little practice amp

[kent]

Slug was asking about practice amps in a different post but I'm wondering about anyone's experience with very small amps for bedroom practicing. I've got a Pod but it's run to the mixer on my computer and everytime I turn it on and put on my headphones I start recording stuff and I never really practice. It's helped me alot getting songs written but I'd really like to get into spending more time practicing.

I'm talking single speaker, low wattage with some basic built in effects. I had a Tech 21 Trademark 10 that just completely rocked but I gave it to a friend who uses it live now and I would prefer some kind of effects if possible. I've seen the small Marshall (MG15CDR) in a catalog but I've never seen one at the store. Does anyone have any suggestions?

K

[Kremlin]

I got a Peavey Rage 158 for practicing a while back. Cheap, small, light, reliable.. Sounds like ass when used alone, but with the POD plugged in, it sounds just great.

[Soloist]

Get a crate gfx15, they sound great alone and they have digital effects built in. All of the marshall valvestates sound like crap (I havent tried the new AVT's), the distortion soiunds like static (totat garbage; my cousin had a 2X12 and it had that kind of distortion that just made you thank god you had a nice effects loop to hook up a pedal).

[caprile]

i have to disagree. i believe my 10 watt valvestate is great for a bedroom. the new mg valvestates are indian (i think). those do suck.

[kirk]

I have an old Marshall Lead 12 (looks like a full size stack, but is about 1/4 of the size) that I run the POD into and it sounds pretty good - not too loud though.

I'm selling it too, and although this is not a FS ad, email me if you're interested.

[JESTER700]

I like my Peavey Blazer 158. Doesn't sound too bad. Even plugged my Taylor 412ce into it to accompany a 5th grade chorus at their concert tonight and got compliments... ;-)

[ScottB]

I have to agree with Soloist on the GFX-15. I used to use a '68 silverface Vibro Champ and a ProCo Rat pedal for practice at home.

I bought a GFX-15 for my daughter to use as a beginner's amp. It was replacing the POS Squire amp she got for Xmas in a "Strat Pak".

I plugged into the Crate one day while my Fender was in the shop. All I can say is BEDROOM STACK IN A BOX. The built in effects are cool for such a small amp.

Now I'm the one getting yelled at for using her stuff instead of the other way around!

[rocknrollmouse]

Originally Posted by kent

... very small amps ...
K

... well I have a very small amp, an Orange Micro Crush.

The Micro Crush is (I think) about 3w; built-in tuner; headphone socket; 1x volume, 1x tone; only built-in effect is overdrive; runs off 9v battery (or mains adapter).

Got to say I think this is a fantastic little amp, great sound rock/blues/jazz/ska/reggae. It has a very engaging classic rock sound; the tone, although simple has enough control to be useful - we're not eq'ing a concert hall here(!). Volume is ideal for home practice, I have a small terrace house and a young family, I usually have it set around 25% - don't think its ever been as high as 50%, always found it more than loud enough, and I can pratice any time without worrying about neighbours or kids!

Effects (you ask about specifically) it suffers here, as only built-in effect is an overdrive. This doesn't usually bother me as I tend to play clean, if I want an effect I put a stomp-box in-line. The overdrive can be fun occasionally, but as its switchable (ie on/off) there is very little control here, and when its on IT'S ON. Overdrive is almost controllable from your guitar, cut vol/tone to tame it a bit. (Can't see it would take much to improve this, its a pity the Crush's only effect is its weakest point.)

No problems with the tuner, it does what it says on the tin - and is better laid out than some dedicated tuners I've had! The 9v battery seems to last ages - I put a new long life one in in January, but can't remember the last time I changed it before then.

Finally its tiny size means its easy to store and carry - depending on your case you may even get it in there!

Hope this helps.

[LonePhantom]

Wow! I'm sure that'll help someone back in 2002!

[Assumer]

How about getting a Tech 21 power engine 60 to hook the POD up to. You can find those used pretty cheap.

[EvilEmuOfDoom]

Checkout the Blackstar HT-1. I played one today and was really impressed for such a small amp.

[LonePhantom]

People don't look at dates do they! 2002 people!

[DavyH]

Crank the DeLorean up to 88mph and have another go.......

[bancika]

I got Vox Mini3 just for fun and it's not bad. 3 watts, very small, built in reverb/delay/flanger, amp modeler, tuner.

edit, just saw the date, wow

[drumbART - Bartek Beben]

Used to have solid state randall combo but then switched to Tiny Terror. It's really nice. Marshall Haze is a blast aswell. Always stay with 12 inch speaker. Even if it has like 5 wats.