good quality solid-state / single-channel tube heads

new fang

hey

i've been thinking lately i need to downgrade from my blues jr. as due to my small frame and lack of car is just too hunky to lug around. i like its simplicity but it's just a heavy piece of work.

i have been looking at the vox night train and orange tiny terror heads, similar enough features to the blues jr., as well as more and better gain which i could well use, and the single tone knob, which i'm a fan of. the problem with those is there is currently a draught in second hand units available.

my other choice would be a good old solidstate. there's two problems here, though: first, is there even such a thing as a high end solid state? second, i dislike that every solidstate comes with a bunch of bells and whistles i don't need. namely the effects loop and two channels. i really do prefer using pedals, and the ease of use of a single-channel interface.

advise me. places to buy would also be appreciated.

darrenw5094

new fang wrote: »

hey

i've been thinking lately i need to downgrade from my blues jr. as due to my small frame and lack of car is just too hunky to lug around. i like its simplicity but it's just a heavy piece of work.

i have been looking at the vox night train and orange tiny terror heads, similar enough features to the blues jr., as well as more and better gain which i could well use, and the single tone knob, which i'm a fan of. the problem with those is there is currently a draught in second hand units available.

my other choice would be a good old solidstate. there's two problems here, though: first, is there even such a thing as a high end solid state? second, i dislike that every solidstate comes with a bunch of bells and whistles i don't need. namely the effects loop and two channels. i really do prefer using pedals, and the ease of use of a single-channel interface.

advise me. places to buy would also be appreciated.

How much smaller can you go from a Blues Jr.?? Is it just for the bedroom or jamming or something else.

eoin5

Its not an ideal amp for all but the zt lunchbox amps are crazy loud for their size. Might be worth trying one out.

new fang

darrenw5094 wrote: »

How much smaller can you go from a Blues Jr.?? Is it just for the bedroom or jamming or something else.

for live situations. it's not a question of size but of weight. i could easily handle a 1x12" solid state because it's twice as light. except i can't think of any good-sounding solid states.

hence the contemplated switch to one of the two tube heads mentioned. i could just carry that to a gig with a speaker cab waiting for me there.

new fang

eoin5 wrote: »

Its not an ideal amp for all but the zt lunchbox amps are crazy loud for their size. Might be worth trying one out.

i'm actually intrigued. it's nearly ideal since apparently it's designed with pedals in mind... any idea what music shops in dublin stock it? have you played one?

eoin5

new fang wrote: »

i'm actually intrigued. it's nearly ideal since apparently it's designed with pedals in mind... any idea what music shops in dublin stock it? have you played one?

I've played one, the sound is better than I'd expected but its not gonna compete with your blues junior for tone. Your best bet in town is musicmaker I'd say.

punchdrunk

swap the heavy speaker in the blues junior with a lightweight neodium one

jimmy99

http://www.philjonespuresound.com/products/?id=13
Have a look at this,100 watts works with pedals.

new fang

to be honest i'm not that fond of the blues jr. it's too boxy. i ordered the bill m. kit to straighten that out but never got around to it. i never really clicked with it. the issue of its awkwardness is not helping matters..

jimmy, i would way prefer something with a single (at least 10") speaker.

so far i'm leaning towards the orange tiny terror and epiphone 1x12" cab. although, from what ive seen, the vox has some sparkling clean sounds that the tiny terror cannot match. i'm less likely to find one used though, and the three-control tone stack is discouraging (i hate it on the blues jr., maybe that's what's turned me off it)

new fang

hey, i have a bit of a tech question

if i order the amp from the states, is there anything special i need to do to make it work in europe? could i just switch the power lead to a three-plug UK one and be okay? or do i need one of those big-ass power transformers?

darrenw5094

new fang wrote: »

hey, i have a bit of a tech question

if i order the amp from the states, is there anything special i need to do to make it work in europe? could i just switch the power lead to a three-plug UK one and be okay? or do i need one of those big-ass power transformers?

You need a big-ass power transformer. Step down tranformer actually. Probably 10kg or fairly close.

A simple 3 plug adapter will see your new amp, burn.

shizz

darrenw5094 wrote: »

You need a big-ass power transformer. Step down tranformer actually. Probably 10kg or fairly close.

A simple 3 plug adapter will see your new amp, burn.

I would imagine Most amp manufacturers would make their amps able to work around the world. I know my 6505+ says it takes between 120 and 240. Im sure this info would be listed in the description of the amp.

Demeyes

shizz wrote: »

I would imagine Most amp manufacturers would make their amps able to work around the world. I know my 6505+ says it takes between 120 and 240. Im sure this info would be listed in the description of the amp.

Most amps don't have that option and need the power transformer to power it safely. Also shipping an amp from the states is going to cost a fortune as they are heavy and you'll have to pay customs on it. I'd be wary of shipping an amp that distance if there was tubes in it too.

new fang

i've a mate in the states who ive asked to have a look around for used single channel tube heads. shipping is 80$ for 9kg. and it could be marked as a retro toaster for customs purposes if the used price is low enough it's worth my time. however, due to the power issue i would much rather order it from here.

i played a tiny terror today (the combo version).. and it was disappointing. really the definition of one-trick pony.

darrenw5094

new fang wrote: »

i played a tiny terror today (the combo version).. and it was disappointing. really the definition of one-trick pony.

Engl Gigmaster. €489 on Thomann.

new fang

not to sound like a dick, but i don't need my distortion to be that tweakable

i just need something that does clean well, does overdrive well, takes pedals well and has on board reverb (maybe). and is relatively portable.

the epi valve sr seems to do the trick. very affordable and very pretty, too.

shizz

new fang wrote: »

not to sound like a dick, but i don't need my distortion to be that tweakable

i just need something that does clean well, does overdrive well, takes pedals well and has on board reverb (maybe). and is relatively portable.

the epi valve sr seems to do the trick. very affordable and very pretty, too.

http://www.thomann.de/ie/peavey_6505_112_combo.htm

This does clean up but the cleans arent great. Has on board reverb though and is muuuuuuuuuuch better than epi valve IMO.

new fang

29kg! does not meet the portability requirement. i find the 15W 1x12 blues jr. heavy, this is a 60 watter and weighs more than twice what the BJ does.

have you played the epi valve SENIOR? there's like 5 variations (jr., standard, special, probably some other ones) of the epi valve, all of them different. i'm going to get the head + cab version so's i can bring the head to gigs. the reverb isn't great from what ive read but the demos of the clean & overdrive i have loved. plus i've heard the lady luck speakers in these and they are great.