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Forums :: Gear

Modelling Amps/Virtual Amps

2 replies [Last post]
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 01:38
chas foster
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Joined: 12/20/2009

I just bought a Behringer V-Amp 3. Trouble is I put my headphones on and get lost in all the sounds I can make with my harp instead of doing what I sould be doing and earning some money. But nevermind! What these sort of devices produce may be only a close imitation of the real amps but the old masters didn't buy high end gear. They just made do with what they could afford and produced music that still thrills. It seems to me that if they'd had what we can have they wouldn't have restricted their tone pallette.
Anyway I am a beginner at this so I would be very interested in others' thoughts (particularly David's) on amp modelling and on the gear that is available. The V-Amp 3 is magic. And cheap, I mean I'd have had to spend many times what I did on this to get one medium quality tube amp let alone the great gear that I might aspire to. But maybe some other devices are even more magic?
BTW can it be said too often? Bluesharmonica.com is a truly amazing resource - Thankyou!!
Chas

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Mon, 03/15/2010 - 09:34
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

It all gets down to we're creating music. If you like the music that comes out of you, using that amp, then that amp is truly THE right amp. In regards to the old tube amps (or new ones built like the old ones), it gets down to the history of blues harmonica. If you love the sound a classic blues harmonica got, and you know they used "such and such" tube amp, then go get that amp... or something similar.

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Wed, 04/14/2010 - 14:00
#2
MrSoAndSo
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Joined: 04/12/2010
Less Loud

I've got a Vox DA-5 digital modelling amp, with variable power switch (1/2 W, 2 W, 5W). Tube amps need to be played pretty loud to produce that over-driven Chicago tone. This is not good for anyone with noise induced injury, e.g. tinnitus, or for those who want to avoid that. A digital modelling amp can give a reasonable facsimile of the sound you're looking for without blasting it. And most have built-in effects to play with. This is great for practicing. Low wattage tube amps are available too, but most are very expensive boutique items.

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