To own an amp or not to have an amp.

[Guitarmattms]

Okay,

Here's the deal.

I'm going to be moving into an apartment next month and I'm not sure if I'll need my amp. It's a Peavey Valveking 2x12 100 watt amp. I also have a crate 15w amp. (I know it's not the best) However, I've been thinking of selling the amp and getting a vox tonelab st. This has an usb plug so I can just hook it up to my computer and just run it that way or if I really have to I can just hook it up to my Crate amp so I can play with my friend.

Just to let you all know that i'm not big into playing with other people. Maybe just another guitar player and that's it. So, that is why I'm thinking I don't need an amp.

What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks.

[smooth55]

I lived in an apartment for 3 years with a 120 watt amp. I turned it on maybe 3 times, just to see if time had gotten it to be a little quieter. It was as loud as ever and I basically ended up playing with a Korg Toneworks AX1500 into computer speakers for those three years. It may not have been the best set-up for tone, but it got the job done.
From my experience, unless you don't truly love the VK or you see yourself playing outside of your apartment with other peope at least once a twice a month, I'd say sell the amp and get a good modeller. I'd recommend against running it through your computer and just plug the comp speakers into it directly asthe USB outs on those are less than stellar. The only other option is maybe an attenuator, but to get a good one, you might as well just keep the amp and still buy the modeller since you won't get the speakers moving for that sweet tone without a little power pushing them.

[chickenheadsatch]

well the thing with this is its all in what you like. for me, i hate all this technology stuff plugging in guitars to a computer, i lime recording old-school live with a band and a couple of mics. but if you dont play with other people, and care to be jumping around having your hair wave in the blasting tones of an extreme amp like a valve king or the pure tune-tones then theres no need for it. if you like it, keep it till you get a home. if you just dont care, theres 5000 bucks in your wallet. it depends on what you truely want. but keep in mind, playing in your computer with never be the same as playing through a pure tube stack. even besides the sound difference, theres nothing like knowing that your playing through the same thing that many guitar masters before have worshiped: the tube amp. or whatever. haha.

[jemaholic]

I use Marshall amps. I have two DSL stacks for gigs in road cases that never leave the truck between gigs and I have 3 small MG series combos with effects that I have for the house - one in the bedroom, one in the living room and one in the den. (two MG15DFX and one MG30)
In the studio I use a JTM60 all tube combo.

Even though the MG series are tubeless, they sound great for practicing and they are inexpensive. It's all a matter of personal taste, but I'm really happy with these amps.

~j

[bcrich1975]

A Digitech GSP1101 run through a good set of studio monitors will be a good compromise for your living situation (apartment). Try one out if you can, I'm sure you'll like it.

[Jacob K]

Sounds like you could live fine without an amp, but do yourself the favor of getting some GREAT speakers and a good amplifier (as in normal line stuff, not guitar) for a decent tone. It's not ever gonna be the same, but it's a matter of taste what you will prefer anyway. With a more advanced modeller, you should be able to tweak in a good tone eventually

[Guitarmattms]

Thanks for all the advice.

See, the problem is I've grown accustomed to the tube.
I know the vk is going to be way to loud for my apartment. So, I was thinking of selling it and getting something like the Vox Tonelab ST or LE. They both have a tube preamp in it so that I get more of a realistic tone. I also own a Crate 15 watt amp so if I ever need to plug in to play with a friend. I can just plug through the tonelab and amp. I know it's not the greatest sound prob but it'll work in my situation.

I went down to GC to try out the tonelab but they didn't have a powerstrip for it!! So, I'm waiting for them to get a couple of the ST's in and I'll prob try those out. If I'm still in the area at that time. Otherwise, I'll have to check the music shops in the new area to see if they can get one in.

Anyway, thanks for your help. You guys might be seeing some of my gear up here for sale in the near future!