New Guitarist - Amp w/ FX or Amp + FX Pedal?

[phoenixrage]

So I just got into the world of guitars, and I picked up a used 30W Peavey Express 112 amp to start. But after trying it out, I felt that I wanted a different sound, something metal. I went into a local shop and tried out an amp with FX built into it, and with the FX turned on, I got the sound I wanted. (it was a Line 6 15W amp)

So what would you guys do as a beginner? (yes it may have been a long time since you were a "beginner")

a) Buy a pedal to go with the amp? (i've been eyeing a used ibanez SM9)
b) sell the amp and buy the amp with FX built in?

i have an 2003 RG370 if it matters.

Also, i'm getting a low level hum/noise in the amp when no note is being played while the guitar is plugged in. Could it be the crappy wire that I got with the guitar? or the pickups? Or is that normal?

[jb4674]

If you tried a Line6 and you liked the sound it produced (and most importantly, the amp fits your budget), then get the amp. Remember that what sounds good to you may not be so for the guy next door.

Jimmy

[Salvo]

Is your amp sitting next to any electronics? had the same problem when i first got my guitar and amp and had to move it awa yfrom my computer

[ColinMmmmm]

I'd get a lot of hum when sitting next to my comp - even when the amp is across the room - the guitar near the comp was picking something up.

[phoenixrage]

yea, its near a computer. The power cord does run right up against the computer too. I guess I will try a different socket in the room.

- I already have the peavey amp, i would have to sell it and then get the line 6 amp. - main thing I am concerned about is sound quality in the long term. So is the peavey going to sound better with the pedal over the line 6 w/ fx built in. I've been reading some reviews and it seems it might be the case.