help with finding my first gigging amp

[DCplayer]

Hey all. Long time anonymous reader and first time poster!

 

I've been playing guitar for a while now (I play a Larrivee acoustic and a Fender MIM Tele) and was wanting to find some bandmates. Problem is, I've been practicing with my electric on a 10 watt Marshall amp all this time, and am at a bit of a loss as to what kind of amplifier I should look into for the purposes of playing in a band.

 

I enjoy playing a lot of modern hard rock and I enjoy that fat rich distorted tone. Then again, I can get a really nice clean sound with my Tele and love playing alternative rock songs (90's hits) or the blues as well.

 

I want to keep my options open as I'd be happy in a Steve Ray Vaughn cover band, backing up a country singer, chunking out an easy Godsmack cover, or even auditioning for a position on a worship band for a local church.

 

I tool around in Guitar Center every now and again, but all the amps I play seem to have either a diluted retro sound or a tinny metal sound. I'll be the first to admit, I'm not exactly sure what I'm doing.

 

Is there a good all-around gigging amp or series that I should have my eye on? Should I be looking for just a Head to be later filled out with a Cab unit? Is it really the effects pedals that help get different tones and sounds for different genres and occasions? Help me out! And thanks in advance.

 

-DC

[Bluesape]

What's your budget? Get a tube amp, if at all possible. A Peavey Classic 30 will cut it for most venues, a Fender Hot Rod Deville if ya need more oooomph.

[Sauce]

Yeah a price range will really help narrow things down. And welcome aboard!

[Caevan O'Shite]

Yeah, and also... what amps have you tried that you found to have "either a diluted retro sound or a tinny metal sound"?

 

That would be helpful here, to narrow things down; and, it's also possible (please take no offense, figuring this out this way is like appraising a painting over the telephone) that the way the controls were set on these amps might have been partly at fault there...

 

Also, besides the Tele you mention, what guitars are you using?

[splitting hare]

Welcome to the forum, DCPlayer! Yes, it is important to know budget here. And also what type of gigs are you looking at doing. For most situations I think a good tube combo is all you need, especially if you are going to be mic'd. I have gigged with my Fender Champ 25 many times - and that has been plenty of power. I have also gigged with a Peavey Classic 50 head and cab setup, but this is more gear to haul and the stage/venue size doesn't always warrant something that large.

 

Now if you are looking for a variety of sounds, yes pedals can come into play here - and there are modeling amps that will give you a variety to choose from as well - there are quite a few folks around here with loads more experience in the latter than I have.

 

But there is SO much to choose from out there it can be confusing. I would start with a good solid amp and work from there - keep it simple.

[alan42]

i agree with bluesape. I gigged with a peavey classic 30 (i find them pretty frequently on craigslist in the $250-$350 range) for about 10 years. wonderful little amps.

[Rampdog]

Like the hairy fellow said...Peavey Classic 30... I have one and for all around it's fine... (course I modded mine a touch)... Look into the NOS Blues Jr. too... That little 15 Watter with the Jensen speaker kicks some butt... And the little bastard has some balls too...

[Greg B.]

I'm with Ramp & the big Ape, a Peavey Classic 30 would be a great choice for an affordable, giggable (is that really a word?!?!? ) amp. I've gigged with mine several times and it does a fine job. Good luck.

[soggybomb]

Budget please.

[DCplayer]

Hey all thanks for the helpful suggestions guys, I really appreciate it.

 

I know that the settings on the amps I'm trying out are off. Like I said, I'm not too experienced in the amplifier department. Perhaps I can find a helpful Guitar Center employee that will give me some pointers. I just always feel so stupid asking them for help.

 

For those asking about my guitars, I only have three: A Larrivee acoustic, a Fender standard Telecaster (MIM), and an old beater Ibanez (a GRG or IJX series, like the cheap kind that come in electric guitar starter kits). Currently, I don't own any effects pedals. And as far as a budget is concerned, I'm a bit out of luck. I'm sure I'll be looking for used equipment, and was expecting for things to start around $500. I'd love to spend more, but with my current living situation that's all I can really afford. I'd love to spend more later... but we'll have to see how things go.

 

The Peavey Classic 30 seems to keep coming up and some of my friends more experienced than I seem to agree. Peavey for the win?

[Sauce]

Yeah the Classic 30 could be the way to go. For something a little different you might also want to look at picking up a Render Hot Rod or a used Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue or even a used Vox AC15 might be worth looking into also. Good luck on your hunt!

[Terrell]

I enjoy playing a lot of modern hard rock and I enjoy that fat rich distorted tone. Then again, I can get a really nice clean sound with my Tele and love playing alternative rock songs (90's hits) or the blues as well.

 

I want to keep my options open as I'd be happy in a Steve Ray Vaughn cover band, backing up a country singer, chunking out an easy Godsmack cover, or even auditioning for a position on a worship band for a local church.-DC

 

Line 6 Spider Valve is the only way to go when playing that many types of music. Else, you need a wall of combos!

[Rampdog]

Like I said, I'm not too experienced in the amplifier department. Perhaps I can find a helpful Guitar Center employee that will give me some pointers. I just always feel so stupid asking them for help.

 

Try to look at it this way... The guys at GC work for YOU... Don't ever feel stupid asking questions... If a salesdude in there is rude than just ask to speak to a different one... You don't have to be a dick just ask and most of them will be willing to help... And now you can also learn alot in here... Myles is the house pro here and he's a great guy... (busy as hell) but he's always there with an answer... Just post your questions and someone or everyone will be happy to help you out.

(If they're willing to help me they'll help anyone)