Small valve combo

timmysoft

So I'm looking to pick up a small valve amp for my home studio, it's mainly for the recording of my solo album but may also get used for jamming out ideas at a local rehearsal room. I'm currently looking at these amps: Laney Cub12, Ibanez TSA15 and the Fender Pro Junior. I will be getting the drive tones from my M5, so versatility isn't really an issue. Thoughts?!

ICBM

Of those, Pro Junior. It has the best inherent tone.

Some classic recordings have been made with them too - Neil Finn uses one for example.

Richardj

Big +1 for the Pro Junior. I was amazed at the quality and quantity of tone it produces. Not at all boxy and really doesn't need more than volume and tone controls. I kept mine both at '6' and it was plenty loud and would go clean to drive beautifully from the guitar's volume control. Loves pedals too.

ThePrettyDamned

Pro junior.

The cub 12 is nice sounding too, but really is best with a speaker upgrade. When I heard it, I think it was a head and a different cab.

timmysoft

I should probably mention that the stuff I'm recording for the solo project is kind of anywhere from weezer to mastodon. Any other amps I should be checking out?

ICBM

timmysoft said:

I should probably mention that the stuff I'm recording for the solo project is kind of anywhere from weezer to mastodon. Any other amps I should be checking out?

Mesa Trem-o-verb.

ThePrettyDamned

timmysoft;254787" said:

I should probably mention that the stuff I'm recording for the solo project is kind of anywhere from weezer to mastodon.

Any other amps I should be checking out?

Jet city head? I know you want a combo but a head and 1x12 isn't that much bigger...

Or get the combo.

timmysoft

Space is paramount, my home studio is 1.75x2.25m! I have checked out the JetCity gear before, it's hard to get hold of over here now but it's definitely great sounding.

bazxkr

What about Laney VC15 ....small with great sound...someone on here had the white limited edition for sale recently...they look classy too for a small footprint & would compliment a compact studio

Cheers
Baz

Shame you are not nearer Tim you could try mine out with that new M5 of yrs LOL

timmysoft

I was a vc30 user for a year, I even had the white one of them! The only thing with the Laneys is I know that they get very loud very quickly! I live in an apartment so i do have to be careful with vibrations!

sweepy

Look out for a Belcat 20r, or as it is known now, the Sub Zero 20r, basically a blues Jnr clone for half the price, and if mine is anything to go by actually far less noisy than the Fender.

steamabacus

Yerasov GTA15?
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/15796/new-russian-amp-day-yerasov-gta15/p1

Richardj

It isn't cheap but I'm pretty happy with my H&K Tubemeister 18C. It's small, light and now the speaker has broken a bit sounds better and better.  The power scaling options are handy and it has the Red Box DI out for recording, might be worth a look.  

sweepy

I have the Tubemeister 18w head and yes they are very good although not a "classic".valve sounding amp iyswim, still definitely worth a look

stickyfiddle

I love the VC15, FWIW.

musicegbdf

Very happy with my blackstar HT5 . Plenty loud enough for home recording , sounds good and very versatile .

timmysoft

Ibanez have a new little 15w combo out too, looks great but there isn't many demo videos yet. Same price as the tsa15 too.

midlifecrisis

im thinking that if a laney vc30 is too loud wont most 15w amps also be too loud?   i have the cub12r it has a 0.75w input even that can be loud if cranked.

bazxkr

What about the Laney IRT15 studio with a small cab.... has the 1w input too & all you need to link recording
Sounds good......not many around s/h...someone on here had/has one so he will chime in
Small footprint too

timmysoft

midlifecrisis said:

im thinking that if a laney vc30 is too loud wont most 15w amps also be too loud?   i have the cub12r it has a 0.75w input even that can be loud if cranked.

I think it's just something with that series of Laneys, they are monstrously loud, I do love them though. Tonally the Laneys are bang on, I think the cub with it's lower input could prove to be a winner. The ibanez amps can be dropped down to 5w too.

mrkj2000

My blackstar ht5r would fit the bill perfectly . Great clean and drive tones .