Solid State Amp for a 7 Year Old?

andyp

Hi folks.

Just wondering if there was a consensus around what solid state amp I could look at for my nearly 7 year old son who is learning to play. He's using an old "Rak", cheap and crappy amp and wants to use my Marshall Code 25 all the time now as it's "more fun" and definitely better sounding. The Code is really complex for him to set up though and it's too loud for him to bash away on, and I'm trying to keep it in good nick to be honest so I am looking to get him a cheap amp of his own.

I'd thought of 5W to 10W sort of size, but with simple controls, not like the Code or even the Blackstar ID:Core that I had previously (which I didn't like as it happens). I'm thinking gain, volume, tone knobs... something he can understand and just plug into and go. I guess I'm looking at something under £100 and that sounds as decent as we can get for that. If he sticks at it, then we'll upgrade his gear as we go along but something of his own would be really cool. What about the likes of the Orange Crush models? Or a Laney? Are they shite?

Cheers,

Andy

ICBM

Line 6 Spider 15.

Nikko

Katana 50w ??

It can used at 0.5watts, and sounds really good, and is simple to use.

andyp

Thanks @Nikko ;I'm thinking the Katana is too much outlay right now to be honest, but if he sticks at it I'd probably get rid of my Code and we'd share one amp between us, and a Katana 50 would be one I'd be looking at.

Also, thanks @ICBM ;M I'm not very clued up on Line 6 amps. I'll go and check out the Line 6.

TommyVercetti

Blackstar ID Core 10. 2nd hand. Locally.

jellyroll

My 8 y.o. has a Blackstar Fly

darthed1981

jellyroll said:

My 8 y.o. has a Blackstar Fly

Seconded - Blackstar Fly.  £50 new battery only, you can also get a little stereo setup for £79

If thats too small or you dont need it quite that portable look at Core Stereo 10, which is again superb for the money.

andyp

Just stumbled over the Vox Pathfinder 10... it's £60 new, which makes me think it's not going to be very good.

jimmyguitar

There's a second hand Yamaha THR10 at Andertons right now, it's £150 so a bit over budget but seems to tick all your boxes so worth a thought...
http://www.andertons.co.uk/p/SH-198-2084/second-hand/second-hand-yamaha-thr10c-guitar-amp-w-power-supply

bingefeller

jimmyguitar said:

There's a second hand Yamaha THR10 at Andertons right now, it's £150 so a bit over budget but seems to tick all your boxes so worth a thought...
http://www.andertons.co.uk/p/SH-198-2084/second-hand/second-hand-yamaha-thr10c-guitar-amp-w-power-supply

That's actually very cheap as they go for a lot more on eBay.

I was going to suggest the THR10 also.  

andyp

THR... hadn't thought of them as I thought they were up around £200. Thanks, will have a look at the suggestions and see what's around. Pretty sure it'll be a used one, whatever we go for.

Cheers.

bingefeller

andyp said:

THR... hadn't thought of them as I thought they were up around £200. Thanks, will have a look at the suggestions and see what's around. Pretty sure it'll be a used one, whatever we go for.

Cheers.

I have a THR 10, would sell for £160, that includes postage.  

thermionic

You can pick up a Vox DA-5 or Mini 3 for not much money. Reasonably simple controls (play with the knobs to get a clean/crunch/hi-gain sound and add a little delay/reverb).

A Pathfinder 15 is much better than the 10.

HAL9000

Roland Cube 10GX. About a hundred notes. Tough, a few effects, and very intuitive to use.

andyp

Roland, also a good call. My guitar teacher uses them and swears by them.

I'm liking the idea of the Vox and Orange ones to be honest. They seem like "real" amps but in simpler form. Lots to go on here, thanks very much for the help so far!

nick79

I would say Orange crush. Nice and simple, sound good. 

simonk

I'd have been delighted with a Vox Mini 5 for my first amp. The THR10 is a great little amp but might disappoint when he really wants to rock out (volume wise)... as a parent that may, or may not, be desirable.

ICBM

The Vox Mini5 Rhythm is absolutely brilliant - I've got one - but it's over £100, and it's possibly not quite as intuitive to use as the Line6, surprisingly.

andyp

Getting a decent wee shortlist together here! Thanks

Alnico

I've just listed a 1985 Marshall lead 12.
It doesn't get much simpler than that.
It's in great condition and if it's for your young lad,...........well PM me if you want it and I'll work something out for you.
Any good?

octatonic

Give him the Code and get yourself a Katana.