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In my schools jazz band we've been having all these gigs to help raise money to get us to perform at Switzerlands Montreux Jazz Festival. The amp we use weights a ton and it's a pain to transport it anywhere, I was wondering if anyone knows a good jazz guitar amp that isn't so heavy but still powerful. I'm not taking the amp to Europe our director had already told us their will be gear available for us over there, I just need one to gig with.
Last edited by Moytron; 03-29-2015 at 02:32 AM.
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03-28-2015 03:11 PM
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Class D amp heads would be the ticket. They are lightweight, powerful, and usually pair well with just about any impedance cab in case you don't want to travel with your own cab.
The following companies make class D heads:
Acoustic Image Clarus
Henriksen
Quilter
Mambo
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Henriksen 'The Bud'
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Some place like Montreux Jazz Festival probably has backline gear available, probably don't need to go through the hassle of shipping gear. If not rent gear. Unless the band plans on starting to travel a lot, getting gear, travel cases, and dealing with transportation to and from airports is a pain.
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Typically a jazz festival like this will provide amps, drums, PAs, etc., if you wish to use them. It should be specified in the contract they sent the bandleader. Now, if you're on a side stage, in a club or are one of the playing-on-a-street bands that may be different- but even then that should be specified in the contract.
Originally Posted by Moytron
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While the MJF used to be a JF, nowadays it's something else...
You should check out if they have an amp you could use, and what kind of amp that is, if they do provide them.
You never know what's going to sound good. I did a gig with a well-known singer, and the contractor didn't even tell me that they provided me with a BF Twin, so I lugged my SF Twin all the way up there.
I left my SF Twin in the trunk, and used the BF Twin they provided, but it sucked. Lousy sound and feedback, so you never know.
The lightest jazz amp that is pretty loud that I know of is the AER Compact 3, but it's only good for archtops and/or acoustic guitars.
Slightly heavier is a JazzKat amp, which can put out 150 to 200 watts RMS, depending on the model.
Mine is 150 watts, and weighs only 18 lbs.
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Are you talking about an amp to gig with to make money until MJF...or an amp to use at MJF?
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I'm talking about to make money until MJF, our director had told us gear would be available over there. I fixed the post sorry about that.
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Depending on Your budget, tonal preferences and regional support needs I would consider looking at solid state amps (Head w/Cabinet or combos) with 10" speakers by the following companies:
- Acoustic Image
- Evans Amps
- Henriksen Amps
- Jazzkat Amps
- Mambo Amps
- Quilter Amps
Good Luck
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Above poster beat me to it. I have a Quilter Aviator 2x10. When it was delivered in the box I thought something was missing and yet to be delivered. No it was all there. And at a price easily half or less that that of the tube amps I considered. At 200 available watts it can pack a mighty punch but at the same time, using just the single channel it can still be loud and clean at the same time. Weight, about 34 pounds. Priced around $900.
Don't know if they are available in Europe but I'm sure Quilter can ship if need be.
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Can't believe nobody mentioned the words 'Roland' and ''Cube' yet...
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Roland Cube
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Get a used Fender Hot Rod deluxe. They cost about $400.00 used and I see them at lots of local University Jazz shows. They're light enough, not expensive, and if you swap out the first 12AX7 preamp tube- the one that is in the V1 position, for a 12AY7 preamp tube- you'll get a nice jazz tone. When you want something better, or different, or before you leave for Europe, you can sell it for what you originally paid.
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Fishman Loudbox Artist
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Phil Jones AG 300 Supercub!!!!!!!!! Fantastic tone.
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Quilter Aviator 1x12" Combo Light Weight and Loud! Think Twin Reverb volume in a Deluxe size amp.
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You won't get a better amp than a Mambo IMO, hand built light and powerful great jazz tone, custom options available. Mambo amps are near Manchester UK, Jon Shaw who builds them is a very friendly helpful guy they are priced around £615 build time about 2 weeks.
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- ZTLaunchbox
- JazzKat TomKat
- Mambo
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As for taking amps from US to Europe, note that the voltage in Europe is 240V. Amps bought in US will only work if they have a voltage switch (some have). Therefore, many US guitarists don't bring their own amps with them to Europe but borrow/rent when they get there.
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The lunchbox, and I believe the mambos, have voltage switches. Not sure about others.
I did a wedding with my lunchbox, EQ pedal, and a little reverb last week. I'm again completely sold on it.
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The present Mambos have voltage switches (the first ones didn't). Originally Posted by mr. beaumont
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Timo.
Do you think that valve mod would work with a fender blues junior which i have ? Best regards.
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yes- check out this page
Billm Audio » What About Tubes?
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I like this this, and FWIW I own and love a Quilter Mach 2 head. The Roland Cube 40XL or one of the Cube 80 models might work for you at lower cost, depending on your power and weight requirements. Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7
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