Lightweight amp recommendation for jazz and rock

**Desafinado9** · 10-27-2015, 09:46 AM

Hi all! can you please help me with some advice/recommendation on amp choice?
I'm in the search for a portable combo single speaker and need to meet these requirements for my intended uses (gig -rock & jazz- and practice at home without disturbing family/neighbors):
sturdy/rugged, powerful enough to stand on its own (high headroom) without mic'ing or a PA against a drummer, compact and lightweight (preferably under, but up to, 15 kg/34 lbs); aux in, line out & speaker out are desirable. Speaker can be 10" or 12". No need for on-board effects, reverb not at all a must but would be welcomed.

In the sound department I need a very good clean sound, and a decent OD channel, or at least nice to pedals. As long as it sounds good it can be SS or hybrid design, I'm not considering tubes because I've read they are heavier and need more maintenance.

My current amp is a Vox Valvetronix AD100vt, which I like the features and sound (I use mostly its Twin Reverb model for cleans, AC15 model for clean/slightly OD, and another that some said supposedly models a Dumble OD when I want more OD) but its not portable at all.

As I live in Argentina it's got to be a brand widely available (ie: Fender, Vox, Peavey, Line6, Laney, Roland, etc can be found here; Quilter, Henriksen, et al haven't reached this latitudes, and I doubt they will because there's isn't a big market here and direct imports are a p.i.t.a.). Was considering a Roland Cube 80XL till I found it has a trailing drumsnare-like hiss when the notes decay that puts me off and that made me start a thread to see if there were people actually using it to gig (here @ Roland Cube 80XL (trailing) hiss?).

Any help will be welcomed!

Best regards and thanks in advance,

**sbeishline** · 10-27-2015, 10:35 AM

I mostly play through a JC-90. I think it does a nice job in covering jazz, and can easily handle blues/rock as well. I'd bet it's loud enough to handle stage performance for you, and def has the volume that can annoy some neighbors for at home practice. Of course, you don't have to crank it that loud. In my opinion, the pre-set chorus isn't half bad either. I'm sure you'll get lots of other opinions.... I also have a small Fender, and they are great amps, too. Good luck.

**Bluedawg** · 10-27-2015, 11:29 AM

I just picked up a Fender Mustang III for my cheap, portable, versital amp ...

I'm liking it so far for it's rock sounds ... I still haven't messed with it for jazz much

I don't think it will convince the tube lovers to switch to modeling, but it may do what you need

I really enjoyed my business trips 22 years or so ago to Buenos Aires and I'd love to go back someday as a tourist to see the countryside and enjoy the food

**jzucker** · 10-27-2015, 11:32 AM

Dr. Z Amplification | Z Lux

**Hep To The Jive** · 10-27-2015, 12:00 PM

For both rock and jazz, loud, portable, hard to beat ZT Lunchbox. You can get extra cab for it if you need louder, but on its own it's plenty loud already. It has gain knob, so you can make it sound dirty for rock gigs. I used it for any situation: restaurant gigs, clubs, full rock band, small jazz combo- great for everything. The tone is a bit bland, but I'm not shy to use pedals. Speaking of which, Tech21 Para Driver DI is unbelievably great and can make any amp or PA sound how you want it to sound with any guitar.

**rickshapiro** · 10-27-2015, 12:10 PM

The Quilter Micropro HD 12 or 8 is the way to go. Most flexible thing you will find without going into a modeler.
I will let you know, there is some hiss when a note opens the gate for the reverb. You have to play really quietly to hear it. The duration of the hiss is based on the dwell of the reverb. The his is not noticeable when I am focusing on the music but it is there. It does have an effect loop if you want to put your own reverb into the mix. I have done this with my reverb pedals but actually really like the built-in reverb.

Here is the official quilter statement on the hiss.

Quilter Labs ? View topic - Quilter Mach II Reverb Question

Do not dismiss this amp because of this. It is really wonderful. You may throw some of your pedals away after hearing the capabilities of this amp.

**Desafinado9** · 10-27-2015, 01:05 PM

Hi guys and thanks for your answers!

Originally Posted by Hep To The Jive

For both rock and jazz, loud, portable, hard to beat ZT Lunchbox. You can get extra cab for it if you need louder, but on its own it's plenty loud already. It has gain knob, so you can make it sound dirty for rock gigs. I used it for any situation: restaurant gigs, clubs, full rock band, small jazz combo- great for everything. The tone is a bit bland, but I'm not shy to use pedals. Speaking of which, Tech21 Para Driver DI is unbelievably great and can make any amp or PA sound how you want it to sound with any guitar.

The ZT isn't distributed here unfortunately.
I've read the Paradriver is a great tool, still it's about more than half the price of the amps I was looking at

and out of my budget at this moment. I have it on my list of useful things for the future along a parametric EQ.

Originally Posted by rickshapiro

The Quilter Micropro HD 12 or 8 is the way to go. Most flexible thing you will find without going into a modeler.
I will let you know, there is some hiss when a note opens the gate for the reverb. You have to play really quietly to hear it. The duration of the hiss is based on the dwell of the reverb. The his is not noticeable when I am focusing on the music but it is there. It does have an effect loop if you want to put your own reverb into the mix. I have done this with my reverb pedals but actually really like the built-in reverb.

Here is the official quilter statement on the hiss.
Quilter Labs ? View topic - Quilter Mach II Reverb Question
Do not dismiss this amp because of this. It is really wonderful. You may throw some of your pedals away after hearing the capabilities of this amp.

I've read good things about Quilter as well, wish they brought them here! then I'd consider getting a ToneBlock200, and see if I can get a lightweight cab on the market or have one custom made.
I don't actually have many pedals either (Fulltone OCD, an analog delay, Cry Baby wah, XVive Chorus/Vibrato, XVive Phaser King and XVive Fuzz Screamer are all I've got so far); I've got many on my wish list tho.

Originally Posted by jzucker

Dr. Z Amplification | Z Lux

Unfortunately this is a bit heavier than I want to/can carry around, I have a few hernias on my spine so I have to be careful about that.

Originally Posted by Bluedawg

I just picked up a Fender Mustang III for my cheap, portable, versital amp ...
I'm liking it so far for it's rock sounds ... I still haven't messed with it for jazz much
I don't think it will convince the tube lovers to switch to modeling, but it may do what you need

I really enjoyed my business trips 22 years or so ago to Buenos Aires and I'd love to go back someday as a tourist to see the countryside and enjoy the food

Glad to know you liked my city! does that AZ means you're from Arizona?
I'll have to check these, but I've read some saying it has a hiss issue that put me off, although I haven't checked them myself (as I did with the Cube).

Originally Posted by sbeishline

I mostly play through a JC-90. I think it does a nice job in covering jazz, and can easily handle blues/rock as well. I'd bet it's loud enough to handle stage performance for you, and def has the volume that can annoy some neighbors for at home practice. Of course, you don't have to crank it that loud. In my opinion, the pre-set chorus isn't half bad either. I'm sure you'll get lots of other opinions.... I also have a small Fender, and they are great amps, too. Good luck.

Unfortunately the 2nd hand market here isn't too big, there aren't many vintage units and they price em quite high IMO, even if they're powerful and lightweight, those are far out of my budget these days

.

**jazzbow** · 10-27-2015, 01:43 PM

Cube 60 if you can find one second hand. It ticks all the boxes you set out in your OP.

I bought mine new a good few years ago and it's built like a tank!

Original 12" speaker is good.

JC clean channel all day with pedals.

O/Drive channels are decent and the dyna amp bit does touch sensitive crunch well enough for bars and clubs.

Reverb is nice, I like it a lot but the other built in effects are just about ok.

I'm currently playing guitar in a covers band for a one off charity gig and the Cube 60 is perfect for this.

As for new stuff, erm, the new Roland JC40 might do it for you.

**Peter C** · 10-27-2015, 02:40 PM

No hissing problems thus far on my new Roland 80GX, at least on the JC clean setting. I gave it the gun for an hour in the store before giving it the nod.

**Al Br.** · 10-27-2015, 03:57 PM

Any Quilter model. I have the Aviator 2x10. Awesome amp. anything from clean to rock raunchy is possible. Light weight, powerful, well built and a price that's hard to beat. If you have any problems with the amp you simply get on the Quilter FB page, ask your question and an answer will follow shortly. When the amp was delivered I thought that maybe the speakers were shipped separate. It weighs nothing when compared to an equivalent tuber. I was a die hard tube amp guy and bought the Aviator on a chance. Not disappointed in the least.
I play without any external effects and have no problem getting the sound I want.
The Quilter web site allows you to hear all their different models played under different conditions. Well worth a look see.

**medblues** · 10-27-2015, 04:44 PM

With your requirements (not mic'ing against a drummer and lightweight combo and not expensive), you need to look at bass or keyboard amps with a neodymium speaker and get your OD with an outboard effect unit.

Like this one:

Gallien-Krueger MB112-II 1x12" 200-Watt Bass Combo | Sweetwater.com

**Desafinado9** · 10-27-2015, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Al Br.

Any Quilter model. I have the Aviator 2x10. Awesome amp. anything from clean to rock raunchy is possible. Light weight, powerful, well built and a price that's hard to beat. If you have any problems with the amp you simply get on the Quilter FB page, ask your question and an answer will follow shortly. When the amp was delivered I thought that maybe the speakers were shipped separate. It weighs nothing when compared to an equivalent tuber. I was a die hard tube amp guy and bought the Aviator on a chance. Not disappointed in the least.
I play without any external effects and have no problem getting the sound I want.
The Quilter web site allows you to hear all their different models played under different conditions. Well worth a look see.

Wish they would bring Quilters here, as I replied to Rickshapiro earlier; unfortunately here there isn't a market as big as in the USA so I doubt they will bring these at least until/unless they become extremely popular.

Originally Posted by medblues

With your requirements (not mic'ing against a drummer and lightweight combo and not expensive), you need to look at bass or keyboard amps with a neodymium speaker and get your OD with an outboard effect unit.

Like this one:
Gallien-Krueger MB112-II 1x12" 200-Watt Bass Combo | Sweetwater.com

Hi medblues! and thanks for your reply! do you have experience with using bass or keyboard amps for guitar? do their EQ section work well for us guitarists too or I'll need an EQ pedal?

**fep** · 10-27-2015, 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Desafinado9

Wish they would bring Quilters here, as I replied to Rickshapiro earlier; unfortunately here there isn't a market as big as in the USA so I doubt they will bring these at least until/unless they become extremely popular.

When I bought my Quilter they were selling direct, i.e. I bought from Quilter. If you want a Quilter then you should contact them and see if they'll ship to Argentina.

However, I don't know the tarriff/duty/tax rules between U.S. and Argentina.

**Desafinado9** · 10-27-2015, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by jazzbow

Cube 60 if you can find one second hand. It ticks all the boxes you set out in your OP.
I bought mine new a good few years ago and it's built like a tank!
Original 12" speaker is good.
JC clean channel all day with pedals.
O/Drive channels are decent and the dyna amp bit does touch sensitive crunch well enough for bars and clubs.
Reverb is nice, I like it a lot but the other built in effects are just about ok.
I'm currently playing guitar in a covers band for a one off charity gig and the Cube 60 is perfect for this.
As for new stuff, erm, the new Roland JC40 might do it for you.

I've searched for 2nd hand Cubes with no luck, mostly found the smaller ones and just one 80XL the seller asking more for it than what a shop asks for a brand new 80GX..
If they bring the JC40 here I'd give it a try, still not sure if it'll have the power required.

Originally Posted by Peter C

No hissing problems thus far on my new Roland 80GX, at least on the JC clean setting. I gave it the gun for an hour in the store before giving it the nod.

I'm glad you don't have the hiss there, the 80XL I've tried had a snaredrum-like hiss trailing as the notes decayed, both on the JC clean and Lead channel that put me off at least for now; maybe in the end I'll have to put up with it if I can't find other options available.

**medblues** · 10-27-2015, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by Desafinado9

Wish they would bring Quilters here, as I replied to Rickshapiro earlier; unfortunately here there isn't a market as big as in the USA so I doubt they will bring these at least until/unless they become extremely popular.

Hi medblues! and thanks for your reply! do you have experience with using bass or keyboard amps for guitar? do their EQ section work well for us guitarists too or I'll need an EQ pedal?

That's a personal taste you would probably like it unless you are very used to a an open back twangy reverby guitar sound, historically Fender Bassman and Ampeg bass amps and others have been used by guitar players. I and others here (like Jim Soloway) use micro bass heads (such as GK MB200 or Carvin BX250) with bass or guitar cabs. Of course if you use an active EQ pedal, you can shape the sound more to your liking.

**Desafinado9** · 10-27-2015, 05:40 PM

Originally Posted by fep

When I bought my Quilter they were selling direct, i.e. I bought from Quilter. If you want a Quilter then you should contact them and see if they'll ship to Argentina.

However, I don't know the tarriff/duty/tax rules between U.S. and Argentina.

Well, things here are complicated on imports, custom taxes are about 50% of product value, plus I think I'll need to hire a Customs Officer to realese the amp from Customs, and then there's the shipping cost to be added as well which I guess it won't be cheap either, and then there's the laws/rules to difficult money getting outside the country and increasing foreing currency debt.. all things considered its a bit much hassle for me, so I don't consider this an option at this moment.

**Desafinado9** · 10-27-2015, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by medblues

That's a personal taste you would probably like it unless you are very used to a an open back twangy reverby guitar sound, historically Fender Bassman and Ampeg bass amps and others have been used by guitar players. I and others here (like Jim Soloway) use micro bass heads (such as GK MB200 or Carvin BX250) with bass or guitar cabs. Of course if you use an active EQ pedal, you can shape the sound more to your liking.

I'll have to try then.
Asides that, feel free to correct me, but I think I've read somewhere that few bass players actually used the Bassman.

And well.. my current amp is a 2x12 open cab Vox Valvetronix AD100vt, which I'm used to hear the dry sound of it (I mean, I don't use the reverb) on which I tend to use the Twin Reverb and AC15 models mostly.. so open back I'm sure it is, but not sure if this qualifies as twangy reverby?

**entresz** · 10-27-2015, 06:08 PM

Another recommendation for the Quilter.

I've got an Aviator Twin Ten... that amp can do pretty much anything. The MicroPro models are even more versatile from what I've heard.

**medblues** · 10-27-2015, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by Desafinado9

I'll have to try then.
Asides that, feel free to correct me, but I think I've read somewhere that few bass players actually used the Bassman.

And well.. my current amp is a 2x12 open cab Vox Valvetronix AD100vt, which I'm used to hear the dry sound of it (I mean, I don't use the reverb) on which I tend to use the Twin Reverb and AC15 models mostly.. so open back I'm sure it is, but not sure if this qualifies as twangy reverby?

You may be correct, my electric bass history knowledge is weak. I personally like having more bass available to me and bass amps typically do not lack treble (they may have a tweeter) so you can even use them for acoustic guitars. So overall, they tend to have more power and are more versatile.

**christianm77** · 10-27-2015, 06:31 PM

Princeton '65 Reverb Reissue with the speaker swapped for a more efficient one (i.e. any decent speaker almost! I use an Eminence) has plenty of headroom for band stuff. Weighs about 15kg. Here is how it sounds with my new tele:

It's an expensive amp, but worth it. I have too much cheap gear in my life.... I should have bought a PPRI years ago.

**Peter C** · 10-27-2015, 07:11 PM

I'm glad you don't have the hiss there, the 80XL I've tried had a snaredrum-like hiss trailing as the notes decayed, both on the JC clean and Lead channel that put me off at least for now; maybe in the end I'll have to put up with it if I can't find other options available.

Well, the GX is the later model, so maybe they've sorted the problem out.

**Kolbi2112** · 10-27-2015, 09:31 PM

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe yet.

**christianm77** · 10-27-2015, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by Kolbi2112

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe yet.

more than 15kg (20kg)

**Bosko** · 10-27-2015, 10:00 PM

[QUOTE=Bluedawg;578342]I just picked up a Fender Mustang III for my cheap, portable, versital amp ...

not sexy, or exotic, but for the money, hard to beat. It can easily do jazz, rock, r&b, country, blues, record, output to PA.....

Name a better grab & go box with that type of versatility and price tag. BTW - it is also simple to use and tweak.

**Greentone** · 10-27-2015, 10:10 PM

I like the Fender Princeton Reverb RI for this kind of all-around work. It is a great amplifier for nearly everything, but for rock and jazz it's a real winner.

I like the tweed Deluxe even more, and it's even lighter...but no reverb. You can remedy this with a small reverb pedal, of course. The Deluxe is one of the greatest sounding amplifiers EVER--both for rock and for jazz. Pricey, though.