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Topic: Small amp recommendation for lap steel & dobro? |
Dennis Brooker
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2009 2:50 pm |
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I just traded for a Lace pickup and a Baggs Para DI for my dobro that is on the way and eventually I'm going to make a lap steel - I realize sounds coming from an amp are dependant on many variables - I would like some general suggestions for a small amp - a main point for me being weight, less than 25 pounds, that could be used for both dobro and lap steel mainly for jamming - Nothing for professional use, anyway at this time  - I know NOTHING about electronics - I have a Crate CA15 Cimmaron that I haven't taken out of the box even though I've had it 3 years so if that will or might work let me know - Thank you for your kindness and your input - Dennis Brooker |
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Brad Bechtel
From:
San Francisco, CA
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Posted 5 Aug 2009 3:17 pm
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How loud do you want to be? Do you want to keep up with a drummer, or just with other acoustic instruments?
The Fender Blues Junior is highly recommended (I own the Pro Junior and find it's plenty loud enough, but it doesn't have reverb built in).
Your Crate CA15 amp should be just fine for your needs.
_________________
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars |
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Dennis Brooker
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 5 Aug 2009 3:41 pm
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Brad - Thanks, I don't think I would ever be able to keep up with any drummer based on what I can lift  - DB |
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Rich Hlaves
From:
Wildomar, California, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2009 9:47 am
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I own a Blues Jr. and really like the amp. I have the NOS model with the tweed covering and the Jensen
speaker. I have taken it to live jams and gigs. It cuts right through. Excellent little amp that sounds good, it is light, decent reverb and still about $500 new.
The CA15 being an acoustic amp might be a little bright for the lap guitar but the tone controls might be able to compensate. I also own a CA30 crate acoustic amp (big brother of the CA15) and think is sounds as good if not better than my Fishman Loud Box with some guitars at less than half the price.
They are both nice amps just aimed at different instrument types. I think the dobro will sound better through the Blues Jr. with maybe a little hair than an electric lap through the CA15. For home practice your CA15 is perfect for either guitar.
Best,
Rich |
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Dennis Brooker
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2009 10:59 am
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| Rich - Thanks for your input - When I'm doing some trading I will put a Blues Jr. on my list of wants - DB |
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Rich Hlaves
From:
Wildomar, California, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2009 2:46 pm
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Dennis,
I forgot to mention; I found the Blues Jr. to be very sensitive to placement. It would have holes in its output depending on where you where standing on stage in front of it. I cured this by always placing it on an amp stand. I really didn't like it much until I started using the stand. It's great now!
Rich |
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Dennis Brooker
From:
Iowa, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2009 3:07 pm
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| Rich - Thanks again - Now, excuse my ignorance, can you tell me what an "amp stand" is? Is that something specific just for the Blues Jr. or are we talking a stool with short legs, a plastic crate or something else - DB |
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Delvin Morgan
From:
Lindstrom, Minnesota, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2009 4:19 pm
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| Don't forget the Epi Valve Jr. Either the head or combi. I have the head and I built the speaker enclosure with a Celestion Green Back. Even at 5 watts, it will surprise you. Just add a Holy Grail and you are all set. |
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Rich Hlaves
From:
Wildomar, California, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2009 11:41 pm
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I use one of these:
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rodger_mcbride
From:
Minnesota
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Posted 8 Aug 2009 1:22 pm small amp
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I tried the Zt (ztamps.com). I sounds real good once dialed in and somehow the circuit tames the peizo quack. And it gets plenty loud. I has a noticeable hiss when not playing but goes away once a note is struck. 10 lbs, 6" speaker. It even does a surprisingly good enough job with a steel. The Aura pedal gives you more tone control, but just alone it does pretty well with the Fishman saddle pu.
rodger |
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Lynn Oliver
From:
Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 8 Aug 2009 3:30 pm
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I think it is ztampifiers.com. Did you try the Lunchbox?
Here's a YouTube Video showing the Lunchbox used with a lap steel. |
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rodger_mcbride
From:
Minnesota
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Posted 9 Aug 2009 3:33 am Zt Lunchbox
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It was the Lunchbox. I didn't try it with a cabinet, but I imagine it sounds even better. They designed it to play loud and gritty, clean and loud seems to be about half of that. But whatever the nuances of it's failings, the size and portability make up for it. If you mike it, it's small enough to put on a stand or anywhere close by as a monitor. I was sorely tempted, I'm waiting for their 12" speaker model to see if it's cleaner.
rodger |
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