Author Topic: Cheap, Low-Powered Fender Valve Amp (Read 6495 times)

indysmith · « **on:** April 20, 2006, 09:48:04 PM »

Well; i won't be getting one any time soon, but i'd like a good one with a decent built in reverb and a perfect clean sound. Don't tell me about current production models, because i know EVERYTHING about them all (went on holiday with just my family and the fender frontline 2006 catalog - i spent more time with the catalog), and none of them really appeal. I'm thinking like a 1-30W 1x12 or even 1x10 combo?
Thanks for help!

Elliot · « **Reply #1 on:** April 21, 2006, 12:49:30 PM »

What about a Blues Junior?

headtheball · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2006, 01:27:25 PM »

if you can find one, a princeton reverb. Nice in a kind of "Half a twin" way. They go for about 5 ton, though, so maybe not a cheap option.

indysmith · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2006, 09:07:41 PM »

Quote from: Elliot

What about a Blues Junior?

no reverb, and it's in current production. NO

indysmith · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2006, 09:09:22 PM »

Quote from: headtheball

if you can find one, a princeton reverb. Nice in a kind of "Half a twin" way. They go for about 5 ton, though, so maybe not a cheap option.

haha yeah, £500 isn't what im looking to spend :?

Elliot · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2006, 01:03:38 AM »

Blues Junior does have a reverb - although it is in production (I don't understand why it can't be in production - that would exclude a Bassman or a twin, which is one of the best amps of all time, but your the boss)

indysmith · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2006, 01:10:33 AM »

ohhh im sorry i had it confused with the pro junior - i'd completely overlooked the blues junior thinking they were the same amp.
looks quite suitable actually. The reason i said no current production models was because (i thought) i'd looked at them all and none really appealed. Has anyone here had any good/bad experiences with this amp?

headtheball · « **Reply #7 on:** April 23, 2006, 02:19:05 PM »

Nice amp, the blues junior, really nice. You need to crank it up considerably though, as below about 4 on the master volume it's pretty ordinary sounding. A good clean boost in front of it works wonders, aking everything a bit clearer and edgier. (I used a pair of boss graphic eq's to achieve this, not exactly elegant, but bloddy effective). Also, these wee amps punish sloppy playing a lot so a good amp to improve on.

Still though, keep an eye out for a princeton. A mate picked one up for about 280, so they are available cheaper than the 5 ton, you just need a sharp eye and a lack of concern for cosmetics.

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #8 on:** April 23, 2006, 04:18:44 PM »

If you want a similar tone to a Fender, try a Selmer T&B amp (50w, 2x EL34) - they are REALLY tasty and you can get a head for around £150 - 200, combo shouldn't take you over £350

You could maybe get lucky with a SF Fender for around £500 but you're pretty much dreaming if you want a vintage Fender for cheaper than that. A Pro Reverb (50w, 2x 6L6) would be a good choice as would a Deluxe Reverb (22w, 2x 6V6).

:twisted:

indysmith · « **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2006, 10:11:08 PM »

ohhh thanks guys- i'll be keeping an eye out on ebay then; many of those amps seem to fit the bill. shame i can't get out and try em all so easily :P

_tom_ · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2006, 10:12:55 PM »

Arent the Blues Juniors like a smaller HRDx? Thats what I read somewhere anyway.. and I know that HRDx seem to be just what you want, great cleans and loads of reverb.

jameslemanski · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2006, 10:56:14 PM »

Hey all,

Just found this forum for the frist time and felt compelled to write as i have a Blues Junior...

Ver very nice little amp... i have a 2004 one (they drastically changed the circuitary around 2000), it has classic old spring reverb, master volume, volume, treb, mid, bass and a fat swich...

when i bought it it came with a cheapy eminance speaker and some fender groove tubes (or rebadged sovteks!).... took about 3 weeks before i upgraded it to a celestion g12-30 (7th anniverary), a set of tesla output tubes and a set of elcro harmonix preamp tubes..

onto tone... very very bluesy tone - if im honest its a bit of a one trick pony... originally i was using a '84 ibanez destroyer but (on the basis of how good this amp sounds) ive since bought myself a Jap Strat!

If your after marshall rock sounds this amp is definatly not for you. it does overdrive - just not a lot! if you want lots of overdrive go for a different amp or you'll have to spend a shed load more on great pedal!

But if your looking for that classic fender tone you will definatly get it .... BUT you have to crank it - and its VERY VERY VERY loud for 15w!!!

For the size and money it really is a very very good amp, however its well worth the upgrade as it makes it that bit better!

i got mine off ebay last yewar for £225 delivered... worth EVERY penny! they tend to go for between £200 and £300... if your seriously thinking of getting one - go and try one first! it'll definatly sway you one way or the other! :D

indysmith · « **Reply #12 on:** April 23, 2006, 10:58:57 PM »

Quote from: jameslemanski

Hey all,

Just found this forum for the frist time and felt compelled to write as i have a Blues Junior...

Ver very nice little amp... i have a 2004 one (they drastically changed the circuitary around 2000), it has classic old spring reverb, master volume, volume, treb, mid, bass and a fat swich...

when i bought it it came with a cheapy eminance speaker and some fender groove tubes (or rebadged sovteks!).... took about 3 weeks before i upgraded it to a celestion g12-30 (7th anniverary), a set of tesla output tubes and a set of elcro harmonix preamp tubes..

onto tone... very very bluesy tone - if im honest its a bit of a one trick pony... originally i was using a '84 ibanez destroyer but (on the basis of how good this amp sounds) ive since bought myself a Jap Strat!

If your after marshall rock sounds this amp is definatly not for you. it does overdrive - just not a lot! if you want lots of overdrive go for a different amp or you'll have to spend a shed load more on great pedal!

But if your looking for that classic fender tone you will definatly get it .... BUT you have to crank it - and its VERY VERY VERY loud for 15w!!!

For the size and money it really is a very very good amp, however its well worth the upgrade as it makes it that bit better!

i got mine off ebay last yewar for £225 delivered... worth EVERY penny! they tend to go for between £200 and £300... if your seriously thinking of getting one - go and try one first! it'll definatly sway you one way or the other! :D

Thanks a load for that man! i'm really not after marshally sounds since i've nailed that with my jcm800. I'm actually looking for bang on what yu've described; a classic fender tone for a strat to be put through. I'm going to the music shoppe tomorrow to have a go!

jameslemanski · « **Reply #13 on:** April 23, 2006, 11:06:01 PM »

Awesome - they sound lush standard - but if you do get one, as i say - well worth the upgrade - so good that it actually made me buy a strat - now im broke! lol ... check out...

www.watfordvalves.com

they do DIY kits for the BJ (bit of a shame about the initials!)

Good luck :D

jameslemanski · « **Reply #14 on:** April 24, 2006, 03:35:55 PM »

Quote from: indysmith

Quote from: jameslemanski
Just found this forum for the frist time and felt compelled to write as i have a Blues Junior...

Thanks a load for that man! i'm really not after marshally sounds since i've nailed that with my jcm800. I'm actually looking for bang on what yu've described; a classic fender tone for a strat to be put through. I'm going to the music shoppe tomorrow to have a go!

Did you manage to try one then?? how did you get on???