Best Budget Amp Modeler

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Mukobi

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Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade my amp, and I've been captivated by the concept of good amp modelers for a few reason: you get a whole bunch of different sounds with tons of versatility without having to buy each one, you can lower your output volume to bedroom levels without losing much tone, and they cost less and don't need the maintenance of tube amps.

Now I know lots of modeling amps/software/floorboard units royally suck (*cough* Spider), but on the other side things like the Line 6 Helix and Axe FX sound pretty much like the real deal and do all kinds of fancy tricks. The problem with these high end modellers is that they are just too expensive for me; I have a budget of only about $400.

Are there any ways I can get a lot of the way towards something like the Helix/Axe FX while staying in this budget? So far, I am considering a Fender Mustangs, Vox Valvetronix, Roland Cube, L6 Pod, L6 Amplifi, L6 Firehawk FX, or Zoom G3/G5. Which of these are the best, and which ones should I avoid? I play mainly blues, jazz, fusion, and rock, no modern metal sounds needed. Also, are there any more modelers that I should look for?

Thanks!
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

Mukobi said:
Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade my amp, and I've been captivated by the concept of good amp modelers for a few reason: you get a whole bunch of different sounds with tons of versatility without having to buy each one, you can lower your output volume to bedroom levels without losing much tone, and they cost less and don't need the maintenance of tube amps.

Now I know lots of modeling amps/software/floorboard units royally suck (*cough* Spider), but on the other side things like the Line 6 Helix and Axe FX sound pretty much like the real deal and do all kinds of fancy tricks. The problem with these high end modellers is that they are just too expensive for me; I have a budget of only about $400.

Are there any ways I can get a lot of the way towards something like the Helix/Axe FX while staying in this budget? So far, I am considering a Fender Mustangs, Vox Valvetronix, Roland Cube, L6 Pod, L6 Amplifi, L6 Firehawk FX, or Zoom G3/G5. Which of these are the best, and which ones should I avoid? I play mainly blues, jazz, fusion, and rock, no modern metal sounds needed. Also, are there any more modelers that I should look for?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Find a used Line 6 Pod HD500X. Or check out Fleabay. There's one there for $387 right now.
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

I'd look at what Vox has now. Their original Tonelab sounded great and had a manageably-sized set of options that covered just about any playing situation.
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

If you want budget multi pick up an ART SGX2000 used on Ebay. They sound great and are feature full. Fantastic distortion and overdrive.
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

Before you get bogged down with all these options...


are you looking for a combo amp or a desktop unit?
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

dominus said:
are you looking for a combo amp or a desktop unit?
Click to expand...
I'm not quite sure in that I could work with either one. A combo would probably be easier overall though for transportation purposes as its just one thing.
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

Securb said:
If you want budget multi pick up an ART SGX2000 used on Ebay. They sound great and are feature full. Fantastic distortion and overdrive.
Click to expand...

yep. i still use mine ever so often..some very usable sounds which is impressive since mine is 26 years old
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

Hard to go wrong with the Vox or Fender units for the sounds you're looking for. Try each of them out if you can, and then get the biggest one you can afford. You can always turn the volume down on a modeler, but there is a threshold to how loud they can go based on size. :)
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

You're not likely to find an inexpensive modeler that doesn't do tones you don't want, and if it has a Line 6 logo, it's definitely going to have at least one raging metal beast sound.


If you're not scared of racks, the Digitech GSP 1101 is not a bad unit. However, that's a rack, and I'm sure combo technology has reached a more useful + affordable point by now.
 
Re: Best Budget Amp Modeler

I've got a Vox Valvetronix AD60VTH blue grill head in mint condition for sale. $350 plus actual shipping. It's a great deal because the blue grill Vox's were some of the best modelers ever made.

The head version is the best because half the tone is the speaker cabinet, and it allows you to use quality cab/speakers rather than the cheap Vox enclosures. It's also got a line out for recording. Another great feature is the wattage selector, so you can set the headroom at the appropriate level......meaning whisper quiet to full wattage.

If anyone's interested, PM me.
 
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