Further Amp Advice - Behringer or keep it Crate???

[elmo]

Hi

I'm playing more and more jazz (standards and even some takes on Country) and until now have used a Epi LP 7 string with a 15W Crate (solid state), which is truthfully ok, but not loud enough for live and not at all tuby. So I can't help but feel I'd get some satisfaction from upgrading to a tube amp or something that emulates one.

This has led me to the Berhinger 30W GX210 twin which I'm strongly considering purchasing as a flexible (I also play lots of experimental music) budget option. This has some kind of valve emulator - couldn't tell you how that one works... Question is am I wasting my time? If I got a nice gibson amp or a fender tweed or something I'm sure I'd notice the difference, but Behringer?

Does anyone out there know anything about this line of amps? Could you recommend a similarly priced alternative (£196)? Should I just stick with the old Crate? All these questions and more...

Yours truly

'Confused' of the UK...

[jazzalta]

elmo, I got the Behringer GMX110 and love it. It's 30 watts, full of digital effects and it's absolutely perfect for any small gig or practice. I've used it with both my keyboard and guitar for crowds of 200 and less. Mind you, that's playing pretty quiet but it seems to do the job. And it's so light! It was the cheapest in the store too. I compared it to Fender, Peavey, and Roland of the same price. Like it the best. But try it out in a few locations. There's always trade offs my friend. You're unlikely to find the "perfect" amp. But for my money, I'd buy Behringer again for sure.

[elmo]

Thanks for this - really helpful!

Do you know of any benefits of the twin version? Other than (obviously) 'stereo' sound through effects pedals?

[jazzalta]

I know nothing of the twin so I can't help you there. I'm not into stereo effects anyway for the kind of music I play. Sorry.

[Professor]

Right now, for jazz, I'm using a Fender Princton Chorus DSP. This is a 50 watt 2 x 10 combo with true stereo effects. For the big band as well as the swing dance band I play with, I barely have the volume turned on at all, the master volume is set just barely above 2. The effects are really quite good, but for jazz, all I'm using is a little bit if reverb, and once in a while, I will use some distortion on a solo, depending on the tune.

There are lots of amps that will do a suitable job and won't break the bank.

[jackhall99]

For jazz, using a Roland JC90. IMHO, you shoud play through the amp and if you like it, buy it. I guess I believe what turns me on you may not care for, and vica versa.

Have fun picking yours.