Re: OT: Tube vs. DSP Amps, Mid Range Vs. Botique, etc

[Daryl Shawn <highhorse@mhorse.com>]

Super cool...I know Nels Cline has recorded a bunch with one of these. I 
love less knobs.

In the unbelievably cheap department, I've heard a lot of good things 
about the Epiphone Junior, which is a 5-watt tube amp with only a volume 
control. It comes in a combo with 8" speaker for a bit more, but I dig 
the head cuz it's LESS THAN A HUNDRED BUCKS.  
http://www.zzounds.com/item--EPIEPAEMJRH

Daryl Shawn
www.swanwelder.com
> I apologize in advance, as this is off topic, but I needed to resolve 
> this here. Once again, I contradict my past observations and 
> comments based on new experiences.
>  
> *Point #1:* A few weeks ago I had bought the Fender FM65 DSP amp, 
> because it has really good effect combinations and it was reasonably 
> good at emulating a variety of tube amps.  I played it at a few gigs, 
> was alright with it (not blown away), but then out of curiosity 
> decided to buy the well respected (by amp purists, based on my 
> research) and highly applauded Fender Pro Junior 1X10" all tube amp. 
> This is one of the most basic, pure tube amps on the market. It is 
> small, light, and simple.  I used it for a jazz gig last night and was 
> almost giddy because of the tone....unbelievable...warm, smooth, 
> spongy, milky, highlighted those sweet spots of jazz tone, all that 
> stuff. Of course, the amp has only a tone and volume knob...nothing 
> else! So I ran my Boss VF1 into it for reverb and delay....it sounded 
> wonderful, just out of this world. Hence, I wasn't able to maintain my 
> do-it-all-with-one-amp goal, but the tradeoff was worth it. This 
> little amp is a amazing. I would recommend it for any style of music, 
> looping or not. I'm still in awe.
>  
> *Point #2*: I slept on it for several week, and I'm buying the 
> Schertle "David" acoustic guitar amp. Yes, it's a boutique amp and 
> high priced, but it delivered an amazing sound out of such a small 
> package...plus, I will run my VF1 into it for effects. Hence, I put my 
> Crate Gunnison up for sale tonight on eBay.
>  
> Basically, I've given up on finding a DSP amp that will delivery both 
> a good tube amp simulation, plus good effects and combinations. 
> Perhaps it is possible or even highly probable to get one or another 
> in one DSP amp or another, but I couldn't seem to find both based on 
> my tests and needs. My ultimate decision is to focus on just a good 
> amp with great tone, and then worry about the effects later...meaning 
> get them with my VF1.  It is a reasonable tradeoff until sometime in 
> the future when they start building rack amount effect quality effects 
> into boutique guitar amps...that will be the day, eh?  I still think 
> they can make a DSP amp that emulates a tube amp to the "T", but I 
> don't think they've done it yet. Perhaps the R&D is too costly to make 
> the investment worth it...but I have to believe that someone could 
> design and manufacture a botique DSP amp that had both great tube 
> emulation and pro quality digital effects.
>  
> Kris
>  
>