Do I really need an amp any more?

John_A

ICBM said:

You could always become a singer. That way you wouldn't need any gear at all, you could just turn up and expect someone else to have provided everything and set it up for you, then make sure you leave when it needs to be got back into the van.

Would be funny if it wasn't true 

DanR

Could you not sell everything bar your favourite preamp pedal and buy a Helix.

You can then use that with your powered speakers.

John_A

TTBZ said:

People over on TGP are really rating the Boss Katana, most saying it has that real valve amp feel. And considering how much cork sniffery and other bollocks there is over there, that's some sort of endorsement anyway. If you got the 100w head you could use its built in speakers for home practice then go into a backline cab for any gigs you might have. Or go for the 100w combo which apparently sounds good at any volume. 

I tried one and while it certainly wasn't bad it wasn't great IMO

builttospill

The Blues Cube Artist/Stage? I almost went for one of these over a PRRI, I opted for the Princeton because it was on special offer at the time, I'm still intrigued by these amps. 

ICBM

TTBZ said:

People over on TGP are really rating the Boss Katana, most saying it has that real valve amp feel. And considering how much cork sniffery and other bollocks there is over there, that's some sort of endorsement anyway.

Given the sort of sounds they like over there, that's put me right off it.

DulcetJones

I've got the opposite problem(warning: cautionary tale ahead).   I tool a long break from playing live  that eventually led me to think I wasn't going to be playing live again so I sold my bigger amps.    As it turns out, I went to a jam recently and "fell into" a band.  Now I'm amp hunting.  If you've got a powerful amp that isn't taking up too much space in your home,  keep it, you never know what might happen in the future.

thecolourbox

DanR said:

Could you not sell everything bar your favourite preamp pedal and buy a Helix.

You can then use that with your powered speakers.

Theoretically yes but I already have modelling kit and I don't enjoy using it as much as pedals

peteri

Honestly, I think there's a lot of your genuine frustration colouring the thinking if I may say so.

I went ampless last year - had a really nice little setup, for me I found I didn't like headphones all the time - so went back.

But as others have said - you can wire more elegantly.

For example I had a Pedal Train board, with all the drives etc. I wanted on there, all the pedals I liked.

Then a Bognor preamp

Then the delays and modulations

Then the two notes Torpedo.

All fitted on a big pedaltrain and the wiring was completely neat - there were three wires 'off board':

1. Power lead (one lead powered all)

2. Guitar lead

3. Headphones lead/lead to your monitors

You're not going to get tidier than that!

Sell your amp, it's not a one off - you can always buy another.

Or alternatively:

Stop playing for a few months - I've been playing for 34 years, but there have been long periods in that time where I've not picked up a guitar. For a few years I was learning Pro-tools/Logic and making electronic music, for a few years - I wasn't doing anything with music.

You only have so many hours in the day, enjoy what you do with them.

I'm now more into guitars than I've ever been, but it shouldn't be a chore.

impmann

OK, you are going around in circles, buddy...

If you don't like modelling, then you need to keep your amp.

Frankly, I'd keep the amp. Need it quieter but the volume control isn't working at low levels, get an attenuator. Job done.

wayneirie

For the music you like to play the Princeton should be ideal, get one of these then you can go into the computer too, while still keeping your pedals. If the taper on the volume pot seems wrong get it changed.

 http://www.palmer-germany.com/mi/en/PDI-09-Passive-DI-Box-for-Guitars-PDI09.htm

If you want some cash back on the princeton have a look at the AC15, Master volume is very effective. And if you're not enjoying playing, Have a break, find some new music to listen too. And come back too it.

DrJazzTap

I haven't really used my blues deluxe in anger in seven years. I'm just keeping it for when I need to scratch that itch. I do intend to try out the Yamaha TH100r next week though.

EricTheWeary

I watched the Guitar Nerds review of the Katana 50 the other day, I was quite surprised at how bad I thought it sounded. On YouTube clips and through my telly guitar amps get a bit samey sounding so I was surprised at how nasty it was. Still looks like it's assembled from parts left over from something in the 80s. 

ICBM said:

TTBZ said:

People over on TGP are really rating the Boss Katana, most saying it has that real valve amp feel. And considering how much cork sniffery and other bollocks there is over there, that's some sort of endorsement anyway.

Given the sort of sounds they like over there, that's put me right off it.