Suggestions for a blues/clean home amp

[tjcurtin1]

Hey guys 'n gals,

I'm looking for an at-home amp in the price range of the Vox ad30vt. I usually like a clean amp sound that would be good for blues/jazz (like Robert's tone on the John Hiatt stretch of his 'my blue guitar' video). Any suggestions?

Thanks! TJC

[Robert****]

How about a Vox AD30VT?

[tjcurtin1]

The Vox is certainly an option - I just didn't know if there might be a better choice since I won't use most of the amp models on the ad30vt

[sunvalleylaw]

Well, for a good, clean tube tone, with a good dirt channel, try a Peavey Classic 30, found used priced pretty reasonably. Works great for blues tones, and takes pedals well. Does most things but real metal tones.

[Robert****]

In that price range, it's hard to beat the Vox. Maybe the Roland cube amps can get some of those sounds, but really, the Vox Rox. Can't go wrong with a rhyme like that.

[sunvalleylaw]

In that price range, it's hard to beat the Vox. Maybe the Roland cube amps can get some of those sounds, but really, the Vox Rox. Can't go wrong with a rhyme like that.

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=1828

Maybe $300ish.

[Robert****]

I still say for a home amp played at low volumes, the Vox is hard to beat. A good tube amp will give you a better clean tone, but not at low volume, according to my old ears. Do I need to play "The River Knows Your Name" through my Vox on a video clip for ya?


Or you can get the amp I used on that clip - http://cgi.ebay.com/Reverend-Hellhou...QQcmdZViewItem

[sunvalleylaw]

Hmm, I don't think I meant to quote your response as though I was disagreeing. I meant to edit my own post to add info to my suggestion.

[Jipes***]

A good alternative is the Laney LC15, it's a tube amp and delivers a raunchy tone even at low volumes thanks to it's master volume. i have one at home for training and for small rehearsals room

That's the amp that I use in most of my (modest) pedagogic lessons

[markb]

The Fender Superchamp XD looks good too. Tube power stage, good clean tone and a modelling channel for anything else. It's only 15 watts but on the evidence of other 15 watt tube power stages it should have a reasonable amount of volume.

[just strum]

One of the advantages of the AD30VT is the output control on the back. It's a nice feature when you have to keep the sound down and don't want to lose the tone.

I also find that I don't play mine at 30 watts and the setting is usually somewhere around 20 to 25. However, I do on occasion take it up to 30.

I'm not sure how many of you with the 30 or 50 tend to lower the output, but it's a feature I use a lot.

[tjcurtin1]

[QUOTE=Robert] Do I need to play "The River Knows Your Name" through my Vox on a video clip for ya?


Well, sure! While you're at it, shoot it close on your left hand, and I'll get the added benefit of figuring out how to play it!

[tot_Ou_tard]

Robert what model would you use for Jazz? Boutique Clean? The Roland Cubes have a JC Chorus model that'd work well for Jazz.

[Blaze]

I bought this Traynor 40 watts 4 years ago for $800. canadian and it sounds big , clean or overdrive ..Got a celestion vintage 30 or you can get the smallest one, 20 watts too ..These are versatile amps ,playin Jazz , Blues etc..

I have no problem compare these traynors to all kind of fender or so and there canadian made ..

http://www.traynoramps.com/products....&cat=63&id=252

Sound samples :

http://www.traynoramps.com/default.asp?p1=4&p_id=37

Blazes :

[ZMAN]

I would say my favourite home amp was the Blues Junior. 15 watts that sounds like 40. That is until I got my 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue. Clean, beautiful tone. 22 watts and if you decide to head out it can stand alone or be mic'd. This amp gave me the tone I have been searching for, forever.
I also have a Blues Deluxe Reissue, and a Custom Vibrolux, but they are pretty loud 40 watters. Overkill for me, but I was "searching", and I hate to part with gear!

[tot_Ou_tard]

That is until I got my 65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue. Clean, beautiful tone.

I played one for a short time once. Beautiful clean tone indeed.

[Robert****]

I don't like using the Vox AD50VT for jazz. It doesn't have the right kind of bass response for getting the tone I like when I play jazz. No, I'd use my Heatseeker or Hellhound for that purpose.

The Traynors and Fender Deluxe are both great blues and jazz amps.

[wingsdad]

Robert what model would you use for Jazz? Boutique Clean? The Roland Cubes have a JC Chorus model that'd work well for Jazz.

No question a small tube amp (5-30 Watts, 8-12" speaker) willl be a fine amp for clean jazz and blues of all types.

But most lack a headphone out, and unless I missed something, it's not clear if that might be a must for your situation, tj. The only one I've come across with one is the Peavey ValveKing Royal 8. That amp's been discussed around here a bit. Anybody know of any others? Not sure, but I think the new little Fenders mentioned here have it.

The original Roland Jazz Chorus 120 was the 'Holy Grail' of clean for Jazz players. So naturally, the JC120 model is on all the Cubes and Roland/Boss amp modelers and Digiatal Audio Workstations.

The 'Black Face' model on the Cubes, etc. is based on a Fender Twin Reverb. Another 'Holy Grail' of the 'Fender Clean' sound, and for Blues tone.

Of course, played 'out loud', since both those amps were open-back 2x12's, whatever modeling sound you get is going to be a simulation somewhat short of 100% the mark without at least tht type of speaker output. The operative term is 'simulation'.

I had a Cube 30 (new model out now, I forget the exact model number) & it's is in the same price range as the AD30VT. I only let it go because I preferred a different amp for potential 'playing out'.

I have a MicroCube as a compact practice amp, and used in direct-out mode (headphone jack for the obvious intent, or as a DI), if you A/B it with any of its Big Brothers in the series, you'll find them virtually identical in sound. It's purely a matter of how loud you need it for any 'live' play as to which Cube you'd need.

[t_ross33]

I don't like using the Vox AD50VT for jazz. It doesn't have the right kind of bass response for getting the tone I like when I play jazz.

That's because you STILL haven't dropped the hammer on your 335-type axe You just can't get jazzy with all those single coil guitars you have laying around. Something with a nice creamy smooth neck 'bucker is in order. Come on! Get with it! You're falling behind. You haven't picked up a new guitar in over a YEAR : :

Oh, to keep on topic... my vote is for the Vox AD30VT. I think you'll find nifty uses for the other onbaord models and the ability to dial back the output and headphone out make it an ideal home amp. Only thing lacking is a CD input for jammin' along with a backing track.