Blues Jr. vs. Valve Jr.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 12-11-2006, 11:01 PM

valve jr's are nice, but they have very little clean headroom. They can get stinking loud though. The heads can be modded and I strongly recommend one. The input jack impedance mod is awesome. The valve Junior head is a good little amp, and cheap. Nice overdrive at decent volume.

Dbmaj7 · 12-12-2006, 10:55 AM

I tried one of these out - Crate V1512 V-Series Guitar Combo Amplifier (15 Watts, 1x12 in.) and I was impressed with the tone. GC sells it's light beige colored cousin the Palamino also. I prefer the black tolex.

Db

sabertooth181 · 12-12-2006, 07:54 PM

You sound pretty set on tube, but I would just like to point out that there are many SS amps that would sound fine in your bedroom. Think Roland Cube series.

RubberChipmunk · 12-12-2006, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabertooth181

You sound pretty set on tube, but I would just like to point out that there are many SS amps that would sound fine in your bedroom. Think Roland Cube series.

Maybe sometime in the future. Ever since I got my hotrod, I've been pretty interested in a low wattage tube amp. Natural overdrive makes my ears very happy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbmaj7

I tried one of these out - Crate V1512 V-Series Guitar Combo Amplifier (15 Watts, 1x12 in.) and I was impressed with the tone. GC sells it's light beige colored cousin the Palamino also. I prefer the black tolex.

Db

I played the Palomino 30 watt at GC a while back when I was last doing amp shopping. Too much headroom, and it seemed way too bassy and punchy on the attack for my tastes. No matter what I did to the EQ, I couldn't get rid of that.

**Rainer.** · 12-13-2006, 05:54 PM

I almost exclusively practice with my PODxt now. No one minds what volume I play at on headphones...

Ryan Freeland · 12-13-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

I almost exclusively practice with my PODxt now. No one minds what volume I play at on headphones...

Same here. Running my MTS at less than 1.5-2 just doesn't cut it tonewise.

RubberChipmunk · 12-13-2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

I almost exclusively practice with my PODxt now. No one minds what volume I play at on headphones...

Along with the possiblity of a SS amp like sabertooth181 suggested, that would be something more down the line. Actually, I'd sooner get a POD XTL than a solid state amplifier. The truth is, the way tubes work has enthralled me, and I'm wanting that low wattage tube amp so i can experience it.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 12-13-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RubberChipmunk

Along with the possiblity of a SS amp like sabertooth181 suggested, that would be something more down the line. Actually, I'd sooner get a POD XTL than a solid state amplifier. The truth is, the way tubes work has enthralled me, and I'm wanting that low wattage tube amp so i can experience it.

Thats more like me...

RubberChipmunk · 12-14-2006, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq

Thats more like me...

I intend on getting a tube radio one day. Along with a stereo amplifier system based on tubes. I'd set that thing up along with my normal, hi-fi sound system and use it when I feel like changing things up a little bit. [/offtopic]

**Rainer.** · 12-17-2006, 07:13 PM

Considering I have a Fender Champ that rarely gets used, I'm not very into the low-wattage tube amp vibe, just doesn't make my style of music sort of sounds, so I don't practice with it.

Demon_Hunter · 12-21-2006, 07:55 AM

I think the VJ would be the better investment. Comparitively, its loads cheaper than its competition, and its a quality tube amp.

Go with the head though, the combo is nice, but the head is better.

But, Eric, There is no headroom on the VJ, just, absolutely no headroom (atleast not after 3 or 4). But, it doesnt get crazy distorted either, just really really loud.

RubberChipmunk · 12-29-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demon_hunter

I think the VJ would be the better investment. Comparitively, its loads cheaper than its competition, and its a quality tube amp.

Go with the head though, the combo is nice, but the head is better.

But, Eric, There is no headroom on the VJ, just, absolutely no headroom (atleast not after 3 or 4). But, it doesnt get crazy distorted either, just really really loud.

And what, good sir, is wrong with loud?