Author Topic: Valve Practice Amp (Read 10165 times)

Dakine · « **on:** December 29, 2005, 09:09:08 PM »

OK,
as stated in another thread am new to guitar and am moving back to UK from Texas USA.
My marshall practice amp will be sold here due to voltage problems with UK.
So, any ideas/suggestions on a good valve or valve sounding amp combo to get when I come home?
I am into Lizzy, AC/DC, to VR and Slash type stuff.
I will not be able to spend 1,000's and am looking for basically a good practice amp to start with. If I ever gig I will then get a stack of some kind.
Cheers,
Nick

indysmith · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2005, 09:22:47 PM »

genuine classic marshall-flavoured valve-driven tones arent particularly easy to obtain cheaply. i guess you could try the Vox valvetronix series, but they are hybrids, not full-valve amps. if yu are determined for all-valve and low price, also try checking out the Epiphone range.
Also, very well worth a mention is the under-stated Laney series of low-powered valve amps. check the VC15 and the LC15. don't be put off by the low wattage rating. they are bloody loud - and will be more than enough for ur home. probably enough for a small venue.

Dakine · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2005, 09:29:00 PM »

Thanks indysmith
what about Randall and Peavy. Both have valve/semi-valve series combos. Any thoughts? heard any?
Specifically Peavy valveking and Randall RG series.
Or then again maybe a Marshall AVT.

TY

Nick

indysmith · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2005, 09:32:46 PM »

never played any of the hybrid randall or peavey amps i'm afraid, but i can tell you that a Marshall AVT20 just might be the way to go. for the money i feel you can't go wrong with them. i very much liked the tone and feel, coming from such a small combo. obviously it's not AMAZING, but you can get somenice Marshally tones from it. I'd reccomend going to a music store and trying everything in your price range. see what you like the most?

Dakine · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2005, 09:40:53 PM »

Yeah, AVT100 looks cool, gigable too at small venue I would imagine.
Now, as you are being so helpful :) Anyway you think a US Marshall would be able to work in the UK easily?
I believe the transformer is inside and maybe a bear to get too?

tewboss · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2005, 09:51:47 PM »

You could try the Epiphone Galaxie range if you want a basic valve amp as they are low powered.

indysmith · « **Reply #6 on:** December 30, 2005, 01:17:09 AM »

no idea about transformers man! I've said it before, and i'll say it again - i'm a racing driver, not a pit mechanic!
Sorry

carlaz · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2005, 11:46:26 AM »

Check the manual or the markings on the back of the amp to see what kinds of electricity it drinks. My recollection is that lots of amps are designed to cope with different voltages, etc. (so you can take them on your international tours :)), but perhaps that's not always true? Best to check!

That said, buying a Marshall or Laney in the US only to ship it to the UK in a few months may not work out as the most cost effective option (though it may be all right for a very small combo if you're shipping a pile of other stuff anyway).

t3h haze · « **Reply #8 on:** December 30, 2005, 01:38:36 PM »

I highly recommend the Laney VC15, great little amp.

Dakine · « **Reply #9 on:** December 30, 2005, 02:11:44 PM »

Well Mr.Marshall puts his transformer inside my lil demon. Not really conducive to buying another transformer over in UK etc. Got it on sale anyway, then they took another 25% off as they lost the box and it was a floor model so no real worries. Gotta love Guitar Center (NOT for guitars though lol) as they DEF. deal when you push them just a little bit lol.
Nick

dave_mc · « **Reply #10 on:** December 30, 2005, 03:53:38 PM »

don't get a marshall avt, it's rubbish

lanye lc/vc would be worth a look.

maybe that matamp mini 2W amp?
(i haven't tried any of these though)
how much can you spend?

Dakine · « **Reply #11 on:** December 30, 2005, 05:10:44 PM »

Just looking as be about 6 months till come home to ole blighty.
I got the marshall CHEAP so will not be able to afford much with what I can sell it for.
Probably looking around 400-500 quid in the end, but ya never know.
Basically looking for suggestions for a GOOD practice (maybe small gig) amp with "mojo", y'know summit with some character. I guess with a Gibby LP I figured Marshall was the twin. However, cannot afford a JCM stack right off the bat if ya know what I mean :)

dave_mc · « **Reply #12 on:** December 30, 2005, 06:14:37 PM »

emphaisis on "practice" or "small gigs"?

Dakine · « **Reply #13 on:** December 30, 2005, 07:31:47 PM »

Practice right now, but possible for small gigs I guess.

big steve · « **Reply #14 on:** December 30, 2005, 09:35:15 PM »

laney lc30 is certainly giggable, i have one and i really like it. recommended!