I'm getting back into electric guitar after a few years off and would really appreciate help with amp selection. My previous amp is still at my parents' place half the country away, so I need a new one. I'm playing a Gibson R7 (all stock except Grover locking tuners).
I spent two hours trying out amps at a store today, and settled on the two I like best. But now I'm stuck in deciding between them.
Price is around the same. It was a small shop so I only tested out the amps at low volume (no more than 2 on the Fender, around a quarter of the way up the master for the Vox).
1. Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue
Pros:
- Absolutely gorgeous, crsip, rich clean sounds. It has a special 'chime' to it that really sings and warms the heart.
Cons:
- The upper strings can get trebly or a bit harsh sounding if I'm not very careful about the knob settings on my guitar. This is even when the treble on the amp is very low (around 2-3).
- No master volume, relatively simple EQ board
2. Vox AC30C2
Pros:
- More advanced EQ board, including master volume. Can get some overdrive without blowing my ears out.
- Clean sounds are also very crisp and clear. It doesn't have the issue with upper strings potentially sounding harsh or trebly.
Cons:
- Doesn't have the special Fender 'chime'
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As for my needs from an amp:
- What I play: Anything from jazz to blues to classic rock. This song is about as distorted as a sound I would normally play. My biggest musical influences are Paul McCartney and The Beatles in general, though I am also a big fan of Hendrix and Gilmour.
Currently I'm into electric guitar as a backing for vocals as a songwriter. Stuff that could technically be played on an acoustic but benefits from the extra tonality and sustain of an electric guitar. Hence my emphasis on good clean sounds.
- Performance needs: Practicing at home for now. I do want to get back into performing, but at present the likely venues would be small/medium outdoor spaces. I may play medium/larger venues in the future but it's not on the radar for now.
- Additional pedals: I'm open to using them but am not a gear head by any means, and prefer to keep things minimalist.
- Considering a smaller amp: Technically I could probably buy a practice or other small amp and be fine in terms of volume for what I need, but I hate wasting money on stuff I ultimately don't really want and won't be content with down the line. Plus the smaller amps I tried (like the Fender Super Champ) just don't have the oomph or fullness of sound that I want.
_________________________________________________________________________
Any input is much appreciated. Thanks!
I spent two hours trying out amps at a store today, and settled on the two I like best. But now I'm stuck in deciding between them.
Price is around the same. It was a small shop so I only tested out the amps at low volume (no more than 2 on the Fender, around a quarter of the way up the master for the Vox).
1. Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue
Pros:
- Absolutely gorgeous, crsip, rich clean sounds. It has a special 'chime' to it that really sings and warms the heart.
Cons:
- The upper strings can get trebly or a bit harsh sounding if I'm not very careful about the knob settings on my guitar. This is even when the treble on the amp is very low (around 2-3).
- No master volume, relatively simple EQ board
2. Vox AC30C2
Pros:
- More advanced EQ board, including master volume. Can get some overdrive without blowing my ears out.
- Clean sounds are also very crisp and clear. It doesn't have the issue with upper strings potentially sounding harsh or trebly.
Cons:
- Doesn't have the special Fender 'chime'
_________________________________________________________________________
As for my needs from an amp:
- What I play: Anything from jazz to blues to classic rock. This song is about as distorted as a sound I would normally play. My biggest musical influences are Paul McCartney and The Beatles in general, though I am also a big fan of Hendrix and Gilmour.
Currently I'm into electric guitar as a backing for vocals as a songwriter. Stuff that could technically be played on an acoustic but benefits from the extra tonality and sustain of an electric guitar. Hence my emphasis on good clean sounds.
- Performance needs: Practicing at home for now. I do want to get back into performing, but at present the likely venues would be small/medium outdoor spaces. I may play medium/larger venues in the future but it's not on the radar for now.
- Additional pedals: I'm open to using them but am not a gear head by any means, and prefer to keep things minimalist.
- Considering a smaller amp: Technically I could probably buy a practice or other small amp and be fine in terms of volume for what I need, but I hate wasting money on stuff I ultimately don't really want and won't be content with down the line. Plus the smaller amps I tried (like the Fender Super Champ) just don't have the oomph or fullness of sound that I want.
_________________________________________________________________________
Any input is much appreciated. Thanks!