Buying a New Amp

[Bodaggit23]

The only amp I have right now is the first one I ever owned, a little Crate CR-19,
and it's fine for practice, but I want to get something I could gig with if I wanted.

I'm looking at a few of the new modeling amps, because in the past I've used a
multi effects pedal "DOD FX7" and I've grown stale on the tone and feel of "canned" effects.

I'm considering the following:

Line 6 Spyder IV 75 watt

line6.com/spideriv/movies.html

Vox VT50 Valvetronix 50 watt

www.voxamps.com/us/valvetronix/vt-series/

Peavey Vypyr 75 watt

www.peavey.com/products/browse.cfm/action/detail/cat/454/item/116750/number/03584330/Vypyr%26reg%3B75.cfm

They all have built in effects, and I've watched all the online video demos of each amp,
and they all have a decent pallet of tones.
The Spyder has a built in tuner that's accessible through the foot switch, but other than
that, I'm not partial to any of them more than the other.

Anyone have any experience with any of these?

Anyone have any other recommendations? I'm looking at a budget of around $400-500,
optional expression pedals included.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[heem6]

I have teh Spider III, it can actually sound pretty decent if you crank the volume up to almost half. Has a good delay built in. Sounds pretty digital at low volumes.

VOX = many, many reports of breakdowns and failures.

I much prefer the tone of my Roland Cube, and I think they make that in a 60 watt version as well. Crisp, barking distortion, delay is not as pronounced as the Line 6, but the clean channel is so beautiful it will make you call your Mother and thank her for birthing you. Less tonal options, but the few that are useable smoke the Line 6, IMO.

[Bodaggit23]

Hmm...I'm looking to get away from stomp boxes, so I'd rather the effects be all onboard.

Maybe this only happens in a perfect world. ;D

I play heavier stuff like Alice in Chains, Sabbath, Judas Priest, Audioslave, etc, and rarely delve into anything clean.

I'll look into the Cube a bit.

[nickwellings]

The only problem with those Onboard DSP/onboard efx amps is that once one effect goes screwy, the whole amp shuts down and dies. Happens on Voxs as Jim said, and on Line6s A LOT. I was chatting with an amp tech and he told me to stay away from them, as they break down so much, and when they do your amp is toast.

Don't know how reliable the cube is though.

[lbeast]

I'm with Nick, the on board amps are cool (I have a small practice one), but if your going to play out and you want something reliable, keep the effects out of the amp. You are better off running pedals and/or guitar effects systems separate from the amp and you'll find everything more reliable. More than likely the "all in one" amps electronics are made in China, Taiwan, Korea, etc... and they don't last forever because of the cheap materials they are made of and the speed with which they are produced. Quantity does not equal quality in this case.

Tube amps such as Marshall, Mesa, Fender, Peavey are all good choices depending on the style of music you want to play. I'm sure you already know that the style(s) of music you like should also be a factor in your purchase of an amp.

I currently have a Marshall reissue 1959 Splawn Mod (VH sound) & a Randall RG100es (Dokken & Pantera) for amplification. I tweak these amps & my effects to get a modified sound from the signature guitar sounds I prefer.

I used to have a digital effects system and sold it to go back to analog/digital pedals. I am much happier with this setup for now.

Hope this helps in your amp purchase

[Bodaggit23]

Well, against everyone's advice, I bought a Peavey Vypyr.

I got the 75 watt version including the Sanpera II for $400 shipped. ;D

Should be good enough for what I need for now.

I might have bought the Cube 60 but I couldn't find one.

Thanks for all the input guys!

Here's a demo:

[heem6]

Cool! Finally a clip from a member! I'll listen to it when I get home tonight.

The Cubes are ultra-reliable, being made by Roland(BOSS). However, they're not really designed for the hardcore market, so you'll probably be happier with the sound of the Vyper.

Shit, I should have sold you my PEAVEY XXX tube amp! Designed by Lynch himself.

[Bodaggit23]

Feb 1, 2010 17:07:07 GMT -5 heem6 said:

Cool! Finally a clip from a member! I'll listen to it when I get home tonight.

SORRY! That's not me!

I found that video on the Peavey site. That's Matthias Arp, apparently sponsored by Peavey, showing off the amps features.

I really like that song, so I thought I'd post it.

If I get enough courage, I might post one of myself.

I do have a Youtube channel with a bunch of videos of a couple of my old bands (including my first band) but Matthias is much better. ;D

[lbeast]

I heard someone playing a Peavey Jack Daniels 30w amp at the guitar show and it rocked on the clean channel and the dirty channel. Anybody tried one of these?

[Bodaggit23]

Feb 1, 2010 22:27:25 GMT -5 lbeast said:

I heard someone playing a Peavey Jack Daniels 30w amp at the guitar show and it rocked on the clean channel and the dirty channel. Anybody tried one of these?

Hmm, no, but I played on a Peavey Renown for years and man, that thing got loud! Had good distortion, lots of mids and highs, but not much bottom.

I can't wait to try my Vypyr on Thursday. ;D

[Bodaggit23]

Oh man...I must say, I LOVE this amp!

I can't believe the tones that comes out of it. Crunchy and tight to clean and sparkly, and every effect I'll ever need.

Heck, my favorite tones don't even have any effects turned on, but they're juicy when you need them.

The effects are great, the amp models excellent, and all the effects are totally customizable.

Crisp and clear...if this thing has a noise gate, it's flawless, because there is zero buzz, and when I stop playing and mute strings, there's silence...Yeah!!

I would recommend this amp to anyone without hesitation. I am absolutely in love. ;D

PS:
Anyone thinking of getting a Vypyr 75 or such, the Sanpera II pedal is a MUST. You can't access the 400 presets or the looper without it.

[heem6]

Glad you like it, buddy! I'm sure having a kick-ass HM to play through it doesn't hurt, either! haha.

Now we need clips!