Trying to save up for an amp

BreakThroughWL · 09-07-2010, 03:23 PM

Hi, I'm looking to save up some money for an amp that I can lead worship at my church. It isn't a big church so it doesn't have to be a 1000 watt Marshall, just a nice tube amp that can be heard over other instruments. I play a Epiphone Les Paul, and right now don't have any effects worth mentioning (I'll probably post something else about what pedals I might want to save up for). The sound I want is like a rock, country, blues mix, if there is such a thing lol. If I had to name a band I would want to sound like it would have to be Third Day. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

Stratopastor · 09-07-2010, 03:30 PM

What size of meeting room, how many people present, what other instruments, and how loudly do they play? Is there a drum kit? Best wishes....

**Rainer.** · 09-07-2010, 04:00 PM

Jet City JCA20 might be a good one, unless you need an FX loop, in which case, I believe the upcoming JCA50 should have one...

BreakThroughWL · 09-07-2010, 04:13 PM

Well, I don't know the exact size, but I know it can hold at least 50. Yes there is a drum kit, a bassist, and another guitar player, but they don't always show up, so it's kinda like whoever is there that Sunday and Wednesday. We don't play too loud because the PA that I sing through gets really muffled when it's cranked real high, and we don't mic or amps or anything, but if I had to, I would.

Oh, and I own a Marshall Valvestate 8040 amp, that I actually got for free from a friend's dad, but it's messing up on me some, and I think I want an all tube amp.

**Rainer.** · 09-07-2010, 04:42 PM

I used to play a Valvestate 8240. It was a pretty decent little amp (compared to most SS deals).

Have you tried any amps yet?

Thinking of buying used?

johnray777 · 09-07-2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

Jet City JCA20 might be a good one, unless you need an FX loop, in which case, I believe the upcoming JCA50 should have one...

I agree with the JCA20. Its a really killer amp, and decently price. I haven't had any problems with it.

BreakThroughWL · 09-07-2010, 05:18 PM

I have tried a couple but not very closely, because I haven't really started saving yet. And I know where I can try a Jet City, so that's good. I wouldn't mind buying used.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-07-2010, 05:39 PM

I have played pretty much the whole line of Jet city products, and I am just going to say it...

I would get the 50 watters. The 50H gives my SLO a run for its money. Pretty much the same amp. (And I talked to Mike Soldano about it at length. Basically, it does not have the fabled transformers, but ones that come in the same neighborhood)

The 50 watt combo with reverb was a dream. A little less gain, but still plenty.

BreakThroughWL · 09-07-2010, 06:07 PM

Does the Jet City amps have a switch that let's them be like 50 watts then 25 watts? I don't know what it's called, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker if it didn't.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-07-2010, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreakThroughWL

Does the Jet City amps have a switch that let's them be like 50 watts then 25 watts? I don't know what it's called, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker if it didn't.

I don't recall one, but in all honesty, thats almost no real difference. Sometimes a pentode/triode switch can make a big difference but the volume difference between 50 and 25 watts is negligible. 5 is only half the volume of 50, all things being equal.

BreakThroughWL · 09-07-2010, 06:42 PM

Ok, yeah, I just heard something about them. So, is there any other amps I should take a look at, or is the Jet City my best bet?

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-07-2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreakThroughWL

Ok, yeah, I just heard something about them. So, is there any other amps I should take a look at, or is the Jet City my best bet?

umm, well... how much gain do you need? The Jet city has a distinctly American voice. I really like it. But the right amp for someone will suck for someone else.

I bet you could dial in any conspiracy number 5 level of distortion on the combo.

Just looking at your post, I would start looking at the 50 watt combo, (which is NOT the same circuit as the head.)

BreakThroughWL · 09-07-2010, 06:51 PM

Um, I don't know, I guess not too much if I got a good overdrive pedal right?

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-07-2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreakThroughWL

Um, I don't know, I guess not too much if I got a good overdrive pedal right?

...

This makes me sad.

I would reccomend getting your fundamental tone from your amp. Most overdrive pedals are a substitute for an amp's natural overdrive. If, say you need a British overdrive sound in addition to your amp's american drive... then a pedal might come in handy as a substitute.

Try to find an amp which will provide most of your overdrive needs and IMO you can avoid the money pit of overdrive pedals which don't quite suffice.

BreakThroughWL · 09-07-2010, 06:59 PM

Ok, cool, well, you said the Jet City has an american tone, is that going to be a more clean distortion, or a dirtier, gainy distortion?