First Amp

Gibs0n92 · #1 August 7th, 2009, 09:34 AM

Hey Guys!,

I'm new here, this also is my first post so don't be to harsh. I'm Harald, I'm 17 and I like apple pie... Okay, on to the real deal, shall we.

I've already decided on the guitar that I will purchase, A new Epiphone Les Paul Standard, but I still haven't really decided yet which amp I should get, so I thought, I'd get some opinions here. I therefore have actually 2 questions, should a beginning electric guitarist (I play Spanish guitar) get a tube amp or begin with SS amps. The SS amps, have effects and the tubes I am, considering don't. are they useful? Here are the amps I am considering:
-VOX VT15 (€160)
-Fender Champion 30 DSP (€139)
-Fender Champion 600 (€179)
-Epiphone Valve Junior Combo (€149)

which one would you get for me? :P

I really like the tones generated by player like, Brian May, Slash and Carlos Santana.

Your comments will be much appreciated.

gitface · #2 August 13th, 2009, 01:23 AM

hi, dunno anything about those particular amps, but i went with a cheaper ss amp first of all, a marshall 30dfx, but then the first opportunity to play a good tube amp (hughes & kettner silver edition) i bought it straight away, haven't used the marshall since!! it's just sitting there gathering dust, so i'd say go and try any amp you're thinking of and get the one that sounds the best to you, as you'll only end up selling what you get to buy it anyway if you dont get the right one first time round

Schect · #3 August 13th, 2009, 04:22 AM

Here is my 2 cents. I would go with either the Vox or the Epi. I think it's not a good idea to spend alot of cash on a good tube amp before you really know what tone you want. The Vox has some of the best modeling of the SS amps and I believe it has a 12AX7 in the preamp. So it's a little closer to a tube amp sound. It also has a headphone jack, which is good for beginners. If you decide to upgrade in the future, just keep it for a practice amp.

The Epi is a cool little tube amp. However, you get no modeling or effects. You would have to use pedals, which is OK if you don't mind the additional cost. Actually the Epi with a Vox ToneLab ST is a dynamite combo. I practice with a Vox AC4TV and the Tone Lab. It's also a great combo and is only a little bit more money than the Epi.

I think you would tire of the Fenders pretty quickly. If you want an inexpensive Fender look at the Vibro Champ.

Have Fun,
Tim

screamin eagle · #4 August 13th, 2009, 06:19 AM

I love tube amps, and pretty much exclusively play them--though I do have a vox valvetronix amp.

Here is the deal.

With a tube amp you will get better tone, and a more inspiring sound.
With a SS amp you will have more options and will be inspired and motivated by the shear breadth of sounds at your disposal.

Now, which scenario fits you best?

Are you a traditional person? Go with a good tube amp. If not go SS. Why? Being traditional you will not necessitate lots of effects and amp models. Stick to one sound and practice, practice, practice.

My opinion? Fender blues junior. It's tube, has a master volume, and has reverb, and good tone.

If you can't get that, then get the Vox. (Yes the Vox has a 12AY7, but it is used in the power section, not the preamp--even though it is a preamp tube.)

The vox has great tone and is fairly dynamic for a SS amp, and gives you options for sounds. I think that this is probably the most important thing for a new player. You don't really know what you like tone wise yet. So buy something that won't break the bank and will give you options. After a years time you will begin to develop your ears and tastes, and will be able to make purchases that suit your tastes better.

Get the Vox VT.

It's earlier--sorry if this doesn't make sense.

sweeper29 · #5 March 19th, 2010, 08:16 PM

For my 2 pence buy a used amp - as you are starting out in electric land see if you can find a used Line6 Flextone II (based on the original POD) or other older versions of the modeling SS amps as they can go cheap in some areas yet be fairly dependable. They have a headphone jacks for practicing and enough headroom so you can jam with your new mates or even gig out - cant do that with the models you are speaking to. And with these amps you can run the gammut between tones and FX's as you search for your identity. Save your money and pick out the one you really want later on when you know the direction you want to move to.