practice amp in 2025 ?

[JDB2]

Here is another completely different idea for a home only amplification solution. For a simple setup in my home office/studio I have one of these POD Express pedals plugged into a cheap mixer and cheap class D amp running into a decent pair of near field monitors. Sounds amazing!

 

[dough]

The Fender Tone Master series might work. If you're unfamiliar, they're digital amps that put all of their CPU power into modeling one classic Fender amp (Deluxe Reverb, Bassman, etc.). They're reputed to be almost tonally indistinguishable from their valve counterparts, they're super lightweight and reliable, and they have built in attenuation. In the case of the Deluxe Reverb, it can be brought from 22 watts down to .2, so you'd get a great practice amp that you could also take out and crank up to club levels when needed. They look great too, if that matters.

Just a thought.

 

[OldGitPicker]

I have a and Katana 50 mk.II and Blackstar HT-5R mk.1 that I use Wet/Dry. They sound great to me.

 

[PakalaHawaii]

Get a small modelling amp. I've been using a VOX AD30VT for years in my home office. It sounds great. Has all the effects and various amp models plus a nice clean sound...all at low volumes (if I so choose). Downstairs in my studio I have my Mesa Boogie MKIV, a Fender Twin, a Fender Hot Rod DeVille, Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Blonde and three other loud amps so you know it's not that I lack performance amps. But the VOX and gets the sounds is so easy to use. You can find them cheap on Reverb and other places.

 

[Leonardocoate]

Just go try a bunch. Start with whatever is available to you. I bought a Roland 405 for $45 at Guitar Center on a whim (15 years ago) and it is still my fav. You won't know until you plug in. FYI guitar center has a very friendly return policy. What you like at the store could change when you get home. This is just the door of the rabbit hole, come on in!

 

[Dostradamas]

I am set and what I like is old and not that common so I will not recommend those.


I will say however if I had no amps tomorrow and needed to start over I would start here.

Aviator Cub US

Experience the Golden Era of American Tone The Quilter Aviator Cub is the embodiment of classic American amplifier design, offering a seamless blend of vintage warmth and modern clarity. This advanced single-channel combo amplifier is your gateway to the iconic sounds of the '60s, providing...

www.quilterlabs.com

 

[Happy Enchilada]

This is great for playing out, but the OP is just using the amp at home. I would still recommend the Katana 50, so many great sounding tube amps, but for home use, not really necessary. I recently purchased a Marshall 20 DSL another great little amp, but for owning only 1 amp, the Katana fits multiple styles and the cost is only $349.99 plus tax new.

The point is the OP can turn it down to practice at home and then up if he plays out.

 

[brogh]

Wow

Thanks to all the additional Suggestion guys !!

I'm looking in the local used market and I have a few I'm looking at, i have basically all the models you've mentioned, and looking at some YouTube videos to get the sound & features of each.

I'ts gonna be my bday shortly .. I might go wild and do something crazy , i have one that i dig a lot, the price is right, it's NOT a practice amp, tough it has master volume and a half power switch ....

The Marshall DSL I'm finding locally are all very old ones, I'm not sure I want to go with something that might need a visit to a tech...

I also have a SC20 combo for a great price but the owner after a month hasn't come back to me so i guess that one is not available anymore

I't's not gonan take long before i decide for something i'll obviusly make the obligatory NAD post when that happens

Thanks to all again for all the suggestions !!

 

[Moonrider]

Howdy,

So I'm looking for a practice amp, I mean I'd.... love to have a 5e3 or a Jtm 45 but that might get too loud and pricey for home only use.
besides getting better I want to get out of the pc simulation thing, I want an amp that I turn on and play without any other distractions, I'm amp-less at the moment and play trough pc.


Thanks !

If you can find one in decent shape, a used pathfinder 15 or 15R would be an excellent choice, I bought one 26 years ago, and it's done everything from practice to miked up pit orchestra gigs at the Carpenter Center here in Richmond. Great little grab and go amp for jams and small club gigs.

 

[NHFlyCaster]

Older Vox Valvetronix has an attenuator. There's a nice selection of mostly British amp models, some effects, and reverb ...

 

[Whitebeard]

Howdy,

So I'm looking for a practice amp, I mean I'd.... love to have a 5e3 or a Jtm 45 but that might get too loud and pricey for home only use.
besides getting better I want to get out of the pc simulation thing, I want an amp that I turn on and play without any other distractions, I'm amp-less at the moment and play trough pc.

doesn't need to be new but no crappy stuff,
needs to have at least reverb,
master volume eventually depending on the amp
no boxy sounding amps,
no desktop amps,
no amp pedals,
tubes ? .. I'd love to but maybe not for this application..

Take it as a reference only: I've seen on YT Marshall JTM studio & Tone kink Falcon Grande, but those are real proper amps and to pricey for my pockets, but I love the sounds they produce.

What do you amp experts suggest ? I've stopped looking at gear and not up to speed, again the goal is get off the pc

Thanks !

Here's one to check out that won't break the bank and has some built in effects. Find a store with one and go play through it. -https://www.fender.com/products/champion-ii-25

 

[brogh]

ok I think I made up my mind

I'm not going to tell ya what .. just wait a few days for the NAD post

 

[David PNW]

The point is the OP can turn it down to practice at home and then up if he plays out.

Yes I agree, turning it down, I can do that on my 80wt Mesa Amp and my Bandmaster Reverb too! The OP does not own an amp now. He likes the sound of a Marshall and Tone King amp. The Blues Cube is a great amp, playing out, playing at home. Do you need pedals, most likely. To practice at home, an amp that has reverb, and digital effects, can emulate other amps, priced 1/2 the cost of the Blues Cube, is a Great reason to choose this katana, same company and same quality. With so many choices of amps, and pedal worthy amps, you just need to find something that meets the requirements you as a player can live with and use!

 

[brogh]

although you guys had many EXCELLENT suggestions, ...... i picked one.... it's none of the suggested ones, it's the proper amp I mentioned, I was thinking two things ...

"YOLO", and "WTH it's my bday" .. I work my axx off all year round ... so .. ,

and no it's not the king of tone I can't reach the prices requested on the local market.

Thanks again

 

[Fully]

Howdy,

So I'm looking for a practice amp, I mean I'd.... love to have a 5e3 or a Jtm 45 but that might get too loud and pricey for home only use.
besides getting better I want to get out of the pc simulation thing, I want an amp that I turn on and play without any other distractions, I'm amp-less at the moment and play trough pc.

doesn't need to be new but no crappy stuff,
needs to have at least reverb,
master volume eventually depending on the amp
no boxy sounding amps,
no desktop amps,
no amp pedals,
tubes ? .. I'd love to but maybe not for this application..

Take it as a reference only: I've seen on YT Marshall JTM studio & Tone kink Falcon Grande, but those are real proper amps and to pricey for my pockets, but I love the sounds they produce.

What do you amp experts suggest ? I've stopped looking at gear and not up to speed, again the goal is get off the pc

Thanks !

Hello Howdy ...

FENDER CHAMPION 20 AMP. It's affordably priced, with tonal selections that are also tweakable. Easy to handle; great for home use (home studio, too). I bought mine in 2013. It still gets the job done. Fender's latest version does reflect a few updates. Visit the Fender website to check out the amp's Spec's and other details. For my needs and use, it has always been an Excellent little amp (five stars, yes).

Best,
Fully

 

[brogh]

Thanks

Hello Howdy ...

FENDER CHAMPION 20 AMP. It's affordably priced, with tonal selections that are also tweakable. Easy to handle; great for home use (home studio, too). I bought mine in 2013. It still gets the job done. Fender's latest version does reflect a few updates. Visit the Fender website to check out the amp's Spec's and other details. For my needs and use, it has always been an Excellent little amp (five stars, yes).

Best,
Fully

Thanks Fully, I already picked "the one" very excited to get it prolly Saturday or Friday if I manage to leave work early.

 

[Dostradamas]

Thanks


Thanks Fully, I already picked "the one" very excited to get it prolly Saturday or Friday if I manage to leave work early.

You went with the Panoverb, I want one too.

Happy birthday to you.

Nice choice, a little big for my bedroom but a great choice none the less

 

[jbow]

Howdy,

So I'm looking for a practice amp, I mean I'd.... love to have a 5e3 or a Jtm 45 but that might get too loud and pricey for home only use.
besides getting better I want to get out of the pc simulation thing, I want an amp that I turn on and play without any other distractions, I'm amp-less at the moment and play trough pc.

doesn't need to be new but no crappy stuff,
needs to have at least reverb,
master volume eventually depending on the amp
no boxy sounding amps,
no desktop amps,
no amp pedals,
tubes ? .. I'd love to but maybe not for this application..

Take it as a reference only: I've seen on YT Marshall JTM studio & Tone kink Falcon Grande, but those are real proper amps and to pricey for my pockets, but I love the sounds they produce.

What do you amp experts suggest ? I've stopped looking at gear and not up to speed, again the goal is get off the pc

Thanks !

Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb and a Marshall Bluesbreaker pedal RI. It’s all you need. If you feel you need tubes then a Blues Jr and the same pedal.
Either will get you where you want to be

 

[jbow]

Not an expert but my Roland Blues Cube Hot gives me all the tone I need.
View attachment 1405947

Stop tempting me. I GAS for one of these regularly!

 

[BillH5256]

Howdy,

So I'm looking for a practice amp, I mean I'd.... love to have a 5e3 or a Jtm 45 but that might get too loud and pricey for home only use.
besides getting better I want to get out of the pc simulation thing, I want an amp that I turn on and play without any other distractions, I'm amp-less at the moment and play trough pc.

doesn't need to be new but no crappy stuff,
needs to have at least reverb,
master volume eventually depending on the amp
no boxy sounding amps,
no desktop amps,
no amp pedals,
tubes ? .. I'd love to but maybe not for this application..

Take it as a reference only: I've seen on YT Marshall JTM studio & Tone kink Falcon Grande, but those are real proper amps and to pricey for my pockets, but I love the sounds they produce.

What do you amp experts suggest ? I've stopped looking at gear and not up to speed, again the goal is get off the pc

Thanks !

Probably because I'm a longtime Fender amp devotee, but the Blues Jr. is an easy choice for me. Great tone at low volume, relatively easy on the bank account, excellent pedal platform, lots of upgrade options.