Trying to decide - inexpensive amp questions

[BoogieBoard]

I have a Fender Frontman 15G and a Squier 10G. They make sounds, but as I'm getting back into playing, the sounds are very limited.
I still can't spend much, but right now I'm looking at getting either a new Fender Mustang LT25 or a used Peavey Vypyr VIP 2
I know the LT25 won't be able to run a looper. The VIP 2 can do it if I buy the Sanpera II footswitch (costs more than the amp!)
I can run backing tracks through either of them for the time being.
If I *DO* decide to get a looper, would it be a really dumb idea to just run the looper through the 15G and the guitar through whichever of those 2 amps I decide on?
The Vipyr looks to be more versatile albeit significantly more complicated than the LT25.
The LT25 says "Fender" on it and I could probably swap it into the mix with the wife even noticing. Although I think she might when she hears the "new" sounds.

I'm still pretty early on getting back into this and don't want to get too crazy (although some would say it's too loate for that sentiment)

For reference I have a CV 60s Strat, a Bullet Strat, an IYV ILS300 (Les Paul type), and a Cort SFX electric/acoustic

I can't even just add a little reverb in my current situation. A *little* nicer amp would, I think, be a bit more of an inspiration to play.

Your input would be appreciated. Suggestions of "spending a little more money" are understood, but unfortunately no going to be possible. Either of the 2 amps I mentioned would be under $160. The Vipyr is actually priced

I have a Fender Frontman 15G and a Squier 10G. They make sounds, but as I'm getting back into playing, the sounds are very limited.
I still can't spend much, but right now I'm looking at getting either a new Fender Mustang LT25 or a used Peavey Vypyr VIP 2
I know the LT25 won't be able to run a looper. The VIP 2 can do it if I buy the Sanpera II footswitch (costs more than the amp!)
I can run backing tracks through either of them for the time being.
If I *DO* decide to get a looper, would it be a really dumb idea to just run the looper through the 15G and the guitar through whichever of those 2 amps I decide on?
The Vipyr looks to be more versatile albeit significantly more complicated than the LT25.
The LT25 says "Fender" on it and I could probably swap it into the mix with the wife even noticing. Although I think she might when she hears the "new" sounds.

I'm still pretty early on getting back into this and don't want to get too crazy (although some would say it's too loate for that sentiment)

For reference I have a CV 60s Strat, a Bullet Strat, an IYV ILS300 (Les Paul type), and a Cort SFX electric/acoustic

I can't even just add a little reverb in my current situation. A *little* nicer amp would, I think, be a bit more of an inspiration to play.

Your input would be appreciated. Suggestions of "spending a little more money" are understood, but unfortunately no going to be possible. Either of the 2 amps I mentioned would be under $160. The Vipyr is actually priced at $120.

I second the spark. I own a few bigger amps, and wanted something easily moved, and self contained. The spark 40 sounds great, is small and lite, and, a lot of effects built in. I purchased a 20vdc power bank, attached it with magnetic pads on the back of the amp, and now I don't even need a wall plug. I found a small soft sided cooler on Amazon, and the amp, cords, strap, extra wireless accessory foot switch for the amp.....everything but my guitar and stand, fits into something smaller than most women's purses. And, the wife will most likely prefer looking at the spark, than any other amp. I rarely use anything else at home, now.....unless I'm scratching that "tube feel" high volume experience.

 

[busyangel1]

I have a Fender Frontman 15G and a Squier 10G. They make sounds, but as I'm getting back into playing, the sounds are very limited.
I still can't spend much, but right now I'm looking at getting either a new Fender Mustang LT25 or a used Peavey Vypyr VIP 2
I know the LT25 won't be able to run a looper. The VIP 2 can do it if I buy the Sanpera II footswitch (costs more than the amp!)
I can run backing tracks through either of them for the time being.
If I *DO* decide to get a looper, would it be a really dumb idea to just run the looper through the 15G and the guitar through whichever of those 2 amps I decide on?
The Vipyr looks to be more versatile albeit significantly more complicated than the LT25.
The LT25 says "Fender" on it and I could probably swap it into the mix with the wife even noticing. Although I think she might when she hears the "new" sounds.

I'm still pretty early on getting back into this and don't want to get too crazy (although some would say it's too loate for that sentiment)

For reference I have a CV 60s Strat, a Bullet Strat, an IYV ILS300 (Les Paul type), and a Cort SFX electric/acoustic

I can't even just add a little reverb in my current situation. A *little* nicer amp would, I think, be a bit more of an inspiration to play.

Your input would be appreciated. Suggestions of "spending a little more money" are understood, but unfortunately no going to be possible. Either of the 2 amps I mentioned would be under $160. The Vipyr is actually priced at $120.

 

[busyangel1]

So you may want to try a Vox valvetronic. Sounds like a tube head because it has a 12AX 7 preamp tube with front panel switchable bias.
Also has some great digital efx including reverb , delay , chorus , and vibrato which you can stack different ways into the 5 presets. Nice and light. I found a used 20watt VT20X for under $100. I’ve done a few gigs with it because it’s so compact and light. 10” Celestion speaker. Can’t go wrong.
Guitar Center has a used one right now for $129.00.

 

[Strategizer]

Just because it hasn't been said... a used-market Line6 POD variant and a small keyboard (flat response) amp wouldn't set you back too far.

(ducks to avoid detritus thrown)

 

[soakyfender]

I suggest a champion 40 with 12" speaker and built in chorus, delay, reverb.

 

[Swamp_Thang]

A Blackstar HT-5 is a great amp for not much money.

 

[frako]

Thanks! This helps... I like the 12 inch speaker in the Peavey, but it is a used amp and... I like new. Still not totally decided, but leaning toward the LT25.

I got years ago a Vypyr 30 for 100 euro (used), and - later - the Sanpera switchfoot for 120 (new). I use this latter just because of the looper... Overall, I like the sound of the amp (I play clean), but I think it's a little bit complicated to handle - I stay on MY sound, and I'm pretty scared to accidentally delete that setting. Nowadays I would probably go for a Boss Katana, mostly because the Vypyr weights twice as much, and it's a 30W (Vs. 50W of the Boss).

 

[jvin248]

.

Do like you used to do with a plethora of pedals.

Use your current amp on clean, and rummage through YouTube channel 60 cycle hum searching for 'affordaboard' pedals. Many sounds for under $25 each. Your amp budget could get six of those and cover a lot of ground.

Alternative is the Joyo American Sound pedal that covers all the Fender amp tones for $30. Use your current amp clean for the volume loudness and use this for the tones.

There is a looper clone of the Ditto Mini that sold around $35, mine is "kokko sos flp2" and it does all the stuff. They sell under different names (made by NUX for resellers, possibly Ditto too). Get two if you want two stage looping.

Any pedals you get can be used on any future amp. You can buy a couple pedals now and some later as interest and budget take you.

A modern updated clone of the old Line six POD was demoed on Wampler's YouTube channel titled $100 Helix. Search for that video to get the specs and brand (V-amp I think).

.

 

[OldRocks]

I'm reading and researching all of the suggestions. Understand that the LT25 is only $159 and available for me to go and get it today. Part of this is trying to temper what I'd like vs what is practical. The amp basically stays in the living room so SMALL is a big consideration. I like the bigger speakers that come in the 50watt amps, but I really think 50 watts is overkill for this.
The "plethora of pedals" is still on the table as an alternative.

 

[joebtone]

I'm reading and researching all of the suggestions. Understand that the LT25 is only $159 and available for me to go and get it today. Part of this is trying to temper what I'd like vs what is practical. The amp basically stays in the living room so SMALL is a big consideration. I like the bigger speakers that come in the 50watt amps, but I really think 50 watts is overkill for this.
The "plethora of pedals" is still on the table as an alternative.

Ever tried a Fender Bassbreaker?

The 007 Bassbreaker can be found used around $300-$400
Great sound with tubes and a solid state preamp.
Loud for 7 watts.

I have one of those and I also have one of those Peavy Vyper 2’s…I would not recommend the Peavy to anybody.

 

[OldRocks]

So... how did this end up?
I traded in an Ibanez GSA60, a Frontman 15G, and a Squier 10g.
I came home with a new Fender LT50 amp.
Just gonna start messin' with it now. I had it connected to my computer already to check out the Fender Tone app.
Now going to actually plug guitars into it

 

[busyangel1]

A Blackstar HT-5 is a great amp for not much money.

I have the Blackstar HT5 and they are great for home practice amps but don’t do well getting banged around. Also my distortion channel failed after one year becoming so noisy it’s unusable. On the other hand the clean channel is a great pedal platform. Mine is paired with a Panama one 12 cab with built in attenuator.
Not too shabby.

 

[Stratafied]

You’ll love it

 

[Stratafied]

You’ll love it View attachment 622113

Monoprice 15 watt tube amp.

 

[Bob the builder]

So... how did this end up?
I traded in an Ibanez GSA60, a Frontman 15G, and a Squier 10g.
I came home with a new Fender LT50 amp.
Just gonna start messin' with it now. I had it connected to my computer already to check out the Fender Tone app.
Now going to actually plug guitars into it

a day later and......?

 

[OldRocks]

a day later and......?

I'm liking it! I was a little concerned that my acoustic/electric wouldn't sound so good as I'm about as sure as I can be that this isn't an FRFR speaker. But it actually sounds nice.
I can see where many of the factory presets I just won't use. At least not as they are. However once I connect it to the Tone app, I can see the various "pedals" and effects used and can change basically anything. Fender includes 30 presets on the amp plus 30 empty slots. In the Tone app there are over 100 I think and I can replace any of the ones that came with the amp with either different ones from Tone or I can create my own presets.
A friend brought over a Zoom G1X-four multi-effects pedal. We ran it though a preset called "Super Clean" and he said, "See? It'll run pedals."
Most importantly though. It's got me playing more. And things are sounding better, and.. I'm having fun.