Amp Recommendations

[BurnBarfield]

Hello, I am looking for a small recording amp. At most I'd like to spend 200-250. Maybe less if possible. Tube or solid-state whatever will work well for a pop-punkish style. Please, don't laugh at me. hah.. Well, more or less like MxPx, Weezer, Rufio, Slick Shoes, maybe even AFI, etc... I know most use Rectos, but I can't afford that. And would it be better to maybe get a V-amp, or Line 6 Guitar Port (looks best for modeling recording). Right Now I have a Carvin SX-200, ADA MP-1 Rack set-up with a few pedals. But I would like to add a new amp. Please help me? The amps I was looking at were the Tech 21 Trademark 10, Pignose G-40, Vox AD15VT, Vox Pathfinder, Kustom Tube 12, Roland Cube 15, Alesis Spitfire, and Epi Glaxie. I know long list, I would be willing to try anything that would work best for my style. Thanks for all your help.

-Aaron

 

[EleKtriKaz]

I have a vox pathfinder...good for recording but probably not what you're looking for. The sound you're looking for will require quality high gain, which I honestly don't think can be had in an amp for $250. As far as recording goes the Line 6 Pod would probably be the best solution for you in my opinion. The Fender Blues Jr. and the Vox Pathfinder are probably the two recording amps at or below the $300 range that I would use. Try them out, maybe they'll work for you, but I suspect if you try out the Pod you'll like that more for your uses.

 

[Fusioninspace]

I've got both the Vox Pathfinder, the Trademark 10 and a Jay Turser (20 watts?). For recording, I would recommend a modeling amp like the Trademark (or SansAmp) or a Pod or whatever. I've use the Trademark (and a SansAmp) for recording and have been very happy. I usually put a ART MP tube preamp in line to add some tube-ish vibes to it. Then I DI into the recorder.

The only thing about the other little amps is that they are either clean or some level of gain/distortion - that can be a great thing if that's within the range of what you're looking for. But it's amazing what those little amps can do.

The downside of the Trademark 10 is the speaker - I'm not entirely happy with that. It's a little 8" job with no bottom. The Jay Turser and Vox both have a nice full sound. I think the Turser may actually have the nicest clean sound IMHO.

I've been through a few of the little practice amps - I've also had an old Peavey Rage (solid state - not bad) and a little Alamo tube amp (not very loud - but very ZZ Top).

Be sure to audition (at home if possible) each one. Unless you can actually hear it with your ears, you may have an unpleasant surprize.

 

[Ed Dixon]

For recording I really like the Line 6 POD or V-Amp gear. Direct connects, produces a range of sounds, and is quiet during the recording process.

Ed