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Forums :: Ask Amp Tech Expert Skip Simmons

Epiphone valve special

4 replies [Last post]
Sat, 11/08/2014 - 09:48
jgwilks
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I have decided its time to get my first tube amp to play primarily at the local jam. As this is a new venture for me I realize there a lot of very different choices and completely opposite ends of the afforadable scale. With affordability in mind, I have come across a used Epihone Valve Special at the music store that I believe I should purchase. The price is totally right for me. After reading many reviews, I see that many harp players do or have played this amp. Also I notice that some modify it slightly for better Tone and/ or volume. Ill try it later today as well as a Fender Blues Junior (which is not in the budget) for comparison. I would like your thoughts or recommendations on this Amp.

Thanks,

John

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Sat, 11/08/2014 - 11:26
#1
Expert Skip Simmons
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Epi Valve Special

Hello John-   Thanks for writing!  Do a little snooping and you will find plenty of discussion concerning the Epiphone right here at BH.com, but being an old amp guy I don't have much personal experience.  However, I DO know that any amp that gets you playing, practicing, and enjoying life in general is great, even if it is not a "dream" amp.  

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Sat, 11/08/2014 - 11:58
#2
jgwilks
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Livin the dream

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll know soon enough when I give it a try today. 

Then play, have fun , record and post something in the Share section With the Amp. 

John

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Tue, 11/11/2014 - 07:00
#3
Dave Hall
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valve special huh?

i'm interested to know how it goes. i have someexperience with epiphone valve jr (i own three which are all modified to different degrees) but i know nothing about the valve special.  

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Tue, 11/11/2014 - 12:49
#4
jgwilks
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Modifying

From reading any forum I could on the subject the junior is very similar. But without the DNS effects. 

Commonly, the amp seems to be modified in certain ways to get the tones a bit better that we are seeking. Mostly I see changing the OP transformer as the biggest perhaps most important change with some upgrading the speaker. I get it on Friday so I will experiment with it as is for the time being but I'm very curious what mods might do for this amp. Since it's my first tube amp it will be nothing but experimenting. 

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