IanHenry Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I know there are countless posts on here asking for suggestions as to which amp to use. I play a Les Paul Classic Antique with the 57 & 57 plus pickups, and I like Blues and classic Blues/Rock sounds, i.e. Paul Kossoff, Peter Green and Gary Moore etc but I also like a lot of sustain sometimes. The amp is for home use only I have narrowed my choice down to two possibilities (I think), the VHT Special 6 combo: http://www.vhtamp.com/avsp16.html And the new VOX Valvetronic+ VT 20: http://www.voxamps.com/uk/valvetronixplus/vtplus/#page_specifications The Vox comes with lots of bells and whistles (to many to list here) plus modelling for 33 different amps (could that be too many knobs to play with?) and the VHT is as simple as it can be I don’t have the opportunity to test the VHT as there are very few dealers for them here in the U.K, so to buy that amp seems like a bit of a gamble, although it does sound good on various U Tube videos. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Ian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surfpup Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 When confronted with such a choice, I always buy the tube amp (in this case the VHT). If confronted with two tube amps I always buy the one with the least knobs or bells and whistles (also in this case the VHT). There are many other amp possibilities of course. For under $1000 there are a number of quality tube heads in the 15-18 watt range that nail those classic sounds really well. I'm sure there are a bunch of combos as well. But the sounds of the players you mentioned don't come from bells and whistles, they come from tubes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigh Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 Try the Marshall Class 5. I also get a good blues tone out of my Vox Night Train with a LP. Tubes are the only way to go. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted November 10, 2010 Author Share Posted November 10, 2010 Thanks for your suggestions guys. I understand that the Vox is a tube amp (a hybrid type of thing). The Marshall Class 5 looks ok, but I want to play at low levels and as it’s not got a hi gain channel I don’t think I will be able to get the amp to “come alive”, and also it’s twice the price of those two (they are a lot more expensive here in the U.K, for example the VHT is only $200 in the U.S, but £200 here in the U.K, nearly twice the price! Ian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I've had a Valvetronix for a few years now and I like it....great choice of models from AC30TB to US HiGain You really can get sustain at low volumes which is very useful for home use.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bill Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I've had a Valvetronix for a few years now and I like it....great choice of models from AC30TB to US HiGain You really can get sustain at low volumes which is very useful for home use.... +1 I have a VT30 and love it. The only regret I have is that I didn't buy it sooner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tman Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I'm getting the Fender Mustang 1 amp for home practice. I've done some looking lately. That thing is just plain impressive and really inexpensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cookieman15061 Posted November 10, 2010 Share Posted November 10, 2010 I had the Vox VT50 and truth be told didn't find any of the amp models or effects to my liking. I also had a problem with the sound fading in and out and had it to an authorized Vox dealer and they couldn't find the problem. Sold it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Well, thanks for all your suggestions chaps. I decided on the Vox VT20+ in the end. I went and picked one up this morning, and so far I’m pretty impressed with it, it has everything I’m ever likely to need in an amp. I think probably the others will excel in their particular are, but the Vox seems to be able to do everything, there doesn’t seem to be any amp that it can’t replicate. I particularly like the power setting which enables you to have the amp cranked up to full volume, but still keep the sound low! Regards, Ian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertjohn Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 I've played through VT30 and was v impressed. The Valvetronix range are excellent value. Congrats on your new amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted November 11, 2010 Author Share Posted November 11, 2010 Thanks Albert. Ian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted November 11, 2010 Share Posted November 11, 2010 I found a VHT dealer by accident last week near my house and am going to give it a play this weekend. I have a VT30 and love but I really like the simplicity and sound of my Champ 600. I am still planning on buying a Blues Jr unless the VHT will do what I want, and for $300 less maybe a done deal. I did play a Lil Night train the other day and it just sounded very thin through the matching cabinet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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