Combo amp for residence

[Metalman_666]

I just got to thinking, next year I'm moving into residence for university, and I sure as hell won't be able to take my head and cab with me, so I want to find a good combo with a wide range of sounds from nice clean to heavy, crunchy distortion, preferrably with effects built in. I have a Peavey Blazer 158 that was my first amp, and a Boss Metal Zone, but sometimes the MT-2 just won't cut it and the Blazer's overdrive channel doesn't have enough gain on tap.

My first thought was to see if I could find a Line6 Spider II combo. I've played one before and I really liked what I heard. It's got such a wide range of settings and decent effects too. I'd like to keep it the price under $180 if possible, and I'm thinking solid state only. Any other suggestions?

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Combo amp for residence

Roland Cube?

Line6 TonePort + Headphones?

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Combo amp for residence

The Yamaha MagicStomp that I have listed in the Trading Post?

Sorry for the spam, I couldn't resist. It's got some good models and great effects, and it's put together better than a lot of the competition. Its headphone jack makes it a great practice amp.

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Combo amp for residence

Dude, snag a PODxt or XTL or XTPro or something, and run it through a nice set of headphones. It'll run you more than a new amp, but it'll also be quieter, better sounding, and you can use it as a recording interface with your MacBook, which will make laying down ideas waaaay easy!

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Combo amp for residence

I think I've decided between either the Roland Cube 20X or a PODxt. Any other opinions?

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: Combo amp for residence

The Crate RFX combos are incredible!

I suggest the RFX30 or the RFX15

 

[Tom M]

Re: Combo amp for residence

Definitely get the PODxt. You'll never be able to use a guitar amp in a typical dorm situation. I've been there, and it doesn't work.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Combo amp for residence

I used a small solid state amp all through university and didn't get any complaints. Just don't crank it up when people are trying to sleep/study and you're usually OK. I'd recommend the amp over a pod for a couple of reasons:

1. I hate wearing headphones . . . I always trip over them, get them tangled up when I'm playing guitar.
2. There are tons of people to jam with at university . . . it's really handy to have a little amp you can cart around everywhere!

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Combo amp for residence

Do amps like the Roland Cube 20x and the Line6 Spider II also have recording outs? I thought they did but I could be wrong?

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Combo amp for residence

When I went away to college in 1977, I took my Fender Twin with me.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Combo amp for residence

Half the tone you're used to hearing is coming out of your excellent Buzzbomb 2-12, so listen to me..... LOL

Buy the cheapest modeling head you can find from Vox or Line 6, and put it on your good sounding 2-12. Even in an apt/dorm, you'll have great tone at super-low volume levels. A modeling head/quality 2-12 will sound WAY better than any little combo you settle for.

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Combo amp for residence

Half the tone you're used to hearing is coming out of your excellent Buzzbomb 2-12, so listen to me..... LOL

Buy the cheapest modeling head you can find from Vox or Line 6, and put it on your good sounding 2-12. Even in an apt/dorm, you'll have great tone at super-low volume levels. A modeling head/quality 2-12 will sound WAY better than any little combo you settle for.

GJ, that's a good suggestion, but if space was no object I would just take my XXX and Buzzbomb. Not only would I have a good $2500 worth of gear in my room, it would be taking up a lot of space and be a big pain to move. Even though the residence I'm going to is a place where I won't have to worry about anything being stolen, I'm not entirely sure I want to take all of my expensive gear with me, hence my search for a small modeling combo.

I like GuitarStv's suggestion about getting a combo with enough power to still be able to jam with some guys on campus. Instead of the Roland Cube 20x, what about the Cube 60? I tried one in a guitar store and I think it sounded really good. And I think it has a line and recording out too.