Post by dgassie on Jun 11, 2005 13:39:00 GMT -5
I just got this new amp in and wanted to let you all know about it.
Although I was pretty happy with my Blues Jr., getting it to overdrive at a reasonable volume level was almost impossible. JJ tubes helped but still, I was mostly using preamp overdrive and that's nothing compared to power tubes going over the top.
Pedals help some but I feel they always rob amps of bass or "umph". They make amps lifeless IMHO. Using an EQ pedal helps a little bit but things get too complicated like that. Due to these limitations, I started looking around for some kind of solution, focusing on very low powered amps.
I found some amp kits I liked but honestly wasn't sure of my ability to put one together. Actually, I'm sure I could build it but don't have the knowledge or skills to trouble shoot or fine tune it.
The UniValve is an amp that solves the issue. With different tube combinations, you go run the line from 4 to about 22 watts. At low power, I can get the tube saturation I wanted without waking up everyone in the house.
The amp is very well made, with extraordinary attention to detail. Tubes aren't hard to find, although some of the "legendary" ones can get very expensive! The amp reflects the tubes in it well and you can even hear the differences between brands of the same specification tube. Guitars keep their character when played through the UniValve very well.
Needless to say, I'm very happy with the amp and would suggest taking one for a test run if you get the chance. I got a good deal on a used one and I'm sure you'll find a few on Ebay but take into consideration you'll also need a cab for it, since the UniValve is just a head. I think it deserves a nice cab too!
;D
Dan
Although I was pretty happy with my Blues Jr., getting it to overdrive at a reasonable volume level was almost impossible. JJ tubes helped but still, I was mostly using preamp overdrive and that's nothing compared to power tubes going over the top.
Pedals help some but I feel they always rob amps of bass or "umph". They make amps lifeless IMHO. Using an EQ pedal helps a little bit but things get too complicated like that. Due to these limitations, I started looking around for some kind of solution, focusing on very low powered amps.
I found some amp kits I liked but honestly wasn't sure of my ability to put one together. Actually, I'm sure I could build it but don't have the knowledge or skills to trouble shoot or fine tune it.
The UniValve is an amp that solves the issue. With different tube combinations, you go run the line from 4 to about 22 watts. At low power, I can get the tube saturation I wanted without waking up everyone in the house.
The amp is very well made, with extraordinary attention to detail. Tubes aren't hard to find, although some of the "legendary" ones can get very expensive! The amp reflects the tubes in it well and you can even hear the differences between brands of the same specification tube. Guitars keep their character when played through the UniValve very well.
Needless to say, I'm very happy with the amp and would suggest taking one for a test run if you get the chance. I got a good deal on a used one and I'm sure you'll find a few on Ebay but take into consideration you'll also need a cab for it, since the UniValve is just a head. I think it deserves a nice cab too!
;D
Dan