Vox Pathfinder as backup gigging amp?

[WorkinSteamin]

I gig with a Peavey Delta Blues which can easily be run unmic'd at the 100-150 capacity bars we often play. I also own a Vox Pathfinder R and was wondering if this would be an acceptable backup just in case my big tube amp takes a crap in the middle of a gig. These places don't LIKE to mic guitars but would probably do so in a pinch. If not the PF, I'll pick up a Pro Jr. which I'm pretty sure will do the trick un-mic'd even. As you know, they can be had for less than $250.

Our band is moderately loud and plays classic rock covers.

 

[WorkinSteamin]

Surprised no one has chimed in here. There are zillions of VPF15 owners. Aren't some of you using the amp as a backup? Or maybe no one is but I'd be shocked if there wasn't some opinion. Thanks!!

 

[petty1818]

I have used the Pathfinder with my acoustic group and it worked perfectly for that. I think if I was using it with a full band, I would get a second and run them in stereo. They can get pretty loud but IMO there's a sweet spot where they are still clean but just close to breaking up. Unfortunately that level is not all that loud with a drummer. They are so easy to find used now that getting two would make sense.

I got a mint condition Pathfinder a couple of years ago and at one of my acoustic shows, an intoxicated audience member tripped on it while we were loading up our gear and put a nice big rip in the tolex.

 

[lareplus]

it should do nicely when mic'd. A friend used a 15R through a Marshall cab with his loud band and it was mic'd and sounded great! Feist and Norah Jones have been known to gig with the Pathfinder.

 

[SurfGreenTele]

I know Feist uses (or regularly used) a pair of them mic'd.

 

[Jon C]

Must be mic'd and possibly run through a bigger cab IMO / IME.

 

[petty1818]

That's why I think two Pathfinders would be good. Both Feist and Norah Jones use two live. Getting a bigger cab would definitely help. However, it is only a back up so I am sure that with a mic you could get through a show with just one.

 

[TheoDog]

The tiny speaker will show its shortcomings. In Boost mode, it can work with a tame combo of musicians that know how to listen.
Running the PF into the cab of the Peavey might be an option if your main amp blows a tube or something.
The Pro Jr. Is a nice option but you lose lots of clean headroom when pushing for volume.

Crate Power Block is the official answer.

 

[LPMojoGL]

Totally dig the PF, and if you can mic it, you're good to go. Bigger cab with bigger speaker(s) helps that amp sound much bigger and a lil bit louder. Either way, I wouldn't want to rely on it without knowing I could be mic'd.
I've heard the Vox modeling amps live, and they sound really good for what they are.

 

[jayn]

I've gigged with one as a duo. I also used it for practice with a previous band and for jamming with friends. In those situations the volume is under control, but I also don't have it up too loud. I've taken it as a backup on out of town gigs, so I assumed it would work.