Off Topic Hughes Kettner Amp question

[Mark-NL]

Mods, I'm not entirely sure these types of threads are allowed. If not, please delete and I apologize

I'm looking for a backup for my main rig (AxeFx+active monitor). Not that I think I'll need it, but it IS electronics, so you never know. I want something portable, so I'm looking for a one speaker combo.

I've been looking at the Hughes and Kettner Statesman combo's (20W or 40W 1x12's). I've seen some youtube vids with tones that I like (think classic rock). It has 2 channels and a gainboost. Would suit me.

But, there's also the Edition Tube 25th anniversary. also 2 channels. Bit cheaper too.

Do any of you guys have any experience with these two amps. If so, which one do you prefer?

Thanks!

 

[metalmarty]

A tube amp to back-up a solidstate modeller, how ironic

Anyway, I'm REALLY impressed with the Statesman-line. While I only have hands on experience with the Dual 6L6 and the Dual EL34, I'm sure the EL84-models are equally nice. The Edition Tube feels a bit more generic to my ears, but is still a nice piece of kit. Statesman would be my advice though, truely enjoyed those amps!

 

[Mark-NL]

A tube amp to back-up a solidstate modeller, how ironic

Indeed, but there is some logic behind this. My setup consists of a Monitor and the AxeFx. Normally, if the monitor would fail, I'd use a venue monitor. But suppose there are no monitors for whatever reason. I would be unable to play.

A combo is basically a backup for the monitor AND the AxeFx, so if either of them (or both) fail, I'm still good. (In the case of the monitor failing I'd run the Axe fx in the loop of the combo, using it only for monitoring, and going straight to the board with output2 of the Axefx)

Tubes are by no means a requirement for me, but if it sounds good, it sounds good. And the H&K stuff sounds good to me.

How is the overdrive on the 6L6 by the way? It has the seperate EQ per channel which would be a plus, but I think it's more of a "clean tone" amp??

 

[metalmarty]

Wouldn't a Spider Valve or Bogner Alchemist be a good idea as a backup? They sound pretty good (actually, I really dig em if you turn em up), you can have all (or most) your effects and approximation of tones programmed in when the Axe fails, DI, and they can be had pretty cheap NOS or 2nd hand. Oh, and the SpiderValve has a poweramp-IN optimized for hooking up modellers. Like an Atomic I guess.

 

[Mark-NL]

I considered the Alchemist, but it seems too 'modern voiced' for my purposes. I like the classic vibe the Statesman gets.
The Spider Valve is..well... Line6. I've had some very bad experiences with that brand and rather not use it again.

 

[fbecir]

I am an old school player : I use tube amps (Fender Blues DeVille 4x10" 60W for gig and rehearsal, Marshall DSL401 and BlackStar HT5H for home use) and too much pedals ...
For my holidays I bought recently a Fender Mustang 1 : a 20 W combo with modelisation and I was surprised by the quality for such a small price (~100 € new !). With this amp of course you cannot rehearse with a drummer but for playing late at night or for playing with a computer (there is an USB connection) it's nice. There are other models of the Mustang with much power, for instance the Mustang 3 (100W 1x12" for ~260 €) or the Mustang 4 (150W 2x12" ~390€) and I want to try them because it's perhaps a clever idea to have a backup for my tube amps ... (**** happens !). The Mustang 3 is light (16 kg) thus it's quite easy to carry it.
You can program presets thus even if my pedals die, it will be possible to carry on.
The only problem with this sort of amps is that most of the time, they sound good at low level but when you increase the volume ... well I think you know what I mean. Thus, if I try one, I will test it in real condition (big volume, I think I will have problems with the shop owner ...).

Good luck with your search

 

[benoa]

I second fbecir above! Another vote for the Mustang serie amps. I played the Fender Mustang head a few days back and was very impressed. The only thing that stopped me from buying it (300$) was the size of it. I was looking for grab'n go all in one rig and as the head is the size of a regular amp head, for me I thought it was a bit bulky. But it sounded very good. Could not believe you could get all of this from such a cheap amp.

And this is from a guy that got 4 amps and they are all tube (Peavey 6505 full stack, Marshall DSL50 half stack, Traynor YCV40 combo and Epi Valve Junior).