practice/bedroom amp suggestions

[Mr. G.]

I'm in need of a practice/bedroom amp, since my main amp stays at my bands practice room. I want something that will sound good at low volumes, but could still be heard if I want to jam with my 11 year old on the drums. It doesn't matter if it's tube or solid state. I just need something that has a decent clean and a tight dirty channel (or a single channel that can clean up with the guitar volume rolled back). It doesn't have to be high gain, as I can add an OD pedal to give it a boost. Reverb and channel switching with a footpedal would be a plus, but not necessary. 1x12 combo configuration would be preferred as well.

The amps I'm used to using are a Traynor YCV50 Blue and a 5150 combo. The guitar I'm currently using is a PRS SE Singlecut. Music I play is normally a mix of classic rock(CCR), hard rock(G'N'R), and some metal(Godsmack).

I'd like to try to keep the price under $300CAD, and I'm not opposed to buying used.

I guess that covers about everything. So, anybody got some suggestions?

 

[Tripower455]

How about a Traynor YCV20?

I had one and foolishly sold it a few years ago... It really is a great sounding, versatile amp......

 

[freaksho]

what about a POD?

 

[syxxstring]

I'm gonna say get a Valve Jr and a good dirt box.

 

[Mr. G.]

I believe the YCV20 would be a little out of my price range. I'd also rather keep it more around 5 watts if I go with tube.

I have a PODxt, but only have headphones to use it with at the moment, and I hate using headphones.

I have an original '61 Gibson GA-5 back in Ms., and from experience, I want something that has an EQ.



How about one of those new Blackhearts? Think it would fit my needs?

 

[Mudder]

For that price I'd probably go with a Roland cube. Pretty good tones for not a whole lot of money.

 

[59Vampire]

tech 21 trademark 10 IT RULES great marshalls and boogie type sounds very flexible clean sounds are low volume hoever but has a usable reverb and di

 

[4styx]

The Blackheart 5w sounds good.$150 for the head or $245 for 1x12 combo.Carvinguy has a clip.

 

[syxxstring]

Valve Jr's and Blackhearts are designed by the same guy iirc. So I'm guessing they're good. I need to pick up a couple.

 

[Gasp100]

Roland Cube... I A/B'd it against some killer high end amps and damn if that Black Face model doesn't hang tough. You can use OD pedals or even push the BF model to get some breakup all on it's own. If you want crystal clear, use the JC120 side. Even the tweed modeling can sound good.
I'm not a fan of the higher gain models, but using a pedal or 2 on the BF channel is the ticket. Plus, builtin effects that sound decent and it's small, sturdy, etc... I'm talking the 60 but I'm sure the 15 or 30 is just as good and even cheaper if you can believe it!

 

[photoguy]

I use a GA-5 with an EQ pedal. Works for me.

 

[stratocaster]

How bout a Peavey Bandit?
1x12
80w
power scaling 25, 50 & 100%
Transtube Technology (pretty good valve emulation for a SS amp)
Reverb
EQ per channel
$299.99, pick one up cheaper used.

 

[NatDeroxL7]

A bigger bedroom always works wonders at turning those stage amps into bedroom amps...might cost more than $300 though

 

[PlexiFuzz]

Cube 60.

 

[Mr. G.]

Anybody tried a Trademark next to a Cube? Which one has the better British voiced high gain? Sparkling cleans and lots of effects aren't as important as some nice gain options.

 

[Fourth Feline]

I am really enjoying my solid state Fender 'G-dec' junior.

It only gives you one choice of effect at a time - and is mains only powered, but I really like the sound of both the amp models and the simple effects supplied. What I LOVE about this however, is the built in Bass and drum practice loops in a variey of styles , tempos and keys. You can also have drums only - or switch the practice loops off altogether and just get a sweet sounding 15watt amp that is easy to use. T -he junior version uses knobs not digital menus - and makes you want to practice , practice, practice -without needing any out board add ons. Of course you can stream computer files into it, or audio from a player - but the plug in 'n'play format is just want I wanted.

Nice one Fender !

 

[FloridaSam]

I am running a stereo rig: Silverface Champ and Epiphone Valve Jr. into a ported 1x12 cabinet. I love this set up and can do whisper quiet to shake the windows, takes pedals really well too.

The Valve Jr. was $60.00 used at GC. The cab I use is much more than the amp and I put NOS Mullard tubes in it. It sounds really good.

 

[macmax77]

vox advt

 

[bosstone]

Fender Frontman Reverb, 15 watt with the metal grill. It is great at bedroom levels, can hang in there for most practice with a drummer and if you plug it in to bigger speakers, you won't believe what it can do. I use mine with a Marshall 1965B 4 X 10" when I want to blow people's minds. They can't believe the sound quality an loudness of this little beast. I got mine used for $50.00 on Craig's List. Even though I have several expensive amps, I use this amazing amp a good amount of time. Don't laugh, I'm serious.

 

[teleman1]

Your search has ended! Super Champ XD. The package will blow away all the other amps mentioned here for variety of tones and fat sound at low volume.