Amp choice?
Hi Dave,
Could I have your advice/opinion on which amp to buy please?
After watching your amp reviews countless times I have narrowed my search to either the Fender Princeton or the Windy City Plus.
Up till now I've been using my blues jnr and despite having swapped tubes and changed the speaker to a Webber alnico with large dust cap etc. it still doesn't cut the mustard for me. I would have put up with it but my son has taken it on for his guitar, once i return it to the original speaker and tubes of course.
This leaves me in the position of buying a small/medium amp more appropriate to where I'm at in my journey with harmonica playing.
I cannot find a laney cub 10 in the UK as they seem to have discontinued manufacturing them, and none are currently available used. I have narrowed my search to the Fender Princeton 68 custom or Sonic Pipe Windy City Plus, The Princeton is twice the price of the Windy City even with shipping to the UK, but budget isn't a big issue as I'd rather have the right amp for the job.
I intend to join/form a band when competent enough, I already have a Bassman so I'm covered with regards to a large amp. At this stage I will be mainly using the amp for practice at home, but would want to use it for smaller gigs etc.
My gut is going with the Princeton as it seems to be more versatile. My concern with the Windy City is that it can't be played as loudly due to the high level of distortion.
Would I be better off to buy the Windy city at around £500 GBP and maybe upgrade to the Princeton at a later date or is the windy likely to cover my requirements?
I'm probably massively over thinking it which is why I thought it best to ask your opinion.
Many Thanks
Saul
Not cutting the mustard was probably too strong a phrase from me. I have been getting a reasonable sound from it and I am fully aware that it is my under developed technique that is the real issue. My son wanted a better amp than he was using, and being a student cannot afford much so I used it as an opportunity to help him and myself by giving him mine and getting me a more beginner harp friendly amp. Either way I'm currently without a smaller amp.
Okay, we're getting closer. By "beginner harp friendly" are you meaning easier to get a more distorted tone without so much effort?
I don't enjoy too much distortion, just enough to be gritty, much like your sound. It would be nice to be able to focus more on developing my playing technique than the main focus being on trying to make it sound less bad - so yes, I guess if it's easier to get a distorted tone without so much effort that may be what I'm looking for. I don't want it too easy though as I want to learn to do it.
I think the Windy City is the way to go. It's a great practice amp, recording amp, and coffee shop gig amp (no drums). It's not a gigging amp with a drummer, but that's what your Bassman is for, so I think you're good.
Reminder... don't focus on playing the amp loud... dial in a good sound and play softly, giving you dynamics range (cupping the mic too tightly and playing too loudly leads to a one-dimensional, too overdriven sound... play the amp like it's another instrument).
Thank you David,
To be honest I was hoping you'd say that.
I really appreciate your advice.
Best
Saul
Perfect then!
Hello Saul. Why hasn't the blues jnr cut the mustard for you? What were you looking for that the amp couldn't provide?