More Dynamic range from Fender Blues Jr at low volume...

[ampgeek]

If you are (or become) inclined to build a small wattage amplifier, make sure to consider this option:

http://www.rjguitars.net/V-2.html

RJ is a member here and has devised and supported too numerous to mention builds of all types....and...he is one hell of a nice guy!

IMHO, this would be an extremely low risk venture into amp building that would result in a very useable home practice amp while leaving your current amp unmolested.

In the best of all worlds, you could plug your existing speaker/cab right into the V2 and crank it up. However, that isn't a sure thing unfortunately. There is always some minimum required amount of deflection/air movement for any speaker/cab combination before it starts to sound "good".

Do be forewarned though...once you start building, it is VERY hard to stop!

Cheers,
Dave O.

[glennc717]

If you are (or become) inclined to build a small wattage amplifier, make sure to consider this option:

http://www.rjguitars.net/V-2.html

RJ is a member here and has devised and supported too numerous to mention builds of all types....and...he is one hell of a nice guy!

IMHO, this would be an extremely low risk venture into amp building that would result in a very useable home practice amp while leaving your current amp unmolested.

In the best of all worlds, you could plug your existing speaker/cab right into the V2 and crank it up. However, that isn't a sure thing unfortunately. There is always some minimum required amount of deflection/air movement for any speaker/cab combination before it starts to sound "good".

Do be forewarned though...once you start building, it is VERY hard to stop!

Cheers,
Dave O.

Hello Dave,
Well, just having finished listening to the gerhardt 1/2 Watt kit sound clip, I am completely amazed at the sound. The V2 sound outstanding also. My question is what are they using for speakers. I don't know why these products are not more widely known. If and when I have the money and know what speaker array I need, I might be forced to build one. I've figured out that my blues jr is approximately 20 years old and it I don't believe ever sounded that good. Truly amazed. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
Glenn

[ampgeek]

My pleasure Glenn!

Good question...I don't know the speaker arrangement used for those recordings. Hopefully RJ will sniff this thread out soon and let us know what was used for the V2 presentation clips.

I suspect that the "micro amp" boom is just starting to take hold. I have to believe that the majority of (the young'ish) amp users are still living under the "more watts must be better" paradigm.

Fair enough if you are playing out in venues that demand a minimum output. Unfair if one is a home player or is looking for the big-and-bad tone at low volumes for practicing and doodling around.

We are starting to see some of the major amp manufacturers come'round if I am interpreting the shift in advertisments in my monthly Guitar Player magazine correctly. More and more smaller output amps to compliment the larger offerings.

Some of this might be due to us "old dogs" who bought into the bigger-better mindset as young guns but have since gained some technical wisdom (not to mention aging joints that are unwilling to cart around a 100 watt Ampeg V4 and a 4X12" cabinet for a ~100 person or less gig!!) to better understand what we want to hear and how to go about getting it. Facilitated largely by forums like this and the great folks willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

Cheers,
Dave O.

[glennc717]

My pleasure Glenn!

Good question...I don't know the speaker arrangement used for those recordings. Hopefully RJ will sniff this thread out soon and let us know what was used for the V2 presentation clips.

I suspect that the "micro amp" boom is just starting to take hold. I have to believe that the majority of (the young'ish) amp users are still living under the "more watts must be better" paradigm.

Fair enough if you are playing out in venues that demand a minimum output. Unfair if one is a home player or is looking for the big-and-bad tone at low volumes for practicing and doodling around.

We are starting to see some of the major amp manufacturers come'round if I am interpreting the shift in advertisments in my monthly Guitar Player magazine correctly. More and more smaller output amps to compliment the larger offerings.

Some of this might be due to us "old dogs" who bought into the bigger-better mindset as young guns but have since gained some technical wisdom (not to mention aging joints that are unwilling to cart around a 100 watt Ampeg V4 and a 4X12" cabinet for a ~100 person or less gig!!) to better understand what we want to hear and how to go about getting it. Facilitated largely by forums like this and the great folks willing to share their knowledge and experiences.

Cheers,
Dave O.

Hey Dave O.,
Honestly the only reason I didn't get a twin deluxe reverb at the time or a 4X Tweed bassman was that they were too expensive. So the Blues Junior still a fairly large sum, was brought home. I never needed it. If cranked beyond 2, the LP starts to annoy my old worn out ears, unless played with surgical softness. I was hoping you might be able to indicate what sort of speaker array is being used. I've seen 1 watts driving a 4X12 cabinet. If I am going to put in the money and effort, I would like to have an idea of what is really necessary speaker wise to attain the sound quality I've heard. Do you know or know where I might find out that information? I just bought new tubes for the fender per BillM site. I am getting ready to take a hammer to the amp every time I play my new LP.
Trick of the imagination or real difference, I don't enjoy the sound. I would rather it stock, except for the tubes and use any future monetary separation for a small amp such as the one you have indicated or maybe the Gilmore Jr. Thanks again, hope you can help!
Glenn

[Jana]

This might be blasphemy, but what I think you really want and need is this:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/Micro-CUBE/

I have one and for the price, it is awesome. Yeah, it's not a tube amp but it does have some very usable tones in it. It is very easy on the ears too.

It also comes in red! How can you beat that?

[Phil_S]

The speaker or speaker combination, the geometry of the box, closed back, open back, all these things affect the sound and the perceived volume. It is not such an easy question to answer. However, certain speakers are known for a particular "flavor." You can do quite well with a 1x10 or 1x12. A 2x10 or 2x12 has more expansiveness to it, IMO.

[Phil_S]

...t what I think you really want and need is this:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/Micro-CUBE/

In this case, I think I'd agree. For the price, you can't beat it with a stick. Demo here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qSf0mYO3R4
LOL, he is very careful not to actually mention any of the amps imitated by name.

[Reeltarded]

This might be blasphemy, but what I think you really want and need is this:
http://www.roland.com/products/en/Micro-CUBE/

I have one and for the price, it is awesome. Yeah, it's not a tube amp but it does have some very usable tones in it. It is very easy on the ears too.

It also comes in red! How can you beat that?

The Roland Cubes are FUN. I like the 60 because the controls are more seperate in what they do, and it sounds as good as the tiny ones at the same volume.

[M Fowler]

I have the Roland Cube 30 great little amp.

[glennc717]

I have the Roland Cube 30 great little amp.

Hello M Fowler,
Thanks for your input! I've listened to it on several youtube videos and of course these aren't accurate representations, but it did fit the sound that I particularly want. Next time I get to the store, I will plug on in and hear it for real!
Glenn

[glennc717]

The speaker or speaker combination, the geometry of the box, closed back, open back, all these things affect the sound and the perceived volume. It is not such an easy question to answer. However, certain speakers are known for a particular "flavor." You can do quite well with a 1x10 or 1x12. A 2x10 or 2x12 has more expansiveness to it, IMO.

Howdy Phil,
So you believe it will be a trial and error approach? Like mentioned I could just run it through the Junior 12". Then make, what is the standard?, birch plywood, 2X12 box and mess around with that. There is just so many combinations it is difficult to know how to start. Always appreciate you advice!
Glenn

[Phil_S]

I've made a cab from 1/2" (13mm) 9 ply Baltic birch. I advise against the poor quality stuff you'll find in the Low Despot type store. The ply is difficult to work with compared to solid wood. I think I'd just get some 12" #2 pine plank wood. Pick through and try to get it relatively knot free. You won't feel bad discarding the mistakes you make with #2 pine. There are cabinet plans available on the internet in abundance. Remember, this is a guitar cab, not an audiophool cab. Keep it simple.

[M Fowler]

That would be a good idea to build the 212 cabinet out of select void free pine and try some different speakers. Mix the speakers up they don't need to be the same brand/model. The speaker baffle board should be plywood though.

Mark

[glennc717]

I've made a cab from 1/2" (13mm) 9 ply Baltic birch. I advise against the poor quality stuff you'll find in the Low Despot type store. The ply is difficult to work with compared to solid wood. I think I'd just get some 12" #2 pine plank wood. Pick through and try to get it relatively knot free. You won't feel bad discarding the mistakes you make with #2 pine. There are cabinet plans available on the internet in abundance. Remember, this is a guitar cab, not an audiophool cab. Keep it simple.

Hey Phil,
Thanks for the idea! I may do that. But, amazing as it may sound, I just finished installing RSGuitarworks Jensen caps and volume pots in my guitar. The difference is astounding. The amp sound more responsive, it has made the bass less muddy IMHO and has tamed the extreme highs that were too shrill.
I am happy to play the guitar with the amp again. I can also take the volume lower and still get more of a frequency range. So I am happy and confused, more happy. But you guyz have given me the bug. You are saying that I could use the stock 12" speaker and add another brand and it would still improve the sound. That is great, and save some money too.
This forum though still makes me desire a boutique amplifier...........
Time will tell!
Glenn

[M Fowler]

I have a basement full of tube amps that I've built what flavor are you interested in, my amps need to go to happy homes.

I don't have any music clips is my down fall to selling them.

Mark