Cheap practice amps can surprise you
- Thread starter Hugh
- Start date
Radiotech
Squier-Axpert
I have a Smokey amp somewhere, that sounds REALLY good into a cabinet.
I've known about those for many years but never seen one.
Had a look, they still make them
DUDE MANHONEY
Squier Talker
Smokin Joe II? I was thinking of building one
duceditor
Squier-Axpert
‘Modeling,’ whether it be a flexible, sophisticated digital, or a well designed, simple, analog circuit, works. And in truth just a few watts (5 or even less) gets far louder than most of us typically play. So why not?
And yes, speakers are the rub. Or until recently were.There size matters. And quality. -Meaning not just the speaker unit itself, but the entire cabinet construction and design,
Well, until recently. For today, with guitar amps as with “hi-fi” speakers, sophisticated design makes the big, heavy, systems of the past unneeded for most uses.
The various Spark models each demonstrate this to varying degrees. But as here, other, less tonally sophisticated (and less flexible) designs have done so too.
But yes, for those the speakers are usually the weak spot. As with cheap audio/video gear.
-don
And yes, speakers are the rub. Or until recently were.There size matters. And quality. -Meaning not just the speaker unit itself, but the entire cabinet construction and design,
Well, until recently. For today, with guitar amps as with “hi-fi” speakers, sophisticated design makes the big, heavy, systems of the past unneeded for most uses.
The various Spark models each demonstrate this to varying degrees. But as here, other, less tonally sophisticated (and less flexible) designs have done so too.
But yes, for those the speakers are usually the weak spot. As with cheap audio/video gear.
-don
They are dead simple. I made mine with a headphone jack instead of a speaker.
DUDE MANHONEY
Squier Talker
Why a headphone jack?
I wanted headphone amp.
Edit, has headphone jack only, no speaker.
Last edited:
DougMen
Squier-Axpert
If you can afford a $1000 412 cab why would you use it with a $40 toy amp instead of a better one? It makes no sense, other than to get clicks in a YT video.
AxelMorisson
Squier-holic
For giggles of course- I mean surely don't replace a good amp with a toy, but build a toy and have fun with it ALSO. Plus it's a nice beginner project...for kids and guys just starting out- hey, I'm playing my self built amp! and stuff. Of course, keep the good amp close too
duceditor
Squier-Axpert
Thought I'd add a few words here on what to me just has to be the bestest mini practice amp: Positive Grid's new "Go."
In size it is, in 2 of its dimensions (height and width) smaller than an iPhone. (Its depth is considerably greater -- you can't slip it into a pants pocket), and I don't know that everyone here will see it as "cheap." (Currently it can be had for $129) But what an amazing amplifier it is!
I'm writing about my experiences with it in some depth here.
Its diminutive size does of course limit its volume output. (5 watts into a very small speaker aided by a slightly larger passive radiator) But for practice and 'bedroom' playing many would find it adequate. Plus it has many other useful features via it web application.
-don
In size it is, in 2 of its dimensions (height and width) smaller than an iPhone. (Its depth is considerably greater -- you can't slip it into a pants pocket), and I don't know that everyone here will see it as "cheap." (Currently it can be had for $129) But what an amazing amplifier it is!
I'm writing about my experiences with it in some depth here.
Its diminutive size does of course limit its volume output. (5 watts into a very small speaker aided by a slightly larger passive radiator) But for practice and 'bedroom' playing many would find it adequate. Plus it has many other useful features via it web application.
-don
brians
Squier-holic
And what about a Blackstar fly.....I love it.
JustABluesGuy
Squier-Meister
Why not?
JustABluesGuy
Squier-Meister
I just recently picked one up cheap at a pawnshop. I like it a lot.
You missed the point DougMen.
DougMen
Squier-Axpert
Yep, I did, because it's dumb and pointless. If you're going to add a speaker out to a small practice amp, you might as well do it to a good one, like a Fly, Katana Mini, Vox Mini, Roland Micro Cube, or Fender Champion or Mustang.
Chris Rowe
New Member
I've been playing through a cheap af Monoprice Stage Right 15/1 watt for years now and if it broke down I'd surely replace it with another one! It's basically a Laney Cub for a fraction of the price. 🤘
I kinda like the sound of my small Mountain amp (MTN) I got last week, I plugged it into a 4 x12 cab and still sounds as good as some of
what we may call real amps, I must remind you that this amp is only 5 watts and a lonely volume knob.
what we may call real amps, I must remind you that this amp is only 5 watts and a lonely volume knob.
2k5Bullet
Squier-Meister
Love the preowned market for a Fender Frontman or Orange Crush 12 combo amps. They seem to work fine & a mod for external cab connection and the small combo becomes an amp head for at least a clean channel.
