metallicajs1
New member
i have been playing about a year seriously and i have been taking lessons i would call my self a intermediat player is it apropriat for me to be buying a 5150 EVH 2x12 combo or a XXL 2x12 combo?? there about $700...
for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
- Thread starter metallicajs1
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metallicajs1
New member
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
i said this because my mom doesnt think it is apropriat and i would like to show here othere peoples opinions and if you have been playing a really lokg time i would like to know if you think i am ready for the bigger amp...
i said this because my mom doesnt think it is apropriat and i would like to show here othere peoples opinions and if you have been playing a really lokg time i would like to know if you think i am ready for the bigger amp...
St_Genesius
New member
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
IMO, if you're still playing moslty in your bedroom by yourself, there's zero reason to get somethign like that. You can get great sounds out of much more modestly sized and powered units (and you can get those sounds at lower volume levels than what it would take to push the 5150 or XXL). If you're playing with friends in a storage shed or garage, a rig like that is more than you really *need* (but how often are we here really governed by *needs*). Hell, even if you're playing moderately large clubs, you could get by just fine with something like the Bandit.
Equipment needs have much less to do with playing ability than they do with application.
IMO, if you're still playing moslty in your bedroom by yourself, there's zero reason to get somethign like that. You can get great sounds out of much more modestly sized and powered units (and you can get those sounds at lower volume levels than what it would take to push the 5150 or XXL). If you're playing with friends in a storage shed or garage, a rig like that is more than you really *need* (but how often are we here really governed by *needs*). Hell, even if you're playing moderately large clubs, you could get by just fine with something like the Bandit.
Equipment needs have much less to do with playing ability than they do with application.
casblah
New member
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
I think the thing that you should show your folks, is the amount of your dedication. Your parents see your playing as a liability to them; i.e.- it costs them money. If you show them your devotion to both your guitar playing, as well as your duties around the house, I think they'll see you as more mature, and will probably consider helping you out with your amp expense.
I think the thing that you should show your folks, is the amount of your dedication. Your parents see your playing as a liability to them; i.e.- it costs them money. If you show them your devotion to both your guitar playing, as well as your duties around the house, I think they'll see you as more mature, and will probably consider helping you out with your amp expense.
T
TheProphet
Guest
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
Bigger isn't necessarily better.
Are you playing live, or are mainly a bedroom player?
If you're a bedroom you may want to look at a good (quality) 18-25w amp. If you're looking at the 5150 remember that this amp is by all reports LOUD (Sometimes I wish J would pop back in the forum as he used to use the 5150)
If you're looking to play live in a band setting, even a 40w amp should be able to handle it. Even with a loud drummer I usually have my 60w under half the total volume.
The question comes down to why do you need a new amp, (and who's paying for it). Time wise I was playing for 4 years before I bought my first amp that could handle large volumes.
Bigger isn't necessarily better.
Are you playing live, or are mainly a bedroom player?
If you're a bedroom you may want to look at a good (quality) 18-25w amp. If you're looking at the 5150 remember that this amp is by all reports LOUD (Sometimes I wish J would pop back in the forum as he used to use the 5150)
If you're looking to play live in a band setting, even a 40w amp should be able to handle it. Even with a loud drummer I usually have my 60w under half the total volume.
The question comes down to why do you need a new amp, (and who's paying for it). Time wise I was playing for 4 years before I bought my first amp that could handle large volumes.
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
For a start, I honestly don't think that showing your mum a whole bunch of forumers' opinions will get you anywhere. Its up to you to convince your mother the benefits of getting a larger and more expensive amplifier. This is of course weighed up against the financial cost of obtaining a larger amp.
Both your amplifier choices are very very very overpowered for bedroom-type practice. I own a 5150 head and I can't recall the last time I turned it past 1 for practice at home. Maybe you should look at more reasonably sized amplifiers for your purpose. Something solid state would be easier to maintain, maybe a Fender 1x12 of some sort? Don't forget to choose an amp that is versatile enough for you to change musical styles, so you don't have to want a separate amp for that purpose.
For a start, I honestly don't think that showing your mum a whole bunch of forumers' opinions will get you anywhere. Its up to you to convince your mother the benefits of getting a larger and more expensive amplifier. This is of course weighed up against the financial cost of obtaining a larger amp.
Both your amplifier choices are very very very overpowered for bedroom-type practice. I own a 5150 head and I can't recall the last time I turned it past 1 for practice at home. Maybe you should look at more reasonably sized amplifiers for your purpose. Something solid state would be easier to maintain, maybe a Fender 1x12 of some sort? Don't forget to choose an amp that is versatile enough for you to change musical styles, so you don't have to want a separate amp for that purpose.
gripweed
Jolvisologist
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
I am of the opinion that you don't need those huge amps or half stacks. I teach in a high school and young guys that age always want the big amps. 30-40 watts should suit you fine if you gig and if you've got a good sound person it can always be miked.
Many players think that the louder you are the better you can be heard when in most cases its a matter of proper eq! Use your mids!
TheProphet said:
I am of the opinion that you don't need those huge amps or half stacks. I teach in a high school and young guys that age always want the big amps. 30-40 watts should suit you fine if you gig and if you've got a good sound person it can always be miked.
Many players think that the louder you are the better you can be heard when in most cases its a matter of proper eq! Use your mids!
matt99camero
New member
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
I've been playing for a little over 2 years so not much more than you. I bought my Hot Rod Deluxe after a year and a half of playing. When I started out playing my Dad bought me my acoustic/electric and a small bass practice amp. After a few months I bought a tele. Switching from playing through that POS practice amp to the HRD was great. I wanted to play all the time, I was amazed at the new sound I was getting. Since then I've aquired about 6 pedals and learned alot more about tone(thanks to many forum bro's). Looking back even though my tone was better after the switch I didn't know very much and my tone today is much improved. So if your looking for an amp I say get one, it can definately inspire you to play. But just for bedroom playing you might be better off with something along the lines of a Blues Jr. or HRD with a pedal or two, and those a gig capable if need be.
I've been playing for a little over 2 years so not much more than you. I bought my Hot Rod Deluxe after a year and a half of playing. When I started out playing my Dad bought me my acoustic/electric and a small bass practice amp. After a few months I bought a tele. Switching from playing through that POS practice amp to the HRD was great. I wanted to play all the time, I was amazed at the new sound I was getting. Since then I've aquired about 6 pedals and learned alot more about tone(thanks to many forum bro's). Looking back even though my tone was better after the switch I didn't know very much and my tone today is much improved. So if your looking for an amp I say get one, it can definately inspire you to play. But just for bedroom playing you might be better off with something along the lines of a Blues Jr. or HRD with a pedal or two, and those a gig capable if need be.
aleclee
Major General GAS
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
It's time to upgrade when the person controlling the cash decides that there's something better for the application and that person has the cash and inclination to plunk down the money.
I played for about five years before upgrading beyond a Roland Cube 20.
It's time to upgrade when the person controlling the cash decides that there's something better for the application and that person has the cash and inclination to plunk down the money.
I played for about five years before upgrading beyond a Roland Cube 20.
Metalman_666
Well-known member
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
Look metallicajs1.... as a once-budding player myself, I remember only 4 or 5 years ago when I started playing guitar.... I used to go into the guitar store and sit in front of a fender 2x12 with a strat (not knowing anything about guitars or amps) and sit there playing songs I knew with the extremely limited technique I had at the time (just power chords, palm muting). A year later my parents finally bought me an electric guitar and a peavey Blazer 158 practice amp (15 watts). I was more than satisfied with that until I started playing with my school's jazz band just 2 and half years back. After every 2 or 3 song performance the little 15 watt SS monster's speaker was blown. It was THAT time that my parents were convinced I needed a bigger amp.
I guess the point of this little story is unless you actually plan on playing with a band or making use of a big amp in that way, don't blow your parents money on something you don't need.
Look metallicajs1.... as a once-budding player myself, I remember only 4 or 5 years ago when I started playing guitar.... I used to go into the guitar store and sit in front of a fender 2x12 with a strat (not knowing anything about guitars or amps) and sit there playing songs I knew with the extremely limited technique I had at the time (just power chords, palm muting). A year later my parents finally bought me an electric guitar and a peavey Blazer 158 practice amp (15 watts). I was more than satisfied with that until I started playing with my school's jazz band just 2 and half years back. After every 2 or 3 song performance the little 15 watt SS monster's speaker was blown. It was THAT time that my parents were convinced I needed a bigger amp.
I guess the point of this little story is unless you actually plan on playing with a band or making use of a big amp in that way, don't blow your parents money on something you don't need.
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Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
The perfect amp for you would be either a Vox Valvetronix or Flextone XL II combo or head/2-12 cab. I'm a fan of tube amps too, but the reality is that modeling amps are perfectly suited to someone who needs to keep the volume down, but also have great tones that cover everything from pristine clean to super heavy tones.
The best practice rig I've ever owned is my Vox AD60 head, which was $420 out the door, new at Sam Ash. I use it on either a 2-12 or 4-12 at home and the tones I get are great. It has the ability to tailor the power to 60/30/15/ and even 6 watts.
That means you can have that 'cranked amp' sound at barely audible levels, not to mention the headphone out, when the neighbors/parents don't want to hear ANYTHING
Search the used market for any Vox Valvetronix or Line 6 amp you can afford.
The perfect amp for you would be either a Vox Valvetronix or Flextone XL II combo or head/2-12 cab. I'm a fan of tube amps too, but the reality is that modeling amps are perfectly suited to someone who needs to keep the volume down, but also have great tones that cover everything from pristine clean to super heavy tones.
The best practice rig I've ever owned is my Vox AD60 head, which was $420 out the door, new at Sam Ash. I use it on either a 2-12 or 4-12 at home and the tones I get are great. It has the ability to tailor the power to 60/30/15/ and even 6 watts.
That means you can have that 'cranked amp' sound at barely audible levels, not to mention the headphone out, when the neighbors/parents don't want to hear ANYTHING
Search the used market for any Vox Valvetronix or Line 6 amp you can afford.
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
I agree with Joe about the Valvetronix. Perfect student solution when they want to upgrade.
I also agree with aleclee about who controls the cash. What proposals have you made your parents regarding you paying them back? That usually goes a long way towards bringing parents around to your way of thinking.
Even a little 15 watt tube amp, like an Ampeg J12T or a Blues Junior will sound a lot louder than th 15 watt solid state amp you have. (if volume is your goal).
I have a 14 year old. He has a strat and my old Ampeg 15 watter in his bedroom. He is probably not any better yet than you are. The amp he has now, he got, mainly because it was sitting around unused and if I sold it, I'd take a big loss on it as I bought it new.
That is plenty loud for his bedroom or garage jamming with buddies. There is no way I'd turn him loose with a 5150 in our house. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too freaking loud man. If I was your mom, I'd tell you no way as well. Amps that size need to be played loud to get the tubes to give up the goods.
Look for something between 15-30 TUBE watts and you'll have an amp for life. Multiply that 15-30 by a factor of 2 or 3 to get equivalent volume solid state watts.
I agree with Joe about the Valvetronix. Perfect student solution when they want to upgrade.
I also agree with aleclee about who controls the cash. What proposals have you made your parents regarding you paying them back? That usually goes a long way towards bringing parents around to your way of thinking.
Even a little 15 watt tube amp, like an Ampeg J12T or a Blues Junior will sound a lot louder than th 15 watt solid state amp you have. (if volume is your goal).
I have a 14 year old. He has a strat and my old Ampeg 15 watter in his bedroom. He is probably not any better yet than you are. The amp he has now, he got, mainly because it was sitting around unused and if I sold it, I'd take a big loss on it as I bought it new.
That is plenty loud for his bedroom or garage jamming with buddies. There is no way I'd turn him loose with a 5150 in our house. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too freaking loud man. If I was your mom, I'd tell you no way as well. Amps that size need to be played loud to get the tubes to give up the goods.
Look for something between 15-30 TUBE watts and you'll have an amp for life. Multiply that 15-30 by a factor of 2 or 3 to get equivalent volume solid state watts.
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
Oh yeah, to your Mom....
better gear inspires us to practice harder, because we can't wait to get after it again. the harder we practice, the better we get.
the more attached we get to the gear, the more leverage you will have over grades and other such student responsibilities! something to think about.
Oh yeah, to your Mom....
better gear inspires us to practice harder, because we can't wait to get after it again. the harder we practice, the better we get.
the more attached we get to the gear, the more leverage you will have over grades and other such student responsibilities! something to think about.
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
I bet it would be easier to sell your mother on buying a POD XT if it's primarily for practice rather than jamming with friends. The models are pretty realistic, and it will let you explore different amp models and effects so you can hone in on the right gear for your future needs. It will continue to serve well as a home practice and recording device, and could be used with an amp, too. I use mine nearly every day/night, although I have several nice tube amps at my disposal. I think a 15 watt tube amp and the right OD/distortion pedal will serve you better than the 5150 kind of thing as well.
And I wholly agree that a good guitar and a good amp will inspire you to play more and better.
I bet it would be easier to sell your mother on buying a POD XT if it's primarily for practice rather than jamming with friends. The models are pretty realistic, and it will let you explore different amp models and effects so you can hone in on the right gear for your future needs. It will continue to serve well as a home practice and recording device, and could be used with an amp, too. I use mine nearly every day/night, although I have several nice tube amps at my disposal. I think a 15 watt tube amp and the right OD/distortion pedal will serve you better than the 5150 kind of thing as well.
And I wholly agree that a good guitar and a good amp will inspire you to play more and better.
rspst14
Tone Cat
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
It ultimately depends on two factors: how serious you currently are about playing guitar, and how serious you plan to get in the future. I upgraded from a solid state practice amp to a 50 watt Peavey after a year of playing because I knew that I was serious about my guitar playing, and that it wasn't just a phase I was going through. I will actually disagree with the advice others have given you, if you're serious about playing and you're sure you want a 5150, I don't think now would be an unreasonable time to get it. If you get a 20 watt amp with one speaker, it may sound great in your bedroom, but when it gets to the point where you want to start playing out or jamming with some friends, you'll probably want something more, at which point it'll be necessary to upgrade again. I think you're better off getting what you want now and keeping it for a very long time.
There are some things to keep in mind though. The 5150 is one of the loudest, most powerful amps ever made. You won't be able to really crank it in your home, and it probably won't sound its best until you have the opportunity to turn it up a little more. So if you never plan on playing live or at least jamming with some friends at a slightly louder volume level, I agree that a 5150 is overkill. But otherwise, I think you're fine with upgrading. Of course, you'll have to figure out how to pay for it. If you can pay for it yourself, or save up enough money to eventually pay for it yourself, then it's no problem. If you're relying on a loan or free gift from your parents, then you may have a tougher time convincing them. In that case, I would try to make some deal with them, like helping out around the house more, cutting grass and shoveling snow in the neighborhood, keeping your grades up, etc. At 14, you can't really get a real job yet, so you'll need to get creative with your money making.
Ryan
It ultimately depends on two factors: how serious you currently are about playing guitar, and how serious you plan to get in the future. I upgraded from a solid state practice amp to a 50 watt Peavey after a year of playing because I knew that I was serious about my guitar playing, and that it wasn't just a phase I was going through. I will actually disagree with the advice others have given you, if you're serious about playing and you're sure you want a 5150, I don't think now would be an unreasonable time to get it. If you get a 20 watt amp with one speaker, it may sound great in your bedroom, but when it gets to the point where you want to start playing out or jamming with some friends, you'll probably want something more, at which point it'll be necessary to upgrade again. I think you're better off getting what you want now and keeping it for a very long time.
There are some things to keep in mind though. The 5150 is one of the loudest, most powerful amps ever made. You won't be able to really crank it in your home, and it probably won't sound its best until you have the opportunity to turn it up a little more. So if you never plan on playing live or at least jamming with some friends at a slightly louder volume level, I agree that a 5150 is overkill. But otherwise, I think you're fine with upgrading. Of course, you'll have to figure out how to pay for it. If you can pay for it yourself, or save up enough money to eventually pay for it yourself, then it's no problem. If you're relying on a loan or free gift from your parents, then you may have a tougher time convincing them. In that case, I would try to make some deal with them, like helping out around the house more, cutting grass and shoveling snow in the neighborhood, keeping your grades up, etc. At 14, you can't really get a real job yet, so you'll need to get creative with your money making.
Ryan
Quencho092
New member
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
ah, just grab any used, old 1x12 or 2x12 tube combo. My peavey classic did me well in my earlier years, it gave up the goods but with a nasty, harsh, ugly speaker distortion from the peavey scorpions. Great amp though. Look for any Peavey VTX at a used amp store. At my local store they had like 20 of them.
ah, just grab any used, old 1x12 or 2x12 tube combo. My peavey classic did me well in my earlier years, it gave up the goods but with a nasty, harsh, ugly speaker distortion from the peavey scorpions. Great amp though. Look for any Peavey VTX at a used amp store. At my local store they had like 20 of them.
D
DeadSkinSlayer3
Guest
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
I've known him nearly all my life, so I can throw a bit of input in
.
This will be primarily for metal playing, so not just any amp will do.
If you're going to keep it in your garage, I'd think the 5150 combo wouldn't be bad at all, Peavey's are made to get the sound from the preamp, not the poweramp.
The VOX Valvetronix would be excellent, as well.
I've known him nearly all my life, so I can throw a bit of input in
.This will be primarily for metal playing, so not just any amp will do.
If you're going to keep it in your garage, I'd think the 5150 combo wouldn't be bad at all, Peavey's are made to get the sound from the preamp, not the poweramp.
The VOX Valvetronix would be excellent, as well.
Fiber-Optics
New member
Re: for older people when is it time to upgrade amps
I would only suggest to you to get something like a 5150 if you were like playing in a band or were playing gigs. If not something like modeling amp would suit you very well. It will give you that "New stuff rocks" feeling and it should give you a little bit of inspiration. Not to mention how glad your parents would be that you aren't blowing out the windows with a 5150. I upgraded to decent guitar after playing around 2 years then I got my 50watt Tube amp after playing around 4 1/2 years.
That is so true, I improved on my playing so much when I got my first real decent guitar. It gave me the motivation to start playing more and more, then I got band (sorta) and that made me even more into guitar. I can't wait to get my Hamer Standard!Scott_F said:
I would only suggest to you to get something like a 5150 if you were like playing in a band or were playing gigs. If not something like modeling amp would suit you very well. It will give you that "New stuff rocks" feeling and it should give you a little bit of inspiration. Not to mention how glad your parents would be that you aren't blowing out the windows with a 5150. I upgraded to decent guitar after playing around 2 years then I got my 50watt Tube amp after playing around 4 1/2 years.
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