Looking for an amp - But on a budget

[azrael]

I'm looking to buy an amp, tube, if possible, for around 100-200 bucks. (Workin minimum wage here, haha.)
I've heard the Epiphone Valve Junior is a good buy, that it's got better tone than most amps, for a good price ($140).
Then there's also the Vox AD30VT which goes for around $240.


I was wondering you guys thought about this, I'm open to suggestions about the price range.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

welcome

what will you be using it for? just in your bedroom practicing? rehearsing with a band? playing out live? recording?

also, what kind of music?

let us know, and we can help dial you in

in general, you probably will get much better choices if you look for good quality used gear ... if you are only playin' in your bedroom, i'd recommend a used line6 pod or yamaha dg-stomp ... fun little box, private (w/ headphones), and lets you keep saving for a 'real' amp down the road ...
if cash is gonna be tight for the foreseeable future, i'd stay away from tube amps just yet ... they will require upkeep (tubes go bad) that costs some money

good luck
t4d

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7412126779&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

 

[Hoss]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

if you want tube...i guess the Epiphone seems to be the way to go although i've never played on personally...in that price range a Tech 21 trademark 10 would also be a good buy. (not tube though)

 

[loudriver23]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

I would suggest for that price range looking into a Modeling amp. IMO budget tube amps haven't blown my skirt up the way I like it.

 

[coachc55]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

I would suggest for that price range looking into a Modeling amp. IMO budget tube amps haven't blown my skirt up the way I like it.

I tend to agree. If you're on a budget, I think a solid state would be a better choice. You'll get more bang for your buck. Look into the Roland Cube 30. I also heard the ss Epiphone's are a good deal for the bucks. The Cube 30 is a modeling amp, the Epiphone isn't, but it has some effects built in. There's lots of good stuff out there but if tube is your thing, you probably can't go wrong with the ephiphone.

CoachC

 

[gripweed]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

if you want tube...i guess the Epiphone seems to be the way to go although i've never played on personally...in that price range a Tech 21 trademark 10 would also be a good buy. (not tube though)

+1 on the Trademark 10. I bought mine used for $185, and it is one of the best gear purchases I've ever made. It is a great sounding amp and fairly loud for such a a little beast. It does a convincing Fender style and Marshall style sound (I almost never use the Cali setting.)

 

[FenderStratRock3]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

I really like my Epi. I'd check it out. Some new tubes and a new speaker and this thing could be amazing for the price. It's a great value stock IMO too.

 

[cellomangler]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

I've got a bunch of tube amps -Ampeg Gemini VI, Seymour Duncan 8440, Crate V58, Reverend Goblin, Roland Microcube... and I might suggest either one of the Roland cubes or putting your money into a modeling/fx processor and a cheaper SS amp, such as the Behringer AT108 or GM108. I sometimes play coffee house jazz with a Yamaha DG Stomp driving the AT108 (which is the acoustic version with XLR mic input) There is definitely something to that tube emulation circuit of Behringer's that is less harsh than most SS amps. I actually use the bass version as well (BT108) and use a Boss line splitter to feed a clean signal to the bass amp. No, I don't work for Behringer -my tube rigs can sound better, but sometimes I just like to be ultra portable and I can get plenty of volume and cool tone -and lots of EQ control- out of the formentioned setup.

 

[azrael]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

Hmm... Alot of things to take into consideration..

Well, I live in an apartment, so I can't play tooo loud.
Plus space is a big thing.
Money isn't too big a problem, I'd just like not to blow my whole wallet, you know? I wouldn't mind replacing stuff, I love electronics work.

I'll check out that Trademark, sounds interesting...I might still get the Epi, maybe do some mods on it, still lots of deliberation. >_<

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Looking for an amp - But on a budget

If you're looking for a good, solid mod platform , look at the Fender Blues Junior, too.