Who is Using a 5W Tube Amp?

richieryan · 07-24-2010, 11:50 PM

My Crate V18 2x12 is too much for the apt. Who's using a 5W amp and how do you like it?

zag1 · 07-25-2010, 12:16 AM

I use a Fender Vibro-Champ XD and I like it for it's versatility. Great bedroom amp and you can get decent tone at lower volumes, not to mention it won't break the bank. This amp has VAP! (Versatility, Affordability, Portability) And it fits the profile, 5 watts! 'Nuff said!

GukkanGwnarkill · 07-25-2010, 12:46 AM

I'm using a BlackHeart 5whead w/ 112cab. It's amazing imo, has a switch for 3w/5w modes.

jimbojo · 07-25-2010, 12:49 AM

Currently I am using an EPI valve special as my Classic 30 is in the shop, I am miking it, which is what I do with my C30, but running it through a 1x12 cab, sounded great last weekend.

Bullitt · 07-25-2010, 02:07 AM

Mt bedroom amp is a Crate v8 Palamino and I couldnt be happier,sounds great with all my guitars on the same settings.

5thumbs · 07-25-2010, 08:07 AM

Epi V.J. Combo & a 12" cab. with attenuator. So happy if i had a tail i would be wigglein it!

richieryan · 07-25-2010, 10:50 AM

I've been hearing some good buzz about the Kustom 5W head for $99
http://www.kustom.com/product_detail...ctID=234&Tab=0
I'd like to hear a 5W head (Epi/Bleackheart/Kustom) thru a 1x15.

dannyvawn · 07-25-2010, 11:48 AM

The Kustom is a good head for the money. It has a great clean sound at low volumes but it is way too loud for Apartment use if you want it to break up.
I know that the Epiphone Valve Jr has much better components for $30 more.Transformer, capacitors etc... but $99 for a tube head is a no brainer. I would personally wait until musicians friend runs the 20% off which should be coming up soon and snag it for $80. then add on a few more small items and get free shipping. Its a good way to get free strings and accessories

VintageTweed · 07-25-2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richieryan

I've been hearing some good buzz about the Kustom 5W head for $99
http://www.kustom.com/product_detail...ctID=234&Tab=0
I'd like to hear a 5W head (Epi/Bleackheart/Kustom) thru a 1x15.

Yeah I messed around with one of these paired with the vintage styled 1 12" cabinet. I was impressed but very basic, I'm a pretty big fan of the blues tones with a little reverb and this amp didn't have that tone I was looking for. Incredible price though.

musicalmartin · 07-25-2010, 06:58 PM

I use a Blackstar HT5 through an Eminence 105 10" cab .Sounds great and overdrive is fantastic .It also has cab emulated headphone socket which is very handy.When you hear it you have to buy .It also has a FX loop .The great thing about it is it has an overdrive master volume so you can get a genuine pure valve sound at low volumes .very high quality product

richieryan · 07-25-2010, 07:13 PM

Blues tone is about all I work on these days. I've ditched the Digitech RP-150 modeling and use it for it's tuner. Other than that, it's just a VOX wah and a TS-9DX. So I [B]can[B] get it plenty crunchy. I miss my first amp, some tiny brown unknown brand with a 10" that looked like it came from the big-band era.
One input, one volume and driving it with a Dimarzio Super-Distortion made it scream so sweet.
I like the idea of the Valve Jr head, with mods to play with. Sometimes, we get an old silvertone on CL here...

peskypesky · 07-25-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richieryan

Blues tone is about all I work on these days.

me too. wish i could get a Peavey Delta Blues because those seem to have the sound i crave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0NvKxZAOZo

dannyvawn · 07-25-2010, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peskypesky

me too. wish i could get a Peavey Delta Blues because those seem to have the sound i crave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0NvKxZAOZo

That is a sweet sound. I have looked for a used one but they are hard to find and I'm not paying $700 for a new one.

softwarejanitor · 07-25-2010, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richieryan

My Crate V18 2x12 is too much for the apt. Who's using a 5W amp and how do you like it?

I have an Epiphone Valve Jr. head which I run into a 1x12" cabinet I built.

richieryan · 07-26-2010, 11:32 AM

There is a DB 1x15 at a local pawn (on consignment), but it's marked at $455.
I sold the V18 yesterday, so I'm scoping now for sure, while the neighbors savor the silence.

eyerish · 07-26-2010, 04:32 PM

I have several OOOOLLLLDDDD solid states and a recently modded to be like a mini marshall EPI junior combo. its got the 3 band EQ and a master as well as standby. even the faceplate and knobs are marshall. as well as an additional tube in the compliment. The thing is its about as loud as my 15 watt tubers. Oh well,why else live in an apartment complex if not to annoy the neighbors. LOL.

Bangbang · 07-26-2010, 04:48 PM

It took awhile but I finally got to like the EpiValve jr

richieryan · 07-26-2010, 07:55 PM

The V5 Bug looks really promising and the price is right. I even found one posted on CL in Dallas for $100. GC is showing blems for $132 + $15 for shipping. I guess I could call the local GC and see of they would have it shipped to the store for free.

tjnugent · 09-06-2010, 06:21 PM

The new Vox AC4TV is a great all tube amp. It has a built in attenuator that can select 4 watts, 1 watt or 1/4 watt. This amp has a 10" celestion in it and sells for about $249 new.. it is totally worth it. My brother just bought one and it sound a lot like my Vox AC15C1.

mkgearhead · 09-06-2010, 07:54 PM

I have a slightly modded Fender Champion 600 into a Peavey 1x10 cab.

Strat-toter · 10-02-2010, 11:05 AM

I know this is a high wattage amp but, I have been really intrigued by the Kustom 72 Coupe of late...sounds amazing on youtube but in the Fender area cash wise. Tremolo, Verb and clean!

dmitri · 10-02-2010, 11:50 AM

The Bugera 5 watt is OK, played it a few times. A little dull in my opinion, but not bad. The Vox AC4 is cool. I like the Fender VibroChamp and SuperChamp a lot more, and the Mustang has gotten rave reviews where I have seen them, though I have never used them.

randypttt · 10-02-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmitri

The Bugera 5 watt is OK, played it a few times. A little dull in my opinion, but not bad. The Vox AC4 is cool. I like the Fender VibroChamp and SuperChamp a lot more, and the Mustang has gotten rave reviews where I have seen them, though I have never used them.

I second on both Champs. I have SC XD and at 15 watts it can get really loud but it has a master volume so you can play and no one will hear you but your navel.
I have a Epi VJr head that I bought when my XD was down (short boring story) just to have something to play. I like it but 5 watts can be louder than you realize. And unless you have some attenuator hooked up you'll never be quiet enough.
The Mustang might work for you. I did a review in Strat-talk.com.
"Mustang II, the new SS, review"

Strat-toter · 10-02-2010, 12:25 PM

I have the SCXD and it is a great amp for what it is...I guess I am looking for all tube tone, non complicated tone...meaning MASTER volume and reverb and maybe tremolo and thats it..oh and CLEAN...

dmitri · 10-02-2010, 12:40 PM

None of the 5Ws I have played have a great clean sound, honestly... the Vox was about the best. The 5W Bugera was frankly pretty mediocre in that department, IMHO.

FresnoKiwi · 10-02-2010, 02:24 PM

Guitarist in our humble group often uses a little B52 5-watt tube amp and it is surprisingly good. 5-watts is really deceiving, it's plenty load. Was once told that with an efficient speaker and design, 1-watt will produce 90bd. I just got a 15-watt 99 Fender Blues Jr for $250. Swapped out the 12AX's for some NOS I had and left the newer JJ's in. Ran a Tele with P90 in the neck and it really rocks.
These little Blues Jrs are about the best value out there, even the MIM ones are good. There are a ton of cheap mods available that greatly improve them, including a separate vol that allows it to be cranked up but keep the vol down.

Hugh · 10-02-2010, 05:19 PM

My Epi Valve Jr stack just walked out the door to a cl buyer. Dug it, but I have another tube amp. After the JP1 mod (just clip the jumper to brighten it up), tube upgrades, and a Celestion G12L(30 watt low efficiency) to replace the ridiculously mismatched Eminence Lady Luck, it flat got it done, especially with a Barber Barb EQ between it and the guitar.

As Randy said, it is a very loud 5 watts. I don't consider the Epi VJ a practice amp. The Blackheart Killer Ant is more suited for lower volume applications imo. ymmv
http://www.blackhearteng.com/blog/20...ucing-the.html

CapeRR · 10-31-2010, 10:38 PM

I've had a Crate V5 that I sold for a VJ and I sold that and now have a Peavey Vypyr Tube 60.

wickedtools · 11-01-2010, 12:00 AM

Man, my Vox AC4TV8 just crapped out on me 5 mins ago

It powers on but no sound. To late to open her up to see what's wrong.

unbridled · 11-01-2010, 03:48 AM

I have a Gibson GA-5 That I really love. I like the simplicity of the single knob layout, but, if you want crunch, it's too loud for an apartment situation.

robinS · 11-01-2010, 10:46 AM

i have a Peavey Royal 8. can't get it to "chug" but otherwise it's alright for low-gain

tjnugent · 11-01-2010, 11:46 AM

A friend of mine, Probyn Gregory, who plays guitar with Brian Wilson mentioned something about using a Kustom amp in the studio. He does a lot of session work in LA other than Brian Wilson. I know he uses a Fender Twin, live on tour with Wilson. Not sure what he used on any of the current Brian Wilson releases. I was actually surprised when he mentioned Kustom amps. They must be good if he is using them in the studio.

TJ

tjnugent · 11-01-2010, 11:49 AM

If you haven't had a chance to play a Peavey Delta Blues, you should. I think it is the best amp Peavey makes and the tone is amazing from the 1x 15 speaker. It also has great tremolo. If you notice the Delta Blues used, they keep their value. Though who know about them really like them... I think Pappa Joe plays one and digs it.

TJ

ivoredone · 11-01-2010, 05:26 PM

I have a Blackstar HT-5h. I play it through a 2x12 in the house. I gig with it in a bar rock covers band through a Marshall 1960 cab with a Boss eq pedal in the effects loop (and mic'd through the p.a. when needed). I only use the dirty channel. One of the best music purchases I have ever made. Not sure how versatile it is, but it certainly works for me