Ibanez TSA15/30 or something else?

**Misty** · 11-02-2020, 12:51 PM

Hi, i'm looking for a portable clean tube combo that doesn't break the bank, I have my eyes on an Ibanez TSA, any other amps I should look at before pulling the trigger? thanks

**Kirk1701** · 11-02-2020, 01:01 PM

I would look at the Joyo Sweet Baby. It's a Chinese version of 5F1 Champ. Something like $250.

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**Misty** · 11-02-2020, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Kirk1701

I would look at the Joyo Sweet Baby. It's a Chinese version of 5F1 Champ. Something like $250.

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only 5 watts though, that's not gonna cut it, need at least 15

**woodpecker** · 11-03-2020, 05:05 PM

my joyo jta-05 did not last long,
see my post

**newsense** · 11-04-2020, 05:59 AM

I recently picked up a TSA15 Head and I'm playing through a Cannabis Rex 12" cab. Currently my favourite setup, both clean and with the Tubescreamer, which at low gain fattens up the clean tones.

**Marcel_A** · 11-04-2020, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Misty

Hi, i'm looking for a portable clean tube combo that doesn't break the bank, I have my eyes on an Ibanez TSA, any other amps I should look at before pulling the trigger? thanks

I used th Laney Cub 8 for a while. It's a 5 watter, but would check out the laney Cub 10? It doesn't break the bank. Don't know how the clean channel is.
CUB-SUPER10 - Laney Amplification

**citizenk74** · 11-06-2020, 05:16 PM

I have a TSA15. I love it!

**CharlesR** · 11-07-2020, 01:11 PM

TSA15H paired with a Jensen p12q here. Lovely cheap amp. Need to use it more often...

**CharlesR** · 11-07-2020, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by citizenk74

I have a TSA15. I love it!

Citizenk74, triode or pentode mode? Knobs settings?

**newsense** · 11-07-2020, 05:36 PM

I find the pentode has more clarity than the triode. With humbuckers, I need to take the bass almost to zero and treble around 2 o'clock. However my Tele is happy with both bass and treble around 12 o'clock.

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**citizenk74** · 11-07-2020, 10:52 PM

Originally Posted by CharlesR

Citizenk74, triode or pentode mode? Knobs settings?

I was unaware T/P was an option. Mine is "out of the box." Knobs depend on the guitar, pup selection/combination, and the abstract sound in my head, but I generally start with noonsies and go from there.

The reverb is full up, usually, The TS, if on, is basically unity-gain. Volume is civil, unless Mrs.k has gone shopping.

**newsense** · 11-08-2020, 04:40 AM

Pentode is 15W, triode 5W, Via the swirch on the back.

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**CharlesR** · 11-08-2020, 10:18 AM

Nice morning session with the TSA15H, just a little reverb added. As I said, I need to use it more often.

Misty, pull the trigger.

**citizenk74** · 11-08-2020, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by newsense

Pentode is 15W, triode 5W, Via the swirch on the back.

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I just checked, mine has no switch. Just to be clear, I may be referring to a different amp. What I have is this:

**Little Jay** · 11-09-2020, 02:44 AM

Originally Posted by citizenk74

I just checked, mine has no switch. Just to be clear, I may be referring to a different amp. What I have is this:

Now that’s a great bed- or livingroom amp!

But yes, different amp, it’s little sister. But circuit perhaps the same?

**citizenk74** · 11-11-2020, 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by Little Jay

Now that’s a great bed- or livingroom amp!

But yes, different amp, it’s little sister. But circuit perhaps the same?

Not sure. But it does compare favorably with my previous Champs in tweed and my current BF Vibro Champ for cleans and a bit of grit to outright grind, should it be called for. I've got it right at ear level, and can get lovely tones at very comfortable and discreet levels. Plus Mrs. k thinks it's cute. She isn't wrong!

**Gitfiddler** · 11-11-2020, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Misty

Hi, i'm looking for a portable clean tube combo that doesn't break the bank, I have my eyes on an Ibanez TSA, any other amps I should look at before pulling the trigger? thanks

The Fender Musicmaster amp is an inexpensive 12 watt tube amp that sounds much better than it should...with guitar (NOT bass).

It remains an 'under the radar', inexpensive and reliable amp that is perfect for home or even small gigs. On a lark I bought one for less than $500 and upgraded the CTS speaker with an Emi CRex. I typically use a EQ and Reverb pedal to expand its sonic girth and it sounds great! I like it better than most Champ sized amps, mainly because it has a 12" driver, giving it much more girth before distortion kicks in. And even that sounds cool with the right guitar.

Fender Silverface Musicmaster Bass – Ampwares