Anyone used a Crate Powerblock?

[adamzap]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Crate-CPB150-PowerBlock-Stereo-Guitar-Amp?sku=487829

Seems like a great deal, but how does it sound?

I was thinking it would be fun to put some pedals with this and just play around. $99 isnt bad at all.

[TwilightOdyssey]

It's pretty mediocre, but it really depends on your application.

What do you want to use it for?

[adamzap]

I'm not sure, right now I have a Vox AD30VT and a Crate XT65R.

I haul the Crate around everywhere for practice. I'm not sure that either of my amps sound as good as they did when i first got them. The input jack fell into the Vox twice, tec.

I could probably get a cheap used cab, and I was just wondering if this was one of those deals I shouldnt pass up. Maybe put a Maxon OD808 pedal with it?

[TwilightOdyssey]

I think you would need to use something as a preamp to really get the most benefit from the Power Block; like a Pod, BOSS GT-whatever, etc.

Go processor/modeller > Power Block > Speaker Cab. That should give you a sound better than what you're using now. I would not use the Power Block as a head, tho.

If you're looking for a good, low cost, amp head to use an Overdrive with, I would get an Epiphone Valve Jr and then add a small cab to it. This will sound 10x better, and is all-valve!

[dave_mc]

^ agreed 100%, ben! I bought the epi VJ head recently, and for the price in the UK, it's absolutely great!

Bear in mind that the UK price is closer to $200 at the current exchange rate, and at the USA price of $99 is quite possibly the bargain of the century, IMO. You almost need a bulletproof reason NOT to own one, as far as I'm concerned.

Granted, being valve it'll sound better with the volume control around 12 o'clock or higher- but it still sounds really good at lower volumes too (though granted it's not going to be a heavy overdrive at those settings), and being valve, you can boost it nicely with an OD pedal to get more drive.

I must point out that I haven't tried the crate powerblock- but I have tried the g1200H (whatever) head, and I really wasn't impressed. And it's a lot more than the powerblock.

:drink: