Guitar Amps

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Q: Guitar Tube Amp – Fender Blues Jr. or Others?
Looking to buy a new amp for my guitar (Les Paul Studio). I’m looking for a really bluesy tone and a pretty knowledgeble friend of mine said I definitely should go with a tube amp for this. Most that I find are quite expensive. I’m looking to spend $500 max (but would prefer to spend even less).

I saw the Fender Blues Jr, which is at the high end of my price range, but it gets excellent reviews everywhere I look. A few questions:

Is this a good amp? Like I said, I’m really looking for that bluesy tone, but also play some rock. Does this amp provide any distortion settings at all? Can you recommend any other tube amps in my price range that are worth a look?

Thanks!

A: I assume you’re talking about a new Fender?

Yes, a tube amp is just about the only way you’ll ever capture that warm blues tone you’re looking for.

Having said that, and this is a personal preference, the older the amp the better.

I suggest looking on Ebay for a used amp, try searching for any old Harmony, Silvertone (anything made by Sears prior to 1977), Ampeg, any older Fender (Champ both silver face, or better yet Black face,). The older Fenders can be very pricey, but are well worth the money.

So far as effects….distortion, reverb, delay….you’ll be hard presseed to find an older tube amp with these effects, not saying they aren’t out there….but once you’ve played through an older tube amp, you’ll learn how to manipulate the volume and tone controls on both the amp and your guitar to get just about any sound you’d like.

Q: STARCASTER BY FENDER reviews
i may purchase a starcaster guitar by fender w/amp, cable, strings,dvd at TARGET for $200

could some one please tell me how you like it.

my gibson epoch is crap, sounds like a loud acoustic, cant palm mute worth $hit. PLEASE PLEASE TELL ME IF THE STARCASTER IS LIKE THAT.

all help appreciated

A: The Starcaster is a low-end model that’s designed specifically for stores like Target and Wal*Mart. No music stores carry it because it’s not high enough quality.

You should buy your guitar from a music store where they will stand behind what the sell you, not from a department store.

Q: Need help choosing a guitar amp?
Ok..its between this one…

http://www.electric-guitar-review.com/2006/03/29/review-fenders-reissue-blues-deluxe/
which is on sale for $560

or this one

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/guitar_amplifiers/vox/ad50vt/index.html
which is also on sale for..$250

the top one is full tube but it costs a lot more….i don’t think i’m going to be doing any gigs with it or anything.. just playing around the house…depends on how long it lasts…anyways..im just wondering which one is best to get for the money?

A: The Vox dude best sound. Got 10 of those and only 9 Fender amps, but the Voxs are just good sound period.

Q: Which Guitar Amp Should I Get?
I have narrowed my choices down to these two amps which one do you think is better overall i want to get more of a John Frusciante tone out of my amp.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-25R-Frontman-Series-II-Guitar-Combo-100364739-i1145385.gc

or

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Marshall-MG4-Series-MG15-15W-1×8-Guitar-Combo-Amp-105182075-i1435633.gc#read-reviews

A: The Fender has more power and a bigger speaker. The Marshall is just a basic practice amp and its smaller speaker lacks bass response. If you can afford a little more than go for the next size up Fender frontman series (the 65r) it has a 12 inch speaker and plenty of power to play with a band.
Both Marshall and Fender make good amps that offer great sound and features. But any small amp is going to sound like a small amp.

Early in John’s career he used a pair of fender super twins (I believe) and that unique fender tone was a big part of his sound

Q: What is a good amp to get with my Epiphone Limited Edition 1966 G-400?
I am getting this guitar as basically my first guitar. I have a Fender Squire amp guitar combo, but it plays horribly and sounds so fake. [i played on a friends set up] And i cant decide what amp to get with it. I dont have the knowledge to know what to buy. I would prefer it be under 400 but not to cheap, it needs to still be able to Create a nice clean tone or a hard metal tone when needed. Im trying to stay away from the Line 6 spyder ones, I think i would be loosing the opportunity to gain knowledge of tone and sound with that amp. Any help?

also, is that a good guitar to get? Reviews seem good.

A: Here’s more reviews on your guitar…

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Epiphone/G-400/10/1

Digital amps have come a long way and for a beginner, I wouldn’t necessarily avoid Line 6.

Try a Peavy or a Fender Blues Junior with a high gain distortion pedal if that is what u r after…

Q: what guitar amp should i get?
hello folks,

i have recently had a series of guitar nightmares, which involved me purchasing several faulty guitars and then having to exchange them. anyway… that ordeal is over, and i now have a gibson sg special in ebony it’s very nice.

anyway, onto the next potential nightmare, i now need a new amp. the one i have ( a fender roc pro 1000 ) is the most unreliable piece of s**t ever made. so…

having ended up spending £750 on my new guitar, i am not looking to pay loads for a new amp. around… £300, if it’s possible to get an amp that will do my guitar justice for that amount. i will pay more if absolutely necessary.

anyway, i have read a few reviews of a MARSHALL MG250 DFX. they are mixed, but it seems like a really good value amp (£250). and i also had my eye on a FENDER FM212, having played one in the shop where i got my guitar. that also seems very cheap (£200ish), so i wonder what the catch is?

there are so many amps out there, my head is spinning. ideally, i would like a fender, because i love the tone you get from them. however, marshalls are always a good bet aswell. i would be willing to consider something else, if justified. i mainly play heavy rock/ metal. but i do love to blues/ funk/ jazz it up aswell, hahaha. so… if someone could advise me on this matter, i would be most grateful.

cheers.

A: I like Fender, too and bought myself a Frontman 65, great little amp with so much grunt! Cost me $600 Australian, about 250 pounds.

I play all types of music, including accoustic and my Martin with a Fishman pre-amp sounds just great through the amp, as does my Tele.

Try one, it’s a good allrounder.

Fender are rreasonablypriced because they are made in China. but don’t let that put you off, even Marshall might be these days.

Hope this helps.

Q: Which amp should I buy?
Crate VTX200S for $300
(http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/guitar_amplifiers/crate/vtx200s/index.html)
Or a Fender Frontman 212R for $350?
(http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Frontman-212R-100W-2×12-Guitar-Combo-Amp-104506076-i1323510.gc)
I’m leaning heavily towards the Crate because it’s cheaper, has WHEELS, has more effects(which are actually good), better distortion, and has higher wattage. What do you think?

Also feel free to suggest any amp in the $300-400 price range.
http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/guitar_amplifiers/crate/vtx200s/index.html – Crate
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Frontman-212R-100W-2×12-Guitar-Combo-Amp-104506076-i1323510.gc – Fender

A: The new Orange Rockman, the frontman has a really crappy tone.

Q: Guitar help is it the amp?
Hi and thanks to anyone who answers. If you don’t know anything about guitars or rather you haven’t been playing for a good amount of time (electric) then please do not answer this question.

I have been playing guitar for a little under a year now. Actually I broke my arm last year and couldn’t play for a little under three months so it’s more like half a year of playing. I started with playing acoustic and in late July (I believe it was somewhere between July 20th and 30th) I got my first electric guitar. I did my homework talking to people reading reviews, I actually went in to a few shops and tried out different guitars. The guitar I settled on is the Epiphone sg g-310 the black version. I like it, it looks amazing and it does what I need it to do, however I have a problem with it.

The problem isn’t the guitar itself, or at least I don’t think it’s the guitar, but rather the sound it is producing through my amp. When I talked to other guitarists (mostly friends, some online, my teacher is strictly acoustic so didn’t talk much with her about it) I was told basically to really try playing what you liked, pick one up that is appealing to you and play around with it, then pick up another and play with it, and ask around the shops and online about one that you like. I did that and couldn’t be happier about my pick because I love it.

When I say that I don’t like the sound it’s producing I’m not saying something like it buzzes or something through the amp because it doesn’t. Just for you to know I bought new strings when I got it and changed them out shortly after plugging it in (changing to the non-factory strings made a huge difference but I knew that before I bought it) anyway It sounds cool and It plays well from what my friends have told me but it also sounds kind of funky to me when I’m trying to play a faster song and also lower down the neck for the high notes sounds off.

A friend of mine told me it might be the amp but he’s been busy and hasn’t had the time, and won’t have the time to come over and mess with it. The amp that I am using is the fender frontman 10g. It’s a ten watt amp and puts out a good amount of sound but I don’t think it sounds that much different.

so do you think buying a more expensive amp will help any and if so would you like to recommend one to me that you like. (I play everything from classical on my acoustic to metal)

I just want my experience to sound better.

and if you recommend an amp could you keep it under 400 bucks

thanks.
whoops i wrote 3 months when i meant 2

A: Hit up a Guitar Center or similar music store and check out pedals. I recommend BOSS pedals. Find something that produces a sound that your looking for. I would stay with the amp for now and go that route. Good luck

Q: How Does This Sound For Everything I Need For My First Electric Guitar?
So, in a couple weeks, Im going to buy my first electric guitar and equipment. I checked out the starter packs on Guitar Center.com, but I didnt really find anything I really liked. So I decided to buy things individually, money’s not an option for me right now, but I don’t wanna go over $350.

These are all the products I’m planning on buying to start out.
Please check them out and tell me if they all look good to start out with. Also, if Im missing something I really need to have, please let me know. Thanks. =]

This is the guitar:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier-by-Fender-Black-and-Chrome-Fat-Strat-Electric-Guitar-103212932-i1147427.gc?mode=1&qso=2

This is the amp. (I know mostly everyone says 10w are useless, but I only plan to use this to practice, and it has nice reviews, so…)

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Fender-Frontman-10G-10W-Guitar-Combo-Amp-104810551-i1370098.gc

Here’s the cable:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Live-Wire-Advantage-Series-1-4–Angled—Straight-Instrument-Cable-100260163-i1128386.gc

Here’s the stand:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gear-One-GS-2-Metal-Guitar-Stand-102564515-i1167832.gc

Here’s the strap:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Perri-s-2–Nylon-Guitar-Strap-with-Leather-Ends-360476-i1170965.gc

Here’s the strings:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ernie-Ball-2221-Nickel-Regular-Slinky-Electric-Guitar-Strings-6-Pack-101797-i1274024.gc

And, of course, a learning book since Im clueless with electric guitars lol:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/SMP-Beginning-Electric-Guitar-DVD-945994-i1162503.gc

So all that look ok together? Anything Im missing?
(I already have picks…)

Thanks to anyone that helps. =]
Thanks. I totally forgot bout the case. xD

And what is the difference between a solid bridge and tremello?…
Oops, also failed to mention I have a tuner.

And I ain’t completely clueless as to playing guitar, cause I play acoustic, but I’ve never tried electric.
LoL.

Thank you all for the details and help so far. ^_^

A: Congratulations on staring to play an instrument, and all the research you have done. You ask if you have forgotten anything, and say that you are *clueless* – your word, not mine. Well, the FIRST thing you need to do is get a really good TEACHER. Not only will they help you learn correctly, but you will get really good MUCH faster. Yes, there are some people who can teach themselves IF they already have some background, play another instrument, or have someone LIVE to go to, when they get stuck, like a sibling or friend – and that FRIEND has learned correctly. No, there are not videos, CD-ROMs, or self-teaching books that are worth a nickel – they only make money for the people selling them. If that person cannot see you and hear you – they cannot HELP you. If this WORKED – then why do people take lessons, or even go to college to major in music? If you are saying “this is just for fun” – then you will NOT have fun if you are frustrated, and find out that you bought the *wrong* stuff, or far more than you needed.

I judge music competitions ( since 1971!) – and can tell in 15 seconds, who has had GOOD instruction, who has had BAD, and who has had NONE, beyond just being in band and doing the basic school lessons. I wish I could fix them ALL – but I cannot; I am only there to judge. If you want to get REALLY GOOD and do it REALLY FAST – get the best teacher you can find. Make sure they have a degree in music – NOT the local stoner who teaches at the music store (you MIGHT find degreed people who teach there – ASK – you are paying them!!! They work for YOU!!!) A good teacher is worth every dollar, and a poor teacher is a waste of every dime. I wish you much luck – PLEASE do this right, sop you will LAST, and be really good.

Q: What is a good beginners guitar?
What is a good beginners guitar?
I mean a guitar that is cheap, not like something $300-$30000, easy to use and learn for beginners, and actually good quality. I heard fender had some good options, like the SE Special strat pack, which came with not only a guitar but an amp, guitar strap, case, cable, picks, instruction booklet, tuner etc. which is good because you get more than just the guitar for a reasonable price. I also heard the squier fat stratocaster is good, though it only comes with the guitar. However, someone told me cheap fenders were not good. I also heard the same about Ibanez guitars. I also heard the epiphone G-310 SG, Yamaha PAC012DLX Pacifica Series HSS deluxe, squier affinity series, and epiphone Les Paul Special II (2) were good beginner guitars, but the reviews could be biased or authors bribed so I dont know which one of these to choose or if they are all bad and I should get a completely different one instead! Which guitar, in your opinion, is the all around best guitar for beginners? Please help me!

A: DO NOT BUY A PACK! the stuff is low quality and breaks easily. you are much better off buying a good quality guitar and good quality amp separately. that way, you can also pick the sound you like.

basically, you’re better off going to someplace like guitar center and testing out amps and guitars rather than going by recommendations, because people obviously have different opinions.

Q: I got $400 for a graduation present, i want to know how you would spend it on guitar equipment.?
Ok i’ve come up with 3 things im interested in.

1) Epiphone G-400 guitar: The Gibson SG is my all time favorite guitar, and from what i’ve read about the G-400, its the next best thing to an actual Gibson. I’m in desperate need of a new guitar. I got a BC Rich RAVE for christmas 4 years ago and have learned everything i know about music on that guitar. Reality is, the guitar sucks and I need something better than that.

2) Line 6 Spider III 75w: The reviews i’ve read give this amp anywhere from “Amazing” to “Dismal” so i’m assuming, like all pieces of musical equipment, its just an opinion thing. I’ve played on this amp and love the features it comes with, but probably will end up using it with some pedals instead of it’s built in effects. I want something thats gig-worthy, not something thats gonna sit in my basement. I’m playing on a little 15w Big Mouth amp thats been great for me, outplaying and fender amp ive played on, and is more than enough for practicing purposes

3) BOSS pedals: BOSS pedals, in my experience are the best. $400 towards these can get me a pretty standard rig (Distortion, Delay, Chorus, Wah). The thing about the pedals is that i know that they’re good enough that i’ll stick with them for a long time and they’ll be solid for me.

Honestly i’m leaning towards the amp. Line 6 makes excellent products from what i’ve seen and at less than $300, its the best value of Money for Wattage ive found. I know that all musicians are different and their opinions vary all over the spectrum. But there’s gotta be some products out there that are collectively agreed to be great.

Let me know what you think, what should i go with? Or if you have a different suggestion… i just wanna make sure i’m going to get the best bang for my buck. Thanks

A: Well, here’s my suggestion- either save up some more to buy your SG, if you don’t have enough- or get a Boss pedal. My boyfriend recently bought one and he is VERY happy with it. He uses it with a Peavey Valveking amp with a Laney cab.
VERY cool.

Also, generous grad present you got- I didn’t get anything when I got my degree…

Q: Should I get a Fender Super Champ or Vox Valvetronix VT30?
I am in the process of purchasing a guitar amp. I am a bass player who up until about a year ago hasn’t touched a guitar. Now that I am starting to play guitar I am looking at two guitar amps, instead of the bass amp I have been using. I’ve narrowed my choices between the Fender Super Champ or the new Vov Valvetronix VT30. As of now I own a whammy pedal and a Little Big Muff. I am looking for a good metal sound as well as something that can handle a little bit of everything else, rock, blues, etc.

So I guess the questions I am asking are…

1. What are the advantages to a tube amp vs. solid state?
2. What are the disadvantages of tube amp vs. solid state?
3. Are there any limitations to tube amps, also how often would they need replaced?
4. Most reviews tell me to replace the speaker in the Super Champ, how hard is that and what would it cost?
5. Can I get a metal sound out of the Super Champ?
6. Which amp would be best suited for me?
7. Are there any other similar amps that I may have looked over?

A: go with the fender.
the sound is a bit better for the trained ear, it’s more enjoyable to play.

Q: I want to play electric guitar, what else do I need besides the guitar?
Ok, I’m saving up to buy my first guitar. I want to play as a hobby. I’ve been looking at the Ibanez ART100 (if you have any input tell me!) I’ve only seen positive reviews. So I know I need an amp too (I was looking at the Fender Frontman 10G 10W combo, any input?) What else would I need? I know I need a cable to connect the guitar and amp but I don’t know what they’re called…also, the amp has a headphone jack, but I’m not sure if I would need an adapter?

Thanks, I’m new to the guitar world!

A: A lot of guitar companies offer beginner packs, which include a guitar, practice amp, cable, gig bag, strap, picks, strings, a tuner and sometimes headphones. Your best bet is to get one of these packs, instead of buying these things individually. That way, you save a lot of money.

The prices vary, depending on the company and what’s offered in the pack but they can range anywhere from $89 all the way up to $580.

Q: Would you recommend this amp?
I’ve been looking for a new amp for my guitar because mine sucks right now. I have a POD 2.0 which makes my amp sound better but still not great. I’ve been eyeing the Fender Frontman 25R because it is a decent price and reviews say it has a good clean tone. If I got it I would most likely hook my POD up to it, does anyone know from experience or could guess, would this sound good?

A: Fender makes a good product, but if you can afford a Marshall, that’s the way to go.

Q: What kind of amp should I get?
I’m looking into getting a new guitar amp and I’m not sure where to start. I plan to use it by myself for the most part so I don’t want anything too big, but I want a quality sound. I don’t need a bunch of effects, mainly just a clean channel, bluesy distortion, and quality metal-ish distortion built in or with a pedal.

I’ve been looking at solid state combo amps in the $100-200 range with around 30W and a 10-12″ speaker. I tried a few at Guitar Center, but couldn’t really get a feel for what I liked. Tried a Line 6 and a Marshall and I’ve used Behringers and Fenders in the past. Any suggestions or reviews would be great!

Also, for effects I mainly want good metal distortion. I used to have a Digitech Metal Master pedal which I liked, but I accidentally fried it with the wrong cable. I’ve heard they don’t make them anymore so I’m not sure what to look for, any suggestions?

Thanks
Andrew

A: Get a Fender Frontman for the clean sound and the ‘bluesy’ sound, but add a distortion pedal for the metal sound. Digitech makes the RP series that models many different pedals. Even the low-end RP pedal would probably have what you wanted.

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