2 amps crossing a line?

New guy Tom here

I'm going to try to find some local people to play music with, probably through Craigslist or wherever. Haven't done this in years.
My current rig amp wise consists of a Vibrolux-Reverb clone 2x10 combo and a 2x12 combo transistor amp. No pedal board. The transistor amp has a few effects and a clean and dirty channel, so it serves as my pedalboard and gives the added benefit of psuedo stereo. I take a line out of the trans. amp and run it into the input of the VR, so the distortion comes out of that amp as well, but not the chorus or reverb from the trans. amp.
I use this rig because I can get a sound I like at any volume, rather than for the volume capability of 2 amps.
However, I'm re-new to the playing in a band scene. Is this a big no-no to show up with a 2 amp rig for the first time? Or do you just roll your 2 amps in as if everybody uses 2 amps? Or do you show up with one amp that won't sound at all like your used to and hinder yourself?

Thanks,

Tom

Do whatever you're comfortable with.

Some folks might think it's an odd setup, but most won't care as long as it sounds good.

The idea of hauling both amps to practice/gigs would make me look for other options, but I have an aversion to exercise.

Welcome to TDPRI, Tom.

Actually in up here in the twin towns its not that unusual for two amps being used. One clean the other dirty like you use. Dirty is usually a champ of some sort or Blues junior and clean is a twin, Bassman or HRD, If its how you roll then go with it.

Sounds fine to me

I have a VOX AC15 & DrZ Maz Jr sitting on top of one-another because I enjoy the 2 voices combined.

They're only listed 15W & 18W but they can rock a pretty big local hall. Being smallish 12" combos they also take up minimal space.

This year I picked up a lightweight, small & relatively inexpensive hand cart to haul in/out. Having spent the past 20 years checking in and outta motels each day, dealing with all my luggage, a couple trips a week into a rehearsal/gig setting seems like nothing, and there's always a cute waitress enjoying a heater outside and offering to hold the door for you. :mrgreen:

I've used two amps in the past....BIG amps...real hassle. But I was young, and had enough energy for two people..back before I broke my back and had two hip replacements...LOL!

I played in a 3-piece with my older brother on guitar (me on drums). At one point he was using two amps...a BF Deluxe for rhythm, and a BF Tremolux head/cab for lead. He used an A/B box. He'd crank that Tremolux wide open and tilt it back. If he needed to hold notes, he'd just step closer to that Tremolux and he could hold a note all night...seriously. It wasn't overly loud as we played what is now known as "Classic Rock" although it was pretty new then...LOL! We had everything going through PA too...which meant two mics on his amps....not a problem though.

It's up to you. Lots of guys play two amps...seen it a lot.

Do what you think is best, and the best sound you think you can get. Don't worry about what others think...if you're halfway decent they'll not say anything...LOL!

I used to play through 2 bigger amps but I got tired of hauling them around...

Thanks for the replies gang. I won't worry about it anymore. Thanks!

Tom

And welcome to the TDPRI, Tom!

New guy Tom here

I'm going to try to find some local people to play music with, probably through Craigslist or wherever. Haven't done this in years.
My current rig amp wise consists of a Vibrolux-Reverb clone 2x10 combo and a 2x12 combo transistor amp. No pedal board. The transistor amp has a few effects and a clean and dirty channel, so it serves as my pedalboard and gives the added benefit of psuedo stereo. I take a line out of the trans. amp and run it into the input of the VR, so the distortion comes out of that amp as well, but not the chorus or reverb from the trans. amp.
I use this rig because I can get a sound I like at any volume, rather than for the volume capability of 2 amps.
However, I'm re-new to the playing in a band scene. Is this a big no-no to show up with a 2 amp rig for the first time? Or do you just roll your 2 amps in as if everybody uses 2 amps? Or do you show up with one amp that won't sound at all like your used to and hinder yourself?

Thanks,

Tom

This sounds interesting. Almost like a direct/amped setup or a re-amp in the studio. I imagine form the middle of the dancefloor back it should give the full effect.

I always use two amps now. Both little Sessionette solid state 75 watts. I plug my guitar into one, then a cable from the monitor out socket (but the effects send would also work) into the effects return of the other. I have one either side of the stage and it really fills out and spreads the sound. Lovely. It also means I have a spare amp in case one craps out on me.

Tom Coyle

It crosses the line.

But the only thing that matters is what you do after you cross it.

If you show-up, play like a man possessed and, whip those songs like a rented mule, I think they will have no problem with it at all. I know I wouldn't.