Probably a dumb question??

[StewartB]

Was thinking of buying an Epi Valve Jr head - only one knob makes me a bit nervous! I haven't been able to play one just yet and was looking for comment on the sound and quality. Are they "quiet" amps and does one get that nice warm class A breakup at higher volumes?

 

Stewart

[AS90]

Was thinking of buying an Epi Valve Jr head - only one knob makes me a bit nervous! I haven't been able to play one just yet and was looking for comment on the sound and quality. Are they "quiet" amps and does one get that nice warm class A breakup at higher volumes?

 

Stewart

 

I have the harley benton ga5h which is the same as a VJ but has 2 knobs! They are excellent little tube amps, the break up comes in around 8 on the volume with humbuckers which is very loud so I use a TS9 clone, the tone is glorious!

 

The VJ is also easy (and cheap) to mod to almost boutique level.

[StewartB]

Thanks for the info AS90 - appreciated.

[markerdown]

Hey Stewart,

My new half stack just arrived today. Once I get a bit of time and find a cable, I'll hook er' up to the 2010 tribute LP for a test drive and let you know. The one knob ain't no big deaL, I have the combo too with upgraded speaker and tubes. I run an MI crunch box to get the marshal tone...............................markerdown

[wedgeSG]

I just added a EQ pedal in line with my version three VJ and that will pretty much solve any tone

controlling worries you may have. I got really lucky and snagged a perfect old Ibanez GE10 for cheap;

had I known how much dialing-in this was capable of doing I'd have been all over the idea a whole

bunch sooner. Do some research on EQ's before purchase cause there seems to be a broad range

of good to bad units out there... this hadn't really occured to me as seemingly simplistic as one would

assume that they are. And the prices have a wide range as well... many on here have spoken highly

of the Danelectro Fish 'N' Chips EQ.

 

Wedgie

[StewartB]

Hey Stewart' date='

My new half stack just arrived today. Once I get a bit of time and find a cable, I'll hook er' up to the 2010 tribute LP for a test drive and let you know. The one knob ain't no big deaL, I have the combo too with upgraded speaker and tubes. I run an MI crunch box to get the marshal tone...............................markerdown[/quote']

 

Thanks mate. I'm still trying out 2009/2010 Epi Lp tributes. The Epi Valve Jr is a serious consideration. I'm think I just really fond of low watt class A amps. keen to hear your comments.

 

Thanks

 

Stewart

[markerdown]

Ok I finally made it to the closest local GC and got the cable. That place is such a zoo. I did manage to test out some really nice gibson LPs and and a studio mahogany brown Lp which played nice and was realy cool. I like the round 50s neck and the axe just plain rocked. They had a lot of nice epi's about lots of used amps but way too may people wailin' away. Whats with these dude with black fingernail polish and piercings? I think I need to visit on a weekday morning :-)

 

Ok , the epi half stack sounds cool! No buzz or hum using my MIK LP or my tele. It's freakin loud! I used an MI Crunch box With the switch around 1200 she starts to crank and break up a wee bit, at 1:00 yeah it's there. I think I may need an eq pedal. ..........................markerdown

[StewartB]

My guess is the Valve jr doesn't have any sounds you can't get with yor Handsome Devil:-k

Both were designed by Pyotr Belov AFAIK

 

Peter

I expect you are correct Peter. The Handsome Devil is my favourite amp and has plenty of options without overkill.

 

Guess I'm just seeking some simplicity. I read a quote in a guitar mag once that said - "if you play through an amp with more than six knobs then you are one!" Thought that was pretty funny actually. I do have an occasional "jammimg" mate who plays a PRS 513 through a Mesa Boogie 100w Head - you should see all the knobs on that mother!!

 

Problem with it is that he tweaks the Mesa EQ about 3 times during every jam song - pisses off the rest of us. Made me think that one can definitely have too much choice in our musical lives.

 

Stewart

[StewartB]

So I'm really glad the Handsome Devil only has six knobs.......So I'm not a knob too[biggrin]

 

I guess' date=' there are "snobs" in every brand..........

he should get a tech for adjusting his 20+ knobs

how does it work for him to get more than three sounds out of the 13 he can get with his PRS

 

Peter[/quote']

 

Well the PRS 513 adds another layer of "knobs" - double whammy. He is continually playing with the PRS controls as well. Having said that, I'm not bagging the guy. He does play the blues quite well. Maybe its just a phase he going through? In his defence he bought a Fender Blues Junior from a pawn shop and reckons its pretty good - only about six knobs!

 

Just wanted to add that I am impressed with the Blackheart Handsome Devil - notice you have one as well. Built very well. I actually bought a Blackheart Little Giant Head then sold it for a bit more power by purchasing the Handsome Devil as I do play occasionally in medium sized venues. I thinkit is an under rated amp and perhaps the "made in china" tag keeps a few people away.