I bought one. 12AT7 swap and Mojotone Anthem 8" speaker. It is now my gig amp. Put it through a 12" Eminence smooth cone in an extension cab.. Monster. These are 1957 Champs, printed circuit board. I own a '64 Champ, modded for harp, 10" speaker. Yes, it's the real deal. No, I don't want to risk it at gigs anymore. I love my cheap Stage Right.
Yeah, I've since swapped the stock speaker for a Weber Alnico, did the same valve swap. It's gone from great for the money to just great, period. AND, if somebody (usually me) spills beer on it, I'm not jumping off a bridge. Not the case with my Supro or my Kalamazoo, lol. Did the same thing with the Monoprice's big brother, the 15 watt version, it sound killer, too, and has a bit more oomph when we're not using a PA and/or the drummer is overcaffeinated again. Cheers!
Thanks for this video. At this time I do not have an amp that I take to gigs. I plug into the PA. I play harmonica in an acoustic duo and we play local small bars and restaurants. I thought this amp had a good sound. I had at one time the Monoprice 15 watt amplifier. It was good but very heavy, so I sold it when Covid came alone. I was without a band and there was no where to play anyway. This 5 watt is smaller, but still sounds like it is heavy for its size. I do like the price. I agree few people that are in bars or restaurants would not know the difference from one amp to another. Your video has me rethinking about an amplifier and for the money this just might be the one. I believe it has a line out and that could plug into the PA. I know the Stage 5 has that feature. Once again, this was a very good video.
It has a external speaker jack, but no line out per se - I'm not 100% sure you can use that to plug into a PA, but I'm no sound guy by any stretch, so maybe? Also, if you swap the stock speaker for an alnico, it really brings out the blues power. The stock speaker would be better for an acoustic duo tho. Here's what it sounds like with a Weber alnico: ruclips.net/video/fldE1zg20uA/видео.html
One more question. Is it “ Hot” when the microphone is to close? Do you get that loud squill? Ronnie Shellist compares it to the Stage Five RS amp and that is one problem you hear in his video.
@@tnysteph Hi Tony - so, feedback with this amp is a multi-part issue. A) the stock Stage Right "can" have feedback issues - one of the big triggers is when you push the tone knob too high in combination with higher volumes. I like a bass-heavy tone, and rarely bring the tone knob above 1 on the dial. Ronnie has his at about 4 or 5 in that video AND the Stage FIVE has a differently programmed tone control - I had one for years - setting the tone knob at 5 on that amp does different things than setting the tone knob at 5 on the Stage Right, so not exactly apples to apples there. Ronnie is a great guy, but that vid is a little misleading in that respect. That said, yes, the stock Stage Right does have some feedback tendencies at the higher tone knob settings. B) I fixed a lot of that with a simple pre-amp tube swap. The stock pre-amp tube is a 12AX7. A cheap ($15) 12AY7 or 12DW7 will help tame feedback. C) A lot also depends on what mic you use. A really high impedance mic, like the Shure Green Bullet or the BlowsMeAway Bulletini, will give you some problems. A feedback-resistant mic like Bone Daddy's Lil' Honker (II) will pretty much cure ALL feedback problems from this amp, and leave you with great tone to boot. Anyway - long answer, but the bottom line is that with a couple minor adjustments on the tone setting, a simple and cheap mod of the pre-amp tube, and perhaps a careful mic choice, it's not a problem (plus, you know, common sense things like amp placement, etc. common to ALL amps). I gig with mine all the time with no feedback issues whatsoever.
This reply is very helpful. The mic I have is a Hohner Harp Blaster. I know nothing about tubes but you telling me about them is a big help. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
I play guitar for fun, not professionally, so I couldn't justify spending big money on an amp. I bought one for daily practicing and I love it. It gives me the sound of a tube amp for a very low price.👍😎🎸🎶
I agree - this amp is good enough for start, especially as a first tube amplifier and also it has possibility to modify them by exchanging tubes and speakers, which is great. I have almost the same amp: Harley Benton Tube 5, which is the same construction and specifications. I wasn't satisfied by sound of Celestion speaker and I exchanged speaker for Jensen, which improved this amp significantly and next for Weber speaker, which was again much better. Also I exchanged tube for 12AY7.
Great review! I have a Pro Junior which is too loud to play in the house, been thinking of a Stage 5 or Monoprice - I think you sold me on the Monoprice. New subscriber here - cool channel.
It's a good little amp, and as others have said, with a speaker swap, it becomes a great little amp (I do a comparison between the stock speaker and a Weber AlNiCo here: ruclips.net/video/fldE1zg20uA/видео.html). One caveat tho - to get it's best harp tone, you DO have to play it fairly loud - it, like the Stage 5, btw - sounds a little too clean for me at lower volumes. For THAT sort of thing, I would consider a Laney Cub 10 (a little pricey), or a Bugera BC 15 (can be found cheap used). Both have gain/volume combos so you can dial in a dirty sound even at low volumes. Anyway, have fun no matter what you decide!
lol - I didn't. This one is stock, I was just saying if you wanted to swap certain internal components you might need one. To simply swap a speaker or tubes, you wouldn't need one tho.
I always wanted a little Champ type 5 watt tube amp but couldn't really afford one. So when I saw these things I figured what the heck why not give it a try. I play a inexpensive guitar through it and to my ears it sounds very nice.It's got that tube "warmth". I'm totally satisfied with it but may swap out the speaker some day but for now I'm really digging it.
Hi Chris - stock, there are some "minor" feedback issues. I swapped the 12AX7 pre-amp tube for a lower gain $15 JJ 12AY7 (and later a 12DW7 which is sort of a hybrid between the AX7 and the AY7, or so I'm told). The 12AY7 took care of all feedback issues, but then you also lose some top end on the total volume. So far the 12DW7 (also a JJ for about $15 thru Tube Depot) is doing a great job of both suppressing feedback and providing a louder top end. For my trio (no drums), this is plenty loud enough. For a full band with an energetic drummer, it would have to be mic'd, but most of my 5W tube amps fall into that category. The only small amp I have that can really punch thru everything is the Kalamazoo Model 2.
@@Tim48103 nice Tim, thanks for the info. I bought one of those little fatty pedals a while back from Memphis blues. I wonder if that could make a difference too. For 115 bucks what a great deal. Also a nice little tube guitar amp
@@chriscaskenette Yes - I have one of those, too - it works like the 12AY7 - basically just an input gain reducer but does serve to reduce feedback just fine. I use mine when asked to play thru a high-gain guitar amp, like a blues junior or a twin reverb or something. Cheers!
for harmonica? Well, the Fender Bassman is largely regarded as "the" harmonica amp, so there must be something to it. I'm not a huge fan of the Bassman sound, personally, and haven't tried (or heard) other bass amps for harp, but again, the Fender Bassman has plenty of devotees....
Hey Tim, not the subject of the video but: between the Easttop t008k, Fender Blues Deluxe and the kongsheng amazing 20, which has better acoustic tone for you? I learned to play on the easttop and they play nice, but it is too reedier for me and I want more warmth, am I asking too much for the price? I can only afford these three, living in brazil sucks. like your videos alot.
Hey Rafael - I agree with you on the tone of the Easttop - great harp, but a bit reedy or metallic on the tone. Go with the Amazing 20 - nice mellow acoustic tone. The Fender also has a nice tone, but its tone is a little thinner (less full?) than the Amazing 20, plus the Amazing 20 has a more consistent build quality in my opinion. (and the orange comb looks pretty cool!) Cheers!
@@Tim48103 thanks for the answer Tim! and sorry to bother you again; I was thinking in saving some money to buy a Kongsheng Mars in Bb instead of an Amazing 20, i'm planning to practice a lot in one harp to get a goood acoustic tone, since i don't need many keys right now, think it is worth the price difference?
@@rafaelfrug9200 WEeeelll.... the Mars is a great harp BUT it has an "odd" construction compared to "regular" harmonicas, with the round holes and the very narrow profile and slightly protruding comb. This is a great harp to get after you've been playing for a while, but maybe not the best harp to get used to initially since most other harps are built differently. For what you have in mind, I think maybe just go with a Hohner Special 20 - those are solid "regular" harmonicas. Another slightly less expensive but still excellent option would be the Suzuki Harpmaster. Either of these will be great to hammer on until you want to start experimenting....
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought one. 12AT7 swap and Mojotone Anthem 8" speaker. It is now my gig amp.
Put it through a 12" Eminence smooth cone in an extension cab.. Monster.
These are 1957 Champs, printed circuit board. I own a '64 Champ, modded for harp, 10" speaker. Yes, it's the real deal. No, I don't want to risk it at gigs anymore. I love my cheap Stage Right.
Yeah, I've since swapped the stock speaker for a Weber Alnico, did the same valve swap. It's gone from great for the money to just great, period. AND, if somebody (usually me) spills beer on it, I'm not jumping off a bridge. Not the case with my Supro or my Kalamazoo, lol. Did the same thing with the Monoprice's big brother, the 15 watt version, it sound killer, too, and has a bit more oomph when we're not using a PA and/or the drummer is overcaffeinated again. Cheers!
I wondered about their 15 watt model. Have to try it out, thanks.
Nice playing and tone, by the way. Very nice.
@@Tim48103
Thanks for this video. At this time I do not have an amp that I take to gigs. I plug into the PA. I play harmonica in an acoustic duo and we play local small bars and restaurants. I thought this amp had a good sound. I had at one time the Monoprice 15 watt amplifier. It was good but very heavy, so I sold it when Covid came alone. I was without a band and there was no where to play anyway. This 5 watt is smaller, but still sounds like it is heavy for its size. I do like the price. I agree few people that are in bars or restaurants would not know the difference from one amp to another. Your video has me rethinking about an amplifier and for the money this just might be the one. I believe it has a line out and that could plug into the PA. I know the Stage 5 has that feature.
Once again, this was a very good video.
It has a external speaker jack, but no line out per se - I'm not 100% sure you can use that to plug into a PA, but I'm no sound guy by any stretch, so maybe? Also, if you swap the stock speaker for an alnico, it really brings out the blues power. The stock speaker would be better for an acoustic duo tho. Here's what it sounds like with a Weber alnico: ruclips.net/video/fldE1zg20uA/видео.html
One more question. Is it “ Hot” when the microphone is to close? Do you get that loud squill? Ronnie Shellist compares it to the Stage Five RS amp and that is one problem you hear in his video.
@@tnysteph Hi Tony - so, feedback with this amp is a multi-part issue. A) the stock Stage Right "can" have feedback issues - one of the big triggers is when you push the tone knob too high in combination with higher volumes. I like a bass-heavy tone, and rarely bring the tone knob above 1 on the dial. Ronnie has his at about 4 or 5 in that video AND the Stage FIVE has a differently programmed tone control - I had one for years - setting the tone knob at 5 on that amp does different things than setting the tone knob at 5 on the Stage Right, so not exactly apples to apples there. Ronnie is a great guy, but that vid is a little misleading in that respect. That said, yes, the stock Stage Right does have some feedback tendencies at the higher tone knob settings. B) I fixed a lot of that with a simple pre-amp tube swap. The stock pre-amp tube is a 12AX7. A cheap ($15) 12AY7 or 12DW7 will help tame feedback. C) A lot also depends on what mic you use. A really high impedance mic, like the Shure Green Bullet or the BlowsMeAway Bulletini, will give you some problems. A feedback-resistant mic like Bone Daddy's Lil' Honker (II) will pretty much cure ALL feedback problems from this amp, and leave you with great tone to boot. Anyway - long answer, but the bottom line is that with a couple minor adjustments on the tone setting, a simple and cheap mod of the pre-amp tube, and perhaps a careful mic choice, it's not a problem (plus, you know, common sense things like amp placement, etc. common to ALL amps). I gig with mine all the time with no feedback issues whatsoever.
This reply is very helpful. The mic I have is a Hohner Harp Blaster. I know nothing about tubes but you telling me about them is a big help. I want to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
WOW thanks for sharing 👍
Thanks! And, check out what happens with a relatively inexpensive speaker swap! It's very easy to do. ruclips.net/video/fldE1zg20uA/видео.html
I play guitar for fun, not professionally, so I couldn't justify spending big money on an amp. I bought one for daily practicing and I love it. It gives me the sound of a tube amp for a very low price.👍😎🎸🎶
I agree - this amp is good enough for start, especially as a first tube amplifier and also it has possibility to modify them by exchanging tubes and speakers, which is great. I have almost the same amp: Harley Benton Tube 5, which is the same construction and specifications. I wasn't satisfied by sound of Celestion speaker and I exchanged speaker for Jensen, which improved this amp significantly and next for Weber speaker, which was again much better. Also I exchanged tube for 12AY7.
Change speaker to a Warehouse G8A. Expensive but fabulous harp speaker for this amp!
Great review! I have a Pro Junior which is too loud to play in the house, been thinking of a Stage 5 or Monoprice - I think you sold me on the Monoprice. New subscriber here - cool channel.
It's a good little amp, and as others have said, with a speaker swap, it becomes a great little amp (I do a comparison between the stock speaker and a Weber AlNiCo here: ruclips.net/video/fldE1zg20uA/видео.html). One caveat tho - to get it's best harp tone, you DO have to play it fairly loud - it, like the Stage 5, btw - sounds a little too clean for me at lower volumes. For THAT sort of thing, I would consider a Laney Cub 10 (a little pricey), or a Bugera BC 15 (can be found cheap used). Both have gain/volume combos so you can dial in a dirty sound even at low volumes. Anyway, have fun no matter what you decide!
What did you have to use a soldering iron for?
lol - I didn't. This one is stock, I was just saying if you wanted to swap certain internal components you might need one. To simply swap a speaker or tubes, you wouldn't need one tho.
I always wanted a little Champ type 5 watt tube amp but couldn't really afford one. So when I saw these things I figured what the heck why not give it a try. I play a inexpensive guitar through it and to my ears it sounds very nice.It's got that tube "warmth". I'm totally satisfied with it but may swap out the speaker some day but for now I'm really digging it.
Great review Tim, sounds great. Is there any feedback issues and would this amp be loud enough for a small gig? Thanks
Hi Chris - stock, there are some "minor" feedback issues. I swapped the 12AX7 pre-amp tube for a lower gain $15 JJ 12AY7 (and later a 12DW7 which is sort of a hybrid between the AX7 and the AY7, or so I'm told). The 12AY7 took care of all feedback issues, but then you also lose some top end on the total volume. So far the 12DW7 (also a JJ for about $15 thru Tube Depot) is doing a great job of both suppressing feedback and providing a louder top end. For my trio (no drums), this is plenty loud enough. For a full band with an energetic drummer, it would have to be mic'd, but most of my 5W tube amps fall into that category. The only small amp I have that can really punch thru everything is the Kalamazoo Model 2.
@@Tim48103 nice Tim, thanks for the info. I bought one of those little fatty pedals a while back from Memphis blues. I wonder if that could make a difference too. For 115 bucks what a great deal. Also a nice little tube guitar amp
@@chriscaskenette Yes - I have one of those, too - it works like the 12AY7 - basically just an input gain reducer but does serve to reduce feedback just fine. I use mine when asked to play thru a high-gain guitar amp, like a blues junior or a twin reverb or something. Cheers!
Sounds good to me!
Are Bass combo amps good to use??
for harmonica? Well, the Fender Bassman is largely regarded as "the" harmonica amp, so there must be something to it. I'm not a huge fan of the Bassman sound, personally, and haven't tried (or heard) other bass amps for harp, but again, the Fender Bassman has plenty of devotees....
Hey Tim, not the subject of the video but: between the Easttop t008k, Fender Blues Deluxe and the kongsheng amazing 20, which has better acoustic tone for you? I learned to play on the easttop and they play nice, but it is too reedier for me and I want more warmth, am I asking too much for the price? I can only afford these three, living in brazil sucks. like your videos alot.
Hey Rafael - I agree with you on the tone of the Easttop - great harp, but a bit reedy or metallic on the tone. Go with the Amazing 20 - nice mellow acoustic tone. The Fender also has a nice tone, but its tone is a little thinner (less full?) than the Amazing 20, plus the Amazing 20 has a more consistent build quality in my opinion. (and the orange comb looks pretty cool!) Cheers!
@@Tim48103 thanks for the answer Tim! and sorry to bother you again; I was thinking in saving some money to buy a Kongsheng Mars in Bb instead of an Amazing 20, i'm planning to practice a lot in one harp to get a goood acoustic tone, since i don't need many keys right now, think it is worth the price difference?
@@rafaelfrug9200 WEeeelll.... the Mars is a great harp BUT it has an "odd" construction compared to "regular" harmonicas, with the round holes and the very narrow profile and slightly protruding comb. This is a great harp to get after you've been playing for a while, but maybe not the best harp to get used to initially since most other harps are built differently. For what you have in mind, I think maybe just go with a Hohner Special 20 - those are solid "regular" harmonicas. Another slightly less expensive but still excellent option would be the Suzuki Harpmaster. Either of these will be great to hammer on until you want to start experimenting....