Questions about guitar amp

GloopyJon

I have an old amp that I bought about 25 years ago.  It's an Aria Pro II, 30W if that means anything to anyone; basically a pretty simple combo practice amp.  I pulled it out recently to try again, and I think it sounds awful.  Is it possible that the sound quality has deteriorated over the years?  I've read that tube amps tend to do that; how can I tell if it's a tube amp rather than a solid-state one?

Any thoughts on whether it would be worth getting it repaired if it is a tube amp and the tubes are shot?

If not, then I'll probably buy a new one some time.  Can anyone recommend a good amp, essentially for home use but which could potentially be used for a small performance if necessary?  I think a combo amp would be fine, but what type?  Modelling amps look interesting...

Thanks for any thoughts!

Toasty

A quick Google and it's a solid state practice amp, which tbh could explain the quality. Do you use an effects pedal? If not, that may help, otherwise you may need to look at getting a better amp.

A 100watt non tube combo amp won't set you back a fortune and should be fine for pub performances. I have an ibanez 150watt solid state combo and a Marshall 100 watt valve state. The ibanez is good for both home and gigs, but I use it with a pedal. The valve state is better cranked up loud, but I don't use a pedal with it, not so good for home use.

Edit: BTW, you can go lower than 100w, but I've found lower than this with solid state does not cut the mustard in a venue. Valve is a different matter entirely, eg, a decent 30 watt valve system can get pretty darn loud!

noiseboy72

You might have found that the capacitors have dried out or the cone on the speaker deteriorated. Both are very common.

A nice Zoom FX pedal board and a pair of headphones seem to be all the rage for practice now as well!

GloopyJon

I took the amp into a shop this afternoon (sad fact: this was an hour's drive away from home where we took the dog to have his hair cut, which takes 2 hours, so I had plenty of time to browse).  They said that the amp sounds OK, but I think it sounds horrible on Drive - far too fuzzy and bleugh.

However....I also tried a bass and a guitar while I was there, and they plugged the guitar into a little Fender amp, a Super Champ X2.  It's a modelling amp with a number of different voices available, and it sounded great!

So I think I've decided that I need to buy a new amp. I'll have a look at the suggestions above (thanks!) and also at reviews for this Fender amp and anything similar.  I could definitely see myself ending up with that one, though.  380 euros (310 quid at Anderton's); I resisted the temptation to buy it on impulse, but it has at least shown me the path!

GloopyJon

After a bit of googling, I've come up with a shortlist.  I've decided that I want a combo modelling amp of aroun 15-40W (small enough to use at home but big enough for a small gig).  Ideally, I would also be able to use it for my bass, to save me having to buy a separate bass amp.  Price Line 6 Spider Jam - very versatile with recording, loads of tones.  A bit over my power range (75W) and no bass.  £315,Fender Super Champ X2 - the one I tried yesterday, ideal size & power (15W), very nice modelling tones.  I think this is the only tube amp of the three.  No bass.  £310Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 - 40W, has inputs for electric, bass and acoustic, lots of modelling tones, sounds ideal in many ways. £239Any thoughts / experience with these / suggestions for other amps?  I did look at the other ones mentioned above and in another thread but at the moment the ones above are the closest to what I think I want.  I'm attracted by the versatility of the Peavey, particularly because I could use it for my bass (& acoustic), but I'm slightly suspicious that it's too good to be true!

Christian 71

It's for home practice isn't it J?

You could buy a multifx or a valve pedal to get some decent distortion, but like you say you are probably better buying a nicer amp. Seems like a good shortlist, the VIP 2s are getting great reviews so you probably can't go too wrong. There's a review on iGuitar which takes it through it's paces.
Peavey Vypyr VIP2 Review  | iGuitar

I considered an X2 before I got my Marshall, looks to have the best of both worlds with a tube poweramp and Fender Mustang modelling so looks a really good option.

Amps go all the time on Gumtree and ebay and you can pick up some bargains if you are patient keep an open mind as they are too heavy/expensive to post. Why not buy something like a cheap S/H solid state modelling amp (eg. Mustang or a Cube) and buy a nice S/H bass amp? Then spend a bit of time trying out amps in shops until you know better what you want?

You may regret not getting a valve amp if you go for the VIP 2 and in a years time Peavy will have brought out the VIP 3, so it's something to consider.

GloopyJon

It's essentially for home practice but I'd like to be able to play in public without having to buy new equipment (obviously when I get to the stadium stage I'll need a bigger amp).  I have multi thingy (Boss ME-50, I think) which is sitting in its box in a cupboard, but I'll get it out if I have an amp that sounds nice.  Still, turning a dial to select a preset tone is a lot easier than fiddling with multiple effects switches, and I'm lazy!

The VIP 3 is already out, but it's the larger version (100W instead of 40W)!

Ideally I'd like to go and try the three out but I don't know where I'd be able to do that over here.  I was lucky that the guy yesterday just happened to plug the Brian May Special into an amp that has inspired and ended up on my shortlist!

Toasty

Nothing better than try before you buy,  unfortunately, most shops specialise with a few makes, especially smaller shops, making it difficult to try multiple makes from one shop. Your list is a great start point, I've used peavey and Line 6 in the past with no issues. You could also look at Messa Boogie combo amps

GloopyJon

Thanks, I haven't looked at those - I'll do a bit of reading up.  At the moment I'm torn between the Peavey and the Fender - the Peavey because I can use my bass too, and the Fender because it's the only tube amp of the three (and I already know it sounds good from playing with it).  I'm unlikely to find the Peavey on display anywhere here, unfortunately, but I've discovered that GAK will deliver it to Belgium...

EDIT: Just checked out the Mesa Boogie; the cheapest combo amp is 1500 quid, which is a bit out of my price range!

Philly112

For something a bit different I can recommend these:

Mambo Amp

I have the Mambo 10 wedge. They are primarily designed for jazz guitarists, but don't let that fool you. They can go VERY loud, and are the best sounding (clean) amp I have heard. They also take pedals very well via the effects loop. They are also hand made in the UK (you won't find them in shops unfortunately). Jon Shaw (the guy who makes them) would be able to advise suitability for bass guitar. There is also an 8 inch version which goes just as loud but in a smaller package.

Or look at the ZT amps. I had the Club before I got the Mambo. A similar concept, maybe better suited to rock guitarists. Again, VERY loud, and would be more than enough for a small hall.

ZT Amplifiers - Products

Both are very portable.

Cheers
Phil