Should I get a smaller amp?

[Empty Pockets]

I was at a Sam Ash yesterday and I plugged a 72 tele custom into a Fender Blues Jr. to mess around for a little while...the amp sounded great. It was small (the catalogue said 22 watts but the site says 15?) and it could get some good overdriven Fender sounds at a really chill volume. Since I mostly play at home anyway, and my Bassman is too loud to use its tube overdrive, I'm thinking of a trade...

Do you think a silverface Bassman would come close to paying for a little blues jr? does anybody know of any easy mods or tube changes that would significantly change its town? even tho i like how it sounds, i'd like to be able to modify a cheap little amp like this one...

basically i'm using this amp to compromise until i can start saving up for an Orange Rockerverb 50 in a year or two...hahah

-X

 

[chill]

Re: Should I get a smaller amp?

I'd start with a post PI master volume on the bassman before ditching it. Especially for a blues jr.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Should I get a smaller amp?

basically i'm using this amp to compromise until i can start saving up for an Orange Rockerverb 50 in a year or two...haha

So you're asking us if you should trade a 50W amp for a 15W amp to tide you over 'til you get enough $$$ to buy another 50W amp?

Personally, my advice would be to hold on to the Fender and get a small practice amp (e.g., Cube 15). Unless you're willing to do major surgery on the bassman, you're not going to change its fundamental character. If you want an amp to mod, get used one in addition to your main amp. That way, if you mess up or don't have time to finish your wiring, you still have something to play through.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Should I get a smaller amp?

So you're asking us if you should trade a 50W amp for a 15W amp to tide you over 'til you get enough $$$ to buy another 50W amp?

haha! :beerchug:

 

[Gdntoneguitars]

Re: Should I get a smaller amp?

Sounds like you don't want to necessarily get an amp with less wattage, but one with more versatility. You should start considering attenuators, volume pedals, different speakers ratings, etc. before you go from amp to amp, 'cause chances are you are going to waste money, and wind up wanting your old amp back. I've never sold one of my amps, and only sold one of my guitars. I always want to be able to revert back to things I've learned, and know that it's tough if I can't duplicate it.

See what amps are in your price range that offer 1/2 or 1/4 power settings, and find someone that will let you play your bassman attenuated. Some people say they don't like the tone that remains, but let your ears be the judge of that, if it suits you.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Should I get a smaller amp?

I'd keep the Bassman and find another way to afford the Blues JR.... I put in OT hours at work when i want to buy something..... Not everyone can get OT but i have also been known to take part time jobs for a few months to help out.

 

[strat_master]

Re: Should I get a smaller amp?

save the bassman, and get the blues jr later when you can afford. Considering the price difference it shouldnt be too bad. There are tons of practice amps on the market, but from what ive heard the blues junior is one of the best ones.

 

[proxy]

Re: Should I get a smaller amp?

The blues jr is a great little amp, but I like the idea of an attenuator better.