the house to myself.

the only problem with this amp is.....It needs a spouse attenuator....
SHE has no tolerence for plugged / unplugged...bla, bla......:mad:

sorry to get off topic..

Glad to see that there is a V5 fanclub....I almost wish I had found the V5 before I got the Deluxe...

Progbusters

January 1st, 2011, 06:56 PM

I made a vid. Its comparing 5 guitars (my guitars and my sis' guitars) plugged into the V5 with all things equal:

K6aSey_AvZk

Maveric619

January 6th, 2011, 05:12 PM

I LOVE mine, it's great for all things clean, looking at putting JJ Tubes and a Celestion Super 8 in soon:)

davidchagrin

January 14th, 2011, 05:34 PM

I'm a v5 owner and proud of it.
I've owned it for about a year and really enjoy playing it.
The tone is rich and creamy and the power attenuator is great at 0.1w with the gain cranked up.
I like to use it without any pedals at intimate jam sessions.
IMHO, this is the best reasonably priced 5w class A tube combo out there.
I played all of the others, i.e. vox, blackheart, etc., before deciding on this one.
Love it.

Progbusters

January 15th, 2011, 01:48 AM

I bought it just because it was a tube amp with a headphone jack.

What headphone are you using and does it do a good job?

fatcat

January 18th, 2011, 11:12 AM

What headphone are you using and does it do a good job?

I forget the actual model of the headphones, but they are AKG brand. I checked around, basing my headphone decision on how much power and current they can recieve. They were about $65 at GuitarCenter. They are able to handle full volume at 0.1W. But I'm not..:lol:

the only issue with these phones is low notes with distortion. I think I pushed them to the edge one time...they can't handle as much low end as the bugera circuit can dish out. primarily in the low end.

The real trade-off is: the headphones don't sound as good as when playing open through the speaker. The sound has more air, ya know?

but keeps the wife and baby from B!*@#ing.

Biz Prof

January 18th, 2011, 01:41 PM

Bought mine barely used for $90. Must say that it was $90 well spent.

Progbusters

January 19th, 2011, 10:36 AM

I forget the actual model of the headphones, but they are AKG brand. I checked around, basing my headphone decision on how much power and current they can recieve. They were about $65 at GuitarCenter. They are able to handle full volume at 0.1W. But I'm not..:lol:

the only issue with these phones is low notes with distortion. I think I pushed them to the edge one time...they can't handle as much low end as the bugera circuit can dish out. primarily in the low end.

The real trade-off is: the headphones don't sound as good as when playing open through the speaker. The sound has more air, ya know?

but keeps the wife and baby from B!*@#ing.

thanks fatcat. My Sennheiser HD201 can't handle the signal. I just got its cousin the HD203, handles it a bit better. Otherwise I think I'd have to spend more than $50 for a pair of cans. I have to turn down the volume and the sounds like you said, is not the same as playing on speaker

Chiogtr4x

January 19th, 2011, 11:23 AM

Bought mine barely used for $90. Must say that it was $90 well spent.

I'm really interested in getting one of these for small gigs (I have classic rock/blues/country band that is actually capable of playing very quietly) and have heard a few demo videos- some kind of focus on the higher Gain sounds which is fine, but how is it at cleaner volume and is the reverb decent? (not expecting fender reverb here) thanks!

fatcat

January 20th, 2011, 03:03 PM

The clean tones can be dialed in nicely, really sounds good. I have had it dialed in sounding way better than any online video of course. I have looked at most of them.

Bass resoponse is a little limited by the 8" speaker, but he will still kick it out. you just have to play a little with your tone and gain.

I like the reverb just fine, but I am not a fan of a lot of reverb. usually limit it to about a 2 on the dial.

I have been playing with the V5 in stereo with my Fender "HOT ROD" Deluxe; using my EHX stereo memory man. I set them up at about 90deg to one another, and sit in the middle (nice and groovy). The V5 will handle a direct shoot-out with the Fender up until about 3 on the Fender volume dial. Before you reach 4 on the dial, the fender has walked off and left the V5, and my ears are starting to bleed. All of this is with the V5 on the 5W setting, of course. I really can't say exactly where they break off.

You can definately tell they have very distinct voices those two amps. But they compliment well in stereo..

fatcat

January 31st, 2011, 09:11 AM

lucked out at the local mom and pop store this weekend. They had some jj tubes in the back.

So, I got a new preamp and power tube.

smoothed things out. less noise. doesn't break up into over drive as quickly. It does sound better.

doing side by side comparrisons with my fender made me realize how much treble the fender was capable of....

The fender has a set of Mesa preamp tubes in it now, but I think i will get some more jj's for fun....

So, I had a good tube swapping; playing around weekend....

Progbusters

February 10th, 2011, 11:01 PM

I put a new Tung-Sol 12AX7 on. It sounds cleaner. No muddy. Haven't turned it very loud though yet.

QUAMV

February 11th, 2011, 01:22 AM

Love my V-5. I think single coils sound better than humbuckers on this amp.Pluged into a 12" cab it really rocks.Haven't modded anything, like it the way it is.ex. bang for the buck

Hartley

February 11th, 2011, 10:57 AM

Hi everyone,

I don't have one but I have the V22. A friend at work has the V5 that he likes. Have you seen the video (Toneking?) where he plays thru a large cab? Ironically, the Toneking doesn't have great tone, but I'm sure in person it sounds great.

Progbusters

February 14th, 2011, 10:54 PM

Progbusters

February 18th, 2011, 11:09 PM

I put the Tung Sol on my Vox. Now I put a JJ 12AX7 ECC83S. The cleans are not as great. They sound dampened. With gain it sounds good with the gain higher and the volume knob on the Tele all the way up. I'm using a Baja Tele. With the S-1 pickup options, they sound not as piercing as usual, a bit more compressed. Same goes for the classic Tele bridge pickup selection. It kinda reminds me of a bluesy humbucker sound. Haven't tried it out really loud though.

finally played it loud. Although I still have a rattling issue, it sounds nice with the JJ's. With my Tele, it reminds me of the time I played with a Peavey Classic 30 at the store. It has almost the same tone as the overdrive on my Big Muff Germanium4, a bit punchy compressed and twangy. I can improve the tone slightly with different picks, notably thinner picks and celluloid picks. Out.

Vladicaster

February 22nd, 2011, 03:08 PM

Got one for Christas and I love it.

Tellebelly

February 22nd, 2011, 05:04 PM

A while back, I went on a 5 watt class A GAS binge. I ended up finally with a Marshall Class 5, A Vox AC4Tv (a good one!), and a Bugera V5. Of the three, the Bugera gets about 80% of my use. ... A Class A amp with a master? Crunchies at any volume? Reverb? A 30 watt speaker in a 5 watt amp? Yes, oh,Yes.

Progbusters

February 28th, 2011, 10:03 PM

recent first impressions...

Before: JJ 12AX7 + stock Bugera EL84 = rattles!!! but sounds bratty, dark and musky

After: JJ 12AX7 + JJ EL84 = less rattle, very clean, "more headroom" feeling, and neutral

I think I like the stock Bugera powertube better.

Vladicaster

March 1st, 2011, 01:11 AM

Minoan

March 1st, 2011, 04:14 AM

Vladicaster

March 1st, 2011, 08:39 AM

I love my Bugera V5. Its the ultimate bedroom amp. I have been using it almost on a daily basis for about a year. I ran it with a Weber alnico Blue Pup for 7 months and swapped it back to the stock speaker just after Christmas. The stock speaker kills the Weber.

I am running an EH 12AY7 and a Mullard EL84(cv2975).

A cosmetic mod I did was to paint the corners the same colour as the front. I think it made an improvement.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/Minoan1977/Bug.jpg

How is 12AY7 different from 12AX7? This is my first tube amp so I'm just learning and don't want to spend bunch of money on tubes any advise would be appreciated, what I want is to get cleaner sound from V5. Love the paint job on your amp what kind of paint did you use?

Progbusters

March 1st, 2011, 09:45 AM

Clean is what I'm after so which tubes should I swap both of them or just the power?

both

Minoan

March 2nd, 2011, 03:46 AM

Hi Vladicaster, a 12AY7 will give you more clean headroom.

http://thetubestore.com/gainfactor.html
Surf the site and the different descriptions of tubes.

I also used a 5751 for a while. Buy one of each and see what your ears like. Unless it rattles, leave the stock EL84 alone. Its actually a very good sounding tube.

For the paint, I used ordinary spray paint. I pulled off one of the knobs and went to the hardware shop and got the closest match. I used a paint with a satin finish.

Vladicaster

March 2nd, 2011, 09:35 AM

jimbolaya

April 5th, 2011, 08:30 PM

Today the wife and kids were out and I hit the basement... played my 07 mim tele through my V5..just using a boss blues driver. Very fun and great tone. I am proud to have this inexpensive yet great sounding amp! Keeping it stock so far... being a beginner I am not sure if I would be able to hear much difference in changing tubes. Sounds like some here are happy with stock while some choose others. All in the v5 club keep rockin it....Jimbolaya chitown

Davo17

April 6th, 2011, 10:42 AM

Add me to the club! Ive had mine since the Christmas before last. I put an ANOS 12ax7 in the preamp slot, a Saratov power tube (mil spec soviet tube with great tone), and I did try a weber sig 8 in the thing, but went back to the stock speaker.

FirstBassman

April 6th, 2011, 11:57 AM

Very fun and great tone. I am proud to have this inexpensive yet great sounding amp! Keeping it stock so far... being a beginner I am not sure if I would be able to hear much difference in changing tubes. Sounds like some here are happy with stock while some choose others.

Same here. For my level of playing, everything stock sounds good enough for me.

But I think some day I will change tubes just to see if I do hear a difference.

feldkeen

April 19th, 2011, 08:03 PM

Davo17

April 19th, 2011, 08:54 PM

I was trying to get a really clean sound by turning the gain way down. It is super quiet with gain set to 1 even on the 5 watt setting. Is that normal? Of course at 5 its loud as he!!. The tone is awesome though, it has some real grit to it.
I'm pretty novice at messing with amps settings, I guess turning the gain way down is not like changing to the clean channel. It seems to need to be set above 2 or 3 to have the proper volume.

For the cleanest cleans, max out the volume and use the "gain" to control the volume. Also the tone control does knock back the volume, I usually run it wide open. Are you sure its on the 5 watt setting?

feldkeen

April 19th, 2011, 09:34 PM

For the cleanest cleans, max out the volume and use the "gain" to control the volume. Also the tone control does knock back the volume, I usually run it wide open. Are you sure its on the 5 watt setting?

Yeah, I've toggled between 1W and 5W. It's really the same both ways. Maybe I was just used to toggling channels between clean and gain on 2 channel amps. And it's not the same thing as turning gain way down to 0 or up to 5.

I'm liking the tone so far. But, I need to roll back a lot on the tone knob or my ceramic single coil sounds shrill.

Sharkblues

April 19th, 2011, 09:59 PM

I've had one for about a month and really enjoy it! Had a Champion 600 and a Epi VJ, but this one is my favorite of the 3. I'd like to compare it to the Vibro Champ sometime.

I've thought of tube and speaker mods, but from info in this thread it doesn't seem necessary.

dstuart

April 21st, 2011, 07:43 AM

do you think its worth getting one of these unseen (not any places around me where I can find them) because the demos I have seen have been great and pricetag seems good???

FirstBassman

April 21st, 2011, 10:28 AM

do you think its worth getting one of these unseen?

FWIW, I get almost all my gear unseen.

Win most, lose a few.

Don't like it, send it back.

feldkeen

April 23rd, 2011, 06:27 PM

For the cleanest cleans, max out the volume and use the "gain" to control the volume. Also the tone control does knock back the volume, I usually run it wide open. Are you sure its on the 5 watt setting?

Thanks, that does indeed work for a nice clean sound. Although I like the tone set to 5 for a little depth.

I love the overdriven sound this thing cranks out. I always had my other amps on the clean channel and relied on pre-programed settings and patches on my G2 effects pedal. I never adjust the gain/level on the second channel. So since basically this amp is only the second channel it took me while to get my bearings.

Total nube, I know.

Davo17

April 23rd, 2011, 09:42 PM

do you think its worth getting one of these unseen (not any places around me where I can find them) because the demos I have seen have been great and pricetag seems good???

I do, this is a tonefull little amp.

Davo17

April 23rd, 2011, 09:44 PM

Thanks, that does indeed work for a nice clean sound. Although I like the tone set to 5 for a little depth.

I love the overdriven sound this thing cranks out. I always had my other amps on the clean channel and relied on pre-programed settings and patches on my G2 effects pedal. I never adjust the gain/level on the second channel. So since basically this amp is only the second channel it took me while to get my bearings.

Total nube, I know.

Not at all, its a tube amp and the have a learning curve. Next is non master volume :cool:.

A cool trick is to use your G2 only has a boost, and use the amps od. Sounds great, IMO.

StraightNeck

April 28th, 2011, 11:24 AM

Anyone played with a Boss OD-3 through the Bugera V5?

Davo17

April 28th, 2011, 12:07 PM

Anyone played with a Boss OD-3 through the Bugera V5?

Ive owned both but not at the same time. Id guess the OD3 would sound huge into the bugera.

StraightNeck

April 28th, 2011, 02:39 PM

That sounds promising.I have the Boss OD-3,great pedal.I ordered a Boss BD-2 but they where out of stock so i took the OD-3 instead.Somehow i feel lucky the BD-2 was sold out.Anyhow,a Bugera V5 on the way,cant wait.

StraightNeck

May 9th, 2011, 11:52 AM

Well,got it today,the chinese handbuilt boutique Bugera V5 amp.:cool:
Cant really give any tone opinions,have to loosen up that speaker first.
There is no lowend omph yet,we will see/hear.Sounds great with the
Boss OD-3 though.Great crunch.The reverb is useful,not very long tail,
but useful.Love the smell of a fresh tube amp.Great looks,heavy for its
size.Tubes look like a pain to change,the sockets is deep in the amp.
Only about half of the 12AX7 is visible so it is hard to see the socket
when replacing tubes.I have JJs somewhere but i will break in that
speaker first.
83082

FirstBassman

May 9th, 2011, 03:40 PM

Well,got it today,the chinese handbuilt boutique Bugera V5 amp.:cool:

Congrats! Enjoy.

Tubes look like a pain to change,the sockets is deep in the amp.
Only about half of the 12AX7 is visible so it is hard to see the socket
when replacing tubes.

Here is a close-up photo of mine with the 'cage' off in case that helps you.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/FirstBassman/Forum%20Graphics/BugeraV5Tubes.jpg

Progbusters

May 9th, 2011, 04:27 PM

when you pull the tube out, remember the orientation of the pins of the old tube. Then put in the new one at that same orientation. Or use a mirror and lots of light. Also I had to remove the rectangular lower rear panel.

Davo17

May 9th, 2011, 09:02 PM

StraightNeck

May 10th, 2011, 01:10 AM

Thanks,fellows.I will get the tubes in somehow.Someone described this amp as shrill!?
I cant no matter what i do make it sound shrill.A sweet silky tone,nice crunch.
I think it sounds better after just a couple of hours of spanking.I like it.

FirstBassman

May 10th, 2011, 01:02 PM

Someone described this amp as shrill!?
I cant no matter what i do make it sound shrill.A sweet silky tone,nice crunch.

Agree. Enjoy!

StraightNeck

May 10th, 2011, 03:39 PM

Had a blast with the amp when my wife shouts "will you cut that crap".
It is like leaving a good party.Almost bedtime here anyhow.Tomorrow...
It is good to have great things to look forward to.:smile:

davidchagrin

May 10th, 2011, 04:21 PM

...It is like leaving a good party...

Very well put.

davidchagrin

May 12th, 2011, 11:15 AM

I just played my V5 last night at worship rehearsal...
My tone has never been so buttery...
Best amp on the planet.

StraightNeck

May 13th, 2011, 06:24 AM

davidchagrin

May 13th, 2011, 10:08 AM

That is great,David.Buttery,i like that.There is a lot of bashing around the Bugeras.
There was a guy on TGP,i think,that had a Bugera for a day and sent it back because
it didnt sound good.!?Didnt even take the time to break in the speaker,wrong way to
judge a amp or a speaker,imo.The Bugera just grows on me,very nice with a pedal.
And it can stay clean with the gain and volume maxed if you play with a light touch,
dig in and it crunch.

You're right on the money, StraightNeck.
I think the Bugera V5 requires a player that has more control over his/her playing, more finesse.
Much of the joy that I get from using the V5 is how I can manipulate the sound with my playing style. Softer here, raunchy there, and everything in between.
The tubes and speaker break up generously when I use the neck pickup.
The Bugera gives me the tone that I've always wanted without realizing that I've always wanted it.

Davo17

May 13th, 2011, 10:51 AM

You're right on the money, StraightNeck.
I think the Bugera V5 requires a player that has more control over his/her playing, more finesse.
Much of the joy that I get from using the V5 is how I can manipulate the sound with my playing style. Softer here, raunchy there, and everything in between.
The tubes and speaker break up generously when I use the neck pickup.
The Bugera gives me the tone that I've always wanted without realizing that I've always wanted it.

Very cool observations. Mine are similar. Just to put this out there, I tried several different power tubes in my V5. The amp is a great "taste test" for different tube makes as the amp only has 2 tubes-so the differences in tones are highlighted. I got the best for the price by getting Saratov power tubes-8 cost around 20 bucks after shipping from the Ukraine.

They sound excellent. More bass, more treble, more clarity and even an improved sagging when the amp was cranked. They are also mil-spec and very rattle free. Loud too. Heres a link to the type, these come from old Soviet submarines I read.

http://shop.ebay.com/sis.html?_nkw=6P14P+EV+E84L+EL84+7189+Reflektor+ma tch+pair+NEW

StraightNeck

May 13th, 2011, 11:50 AM

Thanks for the info,Davo.How about JJs,anyone tried them in the Bugera?

davidchagrin

May 13th, 2011, 04:32 PM

I've tried a few different preamp tubes, but have since gone back to the stock 12ax7.
I even crammed a 10" Fender speaker in there, but shortly put the stock 8" back in.
The 8" Bugera speaker sounds great after putting some time into wearing it in.
I'll probably start messing around with the power section tubes whenever I get some spare time.

BlueJazzDay

May 13th, 2011, 10:08 PM

I'm really enjoying the observations of those who have found such sweet sounds from this amp. Mine has been such a joy to listen to that I started wondering about my own taste in tone after reading so many negative observations. I don't know if I'll get around to changing the tubes. It's probably worth a try knowing that I can always switch back to a good thing if I'm disappointed.

Davo17

May 13th, 2011, 11:48 PM

StraightNeck

May 14th, 2011, 09:56 AM

Im gonna try out the speaker in my Marshall Class 5 to see how it sounds with the Bugera amp, and vice versa. Will report back.

Is it a 16ohm speaker in the Marshall Class 5?I dont think the Bugera would
like it.Minimum 4ohm,maybe it could handle a 8ohm speaker,not sure.

Davo17

May 16th, 2011, 10:46 AM

Is it a 16ohm speaker in the Marshall Class 5?I dont think the Bugera would
like it.Minimum 4ohm,maybe it could handle a 8ohm speaker,not sure.

Yes, there would be a speaker impedance issue-a 4 ohm output pushing a 16 ohm speaker. I do have a weber mini-mass that has an impedance switch. I wonder if that could be used.

davidchagrin

May 16th, 2011, 04:52 PM

Im gonna try out the speaker in my Marshall Class 5 to see how it sounds with the Bugera amp, and vice versa. Will report back.

The 4ohm output from the V5 will allow a minimum of a 4ohm speaker, which means that 8ohm or 16ohm is acceptable.
You'll lose a little bit of the signal strength, but it would never cause any damage.
I've run mine through a 16ohm 15" Jensen Mod using a bass guitar... sounded great.
Also, the 10" speaker I tried with it was 8ohm.

Try it out and let us know how it sounds.

Progbusters

May 16th, 2011, 06:34 PM

this amp is good with my dirt pedals and especially my tubescreamers with a humbucker

Davo17

May 16th, 2011, 07:40 PM

this amp is good with my dirt pedals and especially my tubescreamers with a humbucker

Ive noticed this as well, the Bugera takes mids really well. My toronado has 12 or 15k pups and they still sound awesome with this amp. That said, I still prefer single coils (more for the attack and clarity).

Davo17

May 16th, 2011, 07:41 PM

The 4ohm output from the V5 will allow a minimum of a 4ohm speaker, which means that 8ohm or 16ohm is acceptable.
You'll lose a little bit of the signal strength, but it would never cause any damage.
I've run mine through a 16ohm 15" Jensen Mod using a bass guitar... sounded great.
Also, the 10" speaker I tried with it was 8ohm.

Try it out and let us know how it sounds.

Will do.

Swee_tone

May 21st, 2011, 07:19 PM

just bought one, got a great deal on one. Thoughts to come in a while.
Nice so far, sounds better with my Tele than my humbucker equipped Strat.

Davo17

May 21st, 2011, 10:04 PM

just bought one, got a great deal on one. Thoughts to come in a while.
Nice so far, sounds better with my Tele than my humbucker equipped Strat.

Ive noticed the same, it seems to prefer single coils. If you are lucky enough to get to crank it, keep the tone (amp or guitar) back or it may get harsh.
My best tones are with the preamp drive down to about 1/2 to 2/3 up.

Swee_tone

May 22nd, 2011, 10:40 AM

I bought a Behringer GDI21 (Sansamp clone) and was very happy with it, as well as a Behringer distortion pedal , which in my ears , sounded way better than my Boss pedal it was copying. Obviously, the build quality was not as good. I like the products though.

Anyway, back to the amp...

Only had it one day, so thoughts so far:

I'm very impressed with the Bugera V5. I have been playing guitar for a few years, and this to me is a very good sounding amp.
Honestly I'm amazed, I think they have a very nice little amp here.

You get a warm and pretty clean tone with the gain turned down, and a good crunch with the gain cranked up. It has a pleasant tone, easy on the ears, not shrill and my wife likes that!

Using the guitar volume control is key to changing the sound as well.

I have other ways of getting the Fender /Vox sound and this is not the amp for that.

This amp sounds way better with my Tele than my humbucker equipped Strat, and I guess an eq pedal may help out in that department if needed. I think i'll not worry about that so much and just use the guitars volume control.

I've owned quite a few amps and the V5 has a natural sound to me, good volume too, and it has no hiss or hum. With the guitar unplugged , I cranked all the knobs up, and it's a quiet amp.

The overdrive is really good on the 1/4th watt. I played it on full at this setting while my wife watched t.v. in the other room and she never complained! That's a major bonus!

What I wonder though, is this just driving the 12ax7?

The attenuator is a nice feature for sure. With 5 watts you get plenty of volume for home or small room playing.
Stock speaker and tubes are good, so that is plus. The reverb does a pretty nice job. Im pleased with that.

Great looking build too, it just looks cool. The cab has a nice size and love the solid weight. I have no issues with the material that the cab is made of although I wish it was solid wood like Kustom did with the Contender.

It is warranty'd for a year, so if it last a year then i'm happy, then i'll gut it and use the cab to build something else , because it sure is nice looking.

I would love to know more about the internal build quality/ pics if anyone has any info on that?

Also, does anyone know the best way to take the name off the front, because it looks like it is glued on , not screwed in , and I think it would look better without it?
So there's a review after 1 day! lol

Time will tell, but I like it so far. If it lasts, i'll be happy.

StraightNeck

May 22nd, 2011, 02:51 PM

The overdrive is just getting smoother as the speaker breaks in,i love it.
I played my Bugera through my Mustang II speaker and sure was nice with
some stronger bass but i think the Bugera speaker is just great.
I have a pic for you,Swee_tone.
84305

SamIV

May 22nd, 2011, 04:12 PM

My first post here as I was looking for mods for the V5 and stumbled across this thread. I have had this amp for about a month. Really like it and mainly use it with my cheapo headphones so can quit hearing from my wife and kids to turn it down. Have tried several modeling amps, multi fx pedals and I like this the best. It actually sounds like tubes and not similar to tubes.

My only concern with this amp is the lack up upper highs when using the speaker. I help this with an eq pedal and a compressor occasionally. I am the opposite on liking my humbucker equipped guitars through it, maybe due to the use of the eq. It sounds great with my 335 style guitar. It takes overdrive pedals very well and the reverb is not that bad. I am going to upgrade the transformer so I can use 8 & 16 ohm speakers successfully. Looking for someone who has done a bright cap mod and other mods to this amp. I think the stock speaker is just fine though. To me this amp sounds much better than my brothers Mustang I. Anyone here know of any mods for this amp posted somewhere?

Swee_tone

May 22nd, 2011, 06:40 PM

Thanks for the pic straightneck.

Davo17

May 23rd, 2011, 12:24 AM

Guys a couple of my observations-

The stock tubes are horrible, and probably wont last long before coming microphonic. A replacement is in order, and you can save the stock tubes as spares in the back. I also replaced the fuse, since I had some lying around-just as a precaution.

Also a tubescreamer does a great job of brightening up the amp at lower volumes (I play mostly at .1 watt when home). Usually I use it more as a clean boost (gain way down, volume and tone up a bit). With a tele its not as needed.

davidchagrin

May 23rd, 2011, 04:35 PM

[QUOTE=Davo17;3326032]The stock tubes are horrible, and probably wont last long before coming microphonic.QUOTE]

I've been using the V5 with the stock tubes for well over a year without a problem.
Perhaps mine is the exception, but it may have something to do with shipping or something like that.
My Bugera sounds better each time I play through it.

Separately, I've got a Dream 90 in the neck position of one of my guitars and the tone that I get in conjunction with the Bugera is righteous. Most people are genuinely surprised that the massive tone is coming from this little monster of an amp. Love it.

Swee_tone

May 23rd, 2011, 08:09 PM

Tried it with my multi pedal today, different eq settings.
This amp rocks.

http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss135/swee_tone/SAM_0833.jpg

Swee_tone

May 23rd, 2011, 08:13 PM

one more pic:

http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss135/swee_tone/SAM_0830.jpg

StraightNeck

May 24th, 2011, 02:21 PM

The stock tubes are horrible, and probably wont last long before coming microphonic.

Yeah,the tubes in my V5 is going south already.Fizzy rattle,i believe that
the negative things you hear about these Bugeras is related with the bad
stock tubes.Going to change to JJs tomorrow.We will see how they will
stand the torture.EL84s is known for going microphonic easy.

Swee_tone,outside pics,huh?Jamming with the birds.Sweet!

Swee_tone

May 25th, 2011, 10:21 PM

B538YpHnWx8

Swee_tone

May 25th, 2011, 11:56 PM

Congrats! Enjoy.

Here is a close-up photo of mine with the 'cage' off in case that helps you.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q135/FirstBassman/Forum%20Graphics/BugeraV5Tubes.jpg

I noticed that plate is missing that attaches to the baffle with 8 screws. (just behind the 12ax7) What was the purpose of that plate?

Davo17

May 26th, 2011, 04:31 PM

I noticed that plate is missing that attaches to the baffle with 8 screws. (just behind the 12ax7) What was the purpose of that plate?
I will check when Im home but I dont think its anything other then a tube socket, its not to prevent rattle etc.....

StraightNeck

May 31st, 2011, 12:53 AM

Swee_tone

May 31st, 2011, 09:29 AM

I will check when Im home but I dont think its anything other then a tube socket, its not to prevent rattle etc.....

Yea, the plate i'm wondering about is missing in this photo. You can see a ridge where it used to be, by the glue in the holes there.
Mine has 8 screws holding this plate in, no idea what it is doing there or the function of that plate... lol

http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss135/swee_tone/BugeraV5Tubes.jpg

Davo17

June 1st, 2011, 12:13 PM

Put the JJs in and the overdrive is smoother,i think the JJ 12AX7 has more gain
than the stock preamptube.Improvement in the high department,clearer.
The bass is stronger.The amp is a killer with a Boss OD-3.And with a pedal
you can add some more highs if you want.

Yeah I agree on the highs in the amp, and cranked the lack of highs might be a good thing. I sold my OD-3 before I had this amp, but it would have been nice. A modded tube driver sounds great into it, so does a turbo tubescreamer I have around.

StraightNeck

June 8th, 2011, 04:01 AM

Well,the JJ EL84 is starting to rattle after just a couple of hours playing.
It stops when i put my finger on it gently,so i took a rubberband with a
o-ring? in the end from a Audi power steering pump that can take the
heat from the tube and,no rattle.
85737

Swee_tone

June 9th, 2011, 01:07 PM

yikes, there has to be a better way than that! How about replacing that tube?

I'm loving mine so much, i'm thinking of picking up the V22!

StraightNeck

June 9th, 2011, 02:38 PM

EL84s is prone to get microphonic no matter brand,or?Long tubes.This rubber band
solution works.Love my V5.

fatcat

June 11th, 2011, 09:45 PM

Davo17

June 12th, 2011, 06:13 PM

The best combination of things I have found. Definitely go with jj tubes, those things are hot. Leave 'em on for a good while before you play them.

I just got an MXR EQ today. Opened this thing up like you wouldn't believe. I can finally get as good a tone as my fender deluxe. It was good, but now, Holy Cheeses man.

Ha yeah a good EQ can get alot out of an amp, especially these little guys it seems. I can get marshally tones, voxy tones, and fender tones plus a few others.

This one is good as well-

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/verytone-fd424a85f5bc6017de7a87d3bc035edb.jpg

Davo17

June 12th, 2011, 06:20 PM

To the cats with power tube rattle, give the soviet saratovs a shot, they are dirt cheap and milspec-mine dont rattle, have less noise, have better dynamics and are higher output then most of the current tube makes I have tried. You can own 8 for 20 bucks. :)

Swee_tone

June 13th, 2011, 09:34 AM

You can own 8 for 20 bucks. :)

can you show us where you can get that tube deal? Thanks!

Davo17

June 13th, 2011, 11:01 AM

can you show us where you can get that tube deal? Thanks!

I used this seller, you can see the name the soviet equivalent goes by. I found the 80s production to sound the best, though the 60s tubes sound ok. Looks like prices have risen since I purchased those tubes over a year ago. The bugera only has 2 tubes, so changing out tubes has a huge effect on tone.

http://cgi.ebay.com/EL84-7189-6BQ5-6P14P-8-pcs-/260792171227?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item3cb86cbadb#ht_544wt_1054

Swee_tone

June 13th, 2011, 12:59 PM

thanks, it's still a great price!

Davo17

June 14th, 2011, 11:43 AM

thanks, it's still a great price!

Indeed and since the tubes from the 60s, 70s, and 80's (I wonder if there is a 50's soviet type) all sound different its a great way to get different tones out of the Vintage 5. I have a "spongy" tube, a "hifi" tube, a "bright" tube etc I put in on occasion.

Minoan

June 25th, 2011, 05:33 AM

I've made a major mod to my Bugera V5. I managed to shoehorn a 10 inch speaker into it. A Weber Silver 10 to be exact.

A lot of work went into making a new baffle and after all that I still had to grind part of the chassis away to make the speaker fit.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/Minoan1977/DSC04519.jpg

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/Minoan1977/DSC04523.jpg

Its gonna take a while still for the speaker to break in but its already much louder and bigger sounding than before.

Still waiting for the grill cloth I won on ebay to come in...

Davo17

June 25th, 2011, 10:11 PM

Very cool, what made you opt for the silver bell? What are its sonic attributes?
I need to try out the 10 in my Marshall class 5 with the Bugera still...
I've made a major mod to my Bugera V5. I managed to shoehorn a 10 inch speaker into it. A Weber Silver 10 to be exact.

A lot of work went into making a new baffle and after all that I still had to grind part of the chassis away to make the speaker fit.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/Minoan1977/DSC04519.jpg

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/Minoan1977/DSC04523.jpg

Its gonna take a while still for the speaker to break in but its already much louder and bigger sounding than before.

Still waiting for the grill cloth I won on ebay to come in...

Minoan

June 26th, 2011, 08:21 AM

Very cool, what made you opt for the silver bell? What are its sonic attributes?

Well, I had an 8 inch Weber blue pup in it for a while but I got bored of it after a while. Nothing wrong with the speaker itself, but I got over the bright chimey sound. Just wasn't rock n roll to me.

I loved the sound of the original Bugera speaker and I wanted a similar sound but in a 10 inch version. From previous experience the Weber site is spot-on for its descriptions on its speakers. So, I chose the silver 10(mine's the 30watt version).

Here's a copy/paste from Weber's site about the Silver 10:

Replacement for Vox and Marshall ceramic 10's
10", 30oz ceramic magnet, 20 or 30 watts, 1-1/4" voice coil, ribbed cone.
Warm, aggressive, later/smooth breakup, more headroom than the AlNiCo version.

I've been hammering the speaker pretty hard for 2 days now and its nowhere near broken in. Its still a little ice-picky but sounds pretty awesome. I can't wait for it to break-in. Anyway, i'll post some more pics when I get the grill cloth in and finish the amp off.

StraightNeck

June 26th, 2011, 08:43 AM

Bought a MojoTone BV-30H,what do you think?Nah,its not going to fit.
Gonna get a nice cab for this speaker.Huge magnet on this.:shock:
87929

fatcat

July 1st, 2011, 09:07 AM

Sometimes I get the urge to turn this thing into a head and build a 12" extension cab.

DirtyDrew

July 1st, 2011, 09:20 AM

fatcat

July 7th, 2011, 10:25 AM

I have one that was too dark and muddy when I fist got it. I dropped a Jensen C8R in and changed the tubes to an old Mullard EL84 and a RCA 12ax7a. The amp really brightened up and sounds great. Not as bright as my DRRI but when running them in stereo, its a fantastic tone.

yep...the dark and muddy part is kinda what I ment when talking about leaving it on for a while. The tone tends to brighten up; the longer you leave it on. Using The EQ, I just boost the base and highs and leave the mids at neutral, or one notch below .... The mxr goes from -12 to +12.

I run mine in stereo with my HRD. I have just recently been able to dial-in that tone in my head, so to speak, with my rig.

Davo17

July 7th, 2011, 10:24 PM

Experimented today with my Bugera V5 and Marshall Class 5, I swapped speakers.

The Bugera into the Marshall speaker sounded good, really good actually. It seemed to be a bit more open sounding and sparked quite well, OD was great, it certainly seemed a bit more "voxy".

The Marshall into the Bugeras speaker was fairly thin and nasal. It sounded like a solid state toy marshall.

StraightNeck

July 17th, 2011, 12:00 PM

Cant believe how nice this amp is.Sold my Mustang II,even that i liked the sound out of it,
compared to the Bugera it just meh.There is a big difference between a tube and ss amp.
The Bugera V5 and Boss OD-3 together is something else.Also i am a one guitar/amp guy,to much gear makes me confused.Now i can concentrate more on playing.

davidchagrin

July 18th, 2011, 11:57 AM

Now i can concentrate more on playing.

That's what it's all about... :mrgreen:

Westreverb

July 26th, 2011, 06:47 AM

Could I get some advice as to which would be the best replacement tubes for the mighty V5.
Playing with a Tele and Strat and love that almost broken up clean sound . ha excuse the oxymoron.
Thanks for answering a tedious question.
West

North East Al

July 26th, 2011, 03:35 PM

Hi, just adding myself to the list of V5 enthusiasts. No Modding to mine except removing the cage t stop the rattle. Takes pedals very well and is my no 1 recording amp at home.

StraightNeck

August 5th, 2011, 01:37 PM

Could I get some advice as to which would be the best replacement tubes for the mighty V5.

I bought a russian NOS EL84 on ebay.Very tight,focused and sweet gain.The JJ EL84 is nice,but went microphonic in a couple of days.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270782206338&ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT
Try one,you cant go wrong.I am going to buy a another one or two to have in spare.

dngrsdave

August 17th, 2011, 06:44 PM

I'm another Satisfied V5 owner for 6 months now. This is my 1st tube amp and I'm extremely Happy with it. I also found the V5 sounds best with my single coil guitars unless I'm using an EQ or an Overdrive pedal.

I can't remember where, but while I was researching this amp prior to buying it,I remember reading somewhere the "V" in V5 stands for Vintage. That was why the amp is a bit dark sounding.

Great little amp. Thank's for all the tube suggestions. So far everything sounds fine but now I'll know what to look for when it's time for replacement tubes.

StraightNeck

August 18th, 2011, 12:50 PM

Hey,it says Vintage on the frontpanel.;)I am not sure if Vintage is associated with a dark sound.This amp sure has its own character.Turn it up and it gets clearer.On most amps,playing loud you have to tame the treble some.

IB62

August 25th, 2011, 09:27 AM

After reading the reviews- i ordered one - and last night it arrived- 1st impressions are that its a nice bit of kit - and love the reverb only played for an hour or so - but loving it so far

davidchagrin

August 26th, 2011, 11:52 AM

After reading the reviews- i ordered one - and last night it arrived- 1st impressions are that its a nice bit of kit - and love the reverb only played for an hour or so - but loving it so far

Start playing the heck out of it...
The speaker will begin to break-in and the tone gets even better!
Welcome to the club and enjoy what's sure to be your new favorite amp!

StraightNeck

September 2nd, 2011, 02:14 PM

Progbusters

September 2nd, 2011, 05:45 PM

I've had mine for a year now. I still play it often. Mostly I use it in contrast to my bright and middy Vox AC15 -- I use this for rock and blues. The V5 is darker and so I play my heavy metal/hard rock pedal board through the V5. Using it at low bedroom volumes. Still chugging along.

Mister B

September 6th, 2011, 07:17 AM

I've just joined the club. First impressions are very positive, it's nice to have a simple valve amp that you just turn on and get a decent sound out of after messing around with a Fender G-Dec (which sounds nice but is a pain to use).

Progbusters

October 17th, 2011, 04:30 PM

anybody ever add this to an external cab? If so what is a good one to use?

74 Deluxe

October 17th, 2011, 10:06 PM

I've had mine for like 6 months... has the occasional rattle too, stock tubes so far. That will change. Been thinkin' head myself, will run this baby into a few different spkrs to see what I like. Oh yeah, my pedal board splits the signal into two, one goes to the PA and the other to the V5. Its my personal monitor, and grittier than the PA... this setup works every Sunday in our Praise Band. I like it, when I want it to, I can add a bit more texture by tweaking the gain, hearing it in the backround of our total sound in a big o' church is cool

fatcat

October 18th, 2011, 09:19 AM

I think we finally rattled something loose, for real, this time..

this was the setup: Epi Dot > Big Muff > MXR EQ > V5..

it was seriously rocking...My Cousin-in-law, a base player, and I were trying to harmonize an F# riff he came up with. He was playing the above rig, and I was playing Tele straight into my Fender amp.

later when packing up my gear, i noticed something rattling around in the V5 between the speaker and the grill.....:shock:OOPS! He..He! I guess we were pushing the little guy pretty hard.

haven't taken it apart yet, but this mite be a good excuse for a speaker swap.

IB62

October 18th, 2011, 09:30 AM

Had mine a month now - I will sort out a pic

I run the Tele into a Nobels Compressor - then Joyo Vintage OD then Danelectro Chorus, and then into the V5
Great little amp- no rattyles yet - takes pedals really well- and once warmed up it has a sweet tone - i may look out for a 2x12 to run it through - but happy so far

fatcat

October 24th, 2011, 06:46 PM

I found a screw between the speaker and the grill!!.?:shock:

It looked like one of the screws that is used to attach the corner braces on the cabinet. I had to have been there since i bought it. There is no other way it could have gotten there that I can see.?

Haven't played it since, but I just re-strung my Tele and will try him out tonight.

Still thinking about a speaker swap.:rolleyes: I have read here that a few of you all have swapped. Have you been happy with the results so-far? How much did it brighten up so far?

I would hope to brighten the V5 up a bit, but my expectations may be too high.

Davo17

October 24th, 2011, 07:51 PM

I found the weber sig 8 alnico to be thin and harsh, though it WAS brighter.
I found a screw between the speaker and the grill!!.?:shock:

It looked like one of the screws that is used to attach the corner braces on the cabinet. I had to have been there since i bought it. There is no other way it could have gotten there that I can see.?

Haven't played it since, but I just re-strung my Tele and will try him out tonight.

Still thinking about a speaker swap.:rolleyes: I have read here that a few of you all have swapped. Have you been happy with the results so-far? How much did it brighten up so far?

I would hope to brighten the V5 up a bit, but my expectations may be too high.

74 Deluxe

November 2nd, 2011, 10:53 PM

Put a Groove Tubes EL84 in mine... Nice... Seems to just have more definition. Also in my speaker comparisons between some stuff I have around here, I'm really liking the no name 8 ohm 15" I have put in an old open back Teisco cabinet, the only drawback is trying to go less than 5 watts with it... Now it's time to pull the guts out of the Bugera and build a nice "Head" cabinet for it... It also sounds nice pushing an old 12" from a silverface Bassman... and if I have a need for a ragged punk sound the 12" silvertone speaker and box from an ancient PA sounds pretty cool too. Yeah I'm needing to change this thing to a "Head"!

DastardlyDan

November 2nd, 2011, 11:11 PM

I love my V5, had had it almost a year and it sounds great. Only pedal I have is a Digitech Bad Monkey which sounds awesome with this amp. I play country, surf, and oldies through it.

fatcat

November 6th, 2011, 01:34 PM

I'm gonna get a few different preamplifier tubes to try out. I just want to cut the mids a little so I don't feel the need to use a EQ. I have jj's in there now, i'm gonna try the stock tube again, and I have some Mesa tubes in my HRD. I will pull one and try it.

74 Deluxe

November 7th, 2011, 04:21 PM

There's a JJ tube called a EL844 supposed to be less power and break up sooner, like to hear if anyone tries one of those...

fatcat

November 8th, 2011, 09:08 AM

StraightNeck

November 8th, 2011, 12:49 PM

I am still in love.About tubes,the best,to my ears,preamp/power amp
tubecombination is a Tung-sol reissue 12AX7 and a El84M OTK made
in the Soviet union by Reflektor.Amazing clarity,and the El84 is tough,
no rattles after many hours of playing.It is on for hours every night.

fatcat

November 9th, 2011, 12:40 PM

My C8R cami in today!

HeeHee!

fatcat

November 9th, 2011, 11:42 PM

didn't have the desired effect, but, as I read somewhere before, the sound is more defined, distinct, and clear.

I was trying to cut mids and brighten it up. I put the stock pre-amp tube back in, and swapped the speaker. Tone is brighter, but not quite where I wanted to go. I would describe it more as "smokey" now. still very cool.

I gotta get more tubes.

StraightNeck

November 10th, 2011, 03:32 AM

I think the stock speaker is just fine.But if i change the speaker i would try
a WGS 8" G8C first.My experience with WGS is that they dont have
the in your face mids.And they sound very good,tight lows and sparkly highs.

fatcat

November 10th, 2011, 09:10 AM

WGS 8" sounded good; from the soud bytes on there web site.

I'm pretty sure now that the sound I'm looking for is in the tubes. It does sound better with the jensen; currently it has a perfect sound for jazz and mellow blues: sparkley, yet smokey. All the notes are tight. I haven't had a chance to "crank-it" yet.

I think part of the problem too is that, in my mind, i keep comparing it too my fender, which, despite its looks, is not a vintage amp. The two aren't really comparable.

Davo17

November 10th, 2011, 11:27 PM

fatcat

November 11th, 2011, 09:08 PM

i got a chance to crank that little sucker today....oooh my!

jj power tube, stock preamp, and the new C8R; nearly what I am after. Especially when cranked.

put my MXR Custom BadA$$ '78 in front of it....ooooh my! killer old school overdrive sounds. wide open this thing is perfect.

waiting for the local shop to get in some more tubes...and/or next payday to order some from the net.

this is fun, I'm loving little amps.

fatcat

November 13th, 2011, 11:27 PM

Yep! the V5 and the MXR BadA$$ '78, my new favorite rig.

davidchagrin

November 14th, 2011, 04:15 PM

I've been considering getting the Blackheart 4x8" cab for a full sound when playing with a full band(aka, loud). Since the tone is exactly what I've sought after for my entire life, I just want to make it loud enough to compete with a drum kit.
Has anyone here used this 4x8" cabinet?
If so, any perks or drawbacks that you've experienced?

dngrsdave

November 15th, 2011, 04:31 PM

Last week I bought a Behringer EQ700 ,a 7 band equalizer pedal for $27.00 shipped to the door.I Know it's not "top of the line" but neither am I, or my playing.

This was definately my answer to brighten up my V5. Now I can get more "chime" even with my Semi hollow with humbuckers. It's a whole new amp now.

Since my Wife has been working nights, I've been able to play the amp on the 5 watt setting and I think the speaker is finally getting broke in. I noticed as I turn up the gain ,the break up has a much better tone(even without the EQ) .

I still have the stock tubes , although I sometimes use the V5 as a head for the 12 in. speaker in my other amp. It has a fuller sound with the bigger speaker.

Thank's for all the help I've obtained by reading through this thread.

Davo17

November 19th, 2011, 11:28 PM

The Bugeras preamp is very responsive to eq. Boost also. I use a snarling dogs veri-tone and it sounds good.
Last week I bought a Behringer EQ700 ,a 7 band equalizer pedal for $27.00 shipped to the door.I Know it's not "top of the line" but neither am I, or my playing.

This was definately my answer to brighten up my V5. Now I can get more "chime" even with my Semi hollow with humbuckers. It's a whole new amp now.

Since my Wife has been working nights, I've been able to play the amp on the 5 watt setting and I think the speaker is finally getting broke in. I noticed as I turn up the gain ,the break up has a much better tone(even without the EQ) .

I still have the stock tubes , although I sometimes use the V5 as a head for the 12 in. speaker in my other amp. It has a fuller sound with the bigger speaker.

Thank's for all the help I've obtained by reading through this thread.

dngrsdave

December 12th, 2011, 03:36 PM

Davo17,
Yeah, I saw in an earlier post you mention the "Snarling Dog" pedal that you used to help brighten your tone. I started looking into them and then came across this EQ pedal and ended up getting it instead.

dngrsdave

December 12th, 2011, 03:45 PM

I tried using the V5 as a head to drive the 12 inch speaker in my Raven RG 20 watt amp. (I disconnected the amps wires of course)

I was very happy with the bigger, fuller sound that I get out of the bigger speaker. The only problem is that when I switched back to the stock 8 in spaeker it sounds so tinny and almost like its blown. It very noticable when I drive it with the gain.

I keep telling myself that I'm just getting used to the bigger speaker and that their is nothing wrong with it. But now I wonder if I should maybe get a new speaker. Though I've never replaced the tubes yet.

I'm so confused.

Davo17

December 12th, 2011, 10:10 PM

caliban335

January 7th, 2012, 08:39 PM

I've had a V5 I bought from MF for a few days. I hear a weird noise as the notes fade away. Sounds something like a hiss. Is this the tube rattle you guys have written about?

Davo17

January 8th, 2012, 01:23 AM

I've had a V5 I bought from MF for a few days. I hear a weird noise as the notes fade away. Sounds something like a hiss. Is this the tube rattle you guys have written about?

I think that is probably the horrible stock tubes. Pull em before they fail and use em as spares-you wont feel bad if you loose them.

StraightNeck

January 8th, 2012, 07:06 AM

I think that is probably the horrible stock tubes. Pull em before they fail and use em as spares-you wont feel bad if you loose them.

+1 on the tubes.Buy a russian OTK stamped EL84M and you are home.
Big difference.

StraightNeck

January 8th, 2012, 07:35 AM

One thing that i have noticed is if i have reverb about 3 or more and the gain dimed
there is a tail of sizzle.

Dauntless

January 8th, 2012, 12:00 PM

Remove the tube cage!! :shock:

Davo17

January 8th, 2012, 05:25 PM

Remove the tube cage!! :shock:

Yup, I like it more without.

saltyseadog

January 12th, 2012, 10:32 AM

I bought mine from Thomanns Online Musik Store in Germany. I ordered it on the 28th of December and it arrived on the 3rd of January. I thought that was excellent service considering the New Year weekend in between. It was well packaged with 4 polypropyline corner protectors and 4 heavy duty protective cardboard sheets on the insides, top and bottom of the box. Only problem out of the box was that they had sent a power cable with a CEE 7-7 Franco/German wall plug on the end. The amp end plug was the same 3 socket type as on a PC so as I had a spare one of them in my tool box that was a quick fix. On finally plugging it in it fired up straight away and I had a noodle through the three modes 0.1W,1.0W and 5W first with my EC mid-boost type partscaster and then with my ES335. My one was from a new batch which Thomanns had just had delivered and it has a yellow on light rather than the blue one I had expected. Not a problem from my side anyway.

As I had done a good bit of research on small wattage home and practice amps before settling on the V5 my first impressions were even better than expected. A slight harshness on the treble notes for a bit until the Bugera stamped tubes warmed up, but I expected that. At 5W it was loud, not as loud as my Bluesjunior but louder than I expected. On the 1W channel I was again surprised at the volume but I found it would be perfect for jamming along to records or backing tracks without getting grief from the missus, it also cleaned up nicely from the guitar especially on my Strat and I found I had an amazing range of sounds from clean with the guitar volume at 7-8 to some serious dirt with the 25db boost maxed without having to change settings( I had the Volume maxed, the gain at 4, Tone at 6 and reverb at 2). Later that evening I tried it on the 0.1W setting without annoying the missus who was watching TV next door and I think I liked that sound the best yet. Of course the amp was well warm by then and to be honest some of the sounds I was getting really do sound almost stage like. It is a very responsive to the touch amp and it also runs much cooler than my BJr would have been after the same amount of time so it should not be a tube cruncher either.

Now I have had it almost a fortnight and have taken off the metal tube cage for good and changed out the ECC83 for an old Telefunken one I had in my tool chest. I am waiting at present on a Gold Lion EL84 from Hot Rox here in the UK and this morning I realised that as it only had the one EL84 it would be a handy tool to check out some of my old discarded pairs from the Bluesjunior. I found that one of a pair of used Harma ones I had was dead and the other ok but quite harsh. The original Groove Tubes that came with the BJr were little used and sounded ok but the clincher came from the previous pair of JJ's that I had in the BJr and which I had replaced with a new set a month ago due to a bit of crackling. I found that one of them was spot on and the other one although working had a lower volume. The Telefunken ECC83 and the JJ EL84 have really made a difference to what was already a good sounding amp and I am looking forward to hearing the Gold Lion when it arrives.

Other than the day it arrived and again this morning when I used the inbuilt speaker to test the used EL84's I had, I have always played this amp through my closed back 2x12 Celestion G12H speaker cabinet which really opens it up and to be honest it is just a great sound and all I ever wished for when I bought the BJr thinking that 15W would be a playable at home amp and then finding that 15 bluesjunior watts is LOUD. I find the Bugera V5 just perfect for the home player and I am not going to say that it is as good as or better even than some £500-£1000+ handwired boutique amp but I paid £110 +£10 for postage for mine and there isn't £400+ of a difference either. If you are looking for a highly responsive tube amp that you can play at home in a bedroom eg in the same manner that you do on a stage then I am seriously impressed with the Bugera V5. It could perhaps have had a smidgeon more treble as it certainly isn't ever going to be accused of being ice picky sounding but then if I want if I want treblier cleans I can get them from the BJr.

happyshredder

January 15th, 2012, 01:52 PM

Hey guys! Happy new year! New to the site and forum. Just got my first tube amp (Bugera v5) and was disappointed in the amount of glassy, metallic, springy, rattle coming from the 12ax7 (I believe)! Really ruined my first experience! It only seems to happen at high volumes on the full 5w. I even went out and some fuel injector o-rings from autozone to dampen the tubes. It definitely helped but still there! Looks like I need new tubes already. This seems to be a common problem with this and all tube combos correct? Either way, Im kinda obsessing over it. This happens right? Any advice would be appreciated!

Dauntless

January 16th, 2012, 12:27 AM

I'm guessing that you pulled the cage to put the dampeners on, you didn't put it back on, did you?
If you look at the way the cage is made, you'll see why it rattles.

It also helps to tighten the baffle and speaker screws.
I had 7 loose ones in mine, by about 3/4 turn.

To see if a tube is going harmonic, use a good old fashioned pencil and tap the tube lightly with the eraser, with the amp on and up.
You should not hear the tap! If you do, it needs to be replaced.
It couldn't hurt to pull the tubes and re seat them.

I tend to bond better with my toys when I know more about them. :cool:

Hey guys! Happy new year! New to the site and forum. Just got my first tube amp (Bugera v5) and was disappointed in the amount of glassy, metallic, springy, rattle coming from the 12ax7 (I believe)! Really ruined my first experience! It only seems to happen at high volumes on the full 5w. I even went out and some fuel injector o-rings from autozone to dampen the tubes. It definitely helped but still there! Looks like I need new tubes already. This seems to be a common problem with this and all tube combos correct? Either way, Im kinda obsessing over it. This happens right? Any advice would be appreciated!

Davo17

January 18th, 2012, 02:50 AM

FirstBassman

January 18th, 2012, 03:57 PM

Remove the tube cage!!

Yup, removed mine and the rattling noise went away.

happyshredder

January 19th, 2012, 06:42 PM

Thanks for the tips guys. The cage is off completely and have tried all the common tricks. The first thing I did was tighten everything down and your right, there were so many loose screws! Next I pulled out the tubes (with a glove) and seated them firmly. then I fired it up and tapped on them with both pencil eraser and chopstick. No light show or "microphonics" at all. But.... when I tap on the 12ax7 I get that springy metallic sound. I hope its the tube and not the socket! Either way, Im ordering a tung-sol and jj pre-amp, and jj el84 next week. Hopefully this will have a dual effect because this sound almost like a damn bass amp! Super dark!! Plus I play a H-H Ibanez so its even worse for me. So far not diggin my first tube amp. Thankefully I have my trusty fender frontman 212r to save the day! I dont care what the tone snobs say, Its arguably the best SS combo amp available!

Dauntless

January 20th, 2012, 12:16 AM

Sound like tube to me...

Philtho

January 31st, 2012, 05:48 PM

Picked one of these up a week ago. It sounded muffled. Stuck in an Electro-hamonix tube in the pre and now I'm in love. My strat actually has a nice sparkle. It's not dark anymore.

InfiniteRhino

February 1st, 2012, 10:05 AM

Davo17

February 2nd, 2012, 12:09 AM

After faffing around deciding between a VHT Special 6 Ultra, Vox AC4TV, Gretsch 5222 and a Blackstar HT1 I plumped for a Bugera V5. I played the VOX, Gretsch and Blackstar instore but wasn't impressed enough to buy, so have taken a punt on the V5. It's on it's way from Thomann's so should be here in a day or so. Will post the requisite pics/impressions once it's here.

I gave mine a go with my Tele today, it sounds great. I can believe how much bottom that little speaker and cab put out, it seems like more then my Class 5.

Do you have new tubes? Expect the stock ones to go bad, and sound bad.

InfiniteRhino

February 3rd, 2012, 11:35 AM

It arrived today and I've just spent a couple of hours with it and my p90 thinline tele. I am well impressed with the build quality for a start - the thing is a tank. No need to tighten anything up as everything is just rock solid. I like it a lot so far, really good sounds coming out of it. Friday evening is sorted.

Davo17

February 3rd, 2012, 07:58 PM

Thats quite a setup! Cool tele also. Let us know how it works out.
It arrived today and I've just spent a couple of hours with it and my p90 thinline tele. I am well impressed with the build quality for a start - the thing is a tank. No need to tighten anything up as everything is just rock solid. I like it a lot so far, really good sounds coming out of it. Friday evening is sorted.

goodandevil

February 7th, 2012, 10:38 AM

I've had a V5 I bought from MF for a few days. I hear a weird noise as the notes fade away. Sounds something like a hiss. Is this the tube rattle you guys have written about?

I just picked a used V5 up yesterday and am getting the same thing.

StraightNeck

February 7th, 2012, 11:35 AM

Yup,tubes,especially the EL84.The stock is junk.Bought a russian military OTK marked EL84M on ebay and it is a wonder.A JJ 12AX7 works fine in the preamp.
Second,remove the tube cage and thighten all screws in the amp.

goodandevil

February 8th, 2012, 01:29 AM

Thanks StraightNeck.

happyshredder

February 13th, 2012, 10:35 AM

Davo17

February 13th, 2012, 02:09 PM

Finally got my new tubes and WOW what a difference. I have a tung-sol reissue 12ax7 ang a jj power tube. It truly sounds like a completely different amp! No more rattling, no more dark wet blanket sound. I even bought danelectro fish and chips eq just in case. Awesome eq but not at all necessary at this point. The tone knob actually opens it up now and I see no immediate need to change out the speaker. Its voiced quite nicely. I guess all you really need is a decent set of tubes to make this little monster come to life!

I had a similar experience, this amp responds well to new tubes.

BTW-that EQ makes a GREAT boost, and will further shape your clean tones as well. I get a ton of use out of EQ pedals.

goodandevil

February 15th, 2012, 03:19 PM

Just replaced the tubes in mine too. My amp is an 06 model and still had the original tubes in it. Sounds sweet now.

dngrsdave

February 17th, 2012, 01:28 PM

You Guy's are Awesome !!! I've been reading thru these pages and everyone keep's talking about how Great the amp will sound with a tube change. Initially I was satisfied with the stock tone, but as time went on,the tone changed.Clean sounded O.K. but the break up was getting "fizzy"

I put a GT12AX7 which was just a repackaged Sovtech tube and WOW !! what a differance !!! The amp brightened up and I got more chime and better harmonics.I had to order a pair of Sovtech EL84 tubes ....so I waited..

I just had to have a new EL84 ! So I picked up a JJ tubes EL84 but it was a 7 . It broke up real late and made the amp louder.It was alright but not really better than the stock China Bugera EL84.

Yesterday my 2 SovTech EL84 tubes came in. These are a 6 rating . The Amp Really sound's Good now. It has a sweet tone with a nice break up just starting around 4 or5 on the gain and the volume maxed.

I'd like to try a SovTech EL84 with a 4 rating so it breaks up even earlier. Just to try something differant.

Thank's again for all the Great advice given through these pages in the Bugera V5 Amp Owner Club thread.

alfan

February 18th, 2012, 10:04 AM

hi all ..this is my first post.i want to know when you replaced the tube.is it just replaced with new one or i have to adjust the voltage bias? thanks.

dngrsdave

February 18th, 2012, 10:18 AM

I know since there is only 1 tube of each type,that don't need to be matched.I don't know anything about voltage bias. I havent read anything about that.

I tried 3 different EL84 tubes (the SovTech,a J J & the stock China ) and didn't have any trouble. As I said , I'm a Newbie with Tube Amps. I may have just been Lucky.

I though all that stuff was only a problem with high wattage amps when you are using multiple tubes. I don't know for sure.

Davo17

February 18th, 2012, 02:24 PM

hi all ..this is my first post.i want to know when you replaced the tube.is it just replaced with new one or i have to adjust the voltage bias? thanks.

No bias adjustment needed. Just plug and play.

fatcat

February 20th, 2012, 09:18 AM

I know the question of whether an 8 ohm cab woud damage the amp with prolonged use. I wanted to know for sure, so I e-mailed the question to Bugera, and the response was that the amp will handle 8 and 16 ohms with no problem. The tech said just don't go below 4 ohms.

Also, I went back and looked in the manual, and it did show the V5 being used as a head for one of their 16 ohm 4x12 cabs.

just in-case anyone wondered.?

Davo17

February 20th, 2012, 06:48 PM

winexprt

February 21st, 2012, 07:25 PM

Finally got my new tubes and WOW what a difference. I have a tung-sol reissue 12ax7 ang a jj power tube. It truly sounds like a completely different amp! No more rattling, no more dark wet blanket sound. I even bought danelectro fish and chips eq just in case. Awesome eq but not at all necessary at this point. The tone knob actually opens it up now and I see no immediate need to change out the speaker. Its voiced quite nicely. I guess all you really need is a decent set of tubes to make this little monster come to life!

EXACTLY my experience (minus buying an eq)!

Bought my V5 a few weeks ago via eBay and really liked it, but like countless others I felt it a bit too dark.

Bought this:

thetubestore.com - Bugera V5 - Value Package (http://thetubestore.com/sba-bugera-v5.html)

and its made a HUGE difference! This little amp really rocks now! :cool:

winexprt

February 21st, 2012, 07:28 PM

hi all ..this is my first post.i want to know when you replaced the tube.is it just replaced with new one or i have to adjust the voltage bias? thanks.

You simply drop in new tubes. You don't need to do anything else:

http://thetubestore.com/bugera-v5.html

happyshredder

February 22nd, 2012, 06:18 PM

Hey guys its me again. I know i told you the tube swap improved matters greatly but im still flustered by the el84 rattle. I took the amp out of the cabinet and discovered that the tube socket itself is slightly loose. Im sure this happens over time. Its soldered to a thin pcb board and the joints could crack and loosen. Heres my dilemma..... If I attempt to clean, re- tension, and re- solder the socket am I going to get shocked to death?! Im a DIYer and am not new to a soldering iron, but Im not about to stick anything in those pin holes before I get some advice! Taking it to a tech is out of the question at this point because i live in a small town with no one to do it and am currently unemployed. I dont want to drop any more money into this thing that I already have, especially something that can be cured in 20 minutes! What do you guys think?? How do I "discharge" voltage to make this a quick, SAFE project?

BillNeaves

February 22nd, 2012, 06:39 PM

I put a Jensen 8" speaker in it, and some Groove tubes Gt12ax7r el84 GT.... both livened up the sound quite a bit. I like the clean and bright sound for my country tele playing. with those changes, i no longer had to have the tone knob all the way maxed to the treble... now it stays at about 6 on that setting.

BillNeaves

February 22nd, 2012, 06:42 PM

for blues/jazz stuff... the stock tubes/speaker were perfect. but I found having the tone know maxed on treble still didn't give me the clarity and sparkle I was looking for... instead, it was still too dark, but with piercing ice pick highs... the new tubes and especially the speaker made the difference. If you don't want to go to that extreme, I put a 12at7 in the preamp section which cleaned it up quite a bit as well. but I prefer an ax7 overall...

fatcat

February 22nd, 2012, 11:10 PM

yeah, I was getting ready to try a 5751, or 12at7 to see how they might get me some earlier breakup.

Also I have a ceramic jensen, and have been wondering an Alnico might sound like.

This is a great amp for learning what parts affect what.

Davo17

February 23rd, 2012, 02:33 AM

Davo17

February 23rd, 2012, 02:35 AM

BillNeaves

February 24th, 2012, 08:28 PM

I have a 2007 Highway 1 with Duncan Antiquity II twang pickups.

happyshredder

February 28th, 2012, 04:37 PM

Ok, so after removing the cage, swapping and experimenting with different tube combinations, resoldering and re-tensioning the sockets, tightening every screw on the cab, and putting 4 silicone rings on the el84 and 2 on the 12ax7 so the tubes are no longer visible, Im FINALLY enjoying the sound and performance of this amp! I bought this thing used(probably my first mistake) as my first tube amp and feel like I have been to hell and back fixing all of the problems but it was all well worth it! Seeing my affinity and love of tech 21 trademarks, roland jazz chorus's, and even fender frontmans, I doubt i'll ever become a "tube snob'". I see tube as just ONE form of amplification.........superior?..... time will tell, but man does this thing sound pretty freakin sweet!

fatcat

March 21st, 2012, 11:02 PM

come on now little buddy, scream like a marshall:twisted:

Progbusters

March 29th, 2012, 10:39 AM

Davo17

March 29th, 2012, 04:01 PM

my speaker is fuzzy now at higher volumes and gain, i guess it has a rip somewhere. It sounds like a light fizzling fuzz. Its not a tube rattle. No need for a fuzz pedal. lol. I guess I need to get a new speaker

Is this new for you? Have your been playing it at the full 5 watts before now? Did you run a bass through it? :confused:

Progbusters

March 29th, 2012, 04:56 PM

I've had mine for almost 2 years

Progbusters

March 29th, 2012, 05:00 PM

Also everyone, does your power cord have 3 prongs? Mine has just 2 - no ground, even though the plug has space for the ground, it seems to be missing. I'm in USA.

Davo17

March 30th, 2012, 03:27 AM

I've had mine for almost 2 years

Hmm, mines over 2 years old also, I dont have this issue.

Davo17

March 30th, 2012, 03:28 AM

Also everyone, does your power cord have 3 prongs? Mine has just 2 - no ground, even though the plug has space for the ground, it seems to be missing. I'm in USA.

Yes, 3 prong. Is yours used? Did you switch power cords?

Progbusters

March 30th, 2012, 11:56 AM

Hmm, mines over 2 years old also, I dont have this issue.

probably cuz I've been sitting on it every morning... i need to stop that.

Progbusters

March 30th, 2012, 11:56 AM

Yes, 3 prong. Is yours used? Did you switch power cords?

i got it off the floor at guitar center. thanks. i'll have to try the 3 prong. might solve some hum issues.

Davo17

March 30th, 2012, 03:42 PM

i got it off the floor at guitar center. thanks. i'll have to try the 3 prong. might solve some hum issues.

Mine was also a floor model-when they first came out-nobody was trying these amps-I just happened to plug into this one and liked what I heard...

fatcat

April 23rd, 2012, 10:12 AM

the stock 12ax7 finally started to die, I put in a Tung Sol, AWSOME! The tone is perfect now. I put my MXR custom Bad@$$ in front of it, plugged it into the G12h30 cab, and this thing was screaming like a marshall stack. The clean is much better with the Tung Sol also, much more organic..My Tele sounded more like a Tele, in this thing. I know that sounds corny, but that is how I would describe it.

Davo17

April 25th, 2012, 03:06 AM

go49ners

May 22nd, 2012, 04:50 PM

Can you guys throw out some recommendations for new tubes in this thing?

I'd like maybe a little more headroom, and like many have said it just sounds a little too bright. Any suggestions on which tubes to get? I know nothing about tube amps as this is my first one. Thanks!

Davo17

May 22nd, 2012, 10:09 PM

ScreaminJoBlade

June 5th, 2012, 09:55 AM

Thanks to this club I jumped at a chance to pick a V5 up for $120.00. Guy I bought it from hardly touched it as he bought a Fender HRD and Egnater Rebel 20 at the same time.

Fired it up - let it sit for 10 minutes and lost an hour this Saturday.

Perfect woodshed amp - or in my case basement.

Was thinking of an OD pedal to help push it a lower volumes - my first thought was a Maxon OD 808. More than likely a used Blues Driver will fit the budget - any suggestions?

davidchagrin

June 7th, 2012, 04:27 PM

any suggestions?

I use a cheap Dano Fab Overdrive that works pretty well as well as a Dano Daddy-O that offers more EQ options to help round out the tone. I also use a Seymour Duncan Tweak Fuzz, but that doesn't push the tubes the way I like. Honestly, the dirt that I use most with my V5 is a Boss DS-1. The DS-1 sounds so shreaky with other amps, but the Bugera is so tastefully dark that the DS-1 compliments it quite well.
Try out whatever's cheap. Pick the one that sounds best.

ScreaminJoBlade

June 7th, 2012, 09:25 PM

...Honestly, the dirt that I use most with my V5 is a Boss DS-1. The DS-1 sounds so shreaky with other amps, but the Bugera is so tastefully dark that the DS-1 compliments it quite well.
Try out whatever's cheap. Pick the one that sounds best.

I have pulled out my old DS-1 and would have to agree - it finally sounds good!

Davo17

June 8th, 2012, 01:52 AM

I have pulled out my old DS-1 and would have to agree - it finally sounds good!

I have both a stock one, and a highly modded one, and I dont know that I ever thought to plug it into the Bugera.

saltyseadog

June 8th, 2012, 09:57 AM

Anyone got any thoughts on what would be good speakers to put into an external cabinet. At present I am running my V5 through my closed back Celestion G12H-100 8 Ohm parallel loaded 2 x 12 cab and it really opens it up but not really knowing much about different speakers cabs etc I would appreciate your thoughts on it. I am thinking that two 8 Ohm Cannabis Rex speakers might be an idea but am mostly going by the people who have had good results putting them into the Fender BJr'. Doesn't have to be confined to a closed back 2 x 12 either, any thoughts on 2 x 10, 2 x 8 or even a 4 x ? open or closed are welcome.

ScreaminJoBlade

June 8th, 2012, 12:18 PM

I have both a stock one, and a highly modded one, and I dont know that I ever thought to plug it into the Bugera.

After looking at your amp list on your profile page it doesn't surprise me - I'm assuming you picked up the Bugera for quite practice with small tube amp with a lot of headroom. I wouldn't think that it would be your goto amp when your in the mood to play riffs with "a bit of dirt on 'em".

Me - this my 1st tube amp after using simulators for years - a bigger amp with more tubes would be tone nirvana - but I would never get to play it at pre-requisite levels - so... The search for the complimentary OD or distortion pedal continues...

fatcat

June 10th, 2012, 11:42 PM

After looking at your amp list on your profile page it doesn't surprise me - I'm assuming you picked up the Bugera for quite practice with small tube amp with a lot of headroom. I wouldn't think that it would be your goto amp when your in the mood to play riffs with "a bit of dirt on 'em".

Me - this my 1st tube amp after using simulators for years - a bigger amp with more tubes would be tone nirvana - but I would never get to play it at pre-requisite levels - so... The search for the complimentary OD or distortion pedal continues...

for dirt at low volumes, a good fuzz is the best. to clarify, i have found this out because low volmes in the fatcat house are about half a step away from silent. (I got tired of using the headphones all the time, dang-it I pay the mortgage. I dont care how the wife feels about it. MY HOUSE TOO!)

but seriously, for quietness, fuzz works better than OD.

InfiniteRhino

July 13th, 2012, 05:12 AM

I just retubed my V5 with a Tung-Sol 12AX7 and a JJ EL84. It's made a very noticeable difference - brighter, fuller, BETTER :)

Wombat175

July 15th, 2012, 06:38 AM

I just a Bugera V5, seemed good on paper (pre and post valve, attenuation, headphone jack, small size) but I got to say a bit disappointed with the sound.

I had an old (like 20year old) Peavey Rage 158 (15 watt transistor, 8' speaker) I leave at a friend house for jamming at his place, it sound brighter than the V5.

The impression I get is that there is a good amp in the V5 just trying to get out. Right now its got that 'someone threw a blanket over it' sound, even with tone tune up full.
However, it does have a chunky valve sound to it.

So I have ordered new valves (12AY7 for the pre amp to hopefully brighten up, also a Weber 10' Alnico speaker (for me I will never use ceramic speakers to try to get a warm chimey sound).

I will re-post with update and sound samples when completed

go49ners

July 21st, 2012, 05:18 PM

Wombat175

August 8th, 2012, 07:39 PM

Wow! You are right go49ners. Dropped in the Sovtech EL84 power amp valve and the Electro Harmonic 12AY7 Gold Pin valve on the pre amp. Now its got a great tone, still dark but that is this amps style, very happy with it.

Note the 12AY7 is a lower gain valve, so its is quieter that the standard 12AX7, not a loud however the tone is really improved.

Going to 'shoe-horn' a Weber 10' Blue Pup speaker this weekend, should be a really decent practice amp by then (will post some photos once completed)

Davo17

August 11th, 2012, 01:16 AM

I just retubed my V5 with a Tung-Sol 12AX7 and a JJ EL84. It's made a very noticeable difference - brighter, fuller, BETTER :)

There are only 2 tubes, so each one has a very big impact. This amp is great for trying out tubes.

jaredjd

September 6th, 2012, 08:23 AM

Okay, so you guys are driving me nuts! I can already tell I want one of these little guys, but I just don't know if it'll do as much as I'm hoping. Maybe you fellas can fill me in on a few things and maybe I'll join the club!

I need a new amp for two reasons - Main reason being my amp is too big! I moved into a third floor apartment with a very small staircase. I've lived here more than a year and I haven't even attempted to carry my 2x12 up here! So I don't really get a lot of practice at home.

Second thing - I have a love/hatehatehate relationship with my current amp. A Vox Valvetronix we have laying around. Noisy as heck. I'm a stage player and I used to need the stage presence to fight wedges (till we moved to IEM's). Now we mic EVERYTHING and we can hear every little hiss and click out of my current amp. Not to mention the Valvetronix isn't really straight tube. Sounds great but I can tell when it's lacking!

So my big question is: Is this amp worthy to go in front of a mic on stage? We use an amp room to keep the drums out of my mix. Does it really drive a cab really well? My setup I'm imagining is leaving a separate cab in front of the mic - when I go home I just take the amp. Would that work or am I gonna sound cheap through the mains?

A second question: How does this thing handle pedals? In some of what I play I do a lot of ambient filler - chain is kinda like this: Comp (as boost), DS-1/Badmonkey/TS808 - Volume - MicroPOG - DD-20 - DD-5 - a few others for fun times. Will I smash this amp with that much?

I'm super hopeful that this is the amp I've been searching for!

Davo17

September 7th, 2012, 01:48 AM

So my big question is: Is this amp worthy to go in front of a mic on stage? We use an amp room to keep the drums out of my mix. Does it really drive a cab really well? My setup I'm imagining is leaving a separate cab in front of the mic - when I go home I just take the amp. Would that work or am I gonna sound cheap through the mains?

A second question: How does this thing handle pedals? In some of what I play I do a lot of ambient filler - chain is kinda like this: Comp (as boost), DS-1/Badmonkey/TS808 - Volume - MicroPOG - DD-20 - DD-5 - a few others for fun times. Will I smash this amp with that much?

I'm super hopeful that this is the amp I've been searching for!

My opinion:

First Question-I have not mic'd mine before, so I am not sure, but id imagine it would sound ok. Its "natural" voice is a kind of moderate gain, with pronounced mids, which in the past has recorded well for me in other cases. Most outboard speakers I have tried sound pretty good too, and it has a line out (AFTER the powertubes-not a preamp out) which might be an option as well.

Second Question-It handles pedals quite well, though it sounds best when kept simple I find. Boosts sound good, OD's usually sound good, when I was living in an apartment, even with the attenuated setting (.1 watt usually) a bright OD like a tube screamer sounded great. Chorus sounds great, so does delay. Another cool thing-the digital verb is quite nice, and really helps add some depth to a smaller amp at low volumes. Another cool thing-an EQ into the front end can scoop the mids and get you a fender-ish blackface tone.

Wombat175

October 3rd, 2012, 09:28 PM

Finished the big mod on my V5 yesterday, pretty satisfied with sound, a LOT louder (with the Weber 10' blue pup 20watt), still dark sounding amp but excellent tone.http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w452/wombat175/BugaraV5003_zps4b7bced9.jpg

http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w452/wombat175/BugaraV5-rear_zps16083c1f.jpg

http://i1076.photobucket.com/albums/w452/wombat175/BugaraV5006_zpsd04956e0.jpg

Davo17

October 3rd, 2012, 09:53 PM

Wow thats indeed a major mod. Is it significantly louder?

Wombat175

October 4th, 2012, 09:27 AM

go49ners

October 4th, 2012, 09:33 AM

Hay Davo, regarding the volume, the strange thing is, when I first got the amp I changed the power valve to the Sovtech, made a better tone and same volume, also changed the pre to 12Ay7 valve which gave a lot better tone but quieter than the stock 12AX7.

Now with the new speaker (10 inch 4ohm 20watt) its just a bigger sound and of course a better tone with an Anico speaker (IMO) so really happy with it. I am in an apartment so can't play loud but taking it to rehearsal this week to blast, our drummer is not a' hard hitter' so should keep up fine.

This is a freakin cool mod! I wish I knew how to do this sort of thing.

I saw someone else do something similar to a V5 on a forum a long time ago, but I can't remember where I found it. Please post back again after you get to crank it up and let us know how it does with a drummer.

EDIT: After a quick google search, the place I saw this mod before was on this very thread a year ago - haha! Duh...

bbigd0

October 4th, 2012, 10:15 AM

Had one recently. Did the Speaker and tube Mod. Was okay. Sold it recently. Don't really miss it. But it was certainly decent for the $.

Wombat175

October 5th, 2012, 04:46 AM

hey, they are not 1950s valve Fender amp, but for the money (cost me about $250 so far) they are pretty good. Its always about personal taste, but i have tried a lot of amps over the years (I got a 1964 Bandmaster now for gigs) but the tone is good for little amp (I am sure its the Weber 10' speaker that makes the big difference)

Minoan

October 9th, 2012, 01:55 AM

Did the 10 mod quite some time ago. There are pics of it a couple of pages back.

A pic during the build, new and old baffle.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/Minoan1977/Image0238.jpg

Here's a pic of the finished amp.

http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo186/Minoan1977/DSC04524s.jpg

Its a great mod to do. Not too hard to make a new baffle. All you need is a saw, router, jigsaw and a drill.

harleysr

October 9th, 2012, 04:49 AM

Retubed mine with Electro-Harmonix tubes. Made a new baffle and installed an Eminence Legend 1058. Sounds huge. I do want to try a 12AT7, as well.

saltyseadog

October 11th, 2012, 01:28 AM

harleysr

October 11th, 2012, 01:35 AM

I have removed the 10" and replaced the original faceplate, along with a Jensen C8R Vintage Series. It sounds fanatstic, and is a big improvement over the stock speaker. Very nice, warm tone with pleasing highs. A very smooth sound, but robust. It doesn't completely fall apart and mates well with the brighter Electro-Harmonix tubes.

Minoan

October 13th, 2012, 06:14 AM

Did you manage to take the grill cloth off the original baffle without destroying it?.

The original grill cloth was stapled and glued all along the sides of the baffle. I ended up tearing it because it was stuck hard to the glue.

Progbusters

October 14th, 2012, 03:15 PM

I got an Orange PPC112 cabinet with the intention of getting one of the Terror amp heads later. But it sounds so sweet with my Bugera V5. Its loud too. And no tube rattle. Really great!

telepath

October 17th, 2012, 04:48 PM

Hi,

I'm a recent owner of a V5, Cool little amp.

i have yet another speaker question - If I may.

I like the stock sound of the V5 - I'm not findin it dark, quite chimey in fact, and a nice compression to picked notes.

Anyway, I happened to have a Celestion Super 8 hanging about that I had pulled and kept from a Kustom amp that had developed a fault.

I tried the Super 8 in my V5 - knowing that it is an 8 ohm, but remembering others had done the same and reported positive results.

Didnt work out for me -
First impressions were very favourable, more chime and high mids too.
But I got a wierd 'ghost' note mixed into the decay of chords, and picked notes.
Hind of like a long sustaining 'distant high gain drone' Like the played note that came out of the amp was being double-tracked with ultra high gain, but very low in the mix (and almost a hall effect)
This was at low volumes, but with gain turned up 3/4 .
I noticed an overall increase in the noise floor too.
Strange.

I swiftly put the stock Bug speaker back in, and all was normal.

Do I simply have a Super 8 that has gone bad maybe? - visually I see no apparent source of issues, and there was not much to 'go wrong' with the installation and wiring up , so I don't think I caused the issue. *

Is there an issue with the Super 8 being an 8 ohm load? (I cant imagine there is, but I'm a bit of a noob).

Can anyone recommend any 4 ohm 8" that provides an airy-er feel, without losing bottom end?
I may be asking too much - Should I try a brand new Celestion Super 8 even?

* ah .. one thing that is nagging me I admit - in hindsight - I didnt check whether the speaker cable might (might) have been touching the 12AX7 (it is not now)
I wonder could that be a possible cause .. ?

Any ideas / suggestions?

Hey - its a great little amp! I'm always looking for that little bit extra - aren't we all ;)

telepath

October 18th, 2012, 08:06 PM

Ignore my essay above.

During a subsequent wine fuelled, net reading moment, I just went and sprung for a Jensen P8r.
What the hey ;)

encore

November 3rd, 2012, 12:23 PM

iagtrplyr12

November 3rd, 2012, 12:36 PM

Hey encore. I can't help answer your question, but would like to jump in on the conversation. I'm going to be club member myself latet today as I'm swapping a Rogue violin bass for a V5. I was also thinking about adding an OD pedal for more low-volume grind, but still want some clarity. What say, owners? I'm using a CV BSB Tele. Thanks!

iagtrplyr12

November 4th, 2012, 06:47 PM

No V5 club members left on this planet? I picked up my swapped amp yesterday, as mentioned, and gave it the once over. Everything looked to be in excellent condition like it has hardly been played.

Tried it out late last night at the 0.1 watt setting with my Tele and it was quite the Voxy experience. Lots of chime, and tubed goodness.

Today was a different story in that I switched over to the five-watt setting and opened it up. While it sounded great with gain and volume dimed, there was enough tube rattle coming out the back to remind me of all the stories I've read about this problem. There's a JJ EL84 and what I'm guessing is the stock Bugera 12AX7 currently in there and at low level they're fine, but get that speaker moving and it sounds like jingle bells!

I've read about the tube shock absorbers as well as obviously re-tubing, but is there anything else that could be done? My first job last night was to take off the cage so I know that's not the culprit. I'm open for suggestions because I'd really like to use this amp for higher-volume jamming, but without the rattling.

Thanks in advance to any of you successfully using this decent-sounding guitar amp.

Dauntless

November 5th, 2012, 01:03 AM

Don't forget to tighten speaker screws, chassis screws and all other screws and mounts.
Dauntless

No V5 club members left on this planet? I picked up my swapped amp yesterday, as mentioned, and gave it the once over. Everything looked to be in excellent condition like it has hardly been played.

Tried it out late last night at the 0.1 watt setting with my Tele and it was quite the Voxy experience. Lots of chime, and tubed goodness.

Today was a different story in that I switched over to the five-watt setting and opened it up. While it sounded great with gain and volume dimed, there was enough tube rattle coming out the back to remind me of all the stories I've read about this problem. There's a JJ EL84 and what I'm guessing is the stock Bugera 12AX7 currently in there and at low level they're fine, but get that speaker moving and it sounds like jingle bells!

I've read about the tube shock absorbers as well as obviously re-tubing, but is there anything else that could be done? My first job last night was to take off the cage so I know that's not the culprit. I'm open for suggestions because I'd really like to use this amp for higher-volume jamming, but without the rattling.

Thanks in advance to any of you successfully using this decent-sounding guitar amp.

iagtrplyr12

November 5th, 2012, 09:36 PM

Thanks for the reply, Dauntless. That was the first thing I did after getting it home. Tightened all screws within eyesight, including the speakers. Everything pretty much turned as expected.

I did my own research last night and checked out the Eurotube tube dampeners available at the website. I'm going to pick up a pair of them as we'll as a new pair of tubes.

I did notice that at the 0.1 watt setting there was no rattle regardless if the volume and gain setting. I know it's a lower setting, but even cranked its still at pretty good volume and quite overdriven. I figured there'd be at least a little rattle. Nothing at all.

There's s YouTube video concerning the V5 and the use of the dampeners. The owner said they really do the job. I figure for the low price it won't hurt to try. I like the amp that much to invest a little money into making it jam-worthy.

If you've tried any dampeners please drop in and tell those of us thinking about investing in some. I'll let you know after I get them installed. Thanks!

Davo17

November 5th, 2012, 11:16 PM

Id check other things first-have you tried different tubes? The amp isn't that loud, Ive never had rattle in mine.
Thanks for the reply, Dauntless. That was the first thing I did after getting it home. Tightened all screws within eyesight, including the speakers. Everything pretty much turned as expected.

I did my own research last night and checked out the Eurotube tube dampeners available at the website. I'm going to pick up a pair of them as we'll as a new pair of tubes.

I did notice that at the 0.1 watt setting there was no rattle regardless if the volume and gain setting. I know it's a lower setting, but even cranked its still at pretty good volume and quite overdriven. I figured there'd be at least a little rattle. Nothing at all.

There's s YouTube video concerning the V5 and the use of the dampeners. The owner said they really do the job. I figure for the low price it won't hurt to try. I like the amp that much to invest a little money into making it jam-worthy.

If you've tried any dampeners please drop in and tell those of us thinking about investing in some. I'll let you know after I get them installed. Thanks!

iagtrplyr12

November 6th, 2012, 12:57 AM

Thanks for the advice, Davo17. No, I haven't tried any other tubes as yet, but plan to soon. It very well could be that. There is a distinct sizzling sound that doesn't sound microphonic though.

This seems to be a problem with this brand, but I do know of other tube combo amps that have suffered from this same dilemma. I consider it a project. Thanks again.

BlueJazzDay

November 6th, 2012, 08:08 AM

Today was a different story in that I switched over to the five-watt setting and opened it up. While it sounded great with gain and volume dimed, there was enough tube rattle coming out the back to remind me of all the stories I've read about this problem. There's a JJ EL84 and what I'm guessing is the stock Bugera 12AX7 currently in there and at low level they're fine, but get that speaker moving and it sounds like jingle bells!

I had the same problem and had just about given up hope when the rattling, broken glass sound continued after swapping tubes twice, each tube set supposedly much better than the last. Then I noticed an earlier post where a fellow rigged up something with a rubber band and an auto gasket or something. I was hesitant to try that, but it did suggest to me that the problem wasn't the tubes. With nothing to lose since I was about to give up on the amp, I wedged a toothpick-sized piece of heat-resistant material between the outer edge of the glass tubes and the surrounding rings until they were snug. The warm and beautiful tone I was hoping for came pouring out as soon as I powered it up.
The tubes hadn't just sounded like they were rattling, they WERE rattling! Not exactly high-tech, but it works. And now I have a couple spare sets of tubes that weren't at fault in the first place.

davidchagrin

November 6th, 2012, 08:45 AM

iagtrplyr12

November 6th, 2012, 11:20 PM

BlueJazzDay, thanks for your informative post. Yeah, I'm not tossing out the current set of tubes because I'm pretty sure they're all right. This is the kind of advice I was hoping someone could give.

I can see that while the tubes are seated fine, there's wiggle room around the holes they enter, and the cheap rubber rings Burgera sticks in there don't do the job adequately. Now to find some heat-resistant material!

Davo17

November 8th, 2012, 02:12 AM

I rocked out my V5 today, set it up on a dresser so it was at waist height. Actually brought a neighbor kid over to say it sounded awesome.

Its a well balanced tone when cranked-with plenty of bottom end and a nice non-harsh top end. Cleaned up, with the reverb up about 1/3 of the way the reverb sounds great. It can get joy-division-y or that great reverb tone.

Sounded good with both a tele and a p90 guitar. Its a great little amp. The Saratov EL84 is really perfect for this amp, adding a bit of bass, and treble with a nice OD.

Chiogtr4x

November 8th, 2012, 09:12 AM

Just posting here by 'proxy' for my band's harmonica player, Randy; wanted to chime in on his V5.

We do all kinds of old music ('50's-early '70's rock/blues/R&B) and we pride ourselves on being able to play (yet still rock) at quieter volumes when this is called for, and the V5 is perfect for Randy's harp playing; he gets a great OD tone out of this amp

iagtrplyr12

November 8th, 2012, 09:32 PM

Great posts, guys. I don't think anyone can argue about the tonal quality of the V5. I even enjoyed what I heard through headphones a couple of nights ago. Way better than the Vox Little Night Train I used to own.

One question for anyone reading who might know, is there a recommendation on turning off the amp when switching attenuation switch? I thought I read somewhere that it was best to shut the power off before changing wattage, but I'm having a hard time finding the info and I've seen YouTube videos where the person didn't. I'm new to the amp and was curious. Thanks!

Davo17

November 9th, 2012, 12:28 AM

iagtrplyr12

November 9th, 2012, 01:42 AM

Thanks for the insight. I didn't think it mattered as much, but I thought it was worth asking. As usual, great assistance on the forum. It's nice to see the V5 Club towards the top of the amp owners posts.

Next step...onto removing the tube rattle.

encore

November 10th, 2012, 12:20 PM

I've primarily used my v5 for worship band always with an od and a delay. The sound/tone that I get is the best I've heard.

Sweet! I'm totally in then.. Finding a used one has been tricky though.. Hearing how people spent in the low 100's or below puts a bad taste in my mouth about dropping 170 on amazon. Then there's the offing of my v22.. Hmm..

All I know is that it's gonna be GREAT carrying half the weight around!

harleysr

November 10th, 2012, 05:52 PM

I am thinking that two 8 Ohm Cannabis Rex speakers might be an idea.

Great idea. Waaaaay more output, along with punch and a warm tone.

Chiogtr4x

November 11th, 2012, 10:53 AM

Just a 'co-testimonial' for both the Bugera V5 and the Vox Pathfinder 15R!

Last night,our Blues/R&R/R&B band just rocked out!, of all places, a large kitchen at a House Party Birthday gig....The host put us(harp/gtr/bass/drums) in the 'breakast nook' and the kitchen became a dance floor for some insane Baby Boomers. Our harmonica player uses the V5 and I have the Pathfinder- Perfect amps for these kinds of gig, where you wanna 'go small' and assume quiet, BUT know you can crank if the gig goes that way, which it did!:wink::twisted:

iagtrplyr12

November 11th, 2012, 12:58 PM

Great story! That's a wonderful example of what music is all about; playing for the pure enjoyment of both musician and listener or dancer in your case. I'll get you guys weren't worrying over standing waves, voltage drops, or spikes in the mid-bass either. Just fill a kitchen with tasty tunes and you're good to go. Thanks for sharing.

Chiogtr4x

November 11th, 2012, 06:29 PM

^^ Our band is very simple in terms of setup/gear. We are all getting older (50's, bad backs...), and just go for great sounding, portable equipment. We have larger amps etc., when needed, but also thankfully the older R&R music we play does not require any complicated setups/effects, etc. Glad to see both of these amps deliver!

I always tell folks that hire us, (esp for house parties), that we use 'less electricity than a blow dryer'!

guitarman3001

November 15th, 2012, 04:22 PM

Hey all! Long time reader, first time poster..

Anyway, I've got the 5w craves. I'm currently toting a V22 back and forth to church and it's starting to wear on me.. I need something smaller and lighter. I was ready to pull the trigger on one of these until I realized I'll need to be sacrificing my effects loop.. bleeeeeh.

I don't want this to turn into a debate, I'm just curious if there are any V5 owners out there who are rockin delays/mods/od through the front and doing alright without the loop. I love the tone that I'm hearing in demos.. that darker tone would fit PERFECT with my brighter strat I think. I'm just worried that if i start throwing on a delay or two and kick on a little OD that i'm gonna end up in a mudbath.

Any thoughts?

I just joined the V5 club today. Also coming from a Bugera V22. I had actually been using the V22 as my main gigging amp for over a year and decided to scale down so I bought a Fender SCXD. Been using that for a while now but started missing the warm tone of the V22 so I decided to get a V5 to see if it could give me the best of both worlds. I'm not too worried about not having the fx loop since the SCXD doesn't have one either.

What I'm hoping for is a tone similar to the V22 in a smaller package. The 8" speaker doesn't really bother me because I use a DI box which has a 4x12 cab simulator on it so it'll sound bigger coming out of the PA.

I'll probably have a chance to try it out at a couple of gigs this weekend if I am able to test it out at home first to make sure it doesn't have any rattles or other issues.

iagtrplyr12

November 15th, 2012, 07:59 PM

guitarman3001

November 15th, 2012, 08:51 PM

Welcome, gman, to the club. I'll be especially interested in hearing your thoughts after you play out with the V5. Definitely give it a once over before gigging because "the rattle" seems to be inherent. I've got two tube dampers coming from Eurotubes and should be here tomorrow. You'll know it when you hear it!

How was the V22 in that respect? Never played through one myself, but I do love the V5's jangly tone.

Good luck and please keep the membership informed.

The V22 never had any rattle that I recall but then again, I took off the tube cage pretty much right out of the box.

Also, the stock tubes sucked pretty bad and I had to replace them within a few weeks because one of them went microphonic.

I've been playing through the V5 for about half hour now and so far I like it. It does seem to have the same smoothness that the V22 has so I'm really digging that. I can tell that the speaker will need some breaking in and I'll probably replace the tubes fairly soon but I think it'll be ok to gig this weekend. Even if the tubes rattle a little at high volumes, it won't come out in the mic because I'll be using a DI box. I think I'll take my SCXD as a backup just in case though.

iagtrplyr12

November 16th, 2012, 01:45 AM

Mine is a couple of years old, though I just recently swapped it for a violin bass. Along with the tube dampers I've also got a JJ 5751 and a JJ EL84 for replacing what looks to be the stock Bugera tubes. The rattle occurs with the 1 and 5-watt selections, and admittedly, with the volume and gain up. On a stage, I agree it wouldn't be noticeable, but in a small room it definitely is.

My V5 won't be seeing a rehearsal/show until early next month so as I mentioned, I'm interested to read how yours does for you. I really do love how it sounds with my Tele.

guitarman3001

November 18th, 2012, 11:56 AM

So I used it this weekend for two gigs. I used it with this DI box.

http://eos-web.net/ftp_newgroove/images_big/6327.jpg

Here's what I found -- The first gig was at a large outdoor stage. The amp sounded great but it didn't have enough clean volume for it to work really well as a stage monitor so I had to bump the volume in the monitors and then it was ok.

The second gig was a small bar and I had the amp about 3 feet behind me and even though we were loud as hell, the amp worked fine as a stage monitor although I still had to run it through the monitors so the other guys in the band could hear it. But that's actually ok because when I use a lower stage volume the overall mix sounds better because I can have the guitar coming almost completely out of the mains and it makes for a better mix.

I found that the max clean headroom I could get and still have room for a volume boost when I kick in my boost pedal for leads was with the volume maxed and the gain around 3.5. Once the gain reached 4 I was out of headroom and all I'd get when kicking in my lead boost was more saturation but not much more volume. So, I ordered a couple of new tubes to see if I could increase that a little.

I ordered a JJ EL84 rated at late distortion and an EH 12ax7 rated at low gain. I'm hoping this gives me a little more clean headroom so that I can get just a hair more stage volume. Even if it doesn't, that's ok because the amp will work perfectly in small rooms where low stage volume works best. But for large stages like the outdoor venue, I'll probably still use either my SCXD or my Bugera V22.

Overall I love it. It's slightly smaller than the SCXD, substantially smaller than the V22, and its tone is somewhere between the SCXD and the V22. It has stronger and punchier mids than the SCXD but is not quite as chimey as the V22. It definitely has that warm smooth feel that the V22 has which is what I was looking for which the SCXD was lacking, although the SCXD is an amazing amp itself and I will still use it for some gigs.

Bottom line, with that DI box, the V5 is perfect for small venues.