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Amp Shopping and Transport

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(@lorfyre)
Estimable Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 63
Topic starter  

Hey gang,

I am thinking about purchasing an amp for my guitar. I have a Frontman 15G and a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. I am looking for something in between, as I go to school away from home, and I don't think I could ship out the Hot Rod (too heavy and risky).

I'm looking for something that is more portable than the HRD (I need to move it around for when I play at other locations), but also has good tone. I don't like the 15G. I think I like tube amps. Does anyone have something to recommend?

Also, how do people normally ship their gear? I don't want to buy this amp from my current location, for tax purposes, so I will need to fly the amp out to my current location. I will also need to move my electric guitar (by air, I'm guessing).

Thanks for all your help!


   
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(@smokindog)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 5345
 

A Blues Jr would fit the bill :D Small, great tone, and you can gig with it. Also it sounds good at low volume.
Be sure to remove the tubes befor shiping. :wink:

My Youtube Page
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(@scrybe)
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Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 2241
 

I'll second that. :)

Ra Er Ga.

Ninjazz have SuperChops.

http://www.blipfoto.com/Scrybe


   
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(@lorfyre)
Estimable Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 63
Topic starter  

Thanks for the responses, I'll definitely check out the Blues Jr.

Also, how do people normally transport their gear? Do you think they will allow the amp as in-cabin luggage, or will I have to check it in? Or simply mail it to the location? I don't like the idea of mailing something so heavy (is it heavy?) and pricey.. nor do I like the idea of reckless luggage handlers tossing gear around..

If anyone has any experience with this type of thing, I would appreciate your reply.

Thanks.


   
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(@smokindog)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 5345
 

I would ship it UPS and pack it carefully. If you buy from Musicians Friend they probably ship it double boxed. At least thats how they shipped my GMX212. In fact you might wait until you move and just buy it local or from musicians friend and have them ship it. its a free shipment with at least a $199 purchase.

My Youtube Page
http://www.youtube.com/user/smokindog
http://www.soundclick.com/smokindogandthebluezers

http://www.soundclick.com/guitarforumjams


   
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(@lorfyre)
Estimable Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 63
Topic starter  

Hmm okay, thanks.
Musician's Friend is not very friendly to Canadians when it comes to shipping costs, though :(


   
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(@smokindog)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 5345
 

I just made a few calls. MF can't send shipments to Canada at this time due to technical difficulties. Music 123 doesn't ship to the Great White North and you don't even want to know what Guitar Center charges :roll:

Maybe you could PM Hueseph, He lives up there and buys equipment from time to time.

My Youtube Page
http://www.youtube.com/user/smokindog
http://www.soundclick.com/smokindogandthebluezers

http://www.soundclick.com/guitarforumjams


   
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(@scrybe)
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Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 2241
 

If you get any tube amp and intend to mail/ship it to your location, make sure you take the tubes out first - don't wanna have it arrive with a bunch of broken glass at the bottom of it.

Wish I could help more re transport, but being UK-based, I've never had to move my amp(s) further than a car ride.

Ra Er Ga.

Ninjazz have SuperChops.

http://www.blipfoto.com/Scrybe


   
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(@greybeard)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 21 years ago
Posts: 5840
 

One word of warning - there are lethal amounts of elecktrickery in the innards of a tube amp - you're talking 300-400V, with current to match.

I started with nothing - and I've still got most of it left.
Did you know that the word "gullible" is not in any dictionary?
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(@lorfyre)
Estimable Member
Joined: 18 years ago
Posts: 63
Topic starter  

One word of warning - there are lethal amounts of elecktrickery in the innards of a tube amp - you're talking 300-400V, with current to match.
..meaning what? Are things likely to get knocked around and dislocated if I mail it?
Or is it hard to take out the tubes and put them in again? I imagine it's just like screwing on a lightbulb? (I haven't taken out tubes before).


   
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(@wes-inman)
Illustrious Member
Joined: 20 years ago
Posts: 5582
 

Tubes pull straight out. They are very easy to get to on a Blues Jr., you can see and reach them from the back. Greybeard was just warning about sticking your hands into an amp. Even powered off the capacitors hold a charge and a person can still be shocked. I always use a trick my Dad taught me, he was an electronic tech. He taught me to put my left hand in my back pocket and use my right hand only. This way the current will travel down a leg and not through your heart. :shock:

But don't be afraid of tube amps, just be cautious. On most tube amps you simply pull the tubes straight out. When reinstalling the tubes pay carefull attention to the pin pattern on the tube and sockets, they only line up one way.

Most amps use several different types of tubes, so it's also good to jot down a diagram so you know exactly which tube goes where.

Some other amps to consider are the Pro Junior and the fairly new Super Champ XD. These are even smaller than the Blues Jr. with a 10" speaker, but these amps crank and can easily be used for small gigs unmic'd and larger gigs mic'd. The Pro Jr. has great tone and is a favorite with many players. The Super Champ XD is very versatile with many models of famous amps. My brother got one of these at Christmas and it is a great sounding and very versatile tube amp.

If you know something better than Rock and Roll, I'd like to hear it - Jerry Lee Lewis


   
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