What's a good small amp?

[cooper]

The Vox Valvetronix rocks, it can do super clean to down and dirty hi gain metal. You get your choice of 11 amp models, assorted effects (auto wah, compression, chorus, rotary speaker, etc). The controls are easy to use, no menus, just chicken head knobs. I'm not a huge fan of modeling amps but this thing has an organicity to it that I was totally not expecting. It BREATHES. It is a hybrid, so has a tube in the preamp to provide some sag and air to the sound. The clean amps don't quite get to Fender tube clean level, but are pretty good. The metal channels are awesome. And mind you they are cheap for what you get, a few hundred bucks for tons of tones.

One of the coolest features is the variable wattage knob in the back. I have the 30 watt amp that can be adjusted down to just one watt of power, great for saturating the tube at low volume and getting that baby to sing at low volume levels. My only regret is not getting the 50 watt version. The 30 watt can hang with a bass and drums at a medium sound level but gets drowned out when things get cranking.

Also have a Tech 21 Trademark 60, not a "small amp" but I can tell you the sound is a bit more solid state sounding than the Vox. Better than most solid states, but not as many options as the Valvetronix.

[EddieVanZ]

Hi buddy. May I suggest you a product of my homeland (ehm....) ?
It is really gorgeous, I'm thinking of buying one for me, too.
The main thing is that sound is taken by a mic in a box that is isolated acoustically (hope this is clear, sorry for the language) so you got real high-volume drive and gain inside and a reasonable volume for the neighbors outside!
It's called Brutus, I'll send some links, hope they are helpful.
Let me know what you think....

ciao
marco


sound samples :
http://www.cicognani.com/download/au...o%20Crunch.mp3
http://www.cicognani.com/download/au...ud_N_Proud.mp3

videoclip :
http://www.cicognani.com/download/vi...TUS%20CLIP.wma

[58super]

i played a Peavey classic 30 for a few years in an original band, great amp!!! But there was something about it that i didnt like, that i couldnt put my finger on, and its been evident in a few peavey amps ive played.

you guys that have a Dr Z are so lucky, they sound completely amazing, would love to try one out one day, but its not likely to happen.

The mini Z is now discontinued.

If you're handy with a soldering iron Weber VST has some small amp kits that look interesting.

[edensdad]

My daughter has this little F*nd*r "Mini Tone Master" 9 volt thing that cranks - rippin' blue's/rock tone. Great with a slide.

No snobbery here - I don't care who made it or what it cost or what kind of electronics are in it as long as it sounds good.

I've had everything from 20 watt 1x10 combos to 100 watt tube stacks and had good and bad in either category - I've paid $$$ for big name amps that sounded like **** and for others that sounded great.

My next purchase will be a Rivera 1 x12 tube thingy (don't remember the model, but it was tan or green) - sweet and silky with a little bit of ground up whoop - as* in there for fun.

>^..^<

[TonyEVH5150]

No joke here, but you may be interested in a Epiphone Valve Junior head (5 watts $99), for the price you could afford to add a cab with a Celestion Blue and have a great small rig that LOVES pedals in front. I know it may not be thought of as the high end but...; I play a Top Hat Super Deluxe and at living room volume you cannot hear a $1,700 difference. Just a suggestion.
JC

I tried one of these yesterday. I was surprised how liitle gain to speaker could take. Then the amp guy plugged the amp output into a 2x12, and it sang. I was amazed that a 5 watt amp could drive a 2x12 seaker cab.

I'll add to the kudos for the Roland Micro Cube. Very flexible amp, amp modeling, built in effects.

I bought a Peavey Valveking 50 watt 1x12. Great sounding, great features, nice price point for a 50 watt all-tube amp.

[fsmith]

I have the Roland MicroCube. That thing flat out kicks @ss for what it is. I take it with me when we go camping etc. It travels really well with only having to pack batteries.

I recently placed an order for one of the Songworks 3350's after hearing about Glenn's 1/4 watt amp. It's due to arrive in November.

[Elmer Imperial]

I recently placed an order for one of the Songworks 3350's after hearing about Glenn's 1/4 watt amp. It's due to arrive in November.

Very cool! Please post up a review or your thoughts on this little guy once you get it! I'm very interested in this amp, it sounds ideal for what I'm looking for.

[candid_x]

I have my Valve Jr plugged into 2x12 Fender cabinet loaded with Celestion V30's. I still haven't put a pedal in front of that amp, I'm having way too much fun just messing with volume controls!!!

This one ain't goin' back

Gary

The Epi Valve Jr. is an amazing little amp for $99, and the speaker/cab makes all the difference in the end result you get. As far as volume goes, the Eminence Wizard is THE loudest speaker I’ve ever used, and it sounds like a weighty train of blues. It made a huge difference in pure magnitude the tiny VJ delivers. For something a little more along Allman Bros. tone, the Eminence GB128 (like a Cel Greenback only WAY better, and rated for 50 watts) adds a nice bit of green grit.

I don’t use pedals in my other rigs, but I’ve been toying with the idea of getting either a reverb or digi-delay for it, as that’s the only thing I miss through the Epi.

The one who sold me on getting one of these is Doug from Doug’s Tubes. He was telling me that, though he’s got some very high end amps, i.e. two Divided by 13 combos, Matchless Chieftain, Bogner Shiva, etc, he spends most of his time playing through his little Epi Valve Jr. Say what? This I had to hear for myself!

One of the things I like most about it is, the simple, direct circuit gives an immediate response, intimate and direct connection to your guitar, like listening through earphones, but though the speakers.

I wouldn’t get the combo, cuz the little speaker won’t do the amp justice. I’m told it sounds great through a quad cab, and I don’t doubt it.

For the price of an average stomp box, you get a well designed and constructed tube amp. Best deal out there, imo.

Btw, you can see the Epi sitting on top of my usual rig in my avatar, where I can plug into one of the two cabs. I may get a splitter and try both cabs soon.

[bluehorse]

It's a 112, 18 amp, tube, with tube reverb and tremelo. I love it. Had it for a year. swartamps.com or fatsoundguitars.com.

[claysails]

My friend bought a Fender Cyber Champ last year that is 100 watts or so and has truly incredible sound (they are discontinued now).

I just dropped $230 on a Vox-AD-30 modelling amp and it has been growing on me ever since. For a 30 watt amp, it has good versitility, great sound, and is lightweight. I never play my Pod II anymore and don't need to hastle with pedals.

I think the modelling amps have brought a mini renaissance in guitar sound for average folks.

[Jamie]

how about the world's smallest production tube amp, the Nano Head by Z.Vex Amps. its one half watt of power which you can even plug into a 4x12.

HOW COOL IS THAT!!

[jamminjim]

I just dropped $230 on a Vox-AD-30 modelling amp and it has been growing on me ever since. For a 30 watt amp, it has good versitility, great sound, and is lightweight.

+1 on the Vox Valvetronix amps. I just plunked down $190 for a brand spankin new AD30VT and I really love it. Its got great effects and amp simulations. I think it really nails that AC30 sound, and the delay is just a trip. I got a footswitch and the two channel switching is great. The little 10 inch sounds as good as my 12 inch drivers. I don't thnk anyone can go wrong with this little jewel, and for the money, how do you beat it? I can now do without effects pedals for the most part at home.

[robelinda2]

i have to go out and try the whole Valvetronix range, the smallest one ive tried was magnificent, and i usually hate modelling amps. so cheap too!!!!!!!

[Spudmurphy]

i have to go out and try the whole Valvetronix range, the smallest one ive tried was magnificent, and i usually hate modelling amps. so cheap too!!!!!!!

You'll love 'em!! Get 1 for xmas.

[robelinda2]

you know i just might! I cant afford ANOTHER ball this year, 7 ive paid for this year! i'm out of cash big time, but i just might be able to squeeze a few hundred out and get a new amp, if it aint too much.