Guitars for Real Musicians

Craig · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 3:35 pm Post subject: Modeling amps

I like the idea of a modeling amp although I've never actually used one. Is it better to have one of these vs. using a modeling/emulation processor through my existing amp or even a PA system? Just thinking over what is possible or would give me the most flexibility and bang for the buck. Any thoughts?
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jimidom · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 5:09 pm Post subject:

I would suggest trying out a series of modeling amps first over a period of time and figure which one sounds best to your ears for the price. There are many to choose from, and there are a few which are all-tube, like the Line 6 Spider Valve and Peavey Tube Vypyr. As for the modeler through your existing amp, that would work too. I used to play gigs through a Line 6 Pod 2.0 that was connected to the preamp-in on a Randall RG80112, and it sounded just fine on most of the amp models, not so good on others. Although I've never done it, playing a modeler connected straight to the PA would work just as long as you had good monitoring. That would give you the most bang for the buck.
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Phantomotaku · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 5:14 pm Post subject:

I've had a modeling amp before...Johnson JT-50 mirage. I thought the one I had was great because rather than have the processing equipment separate its all inclusive so there is less noise in the line in between your guitar and amp.

The one draw back I found with my modeling amp was that even though it was supposed to model alot of classic tube amps...the tones usually lacked the warmth of an actual tube amp. I got around this by adding a tube preamp in the effects loop.

I say if you go with modeling amp or external processing gear - always add the tube preamp.
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Craig · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 6:46 pm Post subject:

Do you think running something like a pod into an amp like my Fender Blues Jr. would reduce the effectiveness of the modeling effect? As in, would the modeling effect and the amp's own voice "fight" each other, and the amp would make the pod sound less like the amp you're trying to emulate? Hope that makes sense... Confused

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jimidom · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 10:24 pm Post subject:

Phantomotaku · Posted: Sat Apr 17, 2010 10:42 pm Post subject:

It definitely will sound like the two tones will be fighting each other...but, the subtle change in eq for each of the amp models should enhance the over all tone. Thats pretty much what you can expect playing through a tube amp with an amp modeling processor - subtle changes in eq. Probably a boost in gain. (this of course is without and of the distortion of POD)

I've found that the modeling amp I had was great for recording...the tones that I got out of the 'direct out' were different than what I got out of recording with the amp direct because the speakers it was loaded with changed the tone too...
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When someone asks you if ya paid your dues, you just stare that big sucker right back in the eye, and you remember what ol' Jack Burton always says at a time like that: "Have ya paid your dues, Jack?" "Yessir, the check is in the mail."~ Jack Burton

Bossman · Garage Jammer Joined: 11 Feb 2010 Posts: 13

I just picked up the Vox VT15. Absolutely love the thing, simply for the bang for buck flexibility. Lots of great amp models, saves me a ton of gear lugging. Add in the pwr attenuator and headphone jack, and it's perfect for my needs.

As far as how the Pod would work with the Junior, I can't speak from experience but it's definitely more flexible than a straight up modelling amp due to the mix/matching you'd have open to you.

Guess you'll just have to give it a shot and let us know how it sounds! Smile

Reaperc89 · Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 5:50 pm Post subject:

Modeling amp would be cheaper, but it depends on the use. An effects processor gives you the wonderful ability of recording output, while not all modeling amplifiers will. I've seen many people play straight into a POD and then to their PC. I guess it just depends on what you want to do with it though eh.

Personally, I feel like more of a traditionalist, and would rather use a half stack with a few pedals to get my tone, but the modeling amplifiers provide awesome, no BS practice amps at a great price.

guitarmaster79 · Garage Jammer Joined: 04 Apr 2010 Posts: 27

i use a spider II 30 watt for home practice, i like it, alot of people dump on them amps though Evil or Very Mad

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Phantomotaku · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 5:38 pm Post subject:

HendrixFan85239 · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:20 pm Post subject:

I have a spider III 75w amp, and I really like the tones I can get from it. There are some wierd settings that I have no use for though, and the Insane settings are good on my amp; mine is a newer model though, and it's true that they don't have the warmth of a tube amp (I have my all tube 80's peavey to compare it to) but the handiness of having all those settings and effects at the press of a button is hard to beat.
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Gear:
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Phantomotaku · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 6:31 am Post subject:

jimidom · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 7:52 am Post subject:

I love my Line 6 Spider II 112 for recording and practice. It gives me both of the basic tones I use the most, blackface clean & dual recto lead, all at the touch of a button. However, it's certainly not a tube amp nor does it behave like one, and the only onboard effect I use is the delay. The others aren't usable IMHO. Thankfully, it takes pedals well.
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HendrixFan85239 · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2010 10:45 am Post subject:

I also don't gig or record, guitar's just a hobby and I was on a budget when I got it so it made the most sense to get a modleing amp because you don't have to pay more for all the extra pedals, now that I'm starting to play with a band I find myself using my Peavey Bandit 65 (that a neighbor gave me...for free! Shocked

) with my 2 distortion pedals (free also). I wouldn't be playing a tube amp if I hadn't gotten one for free, there too expensive for a High Schooler Laughing

.
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Gear:
MIM Fender HSS Strat
Squier Affinity Strat
Hondo II LP Jr. Copy
80's Fender Acoustic
Kramer Bass
Line 6 Spider III Amp
Peavey Bandit 65 Amp
Gallien-Krueger Bass Amp
DigiTech Grunge Pedal
85' Harmony LP Copy
Derring Banjo

dmitri · Garage Jammer Joined: 04 Apr 2010 Posts: 13

I use a Flextone III and while it doesn't model anything perfect, I doubt that most people would be able to tell with A/B'ing my modeler with the real deal. You do have to like tweakage, though.

If you want more warmth with less flexibility, but still more than a one trick pony, go with a Super Champ XD.