Guitar Amps

[Borris-Bear]

I'm looking to replace an old Marshall amp that i have as it seems to be dying.

I have noticed a few people on here recommend the Line 6 Flextone amps but was a bit worried that a 60W amp may be too loud for playing in the house (the Marshall is 80W and barely ever touches 1 on the volume!).

I noticed that Line6 make the Spider series of Amps some of which are rated a lot lower are these the same as the Flextone? They seem to be more about modelling sounds for specific songs rather than modelling amplifier sounds, would this be a true reflection on the differences between the 2 amp models?

I also noticed that VOX do the valvetronic series of amps which do the same modelling thing ast the Line6 are these any good? Noticed that they dont explicitly state what amps they are modelling just generic terms like Boutique CL or UK 80s. Anyone know which amps they are trying to model?

[Dai Capp]

Hi There

I went down the Line 6 Flextone route because my Mesa Boodie Studio 22 was way too much for home use.

If you go for the really heavy tone from the Line 6 it does get loud but the clean tones are just fine, I have the guitar on full volume and on jazz clean the amp sits on 6.

I've heard some not such good things about the reliability of the Vox amp and as I understand in terms of modelling Line 6 are amongst the most accomplished hence my choice.

If lots of different tones isn't what you're after, I tried the Blackstar HT5 and the Cornford Harlequin which are both low power valve amps and they were excellent and I expect would be perfect for home or studio use.

Cheers

DC

[Borris-Bear]

Thanks for the reply. Was looking at the modelling amps for the flexibility as it has all the effects built in.

I'm just coming back to the guitar after about 10 years and used to have loads of effects pedals but sold them all so having them all built in to an amp would be quite useful.

[Gaspode]

I have a Marshall DSL401 that I use purely for warbling to myself in the attic, with my American Roadhouse Strat, playing along to stuff. I used to be quite into effects, but this thing sounds so nice I just run it just on its own. Highly recommended.

Edited by Gaspode on Friday 6th February 21:45

[Borris-Bear]

Anyone know the difference between the Spider and the Flextone there seems quite a large price difference. The smaller Spiders are under £100 wheras the Flextone is £299

[Dai Capp]

Borris-Bear said:

Anyone know the difference between the Spider and the Flextone there seems quite a large price difference. The smaller Spiders are under £100 wheras the Flextone is £299

I think the spider is more modelled around 'artists' sounds rather than different amp models.

You should also budget for a floorboard for ease of access to the various sounds for either amp. Best bet for either is Ebay and wait for a used one with floorboard. I got my Flextone 2 a couple of weeks back for a bit over £100 and it is in perfect nick.

Cheers

DC

[Borris-Bear]

Just bought a Flextone III and am very impressed with it all the different models sound excellent. I found ive not really been playing anything for the last few days just messing with all the different amp models and built-in effects.