Laney amps

[Andy43]

I just got a Laney VC50, and I must say, this thing smokes! The absolute best clean channel I've ever heard. It can go from Fender to Vox territory. And the lead channel is kind of a blend between American and British, but you can make it sound more like one than the other. After owning several Mesa's that cost twice and much, I have to say that I like this more. I can't say that it is a better amp, but I do like the way it sounds more. And I only got it for $600!

I think I've come to the conclusion that British amps are more toneful than American ones. American ones just sound too compressed and dark. I was a bit sceptical about Laney amps before trying it, but I'm glad I did! I recommend anyone to try Laney!

[Jaden]

+1111111110000000000000000000111111100000000 on the Laney stuff...
very sensitive EQ too which makes a change from a lot of amps where the only perceptable difference is between 1 and 10..

I love my VC50 - its be best amp ive owned in 20 years of playing...

[Andy43]

That's the one! Glad to see another user on this board. After owning a combo that sounds this good, I don't see why I ever lugged around a giant 4x12 and head before. The EQ is VERY sensitive, kind of like a Mesa, but with better tone.

[dragsternj]

if you love it so much why don't you clean it every once in a while

[markg5150]

I just bought a Laney Lionheart - Great amp, the clean channel is fantastic, the drive channel isn't bad either

[peter762033]

Soon im going to be looking for a new amp, would the vc50 be a good amp to practice on at home? Also how much would i expect to pay for one?

cheers

[Jaden]

Pete, the VC is ok for home practise, there is an insert loop on the back that you can link with a patch lead, next to that there is a pot that attenuates the whole amp.
normally playing on 1 at home is too loud, turn this pot nearly all the way down and you can turn it up to 2..

expect to pay around £300-350 - they come up on the bay fairly regular - also factor into the price that you may need to revalve - 2 x power valves and 6 preamp valves...

cant recommend it highly enough.. gilbert tones, AC/DC crunch and everything alse - the clean channel is glassy too.

why dont you have a crack at mine when you pop round to collect your guitar ? if you have time.

[peter762033]

Ok thats gd, how often do the tubes need replacing? And how much are they? Also how do tube amps differ from other types of amps without tubes?

Yea that would be good to have a go on yours, ive never played through a proper amp like this lol

cheers

Originally Posted by Jaden

Pete, the VC is ok for home practise, there is an insert loop on the back that you can link with a patch lead, next to that there is a pot that attenuates the whole amp.
normally playing on 1 at home is too loud, turn this pot nearly all the way down and you can turn it up to 2..

expect to pay around £300-350 - they come up on the bay fairly regular - also factor into the price that you may need to revalve - 2 x power valves and 6 preamp valves...

cant recommend it highly enough.. gilbert tones, AC/DC crunch and everything alse - the clean channel is glassy too.

why dont you have a crack at mine when you pop round to collect your guitar ? if you have time.

[Andy43]

Originally Posted by peter762033

Soon im going to be looking for a new amp, would the vc50 be a good amp to practice on at home? Also how much would i expect to pay for one?

cheers

I don't know man, I think the Laney doesn't sound very good at all at low volumes. Worst than a solid state could do IMO. British amps rely on a lot of power amp distortion, and the only way to get that is to crank it. I think you'd be better off with a good solid state or a tube amp that relies heavily on preamp distortion, like a Mesa or Peavey.

[Vim Fuego]

Ha VC50... wuss! you want the VH100R...



Actally I find that at practice levels with the effects retun as a master volume as Jaden suggests the tone is really pretty good, but at a proper gig with the power amp cooking, epic!
Jim

[Jaden]

Jim, yea, fine at practise levels the amp changes when its loud of course, like all amps do .. apparently the 100 watt (VC & VH) sound different to the 50's - thats what I hear anyway, couldnt say if its true.
Andy43 - try the mod that im talking about above with the insert loop and master volume at the rear - it makes a (big) difference.

Pete, power valves are circa £35 a set - Preamp valves £5-10 each..
check out watford vavles for prices on various models.

[Racerx2k]

I've been a Laney fan for over 20 years, now. I still play through a Laney AOR 50 watt halfstack, and love it. Laney amps are, IMHO, one of the best kept secrets.