Best solid state amp. Simply the best!

[rpjazzguitar]

Here are my quick takes on the ones I've used.

1. AER 60. Sounds very good but I've only heard it in small gigs. One player I know gets a terrific sound by using it to feed a powered speaker.

2. Little Jazz. Sounds very good to me for solos, not quite so good for chords. Will not keep up with a loud band.

But, I use it as part of my "loud rig". That's Guitar > ME80 > LJ > Mixer > Powered_speaker. The LJ gives a little more control over the tone and volume right where I'm sitting, adds a bit of reverb and can be used as a monitor if needed. Also, if the powered speaker dies suddenly, the LJ can be pressed into service as an amp. The LJ has XLR out and a speaker kill switch.

3. Jazz 12. This is the LJ's electronics with a bigger speaker. It's a little louder than the LJ but didn't really sound better. It's much bulkier than the LJ, which was the deciding factor for me. Others might prefer it.

4. Roland JC55. An old one. A little icy sounding, but can be tamed. Loud enough for big band. The hiss doesn't bother me, but that could be a high frequency hearing problem. Nobody has ever complained about it. Weighs somewhere around 26lbs, which isn't too heavy, yet.

5. Quilter. I've heard two, I don't know the model names. Both sounded trebly or spiky or whatever you call that kind of edgy tone. Matter of taste. Never played through one.

6. Katana 50. Used one once at a jam. Didn't even have a chance to dial it in. Still, it sounded okay, maybe better than that.

7. Original Zeta LB. My take was that it was awful. Others, including players I admire, swear by it.

8. Crate GFX15. These sell for about $30 used. Sound great. It's the practice amp in my living room.

9. Bose S1. I've posted a lot about my attempts to use it as my amp. I ended up returning it. Sometimes it sounded good, but when it didn't, I had too much trouble dialing in a better sound. I think if the app gave real access to multiband EQ it might have been great.

8. Everse 8. Had all the EQ options I wished the S1 had, but it just didn't sound warm, no matter what I did. To be fair, I never tried the parametric EQ.

9. JBL Line Array, the one with 7 inputs. Ran guitar > ME80 > LJ > JBL. As good as any guitar sound I ever got. I don't think it would have sounded nearly as good if I had to lift it. It's heavy.

10. My purchasing advice: there's no guarantee that you're going to like what others like, even what a lot of others like. Every player is unique. Different picks, strings, pickups, setup variables, playing style etc etc etc.

And, if you could control all of that, IME even the same exact stuff doesn't necessarily sound the same from one set of a gig to the next. That could be the crowd changing or it could be my ears getting accustomed to whatever sound I'm getting.

So, if you can't test them yourself, limit yourself to brands with good reputations for reliability and buy with a return privilege. I think it's just about impossible to tell, from an in-store tryout, how you're going to like after a month.

And don't forget, better players than me love the Lunchbox, but I couldn't stand it -- and I'm not that picky, I don't think.

[Christian Miller]

Tone Master Deluxe


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[sgcim]

AI Corus, but where do you get it repaired?

[Unclegrumpy]

Jon shipped a Mambo 10 to me in Oregon. He can do the same for you. About the same $ as a Henriksen. NFI of course.

[arnie65]

This for me, the Ethos Clean II is the best solid state amp. Around the mid 2000's, Robbie from Custom Tones Inc launched his company and offered a preamp pedal, (later an amp) that would revolutionized the D-style pedal world. This creation had a lot of controls to craft your tone regardless the guitar you use. Many players bonded with it, some did not; but everyone agreed that the clean side of the pedal was stellar, and many kept the pedal just for the clean side. Pristine cleans, with five EQ controls and switches to conjure up any tone. In addition, a killer speaker simulation output, or regular output, both that can go out to a PA, recording device etc. There were several iterations of this pedal, and this one is called the "Ethos Clean II". It weights less than 3 lbs, and measures 4 1/2" X 2 3/4". This one has a built-in power section that puts out 30 watts @ 8ohms, so you can also use it as an amp and feed a speaker cab etc.. I use it in different ways depending on the gig, but my favorite is powering a very light speaker speaker cab I have with a neodymium speaker, it's the ultimate amp for the minimalist, and the tone rivals many tube and solid state amps outhere. I just can't think of anything as good or more versatile, with such a small footprint, and great tone. I've tried the Milkman, the Dream 65, and the Iridium, as well as many small amps, but nothing (for me) rivals this. You can even order it as a preamp, or a full amp, and add the features you want (as offered). Below is a sample of this amp, played by Mason Rasavi.

Cheers,
Arnie..

[nevershouldhavesoldit]

This for me, the Ethos Clean II is the best solid state amp.

That really is a wonderful device, and it makes that beautiful playing even nicer to hear.

I’m definitely interested in these. With the 30W amp onboard, they should be great with Toobs and other small, high quality speakers at a combined price no higher than a Bud even with a good pedal for the ODS effect (eg Wampler Dual Fusion, Smokin’ Amp Company Zensation etc). But most of the Ethos devices in that style (Clean II, III etc) are unavailable right now.

[jads57]

I guess it all comes down to personal taste. I overall prefer the Fender Camp Blackface Clean tones overall to the direct .P.A. Clean Hi Fi tones for my taste.
I’ve found the Quilter Aviator and TB 202 to be the most versatile amps for almost any guitar Archtop both with floater and Laminate with Humbuckers, Solid Bodies, Flat Top, etc.
Remember it has a Hi Cut knob to tame the spikes highs!

One thing that also really helps is using an Xotic Clean Boost pedal. You add warmth and can dial in different frequencies as well. But even without the pedal I’ve found it sounds just fine.
I also think unless you’re actually playing gigs, it’s hard to know what works best to cut through the mix.

[Stringswinger]

I guess it all comes down to personal taste..

When it comes to guitars and amps, this is always true.

[jads57]

Well it’s also what gives you the tone in your head, as well as the ones on the records we all grew up with

[arnie65]

That really is a wonderful device, and it makes that beautiful playing even nicer to hear.

I’m definitely interested in these. With the 30W amp onboard, they should be great with Toobs and other small, high quality speakers at a combined price no higher than a Bud even with a good pedal for the ODS effect (eg Wampler Dual Fusion, Smokin’ Amp Company Zensation etc). But most of the Ethos devices in that style (Clean II, III etc) are unavailable right now.

You can order the pedal as a preamp or as a full amp from Customtones Inc, Robbie is still making them, they say sold out, but you can still place an order.


Arnie...

[Tal_175]

I once plugged my telecaster into my hi-fi stereo amp and played through the hi-fi speakers. It sounded great. Every time I get carried away with comparing guitar amps I try to remember that.

[ptuner1]

Henriksens

[Fusionshred]

I admittedly didn’t read this whole thread in detail but you REALLY have to check out Raezer’s Edge amps. The Luna can be ordered online with a 12, 10 or 8” speaker and either open back or closed, ported with a tweeter. 200 watts of clean loud power. Digital reverb.

The Centauri is a hybrid with a 12AX7 high voltage preamp tube and an actual spring reverb tank. Open back and traditional EQ for a lightweight 200 watt combo that leans far into Fender territory.

Really great values too!

[Alter]

For acoustic type archtop sound it would be the Aer compact 60, unparalleled quality of sound.

Another favorite of mine is the ZT lunchbox for its portability, both the newer and older models.

And both of these have proven really dependable for most people I know that use them, unlike many other solid state brands that needed years and different versions to overcome design flaws and weaknesses. It's not always easy to get a problem free piece of gear right off the bat.

[tomems]

Update!!!

Quilter Mach 3 combo
I tried this sometime last fall - it was just OK for me. They had an Aviator that I liked a little better. It didn't really grab me though.

Roland Jazz Chorus 40
I was able to borrow one of these. Super fun. Not going to buy one immediately but I'd say it's in the running.

Orange O Tone 40
I can't believe there aren't any posts on this amp. Maybe I missed them? This looks like a solid state Princeton with a 12" speaker. What's not to like??? Has anyone tried one yet?

This link works despite the scary preview:
Access to this page has been denied

[MarkL]

By 65 posts in I would have expected some mention of Acoustic Image. (Edited: I didn't notice #53, which also flags the repair issue.) I use a 2010 Clarus 2R with a Raezer's Edge cab as my primary rig, and it sounds better (at least to my ear) than the amps mentioned above that I have heard (probably 1/4 to 1/3 of them). Many contemporary and recent jazz players have used them, and some still do. The issue with Acoustic Image is that the company ceased operations a couple of years ago after the death of its founder. So you'd need to find one on the used market, and you wouldn't be able to rely on the manufacturer for service. But my L-5 neck humbucker sounds sublime through it, and it also works well with other guitars, pedals, etc. when I need to play music other than jazz at gigs.

[JazzNote]

Considering sound i think Mambo is the best. For versatility in terms of adjusting to difficult rooms the Acoustic Image Clarus (and btw. a friend of mine found someone in the Toronto area who seems to be an able repairman for AI amps).

[MarkL]

I haven't played through a Mambo or heard one live, but they don't seem to currently offer a head unit. For someone (like me) that lives in the States it would be better to ship a head unit than a full combo if factory service became necessary.

[Fusionshred]

Guys,

Geoff Felsher just made me a Raezer’s Edge Luna 200 combo that sounds amazing, is 13x13, 200 watts in an open-back 1X8. It’s like 14 lbs and has ear-splitting clean headroom.

Custom aesthetics.

sounds amazing- thick, Polytone like but if you spend some time with the EQ you can get close to a Fender tone (I have it side-by-side next to a Fender Blues Jr. and it can get pretty close).

[Tal_175]

My solid state amps are, Polytone mini brute ii, Quilter micropro mach 2 and ZT lunchbox junior. I use the Quilter the most. It is in an 8inch combo format which works great for home use. It's got two speaker out jacks. It works well with external cabinets in louder contexts.

[ewall]

"What I really want to point out is that the speaker is the most overlooked, yet crucial link in the signal chain.[/QUOTE]"

I have to totally agree with this. Though I am not nearly the caliber of those on this forum, I did buy a used Fender Champion 20 sometime back. It served it's purpose for home use for a few months until it went on the fritz (sound cycling endlessly). Clearly for $50, I wasn't going to get it repaired nor could I. So I converted it into a cab using the stock speaker and bought (from a great Forum member), a Quilter SBUS for a head/amp. That worked ok only I really couldn't get much volume out of the stock Fender speaker (enough for a small practice room but not much more). So recently, I switched out the stock speaker for an Eminence Beta 8A and I can tell you there is a huge, huge change in both tone and volume that I've only begun to explore.

Could I have spent the money on just a new/better combo amp? Probably. But I learned alot about what tone I was looking for and about amps/speakers in general.. So yes, the speaker makes an enormous difference!

[tomems]

Update no. 2!!!

Laney Super 60
This one looks cool and the price is right. Even a 2x12 version that's only 30 lbs??? But - I think it's Class D. I think that's why I didn't like the Quilter. It was not something I could put my finger on but I just didn't like the Quilter Mach 3. Or it was lacking in some way - to me at least. I have heard about people preferring Class AB to Class D but not quite understanding. Then I understood after the fact. Again, Quilter works great for some people and that is awesome. I bet with the Laney if I had the effects going - it's cool it comes with trem and chorus - it would sound good. But I am worried I wouldn't like the core sound.

EHX Dirt Road Special
OK - not a jazz amp. But maybe this one could do both??? Has anyone tried one of these? Looks like a fun cheap amp. Currently my 2nd place amp.

Peavey Bandit
Yes this is a blast from the past. But quite versatile... 4th place - after Roland JC 40, 3rd place.

Orange O Tone 40
Still the one to beat!

[vintagelove]

Update no. 2!!!

Laney Super 60
This one looks cool and the price is right. Even a 2x12 version that's only 30 lbs??? But - I think it's Class D. I think that's why I didn't like the Quilter. It was not something I could put my finger on but I just didn't like the Quilter Mach 3. Or it was lacking in some way - to me at least. I have heard about people preferring Class AB to Class D but not quite understanding. Then I understood after the fact. Again, Quilter works great for some people and that is awesome. I bet with the Laney if I had the effects going - it's cool it comes with trem and chorus - it would sound good. But I am worried I wouldn't like the core sound.

EHX Dirt Road Special
OK - not a jazz amp. But maybe this one could do both??? Has anyone tried one of these? Looks like a fun cheap amp. Currently my 2nd place amp.

Peavey Bandit
Yes this is a blast from the past. But quite versatile... 4th place - after Roland JC 40, 3rd place.

Orange O Tone 40
Still the one to beat!

If you like the bandit. You should really give the special 130 (or its big brother) a spin. It has the passive sweepable mid control. Very versatile.

if you’re into fat and warm, it will get you there (the scorpion speaker sounds great btw). It sounds like you think a good tube amp should sound.

its also loud enough to… lets just say its easily louder than my 100w vintage Marshall

[Bach5G]

Has anyone checked out the Blackstar Debut? 50 watts, small and light. Not too expensive.

[tomems]

Has anyone checked out the Blackstar Debut? 50 watts, small and light. Not too expensive.

Good mention—Anderton’s did a blindfold challenge that included the Blackstar Debut. I thought it sounded pretty good…