Author Topic: Valve amps (Read 10276 times)

Ibanezman · « **on:** June 03, 2008, 08:59:23 PM »

Although I use a modelling/MFX unit I'd still like to get a valve amp for that real tube warmth and tone. I may well end up connecting to the amp using the effects loop to use the amp models but I'd still like a decent valve amp in case I decide to move away from modelling in the future. I could always use it just for effects I guess and stick to the amp for my tone.

Anyway, I play a bit of Blues, I like a Dave Gilmour tone, I like Classic Rock like Maiden, Dio etc. and modern Metal such as A7X, Disturbed and BFMV. Quite a mix then :D At the moment I just play in the house so decent low volumes is essential but I'd also like to use it for gigs in the future. The guitar is an Ibanez RGT42 fitted with a set of Cold Sweats.

The amps I've been considering so far are:

Peavey Valve King 112
Laney LC30
Marshall DSL401
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe

That should give you an idea of the price range I'm looking at. The Marshall and Fender are the most expensive and I don't really want to spend more than that. I'm open to other suggestions if you think there are better options.

Horlicks · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2008, 09:06:54 PM »

How much money have you got to spend? I'd add the VC30/15 and used JCM800 to your list too.

Alex · « **Reply #2 on:** June 03, 2008, 09:20:23 PM »

I would remove the Marshall DSL and rather look into the newer VM or JVM series.

I like the Peavey actually, but I am a Peavey whore. :D

Horlicks · « **Reply #3 on:** June 03, 2008, 09:25:11 PM »

Quote from: Alex

I would remove the Marshall DSL and rather look into the newer VM or JVM series.

I like the Peavey actually, but I am a Peavey whore. :D

I wasn't really a fan of the VM when I tried it, just my opinion though. I think the JVM might be out of his price range too.

Alex · « **Reply #4 on:** June 03, 2008, 09:30:37 PM »

I think I may like the VM because my hearing range has already been reduced in the treble range ;-)

Simon D · « **Reply #5 on:** June 03, 2008, 10:10:04 PM »

I play much the same mix of music as you do Ibanezman, with a bit more scope on each end of the scale (light and heavy), and I'm in much the same boat as you at the moment. I bought a Mesa Roadster head thinking it'd be ideal for what I wanted, but ended up returning it because it was just too loud!

JVM might be just out of the price range I suspect, which might not be such a bad thing (in my opinion) - when I tried one I was totally underwhelmed. It might be worth you holding out until the Blackstar Series One amps are released, just to try one out. I've no idea what the price point is yet, but the combo will be 45 watts, droppable to 4.5 with a few points in between. Could be just what you're looking for. If you only played towards the lighter end of the scale, the Laney Lionheart would be a good bet - I've tried one extensively, and they sound lovely.

Spec wise, an Orange Rocker 30 combo could be good - all valve, 2 channel, price around £600. I've not tried one though - anyone help out here?

hunter · « **Reply #6 on:** June 03, 2008, 10:50:53 PM »

Quote from: Simon D

Spec wise, an Orange Rocker 30 combo could be good - all valve, 2 channel, price around £600. I've not tried one though - anyone help out here?

Love it!

If I didn't own the Budda SD30, which sounds in the same ballpark, I'd have one right away. Like a bigger TinyTerror with clean channel.

Having said that, I don't think it's right for the modeler usage, as it doesn't have a loop and the clean channel has no EQ. This could also be an advantage though ...

Ibanezman · « **Reply #7 on:** June 03, 2008, 10:58:26 PM »

Of these amps, the only one I've tried myself so far is the Peavey Valve King. I can get one for £279 which is certainly cheap enough for a valve amp. I think I'd only use this one with the modeller through the effects loop as I found the amp itself to be OK but nothing particularly special.

The Laney LC30 I can buy for £340 and I chose it because it seemed to have a good reputation, was the right size and was a reasonable price. I did consider the VC version but had assumed the LC would be better for me as it was capable of using more gain. May not matter if I use the mfx for amp models but should I go away from that route it would be nice to have a decent amp to fall back on.

The DSL401 is £450 and I can't say I'm desperately keen on spending more than that. Again the spec seemed OK and while I know cheaper Marshalls like MG and possibly AVT are very poor, I was under the impression that valve Marshalls were a lot better.

The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe is £470 and that is really starting to push my finances big time. I'm not so sure of that as I associate it more with vintage tones and I do like gain.

Broadly speaking I'm certainly wanting to stay within £500 and I thought that all of these represented good choices but none seem to be getting ringing endorsements. TBH I was expecting the Peavey and Fender to be discarded but have a little more support for the Laney and Marshall. I'm not sure what to look at now as nothing else has really jumped out at me on the websites and I'd rather buy new rather than second hand.

Twinfan · « **Reply #8 on:** June 03, 2008, 11:02:55 PM »

Of all the above, I'd say the Laney is the best option. Even some cash left in the budget for a new speaker (if required) or a nice set of valves :)

Simon D · « **Reply #9 on:** June 03, 2008, 11:07:48 PM »

Given the budget is so tight, I'd vote for the Laney as well. I've been playing 13 years and am currently on my second Laney - it's not all tube, it's one of the Tube Fusion hybrid amps. I'm looking for all-valve tone too, but as a brand I can recommend Laney - my original one, which I sold to my dad, is still going strong.

Twinfan make a very valid point about spare cash - if you find you want to lob a Celestion V30 or something in there, at that price point, you'll be able to.

BigK · « **Reply #10 on:** June 03, 2008, 11:12:57 PM »

How about a used Engl thunder or screamer combo off ebay? Both have fx loops for your modeller use and the amps themselves will do everything you play very well and will probably make you stop using the modeller (they did me).

if not I liked the valveking alot when i was looking for amps, tried one through a vintage 30 cab and it sounded even better, so a speaker change might be an idea with thee cash left over, as the valveking speakers are the weak link.

MDV · « **Reply #11 on:** June 04, 2008, 11:47:19 AM »

With that range of sounds required I'd recommend an engl screamer.

I'd stay well away from the Valve king. Its only gonna do the dark heavy stuff, and its not gonna do it very well.

Woogie · « **Reply #12 on:** June 04, 2008, 12:41:09 PM »

Laney VC30 212

Oh would you look at that, I have one for sale!! You'd also have spare cash left over ;)

JamesHealey · « **Reply #13 on:** June 04, 2008, 01:24:51 PM »

Marshall DSL isn't as bad as everyone makes out, u just gotta crank the damn thing to 10 to get a half decent tone.

The Laney is going to be the best alrounder with best tone for your cash.

Horlicks · « **Reply #14 on:** June 04, 2008, 01:32:17 PM »

^ That's true, but the combo comes with an MG speaker so everyone thinks it is worse than it really is.