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Post new topic Micro Amp Suggestion
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Author Topic:  Micro Amp Suggestion
Judson Adair

 

From:
Oklahoma, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 8:02 am    
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Does anyone have any experience with micro amps?

I play with a three piece that most just plays acoustic. I am looking for something that I can plug my lap steel into that is portable and battery powered but loud enough to play with an acoustic guitar and upright bass. We mostly play on my back porch and I don't want to have to drag an amp out every time we play.

Before anyone suggests a dobro I already have one but I have a really nice Deusenburg with palm levers that I want to be able to play with my friends on the back porch.

Any ideas would be great.

Thanks!

Jud
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Bill Burch

 

From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 9:53 am    
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I have an older version of the Roland MicroCube

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MicroCubeGX--roland-micro-cube-gx-3-watt-1x5-inch-battery-powered-combo-amp-black

Different voicings let you go for a natural acoustic sound (for your Dobro?) as well as various amp models. They get progressively distorted so you can dial in the right amount of dirt. Good battery life as well.

Bill
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Jack Hanson


From:
San Luis Valley, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 10:17 am    
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I have five battery-powered Rolands: Two Micro Cubes; Two Mobile Cubes; and a Cube Street. Any and all will work okay. My favorite for steel is the Mobile Cube, because it doesn't break up as readily as the Micro.

The Micros are okay, but tough to get very loud without breaking up. Better for underhand guitar than steel, in my opinion.

The Street is basically two Micros side-by-side in a weird-shaped trapezoidal cabinet. One of its two channels achieves a decent clean sound. It's the most versatile, and the most expensive.
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Larry Carlson


From:
My Computer
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 10:27 am    
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.
I use a Yamaha THR10 Standard. There is also a classic and a hi-gain model.
It's small and light, has a great sound for a small amp and
you can d/load new settings and with their THR editor software
it is easy to modify and create your own presets.
It has surprised me as to how good it can sound.
And it's fun to mess around with.... Smile
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David Knutson


From:
Cowichan Valley, Canada
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 11:05 am    
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I use a Roland AC 33. It's marketed as an acoustic guitar amp, but my steel (with Lollar Console Grand pickup) sounds so sweet through it, plus it's got a second mic/line channel.

It doesn't have the amp modelling and stuff that the Micro Cube boasts, but if you want clean sound, with or without a bit of Reverb (and, IMHO, questionable Chorus) it's a great amp. And surprisingly powerful at need.
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Last edited by David Knutson on 14 Jun 2019 4:21 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Judson Adair

 

From:
Oklahoma, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 11:17 am    
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Thanks for the input guys. I will let you know what I end up getting.
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Mike Brown

 

From:
Meridian, Mississippi USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 11:59 am     Peavey
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I recommend that you consider Peavey Solo amplifier as shown here;
https://peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/658/116532/
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Gene Tani


From:
Pac NW
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 5:57 pm    
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Besides the above, ou could try Vox, Orange, Blackstar, Boss Katana (same co as Roland), there's a few others listed here I don't remember trying https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=battery+powered+guitar+amp&sb=high2low

And i suggest trying before buying if you have a peaky/trebly pickup like Strat single coil, the solid state electronics can produce buzz and unpleasant artifacts

There's 2 i *wish* were battery powered, the ZT lunchbox jr and the Epiphone valve jr, really nice amps
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- The secret sauce: polyester sweatpants to buff your picks, cheapo Presonus channel strip for preamp/EQ/compress/limiter, Diet Mountain Dew


Last edited by Gene Tani on 15 Jun 2019 5:57 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Michael Maddex


From:
Northern New Mexico, USA
Post  Posted 14 Jun 2019 6:36 pm    
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Roland AC-33. Two channels and reverb. One reason I bought mine is for the built-in Looper, but I haven´t really figured it out. Great for acoustic or clean electric. A couple of foot-switches, not included, are needed to get the max out of the effects.

Good Luck in The Search! Cool
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David Nugent

 

From:
Gum Spring, Va.
Post  Posted 15 Jun 2019 2:38 am    
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The 'Lunchbox Jr.' is capable of operating on battery power, the battery pacs are available on Amazon for $24.99..Agree with Gene, good small amp option. After trying several brands, the LB Jr. won hands down. Slightly larger and heavier than most, the improvement in tone and features is well worth the difference IMO. One feature that is very handy is the 9V output jack for powering your effects pedals.
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