Question What would you do ?

[lukather101]

Thought I'd let you guys know what i did about a new amp , i just couldn't bring myself to sell a guitar so i bought this little number as a bit of a compromise . It was probably the last amp i would of considered but after reading a few reviews and listening to videos on you tube i don't think i could of bought better on my limited budget.

Sounds great set to 1w in the bedroom
sorry couldn't get the pic to rotate

 

[spkirby]

Um, what is it Dar?

 

[beej]

Looks like the H&K Tubemeister 36 from here!

 

[Roubster]

Nice! How would you compare it to the Blackstar HT20? I'm thinking it's definitely better overall in any case. I'm going to be in the market for an amp pretty soon, but will have to be for gigging as well.

 

[coldsummer]

I am reluctant to give advice on your original question as everyone is different but I am happy to share my experience as a fellow bedroom guitarist and confirmed G.A.S. addict.

I have owned hundreds of guitars, amps effects units over the years and have had to sell gear to fund purchases in the constant search for better 'tone'. I have never been truly happy with the amps I've had as they just don't sound good at lower volumes. As for pre-amps and multi-fx, well they are certainly better now than they have ever been but you really don't have to spend a fortune on the latest 'must-have' box unless money is no object. You can get good usable sounds from relatively inexpensive kit. 99% of times we only need two or three main sounds. I've had most of the high end stuff from TC electronic, Fractal, etc but I'm just as happy with my old Line 6 X3 pro. In fact I'm planning on selling my HD Pro and Axefx std as I don't really use them. It's all subjective but beware of the Emperor's New Clothes syndrome.

With guitars it's a bit different. It's not easy to form an emotional attachment to a box of electronics, but a beautifully crafted instrument is a different thing altogether and I find it much harder to sell any of my guitars, but if necessary I occasionally sell one to release some funds. So that's me, you may be different. Good luck whatever you decide.

Oh and one last thing, you asked whether to sell a PRS or a Ball. That's easy, and I'm happy to give a definite reply to that one. PRS make splendid instruments no doubt which are beautiful to look at and to hold but I find them quite soul-less whereas every single Musicman guitar I have ever owned has captivated me and inspired me to play better. Sell the PRS!!

 

[lukather101]

I am reluctant to give advice on your original question as everyone is different but I am happy to share my experience as a fellow bedroom guitarist and confirmed G.A.S. addict.

I have owned hundreds of guitars, amps effects units over the years and have had to sell gear to fund purchases in the constant search for better 'tone'. I have never been truly happy with the amps I've had as they just don't sound good at lower volumes. As for pre-amps and multi-fx, well they are certainly better now than they have ever been but you really don't have to spend a fortune on the latest 'must-have' box unless money is no object. You can get good usable sounds from relatively inexpensive kit. 99% of times we only need two or three main sounds. I've had most of the high end stuff from TC electronic, Fractal, etc but I'm just as happy with my old Line 6 X3 pro. In fact I'm planning on selling my HD Pro and Axefx std as I don't really use them. It's all subjective but beware of the Emperor's New Clothes syndrome.

With guitars it's a bit different. It's not easy to form an emotional attachment to a box of electronics, but a beautifully crafted instrument is a different thing altogether and I find it much harder to sell any of my guitars, but if necessary I occasionally sell one to release some funds. So that's me, you may be different. Good luck whatever you decide.

Oh and one last thing, you asked whether to sell a PRS or a Ball. That's easy, and I'm happy to give a definite reply to that one. PRS make splendid instruments no doubt which are beautiful to look at and to hold but I find them quite soul-less whereas every single Musicman guitar I have ever owned has captivated me and inspired me to play better. Sell the PRS!!

"Which one would you sell " was a joke.

Sell the Prs "no chance"

 

[spkirby]

Oh and one last thing, you asked whether to sell a PRS or a Ball. That's easy, and I'm happy to give a definite reply to that one. PRS make splendid instruments no doubt which are beautiful to look at and to hold but I find them quite soul-less whereas every single Musicman guitar I have ever owned has captivated me and inspired me to play better. Sell the PRS!!

I get twitchy when guys make sweeping statements like this, I know its in the realm of "in my opinion" but such sweeping generalisations are damaging and too often become taken as absolute fact. I have owned 48 high end electrics over the past 20 years, covering many different makes but mostly EBMM. By and large they've all played well, sounded great etc., but there have only ever been two guitars with the absolute X-factor or "soul", where you pick the guitar up for the first time and get instantly blown away. One of those is my old Axis Sport SSS, the other is a PRS

 

[coldsummer]

OK guys calm down, I was speaking from my own experience and didn't mean it to be an absolute fact. I'm sure PRS guitars are much loved by the majority of owners and I respect that. We are, thankfully, all different.

So just to be absolutely clear, of course PRS guitars aren't bad, in fact they are beautifully crafted instruments. I have only ever owned one and it didn't do it for me, that's all.

 

[lukather101]

I get twitchy when guys make sweeping statements like this, I know its in the realm of "in my opinion" but such sweeping generalisations are damaging and too often become taken as absolute fact. I have owned 48 high end electrics over the past 20 years, covering many different makes but mostly EBMM. By and large they've all played well, sounded great etc., but there have only ever been two guitars with the absolute X-factor or "soul", where you pick the guitar up for the first time and get instantly blown away. One of those is my old Axis Sport SSS, the other is a PRS

Well said Steve.
I have the same affection for both manufactures that's why i couldn't sell anything , i think it's pretty remarkable that EBMM can more than hold it's own against guitars generally 1/3 more expensive.

 

[lukather101]

Looks like the H&K Tubemeister 36 from here!

"Correct"

 

[lukather101]

Nice! How would you compare it to the Blackstar HT20? I'm thinking it's definitely better overall in any case. I'm going to be in the market for an amp pretty soon, but will have to be for gigging as well.

This amp is great for every application , bedroom ,recording and live . At 36w it's sound is massive especially with the 4 x 12 i got loaded with vintage 30's .

If your looking for a quality all round amp with a limited budget you can't go wrong.

Connected it up to my Line 6 M5 via Midi tonight which allows me to switch the reverb , channels , fx loop and also power soak options on the pedal .
It gets 10/10 from me

 

[sballow]

I haven't read through this entire thread but has anyone suggested an attenuator? I have a Mesa Dual Rec Roadster Combo with a THD hot plate attenuator and it is perfect for bedroom playing. I can play as late as 11pm with a really low volume with great tone.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Thanks to neighbors, I can't really use an amp at home. It's always with headphones for me!