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Super-Cheap Amp Recommendations?


dwerlin

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So...it's been a while!

 

I've been out of the guitar scene (WAY out of the electric guitar scene...haven't had an electric guitar for several years)...and I'm getting back in (helps to have a friend who's just learning)!

 

I just snagged one of the Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro's on sale ($299) from MF today, and now will need something to play it through!

 

Here's the scenario:

 

  • I'm past any real hope of "rockstardome" so I'm looking for a bedroom buddy
  • Modeling capability to add in some "fun" could be nice, but not a dealbreaker (I do have a soft spot for simplicity)
  • Having a 1/4" output to plug into my powered PA system wouldn't hurt
  • Having a 1/8" input to jam along with iTunes would be fun
  • Having a USB output to be able to connect to my Mac and record in GarageBand would be tremendous
  • Coming in at $150 or under (new) is where I'm aiming (hence, super-cheap)

Thoughts? Suggestions? Should I just go with a floor modeler?

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I'd Just go on EBay and find a small combo.

 

You can buy a 40W champ for around that price. Sweetwater and Musicians friend have them for $179 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Champ...DEAAOSwX~dWqg~ M

 

 

s-l500.jpg

 

Heres another for $139. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Champ...5.m1851&_t rkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26a sc%3D36540%26meid%3Dbf325a5b98d4472baf293856dc334b 9f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D401062 559331&rt=nc

 

 

Line 6 are cool if you don't have any effects pedals. The amps have the effects built in. This 15W is only $90. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-Spide...wauHmpcAUnWEwl Tc9i44jw

 

!!e!Sr1!CGM~$(KGrHqJ,!h!E0fTdt1iHBNN+59kgV!~~_35.JPG?set_id=89040003C1

 

A 30W line 6 for $125

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-Spide...AAAOSwEa5XPoLg

 

Mustangs are popular for the same reason. They have built in effects. This 15W version is being sold for $70

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Musta...vkAAOSwpzdWskj 8

 

 

s-l1600.jpg

 

A mustang 40W for $125 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Musta...UAAOSw5HJXKCdV

 

 

 

 

Champ 30 for $100 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-Champ...IAAOSwRjNXNiEu

 

s-l1600.jpg

 

 

Raven RG60 60 Watt $119 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Used-Raven-R...ucAAOSwDuJWyjo 4

 

s-l1600.jpg

 

 

15W Marshall for $100 I have a Valvestate version which is a little newer. Crankin little box for its size. Loud enough to rehearse with a drummer unmiked.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marshall-MG1...QAAOSwzvlW-w54

 

s-l1600.jpg

 

If you're just playing with 2 guitars having amp modeling and built in drum set can really expand what you're doing.

One of these Fender DEC amps would be good for that for $149.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fender-G-DEC...MAAOSw71BXPjeR

 

 

shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFVxlGvEE2K8pybrSfSRBNKnhi2Sv2JlFR9KyiWBj59ZICrzHBRsQs9nv_NJDZIdQ2Sjj7A0A&usqp=CAE

 

 

 

 

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I'm mostly concerned with clean and overdrive sounds (I'll mainly live on the edge of breakup when playing by myself)...

 

...in the past, for amps in the price range I'm looking at now, I've owned the Fender Frontman, Marshall MGDFX, and VOX Pathfinder. This was years ago (like, 10+ years ago).

 

How have things progressed since then?

 

The Fender Mustang seems to get good reviews. If I really don't care much about effects or a bunch of amp modeling, would I be better off with a Fender Champion (or is the Fender amp modeling on the Mustang better than the tone from the Champion)?

 

Are the new Marshall MG amps (silver panel) better than their older counterparts (gold panel)?

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The Fender Mustang seems to get good reviews. If I really don't care much about effects or a bunch of amp modeling' date=' would I be better off with a Fender Champion (or is the Fender amp modeling on the Mustang better than the tone from the Champion)?[/quote']

 

I'm not familiar with the Mustang II but I can certainly recommend the Mustang III for what you want to do. The price of the II is a bit high for you so I would suggest you try both the II and III before you decide.

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Quite honestly, when I hear "cheap amp" I think of a used Peavey. Lots of bang for the buck, not necessarily a whole lot of gimmicks. Many newer amps will have a 1/8" input. Not sure where you are but I checked the CraigsList for central Mass. and found a perfectly serviceable 30 Watt Line 6 amp for $75: http://worcester.craigslist.org/msg/5579035190.html.

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Just wanted to follow-up here, I ended up getting the Orange Crush 12.

 

While it doesn't have any of the bells and whistles I originally outlined here, I felt it sounded better than anything else I tried in the sub-$150 range.

 

I really dig the overdrive tone on the Orange Crush 12 (I also tried the Orange Crush 20, but the edge-of-overdrive decay was a bit un-natural...as was the case with most of the digital modeling amps - Fender, VOX, etc. - as well...despite the Crush 20 not being digital!

 

For $99, I just couldn't resist.

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Oh also, because who doesn't love pics...

 

FullSizeRender_zpsbl1skiun.jpg

 

 

 

You're in good company with an Orange amp. Paul Jackson of Blackberry Smoke uses Orange amps. Charlie does not.

 

The only thing better than an Orange amp is an Orange amp endorsement. :D

 

 

 

Best wishes with your new amp

 

If it sounds good, it is good.

 

 

[video=youtube;Q_M1eM0izQI]

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