Practice Amp purchasing help - who is top dog?

[DonP]

Nope. kept the Vox, kept the G-DEC (but it has that stupid data knob problem - Fender should recall these) and kept the PODxt (might have forgotten to mention that - got it for $99 at GC).

But you know what? for the apartment I still find myself going back to the POD 2.3 and headphones. The PODxt and the Vox both have this fuzz on high gain models that I haven't been able to kill. And I've made heavy use of downloading tones from Line 6 so I don't think it's me.

The Vox is pretty load, but you can dial down the power which is nice. It's just a little boomy, which is an issue in an apartment. It sounds better if you can crank it a little.

The G-DEC is back at home in Cinci, but the nice thing about that is that even though it supposed to be 15w same as the Vox, it'a way quiter.

[Spivonious]

I've been checking out the G-DEC and the whole drum/bass machine thing sounds like a neat idea. The G-DEC junior is only $150. Think it's worth it?

[DonP]

Yeah, it's pretty cool having the full band in a box. Very good to practice with.

I've read bad reviews on the G-DEC Jr. I haven't tried one personally.

I got my G-DEC for $129 at GC (used). I see them on craigslist for $99, so I'd shoot for a real one. The G-DEC 30 has more of everything if you really like it. I'd recommend trying one out first. The main reason I took it was because it was so cheap.

[Maximum_Crunch]

Just go to a used music store and buy a used Crate GX130c combo. Great amp for practice.

[j4vice]

Cube

[DonP]

Cube

Sorry, but no.

I really liked the Cube 30x, but the Vox at a similar price just gives you so many more choices. If you like the few choices the Cube has and don't need any others, then maybe it would be a good fit. My take on the Roland is that it's a BOSS MT-2 with a power amp and speaker attached. But I already have a Metal Zone pedal.

Also, I don't think I gave the Peavey Vyper a very fair shake.

For Line 6, since I already had a POD 2.3 and now an xt also, I wasn't interested in Spyders because I already have Line 6 stuff.

[atdguitars]

I have a Vox AD15vt that I converted to a head with a speaker out that we use in the shop so customers can get an idea of what their guitar will sound like through various amps.. The sims aren't quite dead on but damn close for all practical purposes. If you're wanting a combo I'd go with at least the 30 to get away from the tinny speaker thats stock in the 15. We run the head conversion through a 4x12 with 25 watt greenbacks and it sounds absolutely killer. I've done the same thing for other customers so they can run it through 2x12 and single 12 extensions and they all love it.

[bombtek]

Peavey Bandit.

Just use an RP-50 or some other cheap modeling device in front of it and you have a bedroom practice amp that'll grab just about any tone yer lookin for.

[DonP]

I have a Vox AD15vt that I converted to a head with a speaker out that we use in the shop so customers can get an idea of what their guitar will sound like through various amps.. The sims aren't quite dead on but damn close for all practical purposes. If you're wanting a combo I'd go with at least the 30 to get away from the tinny speaker thats stock in the 15. We run the head conversion through a 4x12 with 25 watt greenbacks and it sounds absolutely killer. I've done the same thing for other customers so they can run it through 2x12 and single 12 extensions and they all love it.

That sounds great!

I was curious how the VT15 would sound through different speakers. For being 15 watts, it's a loud 15. My Fender G-DEC supposed to be 15 also, but is 1/2 as loud.

[Rich#6]

well my vox 50watt just fried something. after 10minutes of playing it gets fartty/buzzy and sound like the speaker blow(does this on external cab and internal speaker. grrr!!

[atdguitars]

Check the preamp tube. That's about how long it takes to warm up all the way.

[beachjammer]

I have a purple edition Marshall MGDFX30 combo that I got on clearance from Musicians Friend for $199. I like it alot for a little practice amp. I've had all sorts of others, including Vox , Line 6, Roland, etc. None of them did it for me as much as the little Marshalls. People seem to either love them or hate them though. I think it'd be worth trying out.