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Post subject: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 11:29 am
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I'm still a ways off from purchasing but want to go in armed with the most knowledge I can. I have a small 15w practice amp and know that I want something bigger. I am just overwhelmed by the choices and want to make sure I buy enough amp; not so much worried about buying too much amp, just the fear of having to upgrade another size.

Having said that, I'm not in a band and probably won't be for quite some time so there isn't a sense of urgency behind this. As an adult I do make my own money so I have a broader budget than most fledgling guitarists. I'd still like to keep it under the $600 range and get something big enough that would allow me to possibly play small venues and still be very happy when playing at the house.

So for those that have been there, what was your 2nd amp purchase so to speak? What was the amp that gave you what you wanted this side of a full stack of Marshalls and a floor full of effects pedals? Right now from Fender, the Champion 100XL and the Mustang GT 100 are on my short list.

As always thanks for checking my thread and I sincerely appreciate the help and advice!


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 11:36 am
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What genre(s) of music do you play?

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 12:13 pm
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Retroverbial wrote:
What genre(s) of music do you play?

Arjay


GAH! I thought I had all my bases covered. I really enjoy everything but Country. Love Blues, Hard Rock and Metal. If I had to stay around a genre it would be more towards the Bluesy AC/DC side of things but I do love Iron Maiden, Volbeat and Metallica.


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 12:18 pm
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Sounds like what you're really looking for is one of those Marshall 60W, 1 x 12 combos.

Arjay

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"Here's why reliability is job one: A great sounding amp that breaks down goes from being a favorite piece of gear to a useless piece of crap in less time than it takes to read this sentence." -- BRUCE ZINKY


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 1:12 pm
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Wellllll....first of all, I'd keep the watts down if you're going to be playing at home. And I am ashamed to say that I'm a tube snob. So, the Blues Jr. comes to mind. There are a number of variations, depending upon your taste. It's quiet enough for home, and you could make it work in a band if you set it on a chair and had a reasonable drummer. Or, you could plug it into a 2X12 extension cab, or mic it. If you are wanting to move up, I'd really look hard at tubes. You could step up to the Hot Rod Deluxe or Blues Deluxe. 40 tube watts is a LOT of sound. I've gigged with these things a lot and they're all you need in a band, but can be a bit loud in the bedroom. Now, an actual Fender Deluxe is only 22 watts (not the Hot Rod version) and is the standard by which many other amps are measured. All of these come in 1X12" combo's so easy to carry. And because they are tube amps, after a while if you want, you can experiment with different tube and speaker combo's to customize it to your taste. Now, these are just Fenders. There are plenty of others out there. Best thing is to hit a big store and try as many amps as you can, with your guitar, or one like it. Right now, I'm using a Super Sonic 22 AND a tweed 5E3 Deluxe together and they sound great. The SS 22 is another, though maybe out of your budget new, but very versatile amp. It's like 4 amps in one. If you want something really simple there's the Fender Excelsior. Seeing how many different styles you want to play, if you don't want to buy pedals, try out a SS 22 combo. The hunt is often the fun part! Let us know how you make out.


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Fri Sep 27, 2019 1:14 pm
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Also, maybe try the Traynor line. They have tube amps in the 20-50 watt range, some Fendery, some Marshally...


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2019 10:51 am
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I think you have some good advise here. I admit I am a tube snob too and also a Fender fan. I love their amps.

The Hot Rod is a tube amp is in your budget. Features wise a lot for your money. Many downsides though. Cheaper because of their build method so repairs are common after several years. Plenty loud for any band. But... these amps are not suitable for home. Long story but this amp has two volumes I can’t hear it and then full blast.

The Fender Deluxe reverb is really nice. Beautiful sound that you will fall in love with. No problem with home volumes. One of the most popular amps of all time. Only downside is in a loud band you’ll be slightly over powered.

You had a suggestion of Marshall due to your music genre. Marshall is great and they have a “crunch” to them. Or “overdrive” which is the sound of tubes just before distortion. A wonderful sound. Fender is known for clean sounds. The Deluxe gets some overdrive because if you turn it on full blast with a loud band you push the tubes. With all of this said Fenders have some versatility because you have an amp that can do clean and get the overdriven sound with effects pedals.

Check out Hot Rods (volume issue can be corrected for home with a volume pedal or eq pedal that has a volume selector), the Fender Deluxe Reverb, or Marshall 40 watt amp DSL 40 which should be in your range.

You have time. This forum can help you!


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2019 7:56 pm
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Have you checked out the new Fender Tone Master amps? Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb. They're a bit over your $500 budget, but you might be able to sell your current amp for one of these. Check out the features and sound. Videos are posted in the Tone Master section of this forum.


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2019 4:09 am
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Given your price range, I would add/give a test drive to the Marshall origin 20 combo also when you get around to testing.


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Post subject: Re: Where to go from here? Buying that 2nd amp
Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2019 6:40 pm
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Yeah, the tone masters look interesting.


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