Small Guitar Amps?

[George Price]

I'm looking for a small amp, as small as possible without throwing away all tone and versatility. I've found (and this month's Guitar Player confirms) that 15 watts is plenty for most gigs, and if it isn't you should fire your drummer (just kidding Sean). If more is needed, just mic it. But since most of us already know small amps are beautiful by now, I'll just get to my question.

I like the sound and size of Fender's 15-watt Blues Junior, but they ruin it for me two ways: they put the knobs on the backside of the top rather than up front, and then they mark the knobs with white paint on chrome making it extremely difficult to read (for me at least). So I'm asking, what might be a comparable amp in a small front-mount configuration? I'd like it to have enough bass to sound respectable on a jazzy gig, as well as the usual gigs you'd take a Fender to. I don't need DSP, got a POD for that. Is there a 1x10, closed or semi-closed back, 10 to 15-watt amp you'd recommend?

[Mark McCoy]

George, Check out this amp. The Gem from a company called MACK Amps www.MackAmps.com

The 4 watt GEM may be too small for your needs but then again, 4 clean watts from a boutique amp is probably a lot more tone than 15w from a Peavey. They also sell 15 watt versions called the Heatseeker (dual EL84s) or the SkyRaider (dual 6V6s).

The GEM lists for $547.00 Not cheap but do you know any boutique amp that is? Ultra cool look and tiny size. 8" W x 5 1/2" H x 4" D. It'll fit in your gig pack.

Our guitar player has made the move to small amps. He uses the Epiphone Valve Jr and the Fender Champion 600.

[dan coy]

Russell Malone has many boutique amps but confessed to me that a Roland Cube 60 is one of his faves. I got one several months ago from Mack McKibben www.mckibbenmusic.com and have not used another amp since. I don't really have any need for the effects or DSP stuff but I leave it set on the "Twin" setting and with the enclosed cab it really punches out some lows. My Blues Juniors amps are now retired.

[Jeff Smith]

Hi George,

One suggestion would be the reissue Fender Princeton Reverb. You most likely have already found an amp as I am just now seeing your note rather late but just in case,,,,,,
The PR is all tube 15 watts. Tube rectified with all tube send and returns on the effects (reverb/trem). No digital dalliance on this one, just plain old tube warmth and sweet tone. A fantastic clean base for pedal users but will also go into nice harmonic distortion with a knob twist. All very natural.
Small, lghtweight, good power and classic tone.
We carry these at my shop and I have had the pleasure of noodling with tons of amps and this one is an standout.
Good luck!

[Bob Tewksbury]

George..............this amp is the BOMB. It is 20 watts, just a little more than you wanted..........super small.......one of the guitar players I regularly work with uses it and LOVES IT! The EGNATOR !

[Paul Sanders]

I don't know what your budget is, but Nolatone Ampworks has three models could possibly be candidates for you.

The 22 Tango is a LOUD 22 watts, so may be to much.

The CL15 Chimey Limey is an incredible sounding 15 Watts that out Voxes the AC15.

The Junebug may work for you as well. This little amp is the same cabinet size as the Blues Jr. and comes as a 1x10, with the speaker mounted on an adapter ring which mounts to a 12" baffleboard so you can use a 12" speaker if you want. Though most of these are being sold as studio amps or home jamming amps I'm building one of these for a local musician who seems to have a similar requirement as you and if it's not loud enough for his application we're going to beef it up to run a 6L6 for more power.

Have a look at these at http://www.nolatone.com and feel free to contact me if you have more questions.

Thanks,

Paul Sanders
Nolatone Ampworks
http://www.nolatone.com