Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

jah279

jah279

New member
Hey guys,

I've recently been looking at Blues Juniors because I am in need of a portable tube amp that can get over drums. The Blues Junior seems to be the best contender for this (I don't need a drive channel-- I'll be using pedals).

Any opinions on the Blues Junior? Is there something BETTER I can get? Recommend!

My requirements:

-Must be portable (under 30 pounds?)
-Must be loud enough to get over drums and bass (3 piece band)
-Must be under $500
-Does NOT have to have a drive channel
-Easy to get, stocked by major stores

I think that's about it...obviously must be a combo, tube please...

Thanks in advance!
 
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Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

Lots better---Traynor YGM 3, Ampeg GU 12, various other Ampegs, some Gibsons. More power, better tone, more reliable. Why blow 400$ + on a POS BJ when you can have the real thing for the same money or less?
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

ES350 said:
Lots better---Traynor YGM 3, Ampeg GU 12, various other Ampegs, some Gibsons. More power, better tone, more reliable. Why blow 400$ + on a POS BJ when you can have the real thing for the same money or less?
Click to expand...

Are you sure the Traynor is 500 and below?

I just looked it up and the price was $1000...and I'm not willing to spend that much on an amp I'm just going to be traveling with, it won't be my main amp.
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

You can find MESA studio calibers or DC-2 for pretty cheap (under $500), and they sound pretty good for blues / rock / hard rock.

But I wouldn't say that a 2xEL84 power section is loud enough to play over drums.
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

I used a YGM with drums, bass, rhythm guitar, and a steel player---it was plenty loud enough with a more efficient speaker and the closed back cab. I see the used ones (not on Fleabay, not in VG Magazine) for around 4-5 bills. If you want something 'easy to get', I guess you can go see what the choices are at the local mall...
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

I would say try a few. If you have a set of players who play their instruments the BJ can do the job. If they lack fineness or the style you play requires sustained volumes bringing on hearing loss over time you will not be able to get a mid-smaller size amp to work. It will depend on your context.

BJ is not a POS, but neither is it is not a bulletproof unit. Other amps that may work for you are the C30, Windsor, couple of the Epiphone models. All can be great grab and go amps. Pick the one that fit your tastes.
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

I do not know how much clean headroom you need, but if it is a fair amount (what ever that is), i would deff look into this instead :

http://cgi.ebay.com/Ampeg-Jet-J-20-...ryZ10171QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem - great amp for the money.

A 6V6 amp, unlike the EL84's of the Fender, and a FANTASTIC (((tremelo))) !!!
Also a toob rectifier in the Ampeg (Fender - solid state), and it is a 20watter. That will matter to some.

My church as a BJr, and there is not much vol before you start to get some kind of clipping.
I like the early clipping, but it depends on the user.

. . . hope this helps.


James
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

Peavey Classic 30, I just bought a NOS floor model for 399.00 out the door. I believe it is a 2007 model but seems brand new.
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

Thanks for all the replies, I'll definitely check out all of your suggestions.

And SlowGroove, I don't mind the early clipping, most of the music I play is distorted in someway (I don't play metal lol).
 
Re: Blues Junior/Small Tube Amps

If you get a Blues Jr, a more efficient speaker will get it louder.
 
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