my jcm800 and 4x12 are up for sale again , I'd like to downsize to something smaller , more crankable and easier to lug round .
I play in a few bands , nwobhm/punk/crossover/garage/classic rock is mostly what I play .
im thinking mini head and 2x12 .
I'm looking for something that had various levels of dirt , had some facility for a solo boost and is loud enough for gigging and also low powered enough to play in the house .
so far I've got 3 amps in mind -
orange dual terror -
i had a tiny terror hard wired and loved it , on paper the dt will have that sound with an extra channel for solo boost . Online demos sound good . Readily available 2nd hand but don't know how good quality they are .
marshall mini jubilee -
might be similar ballpark to my jcm800 but smaller . Not tried one . Don't know if they have a solo boost .dont know what the build quality is like .
mesa mini recto -
online demos sound good. Seems to be versatile enough but without the myriad of options that my stiletto had . Not tried one , dont know if the have a solo boost . Good quality but expensive .
ive also seen an orange rocker 30 head for sale , I know these have a great reputation but I've not heard one and I don't know if you can get a solo boost out of one .
all opinions and experiences are welcome , I need to try some out but experiences are useful as normally I find it really difficult to tell if an amp Is going to work for me just by playing it in a shop . I need to know what it’s like after a few band rehearsals and gigs !!
Comments
The Victory Kraken is also worth considering - you can use Gain I/II and Master I/II independently, for more flexibility - but the volume control's a hair-trigger at the low end and there's no way in hell you're using it at home (even on the low-power settings).
The Origin 20/50 might work for you but it'll definitely need a boost for the nwobhm/punk stuff, especially if you want the footswitchable gain boost for leads. I think a treble booster would work great with the origin but it's definitely a more vintage voiced amp. The fx loop is footswitchable as well so you could just leave a micro amp on top of your amp and switch the loop in and out. If I end up getting one (very likely!) I'll probably run it this way with the gain boost always on and fx loop boost for solos.
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Actually I’ve just stuck it in the classifieds if anybody is intersted.
I thought the 5 watt mode was very weak sounding also. It was a shame as it looked cool!
Would tick the boxes for various levels of dirt and a solo boost.
I tried a fair few ranging up to £2000 and was surprised that it came down to a Peavey classic 20 mini (with a bogner red exctacy pedal) or what I went for an orange dual dark. The dual is more than I need but my god the B channel is addictive
I gig mine in a few bands, does everything from clean to mean and it's plenty loud enough.
As said buy used, new prices are silly.
You really need to try one out, you will be impressed.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
I've said it before and I'll say it again - if you want Marshall tones at the volume levels used in your average pub (backline, no mic'ing up) the Mini Jube is perfect. I've had mine 18 months or so, it's on its second set of valves and it's been faultless. So good, I sold all my other amps and bought a second Mini Jube head as a spare.
i need to try one out !
loud as shit, full tone control and an effects loop.
can only be improved with a clean channel, otherwise a flawless wee amp.