Small combo amp recomendations ?

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Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by vinylguy »

Hi Guys,

im looking for recommendations for a small SS combo amp for home use. It needs to go to a decent volume clean. I dont need any bells and whistles just a volume really (I find FX distracting from the business of getting down and practicing the guitar playing bit), BTW I am in no way a good enough player to do the rounds of the shops trying out different models: that would be mega embarrassing for me and a H&S issue for the poor shop staff.

NB Decent volume= the sort of level you might get to if the wife isnt home and you are giving it a good thrashing.

Cheers

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by sizzlingbadger »

Katana 50 is perfect, but it does have some effects, although once you have set them they don't tend to get in the way. Yamaha THR series are also really good, again a few effects (less than the Katana but not as loud) and if you get the one which can take batteries its very useful around the home.

If you want something really simple then both Marshall, Orange and Vox make some good little SS amps for not too many $$$.

The Orange Crush 12 will have the least amount of effects, just has tone controls.

Vox Pathfinder
https://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instrum ... b9835d-003

Don't rule out the small valve amps, they often have less effects but do cost a bit more. They are usually built better and have a nice speaker though.

Vox AC10 / 15
Laney LC15 / L5 / L20
Marshall DSL5
Fender Blues Junior/Pro
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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by Slowy »

ZT Lunchbox.
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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by telefiend »

Slowy wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:47 amZT Lunchbox.
+1! These are loud and tiny.

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by sizzlingbadger »

Tube amp and guitar tones straight from 1958… amazing how believable the sounds were back then, even without the modellers...

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by Slowy »

That seems spendy! (Looking at his Lunchbox with renewed respect)
Beyond a critical point within a finite space, freedom diminishes as numbers increase. This is as true of humans as it is of gas molecules in a sealed flask. The human question is not how many can possibly survive within the system, but what kind of existence is possible for those who so survive.

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by Slowy »

telefiend wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:59 am
Slowy wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 8:47 amZT Lunchbox.
+1! These are loud and tiny.
And sound surprisingly good.
Beyond a critical point within a finite space, freedom diminishes as numbers increase. This is as true of humans as it is of gas molecules in a sealed flask. The human question is not how many can possibly survive within the system, but what kind of existence is possible for those who so survive.

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by jeremyb »

Vox pathfinder :)
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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by Michael »

Second the Pathfinder

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by Wairarapajack »

It's not "small" or solid-state (technically) but the Vox Cambridge 50 might be worth a look. 50 watts and a 12 inch speaker, so it can definitely do loud. It's in the same ballpark as the Boss Katana 50 in terms of options and price. They go for $549 new.

I'm getting some lessons to push me out of my comfort zones and highlight knowledge and skill gaps. My teacher has a Vox Cambridge and it's not bad at all.

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by Slowy »

I have a BK Butler Tube Driver combo which is (almost) small and has the ability to be freaking loud. It's not worth much but to be honest, the Katana is way more versatile.
Beyond a critical point within a finite space, freedom diminishes as numbers increase. This is as true of humans as it is of gas molecules in a sealed flask. The human question is not how many can possibly survive within the system, but what kind of existence is possible for those who so survive.

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by codedog »

jeremyb wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 9:30 am Vox pathfinder :)
I have never tried the current Pathfinder model... 10? I had a 15, and it was amazing. Huge regret selling that :( Haven't seen it pop up anywhere since.

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by quyet »

I did a side by side of the pathfinder 10, 15 and ac4 a while back

the 15 could match the ac4. it was indistinguishable.
I think the 10 was let down by its tiny 6.5" speaker, not so good, very farty.

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by codedog »

quyet wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:02 am I did a side by side of the pathfinder 10, 15 and ac4 a while back

the 15 could match the ac4. it was indistinguishable.
I think the 10 was let down by its tiny 6.5" speaker, not so good, very farty.
Where did you find the Pathfinder 15?

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Re: Small combo amp recomendations ?

Post by quyet »

codedog wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:21 am
quyet wrote: Sun Jan 17, 2021 11:02 am I did a side by side of the pathfinder 10, 15 and ac4 a while back

the 15 could match the ac4. it was indistinguishable.
I think the 10 was let down by its tiny 6.5" speaker, not so good, very farty.
Where did you find the Pathfinder 15?
It popped up on trademe for $100! so I told a friend and he snatched it up. Amazing amp. I definitely believe that it was discontinued for being too good for the budget range. I in the last year I've only ever seen one other. It was being sold with a less than desirable gat and the seller wouldn't split the sale so..

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