For CLEAN Tones with Basic Effects, Modeler or Modeling Amp?

[Hoodster]

So this will sound really crazy and out of left field because it goes back to about 2003/2004, but I have a Vox AD120 VTX with models for Fender Tweed Deluxe, Fender 410Bassman, Fender Twin Reverb, AC15, AC15TB, AC30, AC30TB. There are of course the Marshall models, a Soldano, I think a Dumble, and a couple more. Total of 16 amp models. Or you can get any number of used versions of the VOX Tonelab. The amps are hard to find, the tone lab are readily available. I still play out with mine, get compliments on the cleans all the time. These are also in your price range. The amp is the original Blue Valvetronix with updated architecture to better react with the new speakers they used-Celestion Neodymium. I like the amp because it’s easy to get good tones out of and it’s user friendly. You can find a smaller amp AD60VTX which is the mono version. The VOX Tone Labs all derived from the preamp and effects portion of the Valvetronix amps. Yes, I know not a floor unit, and possibly as far away from what the OP is looking for as East is from West. But if modeling VOX is important to one, where better to get VOX models than from the horses mouth. This is the best version of these VOX made according to many. So I toss it out there as something maybe worth checking out if you can find one to plug into. Just sharing a thought, and prepared to go down in flames!

Not crazy at all. Vox models Vox wonderfully and does Fender way better than Fender does Vox!

 

[LOSTVENTURE]

I don't know how Fender's Tone Master line is defined.
That being said, put away a few more bucks and go try one of those out. You may be able to stay withing your budget with a used Delux Reverb, but that would be money well spent.

 

[Twang-ineer]

Vox Mystic Edge Valve Distortion Pedal is simply amazing as an "all in one" modeler using its Cab sim out function.

 

[ETMusic777]

Boss GT-3 was the last GT unit with all of the analog Boss pedals in it, and it has a great compressor, nice reverb, delays, chorus, other cool misc effects, and it has early COSM amp sims, a couple which are quite good. AC120, Clean Twin, Voxy Drive and Crunch are particularly good. They can be found for less than $100. They make a great front end to drive any amp, or can be used as their own "amp" with a line out in to a speaker, or mixer. Ive had mine for 20 years and liked it so much that I bought another as a backup. Ive yet to hear a better multi effects unit.

 

[birv2]

I love Fender cleans, and for my $$ you can't beat an actual Fender amp. I've got the TMDR, and it's got Fender cleans for days. I AB-ed it with the DR sim on a GT amp, and there was no comparison. I went into the store prepared to buy the GT and walked out with the TMDR. I don't know what they're going for used right now, so it might be a bit above your budget, but if you want Fender cleans in a digital package, I'd say get the real thing.

 

[generic202]

For cleans, you should also check out Boss Nextone amps. They focus more on the clean to low-mid gain aspect of tube amps and do them very well. I prefer Nextone over the Tone Master amps.

 

[Activateclint]

Vox Mystic Edge Valve Distortion Pedal is simply amazing as an "all in one" modeler using its Cab sim out function.

I'll second this by saying I have the Vox Silk Drive, Dumble version I go direct with, and has great cleans. With the Nutube it takes all my drives insanely well and with the 3 modes it can be a standard OD pedal into the front of an amp or a preamp for going into the amps fx loop or the whole amp with cab. With a cheap optical compressor in front it even feels like an amp under the fingers. Barely turn the amp on anymore and Its all analog also. I plug into my vocal wedge and so at gigs my vocals and guitar are right there too. Long search as nothing sounded or felt analog or amp like and nothing digital has come close but in saying that I never tried a Dream 65 or a Tonex etc.
Don't not check them out!
There is also the Joyo American Sound pedals I found ok on a real budget.

 

[ole6string]

I have been using a Valeton GP200 since the new year and I am loving it. Have recorded a ton and even started using it on gigs. Super simple to find great sounds. Perfect for someone like me that uses a few key sounds.

Here it is recorded direct to DAW.

 

[tfarny]

I play mostly clean and I'm pretty darn happy with my HX Stomp - same sounds and functionality as podgo to full helix. I think the effects are quite good. I just the other day found how to set the OCD emulation so it sounded indistinguishable from the real deal I own. That was impressive to me. I like their trem options, that's my main effect. I really like how you can set an expression pedal to control the intensity and / or speed on the fly. Very cool and legitimately expands the palette of options in a very giggable and interesting way. My next challenge is to really, really dial in a tape delay type tone that I like. I haven't tried too hard at it, but I haven't yet nailed the tone of the Aqua Puss pedal that I love so much.

For clean amps I'm a fan of their Mesa Lonestar emulation and a plain old AC30. Their Hiwatt emulation is pretty interesting to me too. I think most of the attention goes to the high-gain stuff because that's where a lot of gearheads generally are, the low gain stuff I think it actually easier to model. I'm not sure if it's true that their Fender amps are not as well emulated, but so far I seem to like a couple of other options more. Maybe I would prefer a Hiwatt IRL as well, I will probably never know....

I'm not claiming my rig is better than some other rig and I haven't done a big extensive sample of digital gear. But I am pretty happy with mine! I run mine through a Headrush FRFR 112 cabinet that is loud as heck. I bought it used and cheap and have been surprised with how happy I am with it. Versatile piece of kit - it also replaces a small bass amp, an acoustic guitar amp, etc.

 

[Sombrero Top]

I've been Vox Tonelab user since 2005, very nice clean tones. I just got a new Tonex pedal and this is few levels above, very organic, beautiful Fender and Vox clean models available. I'm impressed.

 

[eddiewagner]

Universal audio Dream 65 does the clean trick perfectly. Plus Reverb and Tremolo

 

[jeffchinn0321]

I realize there are tons of threads on various modelers and modeling amplifiers, but most of them seem to talk about the overdriven and distorted tones - the Marshall models and heavier. I play clean 90% of the time and prefer Blackface Fender and Vox tones. I’m the guy who bought an Orange tube amp for the cleans and literally never turned the gain above 9 o’clock. I do have drive pedals (Special Cranker, Rat, Zen, BB), but again the gain is rarely if ever above 9 o’clock. I play a Tele and Strat with single coils.

So, what I’m looking for is either a floor model or or modeling amp that has the most realistic clean models with the best feel.

For effects, I don’t care about variety but want them to sound really good. For reference I use a TC Plethora currently and find the delays great, the reverbs and choruses satisfactory, and the tremolos lacking. Those are the only four time/mod effects I care about. A decent compressor and a couple of mild overdrives would be gravy.

My budget is around $500 new or used, so for floor units we have the MX5, the Pod Go, the GT 1000 Core or GX 100, and the NUX stuff, etc. I don’t care about ins and outs, midi, IRs, etc. I would probably run it into the loop of an amplifier when modeling or into the front end when not modeling. If I ended up loving it, I would probably buy a powered speaker.

For amplifiers the front runner would be the Mustang GTX, just because I know it has the Fender cleans and effects I like. My concerns are Fender has never been able to model Vox, and the technology is already at least three years old. It also of course would not replace the Plethora and the rest of my pedalboard for use with other amplifiers.

Some will probably ask what is wrong with my current rig. Nothing major. I am just digi-curious and looking to get away from the endless pedal gas.

I recently aquired a Peavey vypyr 75 and it is incredible I've found the twin reverb spot on and other fender amps just as impressive. It has a multitude of rack and stomp box effects. I am actually thinking of getting rid of my tube amps because this suits my needs as I am just doing bedroom recording withy flamma fr21 which is equally as impressive and my portastudio.006 which I aquired to get me through my upcoming back surgery.

 

[NoTeleBob]

Another vote for VOX Tonelab here. ST is good for models, EX is more flexible and adds a few features for the same money these days.

Awesome Fender cleans through a variety of models. VOX cleans, of course. Some of the high gain models are great too if you need that. Store a slew of setups ahead of time and just punch them up for different songs and guitars.

For an amp, get an FRFR or pre-DSP solid state amp. Or something SS that plays clean through an effects loop return. For PA use, just plug in to there.

 

[sid9170]

If you are only after clean tones, why use a modeler at all? There are analog solid state amps with great clean tones, like the current Quilter lineup. They do a nice gritty clean also.

Agree- Got the Quilter Aviator Cub US. Great clean sounds and usable OD when tempered with on board limiter. Very good amp for live use.

 

[ping-ping-clicka]

I just got a Boss GT-1000 core this week. I’m kicking myself for not getting one sooner, and I’ve listed most of my pedals for sale. The sound quality, flexibility and convenience squashed my old-school snootiness… It might not have the best tremolo options, depending on your tastes (I’m keeping an empress tremolo for the in-your-face square waves), but it’s really impressive.

congratulation s on having made a decision in the face of the blizzard of advertising, an impressive feat. Well done and have fun.

 

[ABetterTelePlayer]

I just got a Boss GT-1000 core this week. I’m kicking myself for not getting one sooner, and I’ve listed most of my pedals for sale. The sound quality, flexibility and convenience squashed my old-school snootiness… It might not have the best tremolo options, depending on your tastes (I’m keeping an empress tremolo for the in-your-face square waves), but it’s really impressive.

Glad you're enjoying it!

I wouldn't sell your analog pedals though, if something goes wrong on that Boss unit (unlikely but accidents and rare occasions occur), it's good to have a backup plan. Just saying, play smarter, not harder.

 

[orbit_caster]

Glad you're enjoying it!

I wouldn't sell your analog pedals though, if something goes wrong on that Boss unit (unlikely but accidents and rare occasions occur), it's good to have a backup plan. Just saying, play smarter, not harder.

Good point. I have in fact kept a small alternate board of desert island pedals, just in case… the main thing I’ve let go of is modulation. Still have some od and fuzz