Hello,
I am absolutely new to this forum and I do know about "search" but honestly, the returns I gathered really didn't answer my questions. I have read several threads in this section and obviously, there are some very talanted yet diverse people lounging here. A great opportunity for me ask for general advise on gear I hope. I am currently playing through a '96 Princeton Chorus and have no issues at all with this amp, it is, simply, what it is. It is "what it's not" that has me looking for advise. I think most everyone that has that ear for the "vintage", a tube amp delivers what their seeking. I would assume that carries over to almost every genre to some degree or another. I though, am looking for that amp that would offer a sampling of it all. I have read that the G-Dec 30 with all it's computer generated tones might be what I am looking for. Understand, I am not looking through the eyes of a purist, I'm not good enough to even talk about things like that but I do want to play and get a bluesy tone, I would like to hear what an old Marshall might have sounded like in the early 70's, ect, ect. Can somebody offer thier opinion on that G-Dec or something other that might be what I am looking for? Oh, I guess it is fare to mention price is something that matters. I see on eBay that there is a new Fender GDEC G Dec 3.0 30 Thirty 30W Guitar Amp delivered for $168.00. That is in my wheel house if it does what I want it to do. So, with this in mind, is it ok to ask your opinions here?

I have a Gdec 30 and think they are great practice amps and under some conditions could be used to gig. But if you're asking for accurate reproductions of certain types of amps, I'd say it is lacking there. I only use it at bedroom levels, maybe if I cranked it a little it might sound better, I don't know.
I just bought a Vox ToneLab EX to use for multi effects and modeling. I'm happy with the sound quality so far. Ease of use is questionable. It cost me $250 and you need an amp to play it through, so it's more than the Gdec but I think the modeling part is more accurate.

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'10 American Deluxe HSS Sunset Metallic
'10 JA-90 Thinline Telecaster
'15 Music Man JP-15 Blueberry Burst
'07 Les Paul Standard Faded LCPG #82
'14 Carvin ST300
'12 Carvin CS424S
'66 Guild Starfire IV w/Bigsby
'14 Warmouth Partscaster Daphne Blue

You'll never find an amp, modelling, transistor or valve that does everything well. I dunno what it's down to, whether it's the power amp section topology or simply a matter of paired speakers. I've never heard one.

I've a vibrochamp xd that is similar to the Gdec. It does a range of sounds, some better than others. If you can settle for what it does that you like and forget what it does that you don't like, it's a fair amp. The small cab and speaker make for a low mid that honks a bit that affects a lot of the sounds. The high gain, scooped mids sounds fare better than most because of that. Conversely other sounds can be a bit flat sounding.
All in all, it suits my kitchen playing very well. Offering a range of sounds that can be made to work at reasonable volumes. But that's just me.

What I did do years ago that worked well for gigging was to use a power amp with a POD V2 and a Berhinger V-Amp. The POD did gain sounds, the V-Amp did clean sounds. That worked well and covered a lot of ground. It became a pain to set up and sometimes noise was a factor with the things.

Modelling is definitely the way to go for flexibility. However if your amp is good, why replace it? Get a POD or Fenders new floor effects unit.

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/product/6 ... paign=base

No doubt a bit above what you wanted to spend. But you'll only be gaining from it. It will turn your Princeton Chorus into a Gdec and give you a few pedal sims to play with too. And you won't lose an amp you know your way round and that you can rely on.

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No no and no

Thanks guys, that was exactly what I was looking for. I have something in mind as far as functions go but I am just not familar with the new products to know what it is. I'd like to model some sounds, play back tracks on something other than my computer and experiment with tone. Maybe they don't make anything like that, I don't know. I have read a little about the Line 6 POD HD300 but again I would to talk with someone that has experience with that. Anyway, I appreciate your replys.

In my experience amp modelling is a prblem.......some things can be done well, some things are done terribly.

I had one of the original PODs and, without the pedal board, it was useless for live but reasonable for recording..........

I would maybe suggest some sort of multi effects pedal first, then save up for a tube amp. Maybe something like the older Yamaha Stomp things.......they are quite handy tools once you get used to them.

There is stuff like the Vox modelling amps, I had one and although the modelling left a lot to be desired(imo) the fact it had a couple of tubes in it meant that clean you got some nice enough tones.

It's all opinions though and I would suggest taking your guitar into a store and trying stuff out. \even if you have to call first and arrange it. Have an hour's farting about with a guitar you know into the amps will give you a much better idea of whether it's for you.............

Have fun.

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speak slowly I'm a drummer too!!

And I proudly lack a stick or a kazoo up my arse...........

Spend some time in the Mustang and GDec forums here, you will find a lot satisfied modelling amp customers and members are generous with replies and opinions

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I'm twanged if I do, twanged if I don't

HEy there, I was in a similar pickle not too long ago. I was in the market for a practice amp, something portable, but loud enough to get along with a band setting. I ended up getting a Mustang II, 40 watt 12" combo. I'm very happy with this amp. I haven't tried out all the "online" features this thing offers, but I can dail in and save some pretty good sounds. I would suggest you get out there ant try one out.

I have a GDec 30 not the III the one before and the amp modeling isn't even close, also IMO the effects are cheap sounding and geared towards kids. I turned them all off. I even find the reverb cheesy too. I play to backing tracks off an iPod because the supplied tracks get old quickly. That said, it is what it is, a practice amp. The GDec III is different, but the effects and modeling are still way off for me. I'd look at the Line 6 Spider Jam. It's 75 watts too. I can hook my GDec 30 to the PA system, but I can't bring myself to take it out of the house.
Try one, though, you may like it. For me it's a mediocre practice tool good for practicing your timing. Just my opinion no offense meant.

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Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal

I am completely pleased with my Mustang amp. I have found it very versatile. I particularly like the 90's and the '57 amp models. It offers a lot of effects but can take pedals with no issues either.

Does it sound just like a classic tube amp...no, but it does good enough for me.

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RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head

The models mean nothing if you like the way it sounds. And that's what most important.
I have too many reference points and keep comparing it to the old amps that are supposed to be modeled. You just can't take a tube amp and IMO make a convincing replication. The dynamics are totally missing to my ears. As far as the effects go, Fender never really was an effect manufacturer. They had the Fender Blender, a Chorus and a couple of Fuzz Wahs, though I still have an original Fender Fuzz Wah fron the 70's that I like quite a bit and use from time to time.
I still find the effects on the GDecs to be really cheesy and like I said before, geared towards kids.

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Life...... It's sexually transmitted and always fatal