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Vox valvetronix VT50 amp: Strong enough to gig?


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Posted

Basically the topic title says it all. My first venture into gigs as a guitarist. I did many as a drummer--not mic'd though. I expect to begin playing (this would be the solo route) in places the size of maybe...hmm--a closet? But if things progress, maybe bigger venues at some point. I'm thinking the VT50 will do the job well in this instance.

 

If I go the band route (this is a strong possibility)---we will play, hmmm....bigger closets? Will a VT 50 have the clarity/strength at higher gain settings to work w/ drums/bass/vocals?

 

Someone recently was discussing the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe as "the greatest gigging amp ever." They also noted that it was too much (loud) to use in a household/neighborhood setting, but was great as a giging amp---As always, thoughts much ppreciated.

Posted

Hmm, solid state amps are tough to judge like that, their volume and wattage level don't work the same as tube amps. I'd think it might be, but I don't know about that amp for sure. Its one of those, I'd have to play it type of deals to know. Being in a band, I have a 15W Fender Blues Junior that works great for cutting through the band. At practice, I only have the master volume set to 4-5 with a couple pedals in front, same setting has worked well for me in a gig situation too. I play a mostly blues and some rock.

 

Are you using the VT50 for its effects/OD, or just as a clean amp? That may make a difference too.

Posted

You simply can\'t judge any amp\'s apparent volume by wattage alone. Efficiency of the system has a great deal to do with that as well.

 

I would say that it is very likely the 50w solid state is plenty unless your band is freakishly loud.

 

Case in point, I have an 18w tube into a 212 cab. I have an 80w solid state into a single 12. The 80 will get louder easily. Plug that into another cab and then it is no contest. However, but will get the volume job done.

 

Owned a Hot Rod Deville 410. Loud! Had no problem with at home playing though.

Posted

There is a guy over on the Fender Discussion Page that has clips of him gigging with his (sorry, it's been some time, and I don't remember his name.) Loud enough, yes. Will the tone be there, and will it sound as good as a tube amp? That's subjective, of course. It's still driving a 12 inch speaker, so it should have plenty of bass. Don't forget the attenuator knob on the back of the amp to make sure you are getting your full 50 watts! Also, the one I had had a plastic input jack that fell into the amp one time when the plastic nut came loose. That said, you won't have to worry about power tubes going out on you! It just has the one 12AX7 in the preamp, and they usually don't poop out on you. Good luck; Give it a try!

Posted

Thanks all...I'm working on this putting a band together--make a cd thing...It's really neat. We'll see how it goes. Again, new territory for me as a guitar player. I'm finding that I like the songwriting part and establishing the melody. Lots of steps to go. Hope it doesn't cost too much along the process.

Guest HRB853370
Posted

Thanks all...I'm working on this putting a band together--make a cd thing...It's really neat. We'll see how it goes. Again, new territory for me as a guitar player. I'm finding that I like the songwriting part and establishing the melody. Lots of steps to go. Hope it doesn't cost too much along the process.

 

You are kidding Rusty! Wow, where did all this come from? You didn't breathe a word about it during our HOC SE jam session. Well, maybe you were just keeping the wraps on it. So who are the other band members? If I get to Greenville in the next 3 months, can I audition? PUHLEEAASSEE?

 

And I have a Tascam NEO btw. 24 track recorder.

 

Also, shouldn't this be in the amplification section of this forum?

Posted

 

You are kidding Rusty! Wow, where did all this come from? You didn't breathe a word about it during our HOC SE jam session. Well, maybe you were just keeping the wraps on it. So who are the other band members? If I get to Greenville in the next 3 months, can I audition? PUHLEEAASSEE?

 

And I have a Tascam NEO btw. 24 track recorder.

 

Also, shouldn't this be in the amplification section of this forum?

Will---you are SOOOOO right--this should have been in the amplification section--My Bad!---Yeah I just posted (family tree) abt the band thing---Working cautiously through that possibility at the moment--let's talk!

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