Hey Phillip, just discovered your channel and I adore your straight-to-the-point approach to questions and topics! It's not often that you get guys who are able to talk so passionately and intelligently about gear without rambling. Also, great choice with the Super Champ! I have a Super Champ XD that I picked up for $200CAD a couple years ago and have been incredibly happy with it. Not many amps at this size/price range have the warmth and versatility of these guys. Great all-around amps.
for $250....hands down the Yamaha THR10. New 299 but any holiday sale at GC you could do it for that price brand new. I have 9 amps currently, and that Yamaha is little gem. If they re-tweaked it with a DI line out for a PA and a foot switch to toggle between the 5 savable patches you could cover almost any gig. The cleans are awesome, as are the crunches and classic rock tones. It's small, light and tough as nails. It's loud for it's size (great bedroom amp) and has headphone and mp3 and usb jacks. Mike it up and it's some great little package.
Mike Barth - I haven't modded mine, but there are several how to videos here on RUclips. Just search footswitch Yamaha THR. If you are good at soldering you can make your own. I spoke to the Yamaha rep a while back at a brick and mortar, I mentioned the two improvements, and he seemed interested; but he said just mike it up for a gig. If they ever come out with those improvements I'm getting one.
Blackstar HT1R... 1Watt tube amp, simple but amazing sound for just one watt. Has enough output for attic or bedroom use and is great for recording as well. One of my best purchases ever!
First Ibanez 7 string came out in 1990 Steve vai's passion and warfare Vai also worked with Ibanez back in the 1980s during his WhiteSnake era, At the had time Steve vai was working on the first Ibanez Rg's which was like his Green Meanie. Yeah the Green Meanie was a Strat/Charvel but it was different. Like it had 24 frets, one volum and one tone knob and a five way switch also has humbucker single coil humbucker configuration. This small difference helped launched Ibanez Rg and also Vai' signature Jem model.
Tweaker and some Rebel amps suffered from bad output transformers. Customers got upset when mfg would not warranty them, but in defense of the co, many OT's blew 90 days or longer after the warranty was up. Just a bad overseas made transformer. When it came time to replace, Mercury had a OT for this, but the cost to replace was about the same as a new amp. GC ate a lot of these amps when they had to handle customers with ext warranties.
I brought a selmer treble and bass all valve 1969 amp for £60 a few years ago, lately I been gigging with a transistor peavey amp for convenience really cos I dont have to carry a cab as well as the head, however I was playing local and thought I'd take it out for a blast and oh my god it is Amazing, the response the power the tone all on another level, point being that my old selmer is all valve hand soldered, just like really expensive boutique amps, yes it takes a bit more care and attention but old amps that look a bit out of fashion are a bargain because inside are the same as the hand built boutique amps that are £1000's of pounds in fact these boutique amps are modeled from all valve vintage amps
$250 new or used? I have 2 Fender CyberTwin amps I got for $240 each. They are amazing. I am looking to buy another they are so cheap, one in the bedroom, one in the living room, and lookin for one in the rumpus room. Amazing amp with so many options.
Answer, find a Peavey Bandit preferably red stripe and you can rock with a band, practice amp find Blackstar HT 5 without the Reverb he is correct there is an HT 5 and an HT 5r the one without the Reverb does sound better!!
I would also suggest a used Fender G-DEC 30 f you can find one. USB, user downloads. Built in rhythms, records, versatile as anything out there. I prefer tubes, though, Super Champ- either version - are great.
Thank You Philip for your excellent advice. This is a true story - I have more than $250 but I wanted to see how the little Fender X2 worked. I bought the Champ head and put a EVH 2 x 12 cab under it. This this is unbelievable! The range and depth plus the tone is incredible. Yes, the 2x12 would seem like it is too much - not at all - thumping powerful midrange. I bought the EVH and the Champ head at "open box" prices ?used? - so I only spent about $650 for an incredible set up. Is 15W too small - HELL no - I can't turn it up more than 4 on volume. Just wanted to say that you know your stuff.....I also found a PRS SE Floyd at $499 - there is nothing that can touch it at that price. (new guitar) You should review that puppy!!!
Used Line 6 Spider IV is under $250 and it's fine for fudging about in the bedroom. They get tons of hate but its a solid piece for that, demoing guitar tracks... yup.
You skipped over the Marshall Code that does almost everything brand new out of the box with a large learning curve granted.None the less if you can't find a tone you like on it your not trying hard enough. :)
Patrick Teto My mother bought one code25 for me(she doesn't know ANYTHING about gear) because she said that she found it with a discount, it was an amazing purchase(I only had a 10w practice amp).
Sweet. Sometimes moms know their stuff. Mine loves to get me video games for christmas but she knows I already have all the common, popular ones so she does a little research to find some obscure game I've never even heard of that almost always turns out to be great.
Oh hell yeah.I am absolutely pleased with my Code 50.It has 50 years of Marshall and some Fender goodness and a few others that are way far from terrible,and on top of that about 1500 bucks worth of effects.If you can't find more then what you need just tell em they are not looking hard enough.I Fk'n love mine and it was worth the extra too much money for the Programmable Footcontroller.The only other 2 things I run on it is a EP boost and a Dunlap Wah pedal only because that's what I'm most comfortable with and haven't needed anything else. ;)
I agree with your comment about the Egnator Tweeker not having reverb.. I had one a few years ago. it sounded drier than a popcorn fart. NOT a fan of amps without reverb. IMO, no reverb pedal in the world sounds like a real reverb...
In a blind test, can you really hear a difference between an actual reverb and a reverb pedal that used cmos to model the spring reverb like the boss frv-1? You've been playing a twin reverb for that long that your ears are so in tune to tell the difference like blood hound?
ContraBand Joe Really? Now a days, the technology are so convincing that they are so hard to tell. Like I said, unless you have been playing for years and have used an actual amp like the Fender Twin Reverb or any of amp that used an actual spring reverb, its pretty hard to tell. How long have you been playing?
+gmlasam I've been playing for 40 years. started when I was 12 and I'm now 52. ive owned every amp and brand short of super expensive boutique stuff. current line up is 1979 fender deluxe, recent Fender supersonic 22, mesa 5/50 express, Roland 40 cube, Ampeg 70 ax, Marshall JCM 800. I can detect spring vs pedal
Hey Phil, thanks for the answer. I have another question: You have a budget of $300, what brand and model of acoustic guitars would you look at? I know you really need to play each one to find the right one, but what make and models would you narrow it to? I welcome the opinion of your audience as well.
I like the Peavey bandit silver stripe or red stripe !! I had a fender super champ X2 and it sounded nice but used to switch of at any point and time!! took to an amp tech and he couldn't find the problem
Absolutely love this channel! I have already known a lot about guitars, amps, pedals, etc. but you are widening mi insights greatly! Big thanks for that! :)
Get a second hand Superchamp XD, not the newer x2. A Vibrochamp XD has the same sound at 4 dB less volume but both xd models have a line output to be able to get any power level.
but as far as amps for 250 I personally use a jetcity with tube upgrade and a bogner uberschall pedal. Sounds great .....two channels .....sparkling cleans due to the 12au7s and the uberschall gives organic distortion
Blackstar Amps are affordable sturdy and are reliable/versatile ! Love my 15 -w for home practice ! Looking forward to getting a more powerful one soon ...
I was planning on getting one soon but I keep reading online about how some people experience a loud hissing noise when they plug in their guitar cable. Is that true?
Phil, what are your thoughts on the Crate Vintage Club 50 series amps? I bought one 5 or 6 years ago for $225 and I absolutely love the tone i get from it. I've never seen a review on these amps before and have little information on their history
If you don't need the X2's added USB out for recording, and the tap tempo control for the modulations, the original Fender Super Champ XD, made in China, is a great find for around $150 to 250 used. I think they sound better than the made in Mexico X2 newer model. I have two XD combos and the X2 head, bought all three new, and no kidding, the XD sounds better to my ear than the X2, don't know why, but it does.
Hey Phillip! You mentioned briefly insuring your gear. Can you talk about that? My collection is getting to a point where (in my opinion at least) my guitar stuff is my most valuable items in my house. Especially as a whole. Does homeowner insurance cover or do you get special insurance? Thanks, man! See you at NAMM!
+emperor9 awesome!! This is very helpful! I am going to find out what my policy covers and make sure to document with pics of all gear and serial numbers. Thanks for the help!! Greatly appreciated!!
+humphrey peek ...thanks, man!! I appreciate that. I am moving to a new house hopefully soon so I will ready my policy to make sure I am covered! Take care!
A definite +1 to the Valveking series. I picked up a VK20 II head for $250 and I love it, very versatile and great tone. I would also highly recommend a Jet City JCA20 or JCA22, head or combo. I picked up my 22H, originally a combo converted to head, for $150 on CL. The 20H is single channel and the 22H is 2 channel. Both are all tube and designed by Soldano. They love pedals and the 22H has a tube buffered FX loop. They are neat little amps with sweet Soldano-ish tone for a very little amount of money.
Phil - what’s the model number of the Marshall amp that’s in the background of many of your videos? If it’s a “plexi”, do you recommend the 20W, 50W, or 100W version? And why?
well anyways I am a little late to (this) party but ...Phil I am trying to make a choice between the blackstar HT-1R and the new Marshall DSL 1CR , which one would you recommend more?
Thanks for all you videos and time! I've always wanted a Les Paul but due to my RA I can't stand the weight! Do all Les Paul copies weigh as much as the original?
If I only $250.00 and I needed an amp for home and gigs ( 'cause I need both) I'd go for a used Fender Mustang III v2. A great clean tone is subjective but I've been very impressed with them. It takes some fiddling with the software but you can get really good things out of them. BUT....the Super Champ X2 is an excellent amp. If I were only looking for home use I'd love to have one.
+RackhirTheRed I'd take the super champ over the mustang, being that the mustang is a solid state modelling amp and the super champ is all valve...only 15w but obv you'd mic it up
+Mox_au It's not all valve - but that aside...I've heard and played on some 15 watt amps that are loud enough not to need a mic at all. Easily gigable. Heck, depending on the size shows you're playing ( and the amp itself of course) a lot of times 10 to 15 watts is all you need and then some. More watts doesn't always mean more loud. In fact sometimes it's better to have a lower wattage amp because you can turn it up to get to the sweet spots where those 50 and 100 ones sound horrible...because they are way too loud when you have them cranked up enough to sound decent. Of course that's based on tube amps and not all amps being the same. My preference for a used Mustang at this price range has nothing to do with wattage.
Just for the record - there were 7 string guitars way before Ibanez. The Russian guitar (sometimes referred to as a "Gypsy guitar") is an acoustic seven-string guitar that was developed in Russia toward the end of the 18th century: it shares most of its organological features with the Spanish guitar. It is known in Russian as the semistrunnaya gitara (семиструнная гитара), or affectionately as the semistrunka (семиструнка), which translates to "seven-stringer." These guitars are most commonly tuned to an Open G chord as follows: D2 G2 B2 D3 G3 B3 D4. In classical literature, the lowest string (D) occasionally is tuned down to the C.
Fender had a pair of solid state amps in the early 80s called the Studio Lead and Stage Lead that in my opinion were two of the best SS amps ever made. The dirty channels weren't that great, but the clean channels were very much like a Pro Reverb or a Twin. Just wonderful amps. You see them on eBay all the time for $150 -200.
great video... Please go by Reverend booth and let me know what you think of their stuff if you've never seen it and what new stuff they might have for 2016.
Hi Phil. Would really like to hear your thoughts on Ibanez's change to a 5 piece neck. I've played a 1,3 and 5 piece neck and still love the 1 piece. The 3 piece still feels great but the 5 piece neck just doesn't feel right. Did they put too much emphasis to get the world's thinnest neck and somehow lost the feel of it along the way?
+Solid Air 5 piece laminated is certainly stronger but yeah Ibanez necks are waaay too thin. Very well made but built for shredders, I dont even play mine anymore.
+Solid Air Ibanez has multiple neck thicknesses. The original Wizard was the thinnest. Then they had the Wizard II that was bit thicker. But they got even thicker and the radius got smaller when they introduced Indonesian models. The Prestige line had different necks. The Wizard Prestige was 1mm thicker than the original Japanese Wizard necks but it retained the other specs. They later introduced the Super Wizard Prestige which had identical dimensions to the original Wizard. I believe all current Prestige RGs use the Super Wizard neck. The number of pieces shouldn't have any effect on the feel. The 1, 3, and 5-piece necks are more representative of where they guitar was built and in what year. And the year is an important thing to consider. Ibanez necks are unfinished. As they get older, they absorb oils from your hands. A brand new Ibanez is going to feel very different from one that's 20 years old. And different years in different countries have different levels of care being put into the construction of the neck. An Indonesian neck isn't going to have the quality of a Japanese neck. I'm not a shredder but I really enjoy my RG Prestige neck. I mainly play blues and country but it gets just as much playtime as my American Deluxe Strat and PRS Vela. It's very unconventional but it sounds and plays really good.
JELIFISH19 hey mate, thanks for the info. yeah makes sense. I guess I'm basing my assumption on all the RG's I've owned which had either a 1, 3 or 5 piece. Owned up to 8 but had let a few go. The 3 piece feels fantastic compared to the 5 i own IMO. All my RG's are MIJ fyi.
Here is a question we all wonder about...what shampoo and conditioner do you use? You have such a nice sheen...but really, I am looking into a 7 string, my first. Which is the extra string? And extra low E or high E? And if it is lower (i think it is and hope) what is it tuned to? If it follows logic, it should be a B, but I am sure there are many choices. Liked and subbed!
I'd say get a Marshall mg100hdfx (like from 2008 or older) and the matching 4x12 or a kustom kg 4x12. You can get each piece for like $100 used. I use that as my man amp actually and use my Gibson with P-90's in it and damn does it sound good at any level
Hey brother, Just found your youtube. You seem extremely knowledgeable and in the world of the internet, every jackhammer thats owned a piece of wood with strings thinks they're some guitar guru.. Safe to say in this case, in the 4 or 5 vids ive watched straight, you def know your stuff.. Ive never msgd someone to let them know how much i enjoyed their videos, but you got it man.. Im sorry to say im one of those guys that never subscribes to anyone. Been watching youtube since 07 and have prob subscribed to 10 channels, give or take.. Anyway brother, will stay tuned in tune! Later
+Danny Strat I like orang amps a lot. I might be getting one soon. I have been looking not sure which one I am interested in. Some of the best amps out there.
I would advice the fender champion solid state amps. great clean and decent overdrive with modeling/fx.Dont be another of these saps who has a tiny tube amp with a micro speaker a la blues jr or champ and ignorantly think it will blow away any solid state amp; it wont not by a long shottubes or not..lets not forget one of the most sought after clean amps is the 100% solid state roland jazz chorus 120 and modeling is a bonus on the champion amps..
I have been playing electric for a year now, but I want an upgrade from my little $50 amp. I have been looking at the Fender Super Champ X2, but I think I am going to purchase the Marshall MG100HCFX head and cab. IS THIS A GOOD CHOICE?
It is a real pleasure to watch someone on YT that is actually well informed and has something to offer other than their own point of view but rather facts. I know there are lots of people out there that are smart and make good videos...I simply haven't seen too many. When it comes to pedal reviews I like Gearman and Don Carr,they get right to the point and show the pedals capability. As for amps (don't laugh) I have a Peavey Vypyr 30 for when I am in a Insomnium/Amon Amarth mood and so far I am still blown away by all the sounds/tones i can get for under 200 new in the box. I have the one from about 4/5 years back not the newer design. For my Robin Trower/David Gilmour mood I have a Blues Deluxe Limited Edition Smokey Tweed with the Jensen P12Q upgrade and mostly playing at lower volumes this amp is more than I could ask for,it sounds like a crystal bell and with my Fulltone Soul Bender I get just the right od tone. However the amp set me back over 800 bucks and had to sell some of my premium German knives from my collection to buy the amp. No regrets. It's the most beautiful little amp and the cleans are so silky with the Jensen it's unreal. Back to the Vypyr,for under 200 it is a great little amp and can crank if need be. Not sure of the Chinese durability but time will tell. Peavy has always had a good rep for reliability.I have talked with guys that play high end amps and some say they keep a little Vypyr around just to toy with. If I were going to buy another cheap amp I would try to find an old American made Peavey Bandit,very reliable and those can flat crank with the Scorpian speaker. I saw a Bandit take a tumble down a flight of stairs back in the 80's and didn't even scratch the the vinyl covering,plugged it in and blasted through a small two hour gig. Chhers brother,love your videos.
Hey Phil, love your channel. I have an orange crush 20ldx amp. It's not a bad amp. The only problem I have with it is that it has a tendency to get muddy. I'm still somewhat new to playing the guitar. So it just could be my lack of understanding of how to properly ajust the settings.
Hi Phil, I bought a 50 watt tube amp brand new in the box for $209.00. So did many of my pals on the My Les Paul forum. They are Silkyn Super 50. They are still on eBay and the NAD thread I started is up to 28 pages. Some bought two of them.
he i wanna buy my first elektric guitar do you thinkSquier Standard Stratocaster Candy Apple Red MN that is a good guitar i know its cheap but i dont have a lot of money iam just 13 so yhe
If you have a combo amp that doesnt have an effects loop, can you put pedals into the normal input, or is that something you can't or shouldnt do? I saw a Rob Chapman video where he said they were running some pedals into the effects loop, and some into the front end, how does one do that? with a chord that splits into two? thnx in advance
What is weird about seven-strings is that they are generally used for ONLY sensitive finger-picky, fat hollowbody jazz - and PRICY; or howling heavy baby-roasting crunch music. Like, there'd be NO use for another string in any other music? I had a Japanese Ibby RG, fine guitar, but I'm an old guy too and I just don't prefer thin necks. I know how, and why, to use them, but I just don't LIKE them. I lucked into a '99 Schecter C-7+, which has a larger neck and is in general, an attempt to get a Les Paul kind of sound out of a seven. Mahogany body, set neck, gentle pickups. I've run across a whole "family" of Korean guitars from the same time, if it has a serial number on a little clear sticker in gold letters - CHECK IT OUT. I have that Schecter, I had a "DeArmond", same place same year, they did some Squires, some ESPs, the location giveaway - I have a top -o-the line SAMICK "RL-660", a fine guitar in the two-HB, 24-fret Superstrat line. You might say "ooh Samick" but it was THEIR name going on a guitar made on the same bench as the best Schecters, the "Elite" Squier Robben Ford guitars... one of them lines that might need one thing (besides ALWAYS a bone nut) - maybe needs tuners, maybe a pickup change; that's true of LOTS of guitars now.
I'm a Pawn shop/Craigslist kind of guy. I paid $250 for a Marshall SLX 50 watt back in 1999. In 1998 I bought a Laney Pro Lead AOR for $200. I bought a new Sovtec Mig 60 for $350. I paid $250 for a Peavey Classic 100 head and $250 for a Crate VC50. I bought a Blue Voodoo 100 watt head for $200 and a matching bottom for $150. I traded some stuff for a clean Carvin MTS 3200 head that I still have. But the better deals was $350 for a Laney VC50 combo and $100 for a matching 412 straight bottom and I traded some stuf for a dead Laney GH50L head and in the trade for the Carvin, I got a Laney Slant for the dead Laney head that cost $125 to fix. I'm sure there was more, but right now I like the 50 watt Laney Amp.
Just found a Fender Cyber-Twin SE in pristine condition for 190 dollars (250 CAN). 8 years ago, that amp sold for nearly 2,000 dollars USD after tax. It's a uniquely conceived modelling amp that Fender designed for professional use, and it's simply way better than my Fender Mustang IV in every respect. The Cyber-Twins have quickly become underrated and they can be had for real cheap. For home use, nothing comes close to it. Go check the specs: support.fender.com/manuals/guitar_amplifiers/Cyber-Twin_SE_English.pdf
Fudge, because I'm getting older and after some oral cancer, I don't get enough calories to keep my shit together. Meanwhile, I had something worth wile to say and I'll be damned, because the dang wife interrupted either me, I can't remember. Well, what cheap amp is out there that has some tubes? And not just 2? Are there any that won't kill the bank? Since we're on to this now. I'm a home player, I use a Laney TI115. It's pretty badass, but I still feel like I'm missing something. What would you buy if you were piss broke and wanted to trade my amp plus a Digitech DG15 and maybe a Jimi Hendrix Wha Wha, never used, even once (box all the paperwork, blah, blah).Don't be shy, I don't expect your gear, just what you'd make that trade for. The Tony Iommi Laney Amp has been turned on for less than 2 hours btw. I lost my kid shortly after I bought it, so I never bothered to play anything, lost interest, so all my shit is brand spanking new, what would you sell it for? Thanks Phil, you're the man! I REALLY want to start learning again, sick of sad and I need some ROCK!
If you want to buy an amp no matter what your budget is go for a used amp but beware!!!!! First thing you want to be aware of is how the amp is made. I bought a Music Man 210- HD 130 for £250. I needed to replace the reverb tank and replace the tubes. Total cost of that was £60. Have I bought I good amplifier? You better believe it. If anything else goes wrong with (it was made in 1978) I know it can be repaired. A lot of modern amps can't be (the X2 is a terrible idea very noisy and not repairable). Look for something that has been built. Not just stuck together as a does it all but none so well. Buy an amp for the amp. Doesn't matter if it's tube or solid state if it's well made it's well made. B.B. King stopped using Fender Twins and went for Lab Series amps. Very much overlooked as an amplifier but man they sound great and are solid state. Roland JC's solid state and one of the best sound inventions ever.
Egnater Service: A friend of mine has a Egnater Rebel 30 combo that had a problem, (actually several problems). He sent it off somewhere to have it repaired... which didn't work out at all I guess. He asked me to look at it and see if I could repair it. Long story short, together, we corrected its (several) problems. BUT.... the way it's built, the access to its circuit boards is terrible, not poor, not difficult, not awkward.... terrible. It appeared that ZERO consideration was given to EVER servicing it. Trying (to push a test signal through it) and then clip on a voltmeter or oscilloscope, stage-by- stage, is nearly an impossible task. Once we fixed the electronics, we discovered we still had a few cabinet rattles to hunt down. So... if he wasn't a friend.... I would have turned it away in 20 minutes. Once it was "fixed" (some skill-some luck) and after we finished high- five-ing each other, we agreed that we hope like hell it doesn't crap out again. It was NO fun at all.
I think that is what is hurting them. None of the Techs here want to work on them. You did your friend a big solid. He owes you. That being said good for you for looking out and taking care of your friend
a 59 Fender Bassman with reverb.... is NOT a 59 Fender Bassman.... another example would be "why doesn't my Les Paul have a single coil pickup?. Well, because it WAS NOT designed to have one"...
Well.... 3 years ago... sure, ok... but approaching 2020.... my choice would probably be a Boss Katana 50 watt 1x12 for many obvious reasons, and Im a tube guy.. BUT, all in all, hard to beat the tone and features of that Katana....
The Bassbreaker amps are made for Power Tube Distortion. Pedals would just make your signal muddy. If you get your "sound" from pedals. You might want to get a amp with a clean channel and a effects loop. The output tubes would not be distorting. All tube amps have power tube distortion when cranked. Read Aspen Pittman's "The Tube Amp Book" for more info and history.
Hey Phillip. Have to tried out a Boss Katana 100w modeling amp? Just launched in the UK recently and priced at £249 UK sterling or around $280 US dollars . They seem to be getting good revues. Would be great to get your opinion.
No love for the Boss Katana? Then again find an old Peavey Bandit, probably lots of them still running from the late 70s, get some used pedals. My HS bud played an Ibanez LP through one with an original Rat (was mine) and got a good tone.
so I have a blackstar id15 tvp should I upgrade the 10" speaker or add an extention jack and run in into a 1×12 or 2x12? 250$ to use or I could get a 7 string dont have one yet... not in a band and I dont gig so I dont need a 100w amp and a 4x12 just want more distortion and a nice metal chug while still using built in effects patches. do I just need an overdrive or boost pedal?
in the late 90s musicians friend had a sale on the rg7520 but they sold out by the time I called so I got a Jackson 7 string, dont even remember the model but when it arrived I was like wtf!!!!! I cant believe just 1 more string would give me brain farts when playing. sold it but the point of this story is If I had been able to get the RG Id still have it cause...its a RG
For the answer to the title, go to 9:14
I love you man
shavpookie Peavey VYPYR VIP-3 IN A WALKOVER.
shavpookie
thanks
Thank you!!!!
Go to 10:06 for the answer to the question in the title.
autocrow life saver
Hey Phillip, just discovered your channel and I adore your straight-to-the-point approach to questions and topics! It's not often that you get guys who are able to talk so passionately and intelligently about gear without rambling.
Also, great choice with the Super Champ! I have a Super Champ XD that I picked up for $200CAD a couple years ago and have been incredibly happy with it. Not many amps at this size/price range have the warmth and versatility of these guys. Great all-around amps.
For cheap amps I really dig the Bugera amps. They sound great
my bugera sucks
@@jamespitoola1954 what one do you have
Yes sir superchamp and bugera v22 infinium really rock !!!
I can only afford the 1w. 52. at the most. what do you think of those?
for $250....hands down the Yamaha THR10. New 299 but any holiday sale at GC you could do it for that price brand new. I have 9 amps currently, and that Yamaha is little gem. If they re-tweaked it with a DI line out for a PA and a foot switch to toggle between the 5 savable patches you could cover almost any gig. The cleans are awesome, as are the crunches and classic rock tones. It's small, light and tough as nails. It's loud for it's size (great bedroom amp) and has headphone and mp3 and usb jacks. Mike it up and it's some great little package.
After a year ,I am still crushing on mine ! They love pedals too. Would you be willing to post a how to, about your mods to the THR 10 ?
+Jointlock My Buddy Matt has a bunch of high dollar amps and Uses that and his Backstar ID Core 20. He likes the Yamaha more.
Mike Barth - I haven't modded mine, but there are several how to videos here on RUclips. Just search footswitch Yamaha THR. If you are good at soldering you can make your own. I spoke to the Yamaha rep a while back at a brick and mortar, I mentioned the two improvements, and he seemed interested; but he said just mike it up for a gig. If they ever come out with those improvements I'm getting one.
+Jointlock + thanks for the tip !
no problem
Appreciate your objectivity and candidness. Thanks. Great videos all.
I would choose the Orange Micro Terror 20w head and the 1X8 cab with it, the price is right $250 american.
Blackstar HT1R... 1Watt tube amp, simple but amazing sound for just one watt. Has enough output for attic or bedroom use and is great for recording as well.
One of my best purchases ever!
The answer (amp) is at about 10:00 - either a used fender superchamp x2 or a used peavey valveking
First Ibanez 7 string came out in 1990 Steve vai's passion and warfare
Vai also worked with Ibanez back in the 1980s during his WhiteSnake era, At the had time Steve vai was working on the first Ibanez Rg's which was like his Green Meanie. Yeah the Green Meanie was a Strat/Charvel but it was different. Like it had 24 frets, one volum and one tone knob and a five way switch also has humbucker single coil humbucker configuration. This small difference helped launched Ibanez Rg and also Vai' signature Jem model.
What do ya know, I only have 250 dollars to spend on an amp. I
I'm considering a Vox Valvetronix though
You get compared to Billy Corgan, what, 7, 20 times a day?
Yes, and pretty much anyone with my hair cut. LOL
You wear it well man.
+Phillip McKnight You and nuno Bettencourt look strikingly similar ! To......jerald rae !!
am i elvis because i have sideburns ?
hq72hotmale I hope so dude!
Tweaker and some Rebel amps suffered from bad output transformers. Customers got upset when mfg would not warranty them, but in defense of the co, many OT's blew 90 days or longer after the warranty was up. Just a bad overseas made transformer. When it came time to replace, Mercury had a OT for this, but the cost to replace was about the same as a new amp. GC ate a lot of these amps when they had to handle customers with ext warranties.
I brought a selmer treble and bass all valve 1969 amp for £60 a few years ago, lately I been gigging with a transistor peavey amp for convenience really cos I dont have to carry a cab as well as the head, however I was playing local and thought I'd take it out for a blast and oh my god it is Amazing, the response the power the tone all on another level, point being that my old selmer is all valve hand soldered, just like really expensive boutique amps, yes it takes a bit more care and attention but old amps that look a bit out of fashion are a bargain because inside are the same as the hand built boutique amps that are £1000's of pounds in fact these boutique amps are modeled from all valve vintage amps
$250 new or used? I have 2 Fender CyberTwin amps I got for $240 each. They are amazing. I am looking to buy another they are so cheap, one in the bedroom, one in the living room, and lookin for one in the rumpus room. Amazing amp with so many options.
Answer, find a Peavey Bandit preferably red stripe and you can rock with a band, practice amp find Blackstar HT 5 without the Reverb he is correct there is an HT 5 and an HT 5r the one without the Reverb does sound better!!
I would also suggest a used Fender G-DEC 30 f you can find one. USB, user downloads. Built in rhythms, records, versatile as anything out there. I prefer tubes, though, Super Champ- either version - are great.
+Ernest Stapleton Yes, that is a great amp.
Gretch made a "George Van Eps" Model which was a seven string Hollow Body. way before Fender.
Thank You Philip for your excellent advice. This is a true story - I have more than $250 but I wanted to see how the little Fender X2 worked. I bought the Champ head and put a EVH 2 x 12 cab under it. This this is unbelievable! The range and depth plus the tone is incredible. Yes, the 2x12 would seem like it is too much - not at all - thumping powerful midrange. I bought the EVH and the Champ head at "open box" prices ?used? - so I only spent about $650 for an incredible set up. Is 15W too small - HELL no - I can't turn it up more than 4 on volume. Just wanted to say that you know your stuff.....I also found a PRS SE Floyd at $499 - there is nothing that can touch it at that price. (new guitar) You should review that puppy!!!
Don't forget the Blackstar HT1 for cheap bedroom amp
Used Line 6 Spider IV is under $250 and it's fine for fudging about in the bedroom. They get tons of hate but its a solid piece for that, demoing guitar tracks... yup.
You skipped over the Marshall Code that does almost everything brand new out of the box with a large learning curve granted.None the less if you can't find a tone you like on it your not trying hard enough. :)
Patrick Teto
Patrick Teto My mother bought one code25 for me(she doesn't know ANYTHING about gear) because she said that she found it with a discount, it was an amazing purchase(I only had a 10w practice amp).
Sweet. Sometimes moms know their stuff. Mine loves to get me video games for christmas but she knows I already have all the common, popular ones so she does a little research to find some obscure game I've never even heard of that almost always turns out to be great.
Agreed, they're fantastic
Oh hell yeah.I am absolutely pleased with my Code 50.It has 50 years of Marshall and some Fender goodness and a few others that are way far from terrible,and on top of that about 1500 bucks worth of effects.If you can't find more then what you need just tell em they are not looking hard enough.I Fk'n love mine and it was worth the extra too much money for the Programmable Footcontroller.The only other 2 things I run on it is a EP boost and a Dunlap Wah pedal only because that's what I'm most comfortable with and haven't needed anything else. ;)
I agree with your comment about the Egnator Tweeker not having reverb.. I had one a few years ago. it sounded drier than a popcorn fart. NOT a fan of amps without reverb. IMO, no reverb pedal in the world sounds like a real reverb...
reverb came from "spring reverb" in the 1950's/early 60's... a pedal is recreating reverb sound... proguitarshop.com/andyscorner/what-is-reverb
In a blind test, can you really hear a difference between an actual reverb and a reverb pedal that used cmos to model the spring reverb like the boss frv-1? You've been playing a twin reverb for that long that your ears are so in tune to tell the difference like blood hound?
Yes, yes I can tell the difference. A reverb pedal stands out like a fart in church. Reverb pedals are strikingly phony and shallow
ContraBand Joe Really? Now a days, the technology are so convincing that they are so hard to tell. Like I said, unless you have been playing for years and have used an actual amp like the Fender Twin Reverb or any of amp that used an actual spring reverb, its pretty hard to tell. How long have you been playing?
+gmlasam I've been playing for 40 years. started when I was 12 and I'm now 52. ive owned every amp and brand short of super expensive boutique stuff. current line up is 1979 fender deluxe, recent Fender supersonic 22, mesa 5/50 express, Roland 40 cube, Ampeg 70 ax, Marshall JCM 800. I can detect spring vs pedal
I have a USA made Peavey amp that I had a Fender Spring Reverb installed in. What a great sounding amp now!
Hey Phil, thanks for the answer.
I have another question: You have a budget of $300, what brand and model of acoustic guitars would you look at? I know you really need to play each one to find the right one, but what make and models would you narrow it to?
I welcome the opinion of your audience as well.
+Zotman5 In the $300 price range I like Washburn a lot and I like Yamaha. I am really starting to like the Lag stuff.
Thanks again.
I like the Peavey bandit silver stripe or red stripe !!
I had a fender super champ X2 and it sounded nice but used to switch of at any point and time!! took to an amp tech and he couldn't find the problem
Absolutely love this channel!
I have already known a lot about guitars, amps, pedals, etc. but you are widening mi insights greatly!
Big thanks for that! :)
hey Phil are you going to look at chapman guitars at namm and what's your opinion on them? thanks
You are so right....just got a super champ x2 last night at gc 250 Love it !
Get a second hand Superchamp XD, not the newer x2.
A Vibrochamp XD has the same sound at 4 dB less volume but both xd models have a line output to be able to get any power level.
hey dude. ...that guitar headstock behind your head looks like youve got a gnarly Mohawk at times.
I bought the Roland 40GX for 250 and down right amazing for the price
Fender Pro Junior in 1992
but as far as amps for 250 I personally use a jetcity with tube upgrade and a bogner uberschall pedal. Sounds great .....two channels .....sparkling cleans due to the 12au7s and the uberschall gives organic distortion
Blackstar Amps are affordable sturdy and are reliable/versatile ! Love my 15 -w for home practice ! Looking forward to getting a more powerful one soon ...
I was planning on getting one soon but I keep reading online about how some people experience a loud hissing noise when they plug in their guitar cable. Is that true?
***** Thanks!
Boss Katana 50. No beating that for an all rounder nowadays.
Phil, what are your thoughts on the Crate Vintage Club 50 series amps? I bought one 5 or 6 years ago for $225 and I absolutely love the tone i get from it. I've never seen a review on these amps before and have little information on their history
If you don't need the X2's added USB out for recording, and the tap tempo control for the modulations, the original Fender Super Champ XD, made in China, is a great find for around $150 to 250 used. I think they sound better than the made in Mexico X2 newer model. I have two XD combos and the X2 head, bought all three new, and no kidding, the XD sounds better to my ear than the X2, don't know why, but it does.
heck all I play now is mode amps. People make fun of them but? I like more in one for budget. On a Line6 Spider 75watt now.
Yep. The Super Champ is under rated.
Amp - Jet City 22H for $250
Thanks
+Fonzy Brookestone been watching/researching that rascal as a matter of fact... loving the Vox VT40x....peace...Rock On...
solid choice
Can't remember the model but I had a VHT small tube amp it was good. And the small Blackheart head was good.
Hey Phillip! You mentioned briefly insuring your gear. Can you talk about that? My collection is getting to a point where (in my opinion at least) my guitar stuff is my most valuable items in my house. Especially as a whole. Does homeowner insurance cover or do you get special insurance? Thanks, man! See you at NAMM!
+emperor9 awesome!! This is very helpful! I am going to find out what my policy covers and make sure to document with pics of all gear and serial numbers. Thanks for the help!! Greatly appreciated!!
+Michael Stander if you have content insurance you are covered well thats the way it works in the uk
+humphrey peek ...thanks, man!! I appreciate that. I am moving to a new house hopefully soon so I will ready my policy to make sure I am covered! Take care!
A definite +1 to the Valveking series. I picked up a VK20 II head for $250 and I love it, very versatile and great tone. I would also highly recommend a Jet City JCA20 or JCA22, head or combo. I picked up my 22H, originally a combo converted to head, for $150 on CL. The 20H is single channel and the 22H is 2 channel. Both are all tube and designed by Soldano. They love pedals and the 22H has a tube buffered FX loop. They are neat little amps with sweet Soldano-ish tone for a very little amount of money.
Phil - what’s the model number of the Marshall amp that’s in the background of many of your videos? If it’s a “plexi”, do you recommend the 20W, 50W, or 100W version? And why?
The XD is the better model of super champ in my opinion. It has a much better sound than the X2.
well anyways I am a little late to (this) party but ...Phil I am trying to make a choice between the blackstar HT-1R and the new Marshall DSL 1CR , which one would you recommend more?
Which is the best lunchbox tube amp head available right now? I play clean stuff mostly but I also get into some heavier rock tones (for home use)
I picked up a used Peavey bandit for $150! Great SS amp.
Thanks for all you videos and time! I've always wanted a Les Paul but due to my RA I can't stand the weight! Do all Les Paul copies weigh as much as the original?
That dude technical ecstasy was named after an old black sabbath album
If I only $250.00 and I needed an amp for home and gigs ( 'cause I need both) I'd go for a used Fender Mustang III v2.
A great clean tone is subjective but I've been very impressed with them. It takes some fiddling with the software but you can get really good things out of them.
BUT....the Super Champ X2 is an excellent amp. If I were only looking for home use I'd love to have one.
look at the peavey vypyr vip 2 on youtube. graet amplifier
+RackhirTheRed I'd take the super champ over the mustang, being that the mustang is a solid state modelling amp and the super champ is all valve...only 15w but obv you'd mic it up
+Mox_au I agree on the SCX2. Great amp for not a lot of money. Probably one of the best values out there and customizable like the mustang.
+Mox_au the super champ x2 isnt all valve... look up the specifications. It has at least a transistor based modelling front end.
+Mox_au
It's not all valve - but that aside...I've heard and played on some 15 watt amps that are loud enough not to need a mic at all. Easily gigable.
Heck, depending on the size shows you're playing ( and the amp itself of course) a lot of times 10 to 15 watts is all you need and then some.
More watts doesn't always mean more loud. In fact sometimes it's better to have a lower wattage amp because you can turn it up to get to the sweet spots where those 50 and 100 ones sound horrible...because they are way too loud when you have them cranked up enough to sound decent.
Of course that's based on tube amps and not all amps being the same. My preference for a used Mustang at this price range has nothing to do with wattage.
What do you think of the Bugera V5 Infinium or the Bugera Bugera BC15? They seem to get good reviews.
A little late but, Monoprice 15 watt tube combo
Just for the record - there were 7 string guitars way before Ibanez. The Russian guitar (sometimes referred to as a "Gypsy guitar") is an acoustic seven-string guitar that was developed in Russia toward the end of the 18th century: it shares most of its organological features with the Spanish guitar. It is known in Russian as the semistrunnaya gitara (семиструнная гитара), or affectionately as the semistrunka (семиструнка), which translates to "seven-stringer." These guitars are most commonly tuned to an Open G chord as follows: D2 G2 B2 D3 G3 B3 D4. In classical literature, the lowest string (D) occasionally is tuned down to the C.
The super champ is a phenomenal amp for the money
Greetings Phil
What amp would you buy if price was no object?
The super champ x2 has to be the best amp on the market for that price. Unbelievably awesome amp.
+Sam A It's $379.
And?
Fender had a pair of solid state amps in the early 80s called the Studio Lead and Stage Lead that in my opinion were two of the best SS amps ever made. The dirty channels weren't that great, but the clean channels were very much like a Pro Reverb or a Twin. Just wonderful amps. You see them on eBay all the time for $150 -200.
I got the fender champion 20 for 110$ and am happy as fuck!
great video... Please go by Reverend booth and let me know what you think of their stuff if you've never seen it and what new stuff they might have for 2016.
I took ur advice and got a Fender Super Champ x2 and it is awesome. Thanks Phil.
Hi Phil. Would really like to hear your thoughts on Ibanez's change to a 5 piece neck.
I've played a 1,3 and 5 piece neck and still love the 1 piece. The 3 piece still feels great but the 5 piece neck just doesn't feel right. Did they put too much emphasis to get the world's thinnest neck and somehow lost the feel of it along the way?
+Solid Air 5 piece laminated is certainly stronger but yeah Ibanez necks are waaay too thin. Very well made but built for shredders, I dont even play mine anymore.
mark holstrum Yeah, I'm a shredder myself. A really thin neck isn't the be all or end all. I rarely play mine as well.
+Solid Air Ibanez has multiple neck thicknesses. The original Wizard was the thinnest. Then they had the Wizard II that was bit thicker. But they got even thicker and the radius got smaller when they introduced Indonesian models. The Prestige line had different necks. The Wizard Prestige was 1mm thicker than the original Japanese Wizard necks but it retained the other specs. They later introduced the Super Wizard Prestige which had identical dimensions to the original Wizard. I believe all current Prestige RGs use the Super Wizard neck.
The number of pieces shouldn't have any effect on the feel. The 1, 3, and 5-piece necks are more representative of where they guitar was built and in what year. And the year is an important thing to consider. Ibanez necks are unfinished. As they get older, they absorb oils from your hands. A brand new Ibanez is going to feel very different from one that's 20 years old. And different years in different countries have different levels of care being put into the construction of the neck. An Indonesian neck isn't going to have the quality of a Japanese neck.
I'm not a shredder but I really enjoy my RG Prestige neck. I mainly play blues and country but it gets just as much playtime as my American Deluxe Strat and PRS Vela. It's very unconventional but it sounds and plays really good.
JELIFISH19 hey mate, thanks for the info.
yeah makes sense. I guess I'm basing my assumption on all the RG's I've owned which had either a 1, 3 or 5 piece. Owned up to 8 but had let a few go.
The 3 piece feels fantastic compared to the 5 i own IMO.
All my RG's are MIJ fyi.
Here is a question we all wonder about...what shampoo and conditioner do you use? You have such a nice sheen...but really, I am looking into a 7 string, my first. Which is the extra string? And extra low E or high E? And if it is lower (i think it is and hope) what is it tuned to? If it follows logic, it should be a B, but I am sure there are many choices. Liked and subbed!
What do you think about the Marshall code 50W. That one goes under 250 bucks new.
First look at the pic for video it looked like headstock was a Mohawk
I'd say get a Marshall mg100hdfx (like from 2008 or older) and the matching 4x12 or a kustom kg 4x12. You can get each piece for like $100 used. I use that as my man amp actually and use my Gibson with P-90's in it and damn does it sound good at any level
Have you done any videos or do you have any experience with the 6505 + 112? My nephew has one we are trying to improve upon.
Hey brother, Just found your youtube. You seem extremely knowledgeable and in the world of the internet, every jackhammer thats owned a piece of wood with strings thinks they're some guitar guru.. Safe to say in this case, in the 4 or 5 vids ive watched straight, you def know your stuff.. Ive never msgd someone to let them know how much i enjoyed their videos, but you got it man.. Im sorry to say im one of those guys that never subscribes to anyone. Been watching youtube since 07 and have prob subscribed to 10 channels, give or take.. Anyway brother, will stay tuned in tune! Later
I was wondering if you like orange amps like the micro terror or the micro dark?
+Danny Strat I like orang amps a lot. I might be getting one soon. I have been looking not sure which one I am interested in. Some of the best amps out there.
Go for a used Marshall MG 250DFX 2x50W Stereo
Tube amp simulation Reverb Effects
Bedroomlevel or stage
Nothing comes close
I would advice the fender champion solid state amps. great clean and decent overdrive with modeling/fx.Dont be another of these saps who has a tiny tube amp with a micro speaker a la blues jr or champ and ignorantly think it will blow away any solid state amp; it wont not by a long shottubes or not..lets not forget one of the most sought after clean amps is the 100% solid state roland jazz chorus 120 and modeling is a bonus on the champion amps..
For a NEW $250.00 amp with a warranty, the Monoprice Stage Right 1/15 watt with JJ tubes, effects loop and verb tank is hard to beat!
i would bye a Marshall MG50GFX
Buy a used Peavey Bandit 112 and you'ill still have money to buy an echo pedal.ROCK ON !!
I have been playing electric for a year now, but I want an upgrade from my little $50 amp. I have been looking at the Fender Super Champ X2, but I think I am going to purchase the Marshall MG100HCFX head and cab.
IS THIS A GOOD CHOICE?
It is a real pleasure to watch someone on YT that is actually well informed and has something to offer other than their own point of view but rather facts.
I know there are lots of people out there that are smart and make good videos...I simply haven't seen too many.
When it comes to pedal reviews I like Gearman and Don Carr,they get right to the point and show the pedals capability.
As for amps (don't laugh) I have a Peavey Vypyr 30 for when I am in a Insomnium/Amon Amarth mood and so far I am still blown away by all the sounds/tones i can get for under 200 new in the box. I have the one from about 4/5 years back not the newer design.
For my Robin Trower/David Gilmour mood I have a Blues Deluxe Limited Edition Smokey Tweed with the Jensen P12Q upgrade and mostly playing at lower volumes this amp is more than I could ask for,it sounds like a crystal bell and with my Fulltone Soul Bender I get just the right od tone. However the amp set me back over 800 bucks and had to sell some of my premium German knives from my collection to buy the amp. No regrets. It's the most beautiful little amp and the cleans are so silky with the Jensen it's unreal.
Back to the Vypyr,for under 200 it is a great little amp and can crank if need be. Not sure of the Chinese durability but time will tell. Peavy has always had a good rep for reliability.I have talked with guys that play high end amps and some say they keep a little Vypyr around just to toy with.
If I were going to buy another cheap amp I would try to find an old American made Peavey Bandit,very reliable and those can flat crank with the Scorpian speaker. I saw a Bandit take a tumble down a flight of stairs back in the 80's and didn't even scratch the the vinyl covering,plugged it in and blasted through a small two hour gig.
Chhers brother,love your videos.
Hey Phil, love your channel. I have an orange crush 20ldx amp. It's not a bad amp. The only problem I have with it is that it has a tendency to get muddy. I'm still somewhat new to playing the guitar. So it just could be my lack of understanding of how to properly ajust the settings.
Hi Phil, I bought a 50 watt tube amp brand new in the box for $209.00. So did many of my pals on the My Les Paul forum. They are Silkyn Super 50.
They are still on eBay and the NAD thread I started is up to 28 pages. Some bought two of them.
In California you can legally steal a amp under 900. $. One trip get head under. 900 $ second trip cabinet under 900.$ 1800 amp for free. Democrats
he i wanna buy my first elektric guitar do you thinkSquier Standard Stratocaster Candy Apple Red MN that is a good guitar i know its cheap but i dont have a lot of money iam just 13 so yhe
For $250, I'd buy a Fender Super Champ XD or X2. Why you ask.....it's a FUN amp
If you have a combo amp that doesnt have an effects loop, can you put pedals into the normal input, or is that something you can't or shouldnt do? I saw a Rob Chapman video where he said they were running some pedals into the effects loop, and some into the front end, how does one do that? with a chord that splits into two? thnx in advance
What is weird about seven-strings is that they are generally used for ONLY sensitive finger-picky, fat hollowbody jazz - and PRICY; or howling heavy baby-roasting crunch music. Like, there'd be NO use for another string in any other music? I had a Japanese Ibby RG, fine guitar, but I'm an old guy too and I just don't prefer thin necks. I know how, and why, to use them, but I just don't LIKE them. I lucked into a '99 Schecter C-7+, which has a larger neck and is in general, an attempt to get a Les Paul kind of sound out of a seven. Mahogany body, set neck, gentle pickups. I've run across a whole "family" of Korean guitars from the same time, if it has a serial number on a little clear sticker in gold letters - CHECK IT OUT. I have that Schecter, I had a "DeArmond", same place same year, they did some Squires, some ESPs, the location giveaway - I have a top -o-the line SAMICK "RL-660", a fine guitar in the two-HB, 24-fret Superstrat line. You might say "ooh Samick" but it was THEIR name going on a guitar made on the same bench as the best Schecters, the "Elite" Squier Robben Ford guitars... one of them lines that might need one thing (besides ALWAYS a bone nut) - maybe needs tuners, maybe a pickup change; that's true of LOTS of guitars now.
I'm a Pawn shop/Craigslist kind of guy. I paid $250 for a Marshall SLX 50 watt back in 1999. In 1998 I bought a Laney Pro Lead AOR for $200. I bought a new Sovtec Mig 60 for $350. I paid $250 for a Peavey Classic 100 head and $250 for a Crate VC50. I bought a Blue Voodoo 100 watt head for $200 and a matching bottom for $150. I traded some stuff for a clean Carvin MTS 3200 head that I still have. But the better deals was $350 for a Laney VC50 combo and $100 for a matching 412 straight bottom and I traded some stuf for a dead Laney GH50L head and in the trade for the Carvin, I got a Laney Slant for the dead Laney head that cost $125 to fix. I'm sure there was more, but right now I like the 50 watt Laney Amp.
And the Blackstar HT-1 ?
Just found a Fender Cyber-Twin SE in pristine condition for 190 dollars (250 CAN). 8 years ago, that amp sold for nearly 2,000 dollars USD after tax. It's a uniquely conceived modelling amp that Fender designed for professional use, and it's simply way better than my Fender Mustang IV in every respect. The Cyber-Twins have quickly become underrated and they can be had for real cheap. For home use, nothing comes close to it. Go check the specs:
support.fender.com/manuals/guitar_amplifiers/Cyber-Twin_SE_English.pdf
Fudge, because I'm getting older and after some oral cancer, I don't get enough calories to keep my shit together. Meanwhile, I had something worth wile to say and I'll be damned, because the dang wife interrupted either me, I can't remember. Well, what cheap amp is out there that has some tubes? And not just 2? Are there any that won't kill the bank? Since we're on to this now. I'm a home player, I use a Laney TI115. It's pretty badass, but I still feel like I'm missing something. What would you buy if you were piss broke and wanted to trade my amp plus a Digitech DG15 and maybe a Jimi Hendrix Wha Wha, never used, even once (box all the paperwork, blah, blah).Don't be shy, I don't expect your gear, just what you'd make that trade for. The Tony Iommi Laney Amp has been turned on for less than 2 hours btw. I lost my kid shortly after I bought it, so I never bothered to play anything, lost interest, so all my shit is brand spanking new, what would you sell it for? Thanks Phil, you're the man! I REALLY want to start learning again, sick of sad and I need some ROCK!
If you want to buy an amp no matter what your budget is go for a used amp but beware!!!!! First thing you want to be aware of is how the amp is made. I bought a Music Man 210- HD 130 for £250. I needed to replace the reverb tank and replace the tubes. Total cost of that was £60. Have I bought I good amplifier? You better believe it. If anything else goes wrong with (it was made in 1978) I know it can be repaired. A lot of modern amps can't be (the X2 is a terrible idea very noisy and not repairable). Look for something that has been built. Not just stuck together as a does it all but none so well. Buy an amp for the amp. Doesn't matter if it's tube or solid state if it's well made it's well made. B.B. King stopped using Fender Twins and went for Lab Series amps. Very much overlooked as an amplifier but man they sound great and are solid state. Roland JC's solid state and one of the best sound inventions ever.
Egnater Service:
A friend of mine has a Egnater Rebel 30 combo that had a problem, (actually several problems). He sent it off somewhere to have it repaired... which didn't work out at all I guess. He asked me to look at it and see if I could repair it. Long story short, together, we corrected its (several) problems. BUT.... the way it's built, the access to its circuit boards is terrible, not poor, not difficult, not awkward.... terrible. It appeared that ZERO consideration was given to EVER servicing it. Trying (to push a test signal through it) and then clip on a voltmeter or oscilloscope, stage-by- stage, is nearly an impossible task. Once we fixed the electronics, we discovered we still had a few cabinet rattles to hunt down.
So... if he wasn't a friend.... I would have turned it away in 20 minutes.
Once it was "fixed" (some skill-some luck) and after we finished high- five-ing each other, we agreed that we hope like hell it doesn't crap out again. It was NO fun at all.
I think that is what is hurting them. None of the Techs here want to work on them. You did your friend a big solid. He owes you. That being said good for you for looking out and taking care of your friend
a 59 Fender Bassman with reverb.... is NOT a 59 Fender Bassman.... another example would be "why doesn't my Les Paul have a single coil pickup?. Well, because it WAS NOT designed to have one"...
Well.... 3 years ago... sure, ok... but approaching 2020.... my choice would probably be a Boss Katana 50 watt 1x12 for many obvious reasons, and Im a tube guy.. BUT, all in all, hard to beat the tone and features of that Katana....
Sold my Eganator Renegade to GC , naught the Vox vt40x. Blows away the $1,000 Eganator
The Bassbreaker amps are made for Power Tube Distortion. Pedals would just make your signal muddy. If you get your "sound" from pedals. You might want to get a amp with a clean channel and a effects loop. The output tubes would not be distorting. All tube amps have power tube distortion when cranked. Read Aspen Pittman's "The Tube Amp Book" for more info and history.
Hey Phillip. Have to tried out a Boss Katana 100w modeling amp? Just launched in the UK recently and priced at £249 UK sterling or around $280 US dollars . They seem to be getting good revues. Would be great to get your opinion.
No love for the Boss Katana? Then again find an old Peavey Bandit, probably lots of them still running from the late 70s, get some used pedals. My HS bud played an Ibanez LP through one with an original Rat (was mine) and got a good tone.
What amplifier would I buy if I only had $150 dollars ... A Roland Micro Cube.
so I have a blackstar id15 tvp should I upgrade the 10" speaker or add an extention jack and run in into a 1×12 or 2x12? 250$ to use or I could get a 7 string dont have one yet... not in a band and I dont gig so I dont need a 100w amp and a 4x12 just want more distortion and a nice metal chug while still using built in effects patches. do I just need an overdrive or boost pedal?
in the late 90s musicians friend had a sale on the rg7520 but they sold out by the time I called so I got a Jackson 7 string, dont even remember the model but when it arrived I was like wtf!!!!! I cant believe just 1 more string would give me brain farts when playing. sold it but the point of this story is If I had been able to get the RG Id still have it cause...its a RG
have you tryed the Fender Mustang l v2.0 its my amp and it was only 150$ and is the best amp i tested in store and one of the cheapest
marshall code 25 for bedroom playing.....used code 50 for small gigs...has great cleans...and great od sounds