amp question

[goroth]

I just picked up one of these. It's being delivered tomorrow, so I don't know if it's good or sucks... but:

It's a soundalike for an old JTM, which of course means Fender cleans (given where Marshall got their "inspiration" for the JTM)
It's 1 watt, switchable down to 0.1 watts
If you ever need to go louder you can use it on the 0.1 watt mode and connect it directly to a power amp
It's got a 10 inch internal speaker and outputs for 8 and 16 ohm external cabs.

It's a JTM1C. They've got similar models JCM, DSL etc, but the JTM is the cleanest. They also come as heads (in this case, JTM1H). I dunno, it seems they were pretty scarce outside of the EU/UK.

If I couldn't find one of these I'd just pick up a one watt tube amp (plenty around) and an attenuator. As Schnikes said, I think 1 watt is still too loud for an apartment. Attenuators seem to be good used in moderation, so I'd much rather attenuate a small amp a small amount and still have a relatively good tone than attenuating a large amp a lot.

[blanket]

Fenderish cleans at lower volume sounds like a PRRI to me (if 10" speaker is OK witchu)

[Tristan]

Yep, I played both amps in the last two posts and they're both really awesome sounding, the best I heard so far in their class.
That Marshall series is incredible, I've never heard a low wattage amp have such a real sound before, most single ended amps usually don't have enough balls for me and they sound kinda lifeless, not those little Marshall ones.
The Princeton Reverb Reissue is, together with the Super Reverb Reissue, one of the best sounding amps in the Fender lineup since a long time, definitely recommended.

[Holy Schnikes]

I had the JTM-1 head awhile back and I agree it sounds fantastic! You can keep the volume pretty low but it will also put out so e legitimate volume if needed. Def a good option syl but kinda pricey.

[univalve]

Fender greta.
Hook it up to your 12" in the bogner.

[sylnau]

Thanks for all the option guys.

I had a little Valvetrain in the past... I think it was the Concorde.
But it was sonding horrible.

[rustywire]

I don't recommend that anyone listen through wattage numbers on spec sheets....it is possible to pair 10w amps+high efficiency drivers that sound louder than 100w amps+low efficiency drivers.

This is why a 50w amp can work for bedroom play without an attenuator. Amp is *only* about 1/3rd the circuit. Instrument/pickups, amp, drivers. Those 3 fundamentals are deterministic, and I advise someone to find their instrument first (after all, it's the thing you hold & touch), amp second...to bring the best out of said instrument both clean and dirty....and the drivers third....to optimize the potential output power to what's appropriate in various settings, and best translate your sonic preferences. It's possible to start with amp...but here's something else to consider...

Old engineering adage: It's easier to remove what's there than to add what isn't.
Amps with higher power, big iron etc...it's much easier to make them sound like *small* amps than make *small* amps sound big.

Also a volume pedal after your fuzz/dirt can further help tame the amp input while giving you oscillation and feedback at low levels...if desired

[DarkAxel]

I play a 30W Vox-esque Class A amp in an apartment. I've played it in three apartments already. Even with volume on 1-2, I am happy with the sound. Sure, the real body comes in at gigging volumes (4-5), but still - i am happy.

So I wouldn't say any valve amp is too much for an apartment. The amp just has to sound good on low volumes as well So it doesn't have to be less powerful - it just has to be a different amp. And of course - less sensitive speakers help, too...

Just my 0.02, can't really help you otherwise, Syl, sorry

edit: If I were to pick a less powerful amp, I'd start with the old silverface fenders or maybe try to get a used Fender Excelsior - there's just something about that amp. And I've only tried a silicon FuzzFace through it, but it sounded great to me

[K2000]

If you really can't risk disturbing the neighbors, then a headphones setup is the way to go.

[frigid midget]

I'd personally look for a 15watt combo with a half power mode and a 12" speaker. Im kinda describing the AC15 hw, but maybe there's other amps out there that also have those specs:idk:

That, and a good attentuator, and you've got yourself a rig that takes pedals well, wont suck balls at bedroom levels, and will still be able to cut through at rehearsels or maybe even small gigs.

An AC15HW plus something like an Ultimate Attenuator would be pricey for a small quiet rig though:s

[leaves turn]

Peavey Classic 50 is good enough for me at apartment levels.


I tried to downsize but the AC15C1 I tried didn't jive, and PV resale value ain't so hot 'round these parts.

[Chankgeez]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51BO9AS3NjA[/youtube]

[goroth]

Well, my JTM1C arrived and it is fantastic. The 1 watt is loud as fuck, and the 0.1 watt is good for night time practice - and can also get pretty loud. 10 inch speaker needs to break in but sounds decent, and you can remove one or both back panels if you prefer open back sound. Even at low volumes it has a really good amount of bass. The treble is a bit harsh - you don't notice it clean, but with fuzz, yes. But it's been ages since I had a 10" speaker so maybe that's part of it.

At this early stage of ownership I can't recommend it enough.

[whiskey_face]

marshall major?

[Chankgeez]

marshall major?

w/ a 4x15 cab