Thinking of replacing AC4

Sandvich

The thing is, I actually love the amp. The only problem is, it's a bit awkard. Being a low watter is great for cranking but I can't realistically use it in a band situation. There are actually a lot of amps it's size that could, and being in a small Cork flat space is always at a premium.

It has some great dirty cleans and some nice fuzzy overdrive - I really like how the Overdrive doesn't sound quite like anything else. But at the same time, it's a really tough sound to record and get the sound I want from it.

Someone looking for a more flat out vintage tone using it with single coils etc. might mesh with it a bit better.

I've considered either modding it(new tubes, speakers, etc.) or selling it and getting a new amp altogether.

I'm not sure what to get though. I'd get something a bit higher end this time. I'm thinking a Tiny Terror might have pretty much the same kind of sound, but with a proper master volume and better high gain tones? The TT is basically a boosted AC15, similar to what the AC4 is I think.

I've been wanting to get a third amp altogether, a 1x12 combo(still considering a Peavey Bandit, but it won't do anything Voxy), but I just can't justify it space wise at the moment(and probably cost wise). But if I sold the AC4, I just might.

I've been looking at other options too like the Laney VC15, as it might sound similar and is super portable.

I'd like something that can take pedals - I play a bit of metal and use quite a bit of fuzz and like to use pedals to get that kind of sound. My ZT Lunchbox is fantastic at taking pedals, but is very mid focused.

Sergio

I still have that Marshall DSL 401 combo if your interested and im in cork.It is in perfect condition and can take pedal to boost it no bother.

Grolschevik

I can vouch for the Laney VC15. Great little amp. I've gigged it without it being miked, and it held its own against drums and basss. You may want to put it through a 1x12" extension cab for a better low end in a gig situation, though.

That said, there's a guy in Kerry (I think) on adverts with a Tiny Terror and 1x12" cab for something like €350. If he wasn't in the opposite end of the country, I'd consider it myself. Though the VC15 stays cleanish almost all the way up to max on the clean channel: dunno if the TT could do that...

Sandvich

Grolschevik wrote: »

I can vouch for the Laney VC15. Great little amp. I've gigged it without it being miked, and it held its own against drums and basss. You may want to put it through a 1x12" extension cab for a better low end in a gig situation, though.

That said, there's a guy in Kerry (I think) on adverts with a Tiny Terror and 1x12" cab for something like €350. If he wasn't in the opposite end of the country, I'd consider it myself. Though the VC15 stays cleanish almost all the way up to max on the clean channel: dunno if the TT could do that...

Yeah; I love the Tiny Terror but it might not be practical. Getting a good clean amp and the Tech 21 Oxford might be an idea too.

Sandvich

I just saw your man had his modded for an FX loop... that's pretty class actually. My main issue is that I like to use loads of effects and using them up front can be dodgy if it doesn't have much headroom. Any idea how much it'd cost normally to install an FX loop into a Tiny Terror? It might work out best to track down a second hand combo and get it modded.

Grolschevik

I just remembered the Vox Night Train, their version of a TT.

Sandvich

THe NT didn't really sound any better than the AC4, and it's more pricey I think.

I'm not sure i want to buy another amp just for the sake of it. My problem is I need something with both headroom and something I can crank at lower volume, meaning I'll need a two channel amp most likely. I might be best just getting a good SS amp. My ZT Lunchbox is pretty cool but very midfocused.

new fang

Well, you could get a fender frontman 212. It has a very able clean channel and a headphone jack for home use. Not to mention the two speakers that could handle most venues.

Or you could do what I did, buy a used Blues Jr. and apply a few simple mods to make it sound amazing. I'm not talking new tubes and/or speaker, that's not a mod. Just practical minute-solders that are easy enough and that are worth a lot more than the money and time you'll put in. Including a line-out for recording and a master volume knob adjustment that makes the volume increase much more gradual so you can practice at home. Altogether it'd come to about under what you'd pay for a new one, and with a sound people pay hundreds more for.

Both take pedals very well. But you know, one's a tube.

Sandvich

I've jammed with a guy who plays a 212 before, it's not that bad sounding an amp at all. But it's too heavy and not as nice as a Peavey Bandit which costs around the same.

I don't suppose the bandit does low gain breakupy kind of sounds though?