Guitar Amp suggestions

[bendeho]

Hi everyone,

I've been playing with a v-amp and a tascam us-122 and doing some direct recording with amp modelling and have basically decided that it isn't for me. I can't seem to get a sound that doesn't sound flat (even with fake reverb etc) and i'd rather a more 'raw' miced amp than a sterile and flat sounding modeled amp sound.

So i've taken the wind guard off my sm58 (which supposedly then resembles a sm57) and been playing with micing up my crappy little samick 15watt training amp. No it doesn't sound great (the amp doesn't even sound good at all to my ears normally) but i can hear it is more on the right track and i prefer it still to the modeled sound.

My question is this:

1) What would be a good amp that i could pick up relatively cheaply (couple of hundred US would be my upper limit.. i hope to pick up something cheaply 2nd hand) that will give me a solid meaty sound and a degree of control over the tonal quality - just a bit of flexibility for the future i guess. It is purely for recording in my room so i don't need it particularly loud so long as i can get a good sound out of it.

2) On a similar note: when i use the sm58 (minus windguard) to mic the amp, i have the amp at a decent level (i don't want to go much higher for my own hearing) and i still have to throw a fair bit of gain on the us-122 to get proper recording levels. I don't think this is doing my recording many favours but buying a separate pre-amp at this point is not something i want to be throwing more and more cash into. Is it necessary at all do we think?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Outlaws]

Tech Trademark amps seem to be popular. If I ever come across a good deal it is an amp I am going to pickup myself.


But for what I have played, my friend used to have an old Fender Bullet(?) amp. It was only 15 watts and I think it couldn't have had more than an 8" speaker, but it sure had a nice clean sound. I can't remember the exact name or model. But for recording or to be more useful, maybe look for a 12" Fender. You can always use a stompbox for a nice distortion. At least you will have a shimmering clean when you need it.

 

[apl]

Hey, bendeho.

I got a Line 6 Spider II 15 for Christmas. It's rather versatile, and only $160. If you go to their website, you can hear clips.

If you go to my music (link in my sig) you can hear it in the solo for Psycho Surfer, the solo in nice b n young, and all the parts in Kinda Hazey and Untitled. I recorded the amp direct into my US122.

Previouly I was using a Digitech RP50 direct.

 

[Scottgman]

It sounds like you are heading in the direction of a tube amp. If you go with something like a Line 6 Spider, you are just getting another amp modeller (with a speaker and power amp attached).

You might check out Traynor tube amps. They are relatively cheap (for tube amps) and get good reviews. They are made by Yorkville, who has a solid reputation.

Here's one on Ebay going for pretty cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10171&item=7302349779&rd=1

They also make a 20 watt model that might be perfect for you.

 

[spoonie g]

I think the best (used) deal on an amp is the peavey classic 30. It records great. Also, you can replace the stock speaker with a Greenback and get some great british sounding roar out of it.

 

[post.aux.fader]

If you want a good solid state recording amp (I know you tube-lovers are laughing at me now) go for a Vox Pathfinder 15R. I own one and it is terrific, It's got a wonderfully clear clean and tremolo and 'verb to boot. Its only 120 bucks too. I got this amp in October and it has help up wonderfully, no breakup in it at all. Check it out.

 

[gvarko]

Second that...

I think the best (used) deal on an amp is the peavey classic 30. It records great. Also, you can replace the stock speaker with a Greenback and get some great british sounding roar out of it.

Peavey Classic 30...

 

[Outlaws]

2) On a similar note: when i use the sm58 (minus windguard) to mic the amp, i have the amp at a decent level (i don't want to go much higher for my own hearing) and i still have to throw a fair bit of gain on the us-122 to get proper recording levels. I don't think this is doing my recording many favours but buying a separate pre-amp at this point is not something i want to be throwing more and more cash into. Is it necessary at all do we think?

Thanks in advance!

Ignore the suggestions for a tube amp. None of them will get the distortion that is being spoke of until the amp is extremely loud (extremelu being relative to what you have now that you consider to have plenty of volume).

Dynamic mics tend to need lots of gain to get the signal going so that is nothing new. You would need less obviously if you were tracking a louder amp, but its no fault of your own.

 

[cstockdale]

Fender Blues Jr. is another route to go. But, yes, it needs to be opened up to get good overdrive. Really depends on your desired tone. You can also use an overdrive pedal to get the desired break up at lower volume.

Try setting up the amp in a different room so that you can crank it and not kill your hearing. I have also heard decent tone come out of a cranked tube amp, mic'd, with blankets thrown over top to save ears. It does affect the tone somewhat, but it can be compensated for in a variety of ways.

I have had a similar trouble for some time. My solution has been twofold:
1) bought a boutique 5W tube amp, which I can crank and not go deaf
2) have a separate iso booth (aka walk-in closet 5*6 feet in size with staggered stud construction where I can crank my Fender HRDx, and keep most of the sound out of the control room, and play it from the control room.

 

[post.aux.fader]

Electro-Harmonix makes an overdrive pedal that actually uses a 12AX7 in it I belive. Its called "Hot Tubes" Maybe that would satsify your need for tube overdrive, while not skullfucking you wallet...? They have it at musicians friend.

 

[Outlaws]

Electro-Harmonix makes an overdrive pedal that actually uses a 12AX7 in it I belive. Its called "Hot Tubes" Maybe that would satsify your need for tube overdrive, while not skullfucking you wallet...? They have it at musicians friend.

Thats a great idea. I haven't used the EH pedal, but if its anything like my Budda Phatman, then it will work wonders on even a nice practice amp. -and its a bit more of a realistic price compared to the Budda or Mesa pedals.


Off topic a bit, did the Budda sky rocket in price over the last few years? I don't recall paying anywhere near $400 for it. lol I got it new too...

 

[Scottgman]

Ignore the suggestions for a tube amp. None of them will get the distortion that is being spoke of until the amp is extremely loud (extremelu being relative to what you have now that you consider to have plenty of volume).

Whatever. It's not that bad and all tube amps are different. Granted, if you have a 100 Watt Marshall stack-- yes it's going to be very freaking loud before you get some good distortion.

I suggested a low-watt tube amp. My Budda is a 30-watt tube amp. I get great distortion from it without cranking the master to 11. It's loud, but in another room or closet... it works great.

A tube amp is the way to go if you want "great" guitar tone. IMO, buying a cheap solid state amp will not be much improvement over an amp modeler. YMMV.


(Yes, I am trying to provoke another tube vs. SS vs. modeler battle! Bring it on!! )

 

[Scottgman]

Thats a great idea. I haven't used the EH pedal, but if its anything like my Budda Phatman, then it will work wonders on even a nice practice amp. -and its a bit more of a realistic price compared to the Budda or Mesa pedals.


Off topic a bit, did the Budda sky rocket in price over the last few years? I don't recall paying anywhere near $400 for it. lol I got it new too...

Yes, at least the price for their amps. It was about 2 or 3 years ago when they jacked up the price on their amps (around $1000 for the Superdrives). I got my amp right before the price increase. I could sell it for a profit!

According to their old (now defunct) message board, they had just audited their books and realized they were barely breaking even. I guess that makes the price increase pure profit?? I dunno. But I love my amp. I've got a Budda wah that is killer also.

 

[Outlaws]

My Budda is a 30-watt tube amp.

You mean this one priced at $2900:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/481001/

 

[Scottgman]

You mean this one priced at $2900:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/481001/

Yep! That's my baby! I won't tell you how much I paid for her-- it'll make you sick to your stomach.


[size=-2](ok, I'll tell... $1600 brand new before the price hike). [/size]

 

[HangDawg]

Fender Blues Jr. is another route to go.

I just got me one of those for Christmas. It's a really nice little tube amp. You can easily crank it cause it doesn't scream like my dual rectfier.

 

[Outlaws]

Yes, at least the price for their amps. It was about 2 or 3 years ago when they jacked up the price on their amps (around $1000 for the Superdrives). I got my amp right before the price increase. I could sell it for a profit!

According to their old (now defunct) message board, they had just audited their books and realized they were barely breaking even. I guess that makes the price increase pure profit?? I dunno. But I love my amp. I've got a Budda wah that is killer also.

Well if they were only breaking even, and then adding a grand, that is still a good deal in respect to most items are sold for twice what it costs to make.

 

[reshp1]

I have both the Peavey classic 50 and Traynor, they are very different beasts. Both have their strengths, the Peavey will do more crunchy heavier tones (esp. with a pedal in front) while the Traynor really shines on clean to dirty blues tones. I would HIGHLY recommend either (or Classic 30) depending on your needs. Both are exceptional values.

And I get very good power saturation from my Traynor at reasonable volumes (I haven't had the cops called anyway). The peavey is a loud mofo I use live mostly.

 

[ibanezrocks]

I have both the Peavey classic 50 and Traynor, they are very different beasts. Both have their strengths, the Peavey will do more crunchy heavier tones (esp. with a pedal in front) while the Traynor really shines on clean to dirty blues tones. I would HIGHLY recommend either (or Classic 30) depending on your needs. Both are exceptional values.

And I get very good power saturation from my Traynor at reasonable volumes (I haven't had the cops called anyway). The peavey is a loud mofo I use live mostly.

Which Traynor are you using? Because the limited edition blue 50 watt Traynor amp has some really heavy sounds, and a master volume control, you should check it out.

 

[bendeho]

Thanks for all the replies people!

I'm actually going into the store to return my v-amp for store credit. I intend to use it (plus a little more) to buy an amp today.

At this stage i figure a lower end marshall or fender would be good - 15watt max which hopefully i can get the tube sound without wrecking my ears...

Looking at the MG15DFX at this stage, or possible the fender frontman 15R or so. I'm going to listen to them in store but any recommendations are welcome. I'll check out the peavey and some others that were mentioned.