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Post by jonathan on Oct 17, 2011 13:30:35 GMT
Hello to all, I'm glad to be here  I really am a newbie, I have been playing the Guitar for exactly 2 weeks and a day. I bought a Yamaha FG700s acoustic guitar to start learning. I have always loved the Shadows and still listen to them often so I thought since I'm learning the guitar, why not learn to play Shadows music too a bit further down the line. So I started investigating what kit I need and I found this site ;D I have pretty much decided on a Fender Stratocaster American Standard. What I don't know yet is which amp would be suitable for home use. I see much mention to the Vox AC30 but would that be too loud for home? But I guess the volume can be turned down. I don't want to buy an amp and regret not getting a louder one. Would the AC15 be suitable? Also what about the VT15 or VT30 by Vox, are these ok for the shadows sound? I understand that these questions probably get asked a lot so sorry for asking again, its just that there is so much information out there and so many choices, it's too much all at once. I will get a Zoom echo unit and EFTP or maybe wait for the new one mentioned here on the site. Jon. |
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Post by godzilla on Oct 17, 2011 14:38:06 GMT
Hi Jonathan and welcome to the best and friendliest site around. I would not claim to be an expert at all and I know you will get loads of responses to your question from people who are. However, just to get the ball rolling, I'll give you my two pennorth!
If you will only ever play at home, I would think that the AC30 - and probably even the AC15 - would be unnecessarily loud. They are also very heavy to move around and have large cabinets (which is why I never got one - my wife wouldn't allow it!!). If you prefer an all-valve amp, you might consider some of the smaller options, such as the Vox AC4TV or Fender Junior (plus a range of similar amps). These are apparently quite loud enough for home use, but still give the characteristic valve sound - and are relatively inexpensive compared to their big brothers. Another factor to consider is whether you need a headphone socket so you can practice at all hours without affecting other people. Personally I am happy with hybrid amps (such as the VT series) - they are a lot cheaper and in my view don't really compromise the sound. Many purists might disagree, but like all this stuff, it often comes down to personal needs and what YOU think.
I hope you persevere with your guitar playing (and especially Shadows music. I have been playing for over 50 years and am still learning!! Never be afraid to ask the people on this site anything - you will not be laughed at - we are all still learning.
Cheers
Keith
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Post by joeboy on Oct 17, 2011 14:39:59 GMT
Hi Jon If you've only been playing 2 weeks I wouldn't go spending too much money on gear. There are some very good guitars & amps around at the moment at fantastic prices which will be more than up to the job. You will find after playing for a few months & being involved in the site that you will get a clearer picture of what will suit you. It's too easy (if you have the money) to go out & buy expensive gear & then find at a later date you wish you'd gone for something else - or decide guitar playing is not for you!  An AC15 will have more than enough volume for home use, I have an AC30 for home use, it really is overkill for my situation & really is far too powerful for home use |
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Post by sheendigs on Oct 17, 2011 15:09:56 GMT
Hi Jon
If you do not want to play on the VT series from Vox, you could try a Fender Mustang I (20 watts with an 8 inch speaker)...and lots of simulated amps.
You can tailor your sound with your computer and save it in a preset of your choice... I have one of those and I am satisfied.
I also play with a 120VT - Valvetronix VOX with my friends.
(If you can get one of those..they are outmoded now...you should get a good price..and you can regulate the watts with a pot at the back)
Sheendigs
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Post by grip on Oct 17, 2011 15:32:37 GMT
Hi Jon, Welcome to the site. Some sensible advice given by Robert  As you progress you will want to change things, even if you already have the perfect set up....that's what we do ;D ;D A lot depends on whether you want to be a "live performer" and buy an Amp that will rattle the crockery in your neighbours detached house, or get a fairly cheap recording set up and work from headphones and only you will know whether it was any good... For a recording set up you would need a decent soundcard or audio interface there's a free recording software available here: audacity.sourceforge.net/ and a pair of decent headphones - a cheap Fender copy with pick ups replaced for something a little better (Toneriders or original Fender PU's for example) will often turn out sounding better than the Fender originals, and the Zoom and EFTP would be nice to have. Many of the recordings you hear on this site are produced without an amplifier and just use the amp simulation in the Zoom effects. Kind regards, Chris |
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Post by jonathan on Oct 17, 2011 15:42:49 GMT
Some great advice here, thank you. I'll be playing at home only, I have no desire to play public so I guess a small amp will do. I also want to use headphones.
I didn't know there where Fender copies? I'll get googling again.
I'm quite patient and I know I have a long way to go but after listening to some of the music in this forum I can't wait to improve.
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Post by grip on Oct 17, 2011 15:52:41 GMT
Hi Jon,
Try googling for Squier, they are made under licence to Fender.
Kind regards,
Chris
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Post by trickytree on Oct 17, 2011 16:31:33 GMT
Jon when I found out about Charlies EFTP I already had a Squier strat, I then purchased a really good beginners amp (Vox VT15) 15 watts which is more than enough for my living room, in fact the output on mine is only set half way and nowhere near the 15 watts. I then purchased a Zoom G2 and then the magic ingredient Charlies eftp. It gave me a sound I was thrilled with!
It really got me into the Shadows sound and since then have moved up to a Classic 50s strat with a custom built steel block replacing the zinc one and soon to be fitted fender 57/62 pickups.
One of the best Squiers apparently is the Simon Neil Strat (Approx £300 New), you can get a basic Squier Affinity for around £145, I would avoid the cheaper Bullet model thats sold for around £99 simply because it has a basswood body as apposed to the affinity having an alder body.
Ian
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Post by didier on Oct 17, 2011 17:59:43 GMT
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Post by harley on Oct 17, 2011 21:42:10 GMT
Hi Jon
I use a zoom G7.1ut and no amp. even live i plug my zoom straight into my mixing desk. great sound in my humble opinion with very convincing amp sims AND a headphone socket and line in so you can run your backing tracks through your pedal and play along and have it all come straight into your headphones. I have, among others, a squier Simon Neil stat and a squier 50's Classic vibe strat. The 50's classic vibe is perfect for the early shads numbers while the Simon Neil (basically a 60's classic vibe) suits the later stuff better. both are fantastic guitars which you would be hard pushed to outgrow for any reason other than prestige.
Welcome to the wonderful world that is guitar playing, and the even more wonderful world that is shadows guitar playing. you have most definately come to the right place
regards
Ian
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Post by rosemary on Oct 18, 2011 9:03:58 GMT
Hi Jon
Congratulations on taking up the guitar and joining this fantastic board.
It sounds like you're starting as I did about 18 months ago where I began with the acoustic and then moved on to Strats although I still play the acoustic at night to work on learning the tunes and a few chords.
My first amp was a Roland Micro Cube but it has limitations (e.g. the model I have didn't have any EQ settings) I moved on to a Cube 40XL earlier in the year and with a Zoom G2.1Nu and Charlie's EFTP patches I'm very happy with the sound and can just concentrate on becoming a better player now instead of trying to get the right sound. I'll eventually focus more on sound and am excitedly following the progress of Charlie's new unit but for my playing level the sound from my equipment is fine.
One thing that keeps me going is to focus on what I can do now that I couldn't a few months ago or even a few weeks ago rather than on what I can't yet do.
You'll get lots of help here if you need it and we'll all be very interested to hear about your progress.
Have fun!
Best wishes
Rosemary
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Post by jonathan on Oct 18, 2011 9:04:30 GMT
That's an idea harley, so at night as well as the guitar being connected to an echo machine/pedal, I can connect headphones and backing music too? That sounds just the thing. I noticed many amps do not have headphone sockets and I thought I would have to buy a headphone amp like the Vox amPlug. I have a 4 year old daughter so I need to use headphones at night.
The Vox VT15 is a good price so might be just the box for a beginner.
Thanks all,
Jon.
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Post by jonathan on Oct 18, 2011 9:07:21 GMT
rosemary, I have been looking into the Zoom G2.1Nu too. If I do get this model with Charlie's patches then I know where to come for help if I get stuck |
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Post by DaveC on Oct 18, 2011 10:37:33 GMT
Hi Jon, It's worth taking a look at this thread: charliehall.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=10388&page=1Since you are starting from scratch, you might as well get a good Strat copy (you can upgrade the pickups or the entire guitar at a later date), a Zoom G2Nu or G2.1Nu and Charlie's EFTP patches. Then plug everything straight into the auxiliary socket of your home hi-fi. You could even get a cheap Karaoke setup which would allow you to play backing tracks alongside your lead! Regards, DaveC |
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As you progress you will want to change things, even if you already have the perfect set up....that's what we do ;D ;D
