|
Post by Stinger22 on Feb 4, 2021 21:15:36 GMT -5
I reckon the Blues Junior iii is pretty good! Also, if you're handy, you could build a kit. I have a 5e3 type kit amp (That James Muller built) which is fantastic! Modelled on an early Fender Deluxe, I think. I have a grandkid 13 who is turning out to be a musical prodigy. So they were in town and of course he spent some time with me on some lessons and just jamming. Set him up my BJr, Cannabis Rex, and I was playing through my Spark. Living room volume using the Spark app to play backing tracks on the home theater system. I immediately notice that the Spark sounded really good against the BJr. So after us having a blast playing all kinds of styles and me giving him more tips than lesson he left. I was curious so I took my Tele and did the A-B thing with them and at that playing level the Spark sounded a lot a better. And I had clean/on the edge blackface tone I normally use with just a touch of the transparent OD on the spark so I could roll off to clean. Now if I were playing at the little waterhole down on the causeway with my former blues band with sax and another guitar of course I would take the BJr. At that volume the Spark couldn't keep up or cut through the other instruments as well the BJr just has the tone that fits that so good. And better yet my Mesa.
|
|
|
Post by SteveM on Feb 5, 2021 7:12:15 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by justin on Feb 5, 2021 20:09:03 GMT -5
I find the Yamaha is easier to just plug in and play compared to the Spark. The THR5 can even run on AA batteries! Just curious, how so. I don't have to use the Spark App at all and I have 4 press a button on board presets I have set up and then also the ability to turn a knob for 7 other amp models under those presets and normal tone and effects knobs. And I don't need batteries at home but I think you can buy a battery pack that will power it for when you want to do so and still be under the price of the Yamaha. If I want a basic clean tone I just prefer to grab my Yamaha. The built in clean is very good (in my opinion) and it feels natural. It's easy to dial in with different guitars with gain-vol-tone. The clean tone I have programmed on my Spark probably needs tweaking or something. It sounds like too much like a recorded tone and I don't feel as connected when I play it. I do prefer the Spark for overdriven tones and its superior effects. Perhaps I just have those dialed in better... Also once you disconnect the THR5 from a computer, it reverts to the built-in models and cab simulatuons. It can't save patches that are made via the computer app so that takes away that little bit of tweakability. Therefore I don't use it - just plug n chug. The more expensive THRs will let you save though. Also, all the available effects are right there without needing an app. You can only do two at a time - modulaton and delay/reverb. You're limited so it I find it easier to plug and play. The effects on the Spark are much better though. The Spark is great if you have the presets dialed in exactly how you want. But if you want tremolo, for example and it's not already part of your chain, then you have to use the app to "change" pedals. I like both for what they offer. The Spark has way greater potential. I just seem to grab the THR5 when I want clean sounds. It's also very tiny, so not exactly apple to apples.
|
|
|
Post by justin on Feb 14, 2021 20:21:00 GMT -5
I went to Guitar Center today for the first time in 20 years and picked up the Tone Master Deluxe Reverb for 15% off. Since I was planning on getting one of these anyway I just went for it. This was just a random thing as I never really think of GC and just decided to go there and check out the goods. Apparently there is a President's Day sale going on until the 16th. This happy surprise was definitely worth the 20 minute drive. Happy Valentine's Day to me! I was actually going to pull the trigger online next week - would have ended up paying full price and waiting for shipping.
Took it home and played it for a while, then updated the firmware to clip the bright cap and tame the reverb. Nice... This thing is loud! I ended up jamming at the 0.2 watt setting and it sounded great.
I actually considered a nice lightweight Squier Classic Vibe Jazzmaster I've been wanting too, but I resisted. It would have been a great deal, but I had to be satisfied with what I already bought. I've got more guitars than I need anyway. I kind of needed this amp. Kind of...
|
|
Ayns
Wholenote
Posts: 767
|
Post by Ayns on Feb 15, 2021 8:50:04 GMT -5
Nice one Justin. I'm also after a Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb for if we ever start gigging again, I saw a mint used one locally a couple of weeks ago for £650, and tried to arrange a trade with the seller, but it's gone now. I should have just bought it for cash :-(
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Feb 15, 2021 12:53:32 GMT -5
Fwiw I do t think I’ve ever twisted a knob on my Spark. I’ve always used the app. I like graphics. 😎
|
|
|
Post by Duke on Feb 15, 2021 20:33:30 GMT -5
I'd throw in the Vibrolux for consideration. +1
|
|
|
Post by pcalu on Feb 26, 2021 18:04:23 GMT -5
Fender Bjr or a Peavy classic 30.
Inexpensive, sound pretty decent, used my hobbyist and serious working musicians
|
|
Ayns
Wholenote
Posts: 767
|
Post by Ayns on Feb 27, 2021 9:45:03 GMT -5
Not sure if it's already been mentioned here, but I picked up a mint used Blues Cube 30 a couple of days ago. I'd read the reviews, but never played one before. I'm absolutely astounded how good it sounds. It's probably going to be my new #1 gigging amp when lockdown ends :-)
|
|
|
Post by mikeyd on Mar 1, 2021 11:42:08 GMT -5
Udpate -- no purchase yet, but when I do it will be a DRRI or PRRI. Predictable & Boring? Perhaps. Incredible sounding and completely awesome? Heck yeah.
Going used. Can't believe 'street' price for a new DRRI is now $1399.
|
|
Ayns
Wholenote
Posts: 767
|
Post by Ayns on Mar 1, 2021 15:42:32 GMT -5
I don't think you can go wrong with a PRRI or DRRI ;-)
Although both are probably "overkill" for playing at home.
Re used prices, I swear you could pick up a DRRI for £300 - £400 a couple of years ago, now you're looking £700-£800. :-(
|
|
|
Post by larryguitar54 on Mar 1, 2021 18:10:51 GMT -5
I don't think either one is 'overkill' for playing at home. But then I am biased. I have a Twin Reverb as my living room guitar. No matter what they say I need that honking chest thumping low end to remain happy.
|
|
|
Post by rickyguitar on Mar 19, 2021 3:33:52 GMT -5
Might want to take a look at Peavey Classic 30. You can pick one up for a lot less than your budget and they love Teles. I think Fender deluxe is hard to beat but classic 30 is good too.
|
|
MoJoe
Wholenote
Posts: 855
Formerly Known As: quiksilver
|
Post by MoJoe on Mar 19, 2021 6:57:52 GMT -5
Another vote for modeling at home, be it Positive Grid (my choice), Katana or whatever. For gigging alike. Else Princeton or AC15 with a country rocking Tele. 0.2 ..
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Mar 19, 2021 14:24:47 GMT -5
|
|
Ayns
Wholenote
Posts: 767
|
Post by Ayns on Mar 19, 2021 14:50:07 GMT -5
I just bought a Blues Cube Hot a couple of weeks ago and I absolutely love it, but I'm fairly sure I'm going to get a Quilter Aviator Cub as soon as they go on sale over here
|
|
|
Post by Pinetree on Mar 19, 2021 18:12:33 GMT -5
Speaking as a guy with a house full of tube amps, I would seriously at least go and try a Boss Katana.
|
|
|
Post by Leftee on Mar 19, 2021 18:49:54 GMT -5
Have we named every amp know to man yet?
|
|
|
Post by LTB on Mar 19, 2021 19:20:11 GMT -5
Speaking as a guy with a house full of tube amps, I would seriously at least go and try a Boss Katana. My Katana is all I need being a bass player
|
|
|
Post by Stinger22 on Mar 23, 2021 17:17:28 GMT -5
I've just fired up my Katana 100 for the first time since September, and I've even had a go at dialling in some effects/ presets. I can honestly say I don't think you could get a better amp for home use at any price, unless the idea of the Spark's song learning/ jamming facility appeals to you. It's allowed me to defer my GAS for a Tonemaster for another couple of weeks....maybe I wanted to move my Mesa Express out of the living room and back to the studio AND cut down on the size and the spark was perfect for that. It sits on top of that cabinet that holds my home entertainment stuff and even looks nice. Cathedral ceiling and it fills the room at about 12 on the output knob. If it weren't for the size downgrade that Katana would have been HIGH on the list. I don't need a lot of presets, just a touch of delay and reverb, and do my own looking for my tone not someone else's.
|
|
|
Post by satele on Mar 23, 2021 17:48:26 GMT -5
I reckon the Blues Junior iii is pretty cool...also I have a 5e3 kit amp very basic and very cool! Plenty loud enough for the bedroom/loungeroom, but I've played gigs with both.
|
|
|
Post by jhawkr on Mar 24, 2021 6:35:23 GMT -5
I've got a lot of amps, 15 to 50 watts but the one I play most at home and out is my DRRI.
|
|