Vox Valvetronix as a Backup?

[Merrick]

Im looking for a small, cheap, decent backup amp. The amp will be used for practice and will stay in the car for gigs (as a backup amp). I play a tube amp live. I want a solid state amp that is low maintenance and will last a long time.

Ive seen good reviews of the Valvetronix sound wise, but they seem to have reliabilty issues. Is the 1X12 60 watt model loud enough to compete with bass and drums (live on stage if needed)? Has anyone used the Valvetronix for an extended time without problems?

Any suggestions.

Merrick

[privatestock]

I owned the Valvetronix 60VTX. I thought the amp was great. It had plenty of power for small gigs. The reliabilty issue seemed to be with the earlier models and it seems they got the bugs worked out with the VTX models.
I had absolutely NO problems with it. I REALLY liked the amp.

[Scott Peterson]

I had a Valvetronix 212 (original flavor) bought for *exactly* the role you are looking at one.

Mine was a floor model at GC and I used it on 2 gigs with no problems. I never had a problem, but when it came down to it with the stories I read here and on the Gear Page I just didn't trust it on stage.

I sold it to a friend and he has had no issues either.

If I don't trust a piece of gear, I just don't use it live.

I loved the tones, loved the convienence and had not one bad experience with it. But there you are.

I have read that the 60 watter cannot keep up in a real loud band; I had the 120 watter up to about 2 o'clock on stage at the 2x60 full power setting.

[Baba]

Don't know about the Valvetronix, but I'm about to do what Scott P. used to do, and many others, get a Tech 21 Trademark 60. The reason I say that is, if you have to use the Vox, then you'll have to use the pedalboard as well. If you just have a non-FX backup amp, then you can use what you already use with your tube amp, just swap amps in an emergency.

Just an idea.

[Scott Peterson]

Don't know about the Valvetronix, but I'm about to do what Scott P. used to do, and many others, get a Tech 21 Trademark 60. The reason I say that is, if you have to use the Vox, then you'll have to use the pedalboard as well. If you just have a non-FX backup amp, then you can use what you already use with your tube amp, just swap amps in an emergency.

Just an idea.
And that is a great amp to use in that capacity. The XLR out on the back makes soundguys smile and that amp works well in context.

My Rake is my back up; you know full well what that thing can do. It is no step down at all for me to use in lieu of the Bogner Shiva if the need arises.

[Merrick]

Good idea. I forgot about the Tech 21. Seeing as how I use the Boss GT-6 for effects, it would make more sense to go with a more straight amp. I will have to check them out also.

If I remember correctly, the Tech 21 has crapped out on a few people out of nowhere (even Scott P. I thought). Thanks for the suggestions.

p.s. Scott, bought a Mazda 6S MTX (steel gray in color) last month and I'm loving it. It definetly put the fun back in driving. :D

[Baba]

Good idea. I forgot about the Tech 21. Seeing as how I use the Boss GT-6 for effects, it would make more sense to go with a more straight amp. I will have to check them out also.

If I remember correctly, the Tech 21 has crapped out on a few people out of nowhere (even Scott P. I thought). Thanks for the suggestions.


IIRC, I think that was the Valvetronix that crapped out on a few peeps, the Tech 21 stuff is pretty solid.

[Guitarfool]

Ive owned both Amps (Valevtronix + Tech 21) BOTH are great Amps..

The Valvetronix i have is the 1X12 60 + so far so good.. Versatile, good solid tones, EZ to use + lighweight..

Tech 21 is 1 of the best solid-state amps on the market. PERIOD!! Nice cleans, mids, + awesome distortions IMO... You sometimes wonder if theres tubes in it!

I think that you cant go wrong with either amp, give em both a try!!

Keep us posted.. :dude:

[Scott Peterson]

The Tech 21 never crapped out on me; it was rock solid.

Merrick,
Congrats on the 6; man I love mine. 15 months later and I am still on a honeymoon with my car.

And for the record, my Mazda 6S never crapped out on me either. :D

[guitrr]

I currently own both the Trademark 60 and Vox 60 watt with one 12" speaker (and footpedal). I've not had problems with either, and find they both cut through very well. Neither sound as good as tubes, but both are close.


Kane