It's kinda comforting to visit this channel. It's the room that reminds me of a long lost age of guitar shops 50 years gone now. Mainly, it's like a hogwarts professor of affordable mid rock era sweetness.
Cheers man, thanks for the kind words and support. That picture resonates with me!… I remember the excitement browsing in my local music shops almost (but not quite) that long ago. An Aladdin’s cave of used gear… stacked high with tatty well gigged amps and cabs, second hand guitars. And I do appear to be keeping that ancient tradition alive!! 😆👍
This was DEFINITELY worthwhile. As you say at the beginning, the amp is almost as much an instrument as the guitar. I was surprised at just how much the tones varied. I don't know that any one amp was better than the others. They all just sounded different and good.
I was deciding between selling my ac10c1 and buying a supro but i think i actually like the cleans and more rounded sound on the vox! Please continue to do more-best amp comparison i’ve seen by far on here! I was always frustrated by comparison vids on here because they would either A)play a different riff on each amp B)switch so slowly that i forgot what the previous amp sounded like. You using a looper and amp setup solved both of these issues. So thank you!
Very very cool shootout, Col. Intelligent use of the Glooper (Gluteal Looper). As a predominantly P90 player I fancy the AC10. Had to sell my AC15 last year due to poverty and I miss the hell out of it. Rock on, brother.
Cheers John, the AC10 has got that sound but it’s fussy and it’s stupidly loud so not really good for home use. I use the AC15 mostly which bizarrely is much more controllable and neighbour friendly and worth the extra if you can imho. Glooper out! 😆👍
I look forward to every new show you put out. Not only are you entertaining and informative, but you have a way to really connect with me. So casual and relaxed, your show is like coming in to your favorite pub or coffee shop. I was really taken aback by the Blackstar's versatility. It sounded very good with everything you put to it. The Vox really shone with the Casino, and probably should be sold as a pair. The Supro and Fender were similar with my vote going to the Supro. I can't wait to see what's next! From Wyoming, cheers...
Cheers Jorge, thanks for the kind words and support man it’s appreciated! 🙏☺️ The Blackstar is actually the one I use most for guitar demos… it seems a lot easier to dial in a great or ‘pleasing’ sound, but yes the others when matched with the right guitar can shine also. I think my demonstration may have worked! 😆👍
Took me a while to find the time to sit down - beer in hand - and enjoy this one. Wow! I didn't expect the Casino with Vox to just kill it. And your playing was super.
Your thoughts about the Casino toward the end of the video are the similar to the thoughts I had when you were playing it. You both sounded great on all the amps. Actually everything sounded wonderful. I liked all of those amps. I was rooting for the VOX and SUPRO, but the Fender and Blackstar performed amazingly well. I'd be happy with any of them. I'm years away from being able to make any amp sound good. This video gives me a base mark to go over when I add a tube amp.
@@theguitaristasI like the Blackstar Studio 6L6 so much that I ordered the EL 34 Studio yesterday. I thought about a DV Mark 40 watt amp and in my world that means that I might end up with it too, somewhere down the road. For right now, the Studio and the money I saved buying it, I put into a DigiTech Trio+ Looper and Effects pedal. I may trade my solid state amps for one or two of the other lil amps.
@@pinkiewerewolf I don't think you can go far wrong with those Blackstar's Pinkie... loads of vintage crunch and as much overdrive as you can handle with the benefit of a master volume to dial it in at 'neighbour friendly' or 'neighbour annoying' volume as the mood takes you! 😆👍 Cheers brother.
When I first started playing guitar I bought a squier and a Blues Jr in that same tweed configuration from a friend. I did not know much about how amps worked and what the knobs did. However, when I really started to learn how to play and gained a lot of confidence, I decided to buy more gear and learn about other brands and options available in the market. I narrowed down my findings to amps that could be home/room level and a a guitar that differed from the Strat that I already had. I ended up buying the VOX AC10 after demoing it at a store near my house. The Squier quickly sold on the FB market which allowed me to buy a Fender Strat and had some savings which I used to buy the same Epiphone in this video, Goldtop Standard 50’s from the new Inspired by Gibson range. I was so happy with my new gear until I decided to sell the Blues Jr because I was more driven to the sound of the VOX. Seeing this video made me a bit sad because I really liked the Blues Jr and I fully regret selling it. At the time I thought it took up space and I thought I didn’t really need two amps, simply becasue I don’t gig and consider myself a bedroom musician, but knowing what I let go makes me hurt a bit. However, the VOX AC10 is amazing and I really love the amp. I do intend to buy a tweed Jr in the future once I can. Also, the video was great and I have been binge watching some of your other videos, specially the SG one! Epiphone has really done an amazing job to give the customer a Gibson type experience for a much lower price! At first I thought about changing the Pro Buckers for other ones but after really playing my LP I don’t think its neccesary. They are really good! Cheers from Costa Rica!
Hey Federico, thanks for comment man!… yes that’s a good story and shows what I mean that the amps themselves are a different ‘instrument’ it’s easy to forget how much you enjoyed them and let them go, same as guitars sometimes we eventually wonder why we sold them! 🤷♂️ The great news is there is so much choice and great things to look forward to owning! 😎👍👍
Interesting to hear the tones back to back. The blues junior to my ears was better than the Supro, but I was also impressed by the Vox. Somehow your little pedal switch dance reminded me of Balou the bear in Disneys Jungle Book for a second or two. Rather entertaining.
The “arse looper”!!! Love it. Good video. Tube amps have a sound that to my ears, is fuller, richer, or deeper. My old fender hot rod deluxe from the nineties is still my personal favorite amp. But in your lineup here, I found the Supro sounded the best. My only tube screamer clone is an old Joyo vintage overdrive. It’s cheap but honest, and gives me enough drive to get there. The SGs all sound good but very similar in overall tone. Keep up the excellent work man, you’re the only guy whose videos I like anymore. Maybe it’s because we’re similar in age, or that we like similar music. I enjoyed this one !
Cheers Jonathan, the hot rod deluxe is still one of my regular choices… no surprise it’s one of the most popular amps out there. Thanks for the kind word and support it’s really appreciated! 😎👍
Great comparison video, especially the use of different guitars. Found your channel some time back by accident, so glad I did. Possibly some of the most honest reviews on UA-cam. No gimmicks, no trying to sell the latest thing, or biases because of the cost or brand. Keep up the good work.
Amazing chap. One of the guitarists in our band regularly uses his AC15 on gigs, and christ is that thing loud. In any of the clubs we play in over here it's perfect for like 90% of all applications, it always sounds great too, highly recommended that Vox sound.
Cheers Alistair, yes the AC15 is just brilliant… quite a step up from this AC10 as it has a bigger box sound and it’s powerful enough to play anywhere 😎👍
I always wanted an AC30 but I ended up buying an AC15. Sometimes I wish I’d gone for the AC30 because, well, it’s an AC30. But then I haul out the (surprisingly heavy) AC15 and turn it on and realise how bloody loud it is. As much as I like the idea of an AC30, the AC15 is already overkill for my needs. Of course, having a 50 watt JCM800 head and 4x12 cab in the house, I’m not the most practical of people.
@@Dreyno you sir have good taste in amps, that Marshall sounds sweet. And yeah that ac15 is heavy as all hell, lol. Most of the places we play (hotel bars and resto-bars) have a lift. But this one place we go we have to access from the back and its endless stairs, all you can hear is a solid ten minutes of guitarist complaining as he hauls his amp like a pack horse 😆.
Man this was great! You managed to help me validate to my wife why I have so many amps and guitars! The Casino is a very nice guitar! Cheers and stay safe.
Great comparison thx! The Vox AC10 is my fav amp for sure, it has the most chime, clarity and character i.m.o. The blues junior is always a great clean amp and pedal platform. The Supro is last for me but they all get the job done pretty well.
I have the Vox AC10 and two Blackstar amps and a Fender amp and I can truthfully say all these amps sounded good. They all have a different tonality but surprisingly I enjoyed all of them. I regularly play the AC10 because I enjoy the tone and the fact it is so light. Enjoyed the review.
Surprised at how much I liked the tone of the Blackstar. It obviously has less street credit than those more iconic brands but on numerous occasions it made me sit up snd listen🤔 As always, a comprehensive and well laid out review, I trust this channel!
@@theguitaristas Fender Showman, Marshall Haze 15, Jet City 20 (Soldano), Twin Reverb, Marshall JCM 800 4210. I am stuck on the Marshalls but will fall back on the Twin Reverb. The Jet City is pretty dirty. The Showman I should sell.
@@theguitaristas I should be able to sell the Showman and have change from the Vox AC 15 purchase. That is, had I not ordered the Boss looper an hour ago. You now need an Amazon kickback page.
Great vid, really cool comparisons. Vox seemed to stand out on its own more from the others to my ears. Really liked the Blackstar also esp w the LP. If I was to buy one though I think it’d be the Blues Jr
Cheers man, they are all really good and in this comparison I wasn’t able to demonstrate individual strengths etc… but my personal go to is the blackstar for it’s nice tight crunchy tones… but it doesn’t really chime quite as well as the others.
Don’t normally comment but you are so talented and yet so modest. Always enjoy your videos no matter the content. It was certainly cool to see something a bit different!
Thanks Hector, that's very kind and very much appreciated! 🙏😊 I shall probably dabble with these 'not sure what its about' films from time to time as they are fun to make! 😎👍
I think you did a great service to all of us. I’m trying to decide on an amplifier you have really helped me. Thank you so much. I greatly appreciate it. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Another great show! Never in a month of Sundays I thought a VOX could sound that good (Marshall guy). I had my money on the Fender, but hey there you go. I love your guitar reviews, but once in a while doing something different to spice things up is a great idea. As always am looking forward to your next episode. Cheers.
" The Arse Looper Guy " ha ha ha BRILLIANT Colin lol I love the Supro Blues King 12 - cracking amp .... Oh and I grabbed me one of those lovely Epiphone Casino Worn Olive Drab guitars and you're right, it's a belter ! ... also, you are right, the Casino and Vox amp belong together !
I could watch these types of videos all day long my friend...w you leading the way of course..lol..great work man and as always tyvm for always featuring epiphone guitars...you know where the good stuff is at🤘😀🎸
Cool no bad amp there … always thought would get the Supro (delta blues got not send & return) but that Fender blues jr really shines … the Casino brings out the best in what is a great range of amps, many of the early studio recordings were on small amps so big thanks … more !
Was really surprised at how nice the Blackstar was! They don't get a ton of love. The rest sounds very distinctive, like you'd expect. Not a bad one in the bunch! Would love to hear you on a little DSL!
Cheers Robert, yes the Blackstar gets the most use out of this lot for reviewing guitars as it’s much easier to dial in and sounds a lot bigger physically than the others. Of course now I also have a Marshall DSL20/10 on my shopping list! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas - Thanks for this video, it's really helpful. I'm looking at getting a compact valve amp. Would you recommend the Studio 10, over an AC10 or a Blues Junior?
New subscriber and I really like your channel. These are are all amps that would be up my alley and I like that your using guitars that many of us working guitarists use. Thanks for the content and hello from Nebraska USA.
Awesome video as always. it was fun to hear the differences between some nice reasonable tube amps with a variety of guitars. Gosh every time you play that casino I fall more in love with it
Glad you enjoyed making the vid Colin, that's important in the overall scheme of things & we did also. 👍😎 My take in brief... the vox possibly can get harsh /brittle, so needs to be dialed in correctly for each guitar. And the supro perhaps at the other end of the spectrum & could get really dark and muddy. So, quite a bit to think about matching amp to gear, if people just buy on a whim. Cheers.
Cheers man, yes totally… I didn’t get chance to show each amps individual potential in this film but I did think with some settings the vox sounded a bit brittle (as it needs cranking a bit more) and likewise something the opposite with Supro. Does show how it’s not a one size fits all thing, but all these amps are capable of so much providing you can spend some time working on dialling them in. 😎👍
Great video Colin, thanks! Love the Blackstar - it’s like a benchmark for me, if I want a sound with more colour, I’d go for a Vox. I have both 🤗 By the way - your soloing reminds me of Neil Young, but with some nice bluesy chops thrown in!
Thanks for the kind words man…. I’ll take Neil Young any day! 🙌 So the Blackstar is my ‘go to’ from this collection… easiest to dial in will pretty much do it all were the others can take you to some quite unique places if you have time to get to know them 😎👍
Ya, I’ll take all 3 my friend. 😁 I have a number of amps as you do. I don’t use the Marshall stack much anymore. You have to crank it up too much to get the wood to sing. I really like a VOX I have with the Celestron gold and balanced Tung-sol tubes I get from a “tube tech’. The bigger amps are just too heavy and Loud. I did sell a 1964 fender proverb before I moved to Michigan. It always had a nice, but particular sound. I tend to gravitate to the VOX amps, but usually switch out all but the power tubes and the speaker(s) to my own taste. 🔊 Love your channel
Great video. Just discovered this channel and it is excellent. Keep it going mate. For me the little Blackstar is lovely, very soft warm sound to my ears. These little tube amps pack an incredible punch. I'm a Marshall man ( have an Astoria Dual), but my little practice amp is an early 90s Pro Jr. Huge volume for a little 15 watter. Cheers.
Thanks @asslooper! Excellent stuff - well played. Being new to guitar and not being blessed with a trust fund and a country house, I have started off with a Boss Katana. A quick demo in my guitar store of choice showed me that tube amps belong on the stage, in band rooms and in soundproof studios rather than in normal residential situations. Although I am able to hear the differences between your amps, it would be an entirely different (and no doubt more enjoyable) experience to be in the room with a beer in hand. Thanks for your efforts. Have a good 'un!
Cheers David, I think with the Katana you made a very good choice for home anyway… I actually got the Vox to use at home but forget about that it only does LOUD… in fact they all do, and the ringing in my ears is testament that! 😆👍
Amazing! All in all it depends but the number one could be Blues JR. However, on neck pickup, fat warm bluesy sound with a little gain, I would go with Supro. More gain, more on a bridge pickup, for lead blues, the winner for me is the blues Jr. Blackstar is in between, personally I found Vox not to be warm, but definitely a winner when Casino with a much higher gain comes to the play.
Hey Colin. Great video. Loved the comparisons and the way you presented them. Just stumbled on your channel the other day and its now one of my favorites. Appreciate the time and effort you put into these.
The Blackstar is a steal. It's not very popular so it's easy to find discounted; I got a CV-10 (same as the Studio 10 6L6 but a different aesthetic) for $360. To be honest it's not the best at anything besides value. The tone is very non-distinct (not to say bad, just it would be hard to pick blind out of a lineup). It's warm but not muddy and doesn't really have an identifiable character like the Vox or Fender. The reverb is there, which is nice, though I would use any other reverb if I had one--but lacking a pedal, it's an adequate onboard reverb. Same with the boost--I would take genuinely any boost pedal over the onboard boost, but in a pinch its nice that the amp provides one. It's the price point that elevates it immensely, especially with the inclusion of an effects loop.
Aloha and mahalo Colin! I'm glad you did a video with amps. They are an important part of our sound. Good selections. I should listen again with headphones. The SG test sounded to close to really tell apart due to quality of phone and hearing or they sound that close. Thanks again. Aloha!
@@theguitaristas Yeah the new covid case numbers are high. Hope it runs itself out. Like to have a nice spring and summer. Some outdoor concerts would be great.
Thanks Colin, this really shows how a finding the right amp to match the your guitars makes a difference. Of the four amps you mentioned I have not owned a Supro and am thinking about getting Delta King 10, thanks again and I am looking forward to you next video for this upcoming Friday.
Welcome back to Colin's Cafe and Pub. Kick back and enjoy a pint or cup and let Colin "The @$$ Looper" entertain you... I've watched and listened multiple times on a computer with nice speakers, big screen tv with killer sound system, and on my phone with headphones. The end result is always the same, the best one is always YOU! You made all the amps sound great and demonstrate their attributes so that someone like me can compare them. Here in Wyoming, there is NOTHING even remotely close to try out gear. I've gotten more out of your channel than the big mega channels that I also watch. With a most sincere, THANK YOU. JR
Jorge, thank you so much for taking the time to say these nice things! ☺️🙏 i really appreciate the support… I have great fun making these films and talking to you all so it’s a win for us both!! 😎👍
I'll tell you this dear brother "accross the pond." Getting back into guitar playing at 52 years old now, I get a whole bunch of great ideas and inspiration from watching your channel's video. I look forward to every video. Whatever the gear may be. You are the greatest ASS-LOOPER GUY there ever was! Cheers, my brother!☺👍 BTW: I just really enjoy watching Andertons and PMT London videos too! I've always modeled my style after European players. David Gilmour, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Dave Murray/Adrian Smith, Toni Iommi, Jimmy Page, etc...could go on forever. The fluid-like, European style is my favorite style. God bless you, your channel, and all of your wonderful subscribers.☺💜👍
Cheers Joe thanks for the kind words and support it's appreciated! Great to hear you've picked up the guitar again... I too had a long break and it was so good to be able rediscover the joy of playing and to learn new things and buy the things I was never able to afford back then!. Glad you found us man your in good company!! 😎👍
the blues junior is just an amazing amp and my favourite of the bunch. and for people looking for affordable valve amps i would reccomend a used Laney lc30 mk2. I picked one up for under £100 a few weeks back it has an amazing clean channel and a cllassic british distortion channel and a great spring reverb. not bad for the cheapest amp i have ever bought.
This was a nice change of pace, Colin! I've recently begun to educate myself a bit on tube amps, overdrive versus solid state amps and distortion pedals and how/why they match up the way they do. I've been playing on a solid state Marshall stack since... '99 now? I was running my pedal board through the input with an acoustic processor through the effects loop in the back. It's a bit overkill in the bedroom, but it's not something one can really crank up and keep any integrity. After about 5 or so on the volume and it starts to sound like crap. Tube amps are the opposite. A friend has 2 JCM 800 2203 half stacks in his living room... I'll keep my hearing and listen from the next county. LOL ANYWAY, I saw that Marshall, MESA, EVH and many others started making mini versions and/or lower powered versions of their flagship models which really picqued my interest lately. I started buying the pedals by the manufacturers because tube amps are simply not in my budget. I recently picked up a MESA Throttle Box and it turns my fake Marshall into a Rectifier for the most part. Definitely has the Rectifier sound as much as a $150 pedal can deliver vs a $5k half stack. Similar to a Epi R9 vs a Murphy Lab R9. Pretty close considering how different they are in cost. I want to try the Friedman and Diezel ones next. Also, a Looper may be my next purchase down the road. I'll try not to use my ass to switch it on or off though! That got a good chuckle. FWIW, that Blackstar seems to be a good one! I liked how each guitar had its own "relationship" with an amp. Epi LP with Blackstar. Telecaster with Vox. Epi Casino with the Supro. I believe I passed the SG quiz 4/4!
Cheers Jeremy, thanks for the kind words and support! 😎👍 You have to be careful as once you start the journey down this tube amp rabbit hole there really is no going back! Even this collection of amps are way too loud for bedroom use… I’d suggest checking out the 1w heads you can get and maybe hook them up with a 1 x 12… there you will always be able to get the break up that your mate with the full stack would die for… and your neighbours will still talk to you! 😆
I don't see myself buying a tube amp. I've had my amp and pedals dialed in for some time now. Early 90s metal sound for the most part. Think of the sound of the No More Tears album for a good base of reference. I'll stick to the newer pedals for the tube sound. They're too loud and too expensive for me. I can see why good pots in the guitar like the Epi R9 are so important now. With a proper tube amp, it makes all the difference!
I've had my eye on that olive Casino worn for a while now, and was trying to decide which amp to pair it with (since I'm new to the world of electric). I heard a live gig with a blues junior and loved it, but I wanted to know how my future guitar would sound on it. SO THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME! This was sooo very helpful, as are all your videos. Thanks.
Got the Jr and AC10....love both. In this demo...the Vox stood out... Supro, Blackstar sounded a bit sterile in first loop/lead run (17 min mark). Learned just how different amps sound...now I need more amps...thanks Colin....thanks for nothing! ;-).
as you said bought it coz its "NICE" your going to love the Squire custom classic vibe STARCASTER I do , its the goto guitar , Les Paul is now second and that says a lot!
You nailed it amps are instruments in their own right. I know most people wil buy 2 or 3 guitars but rely on 1 amp and they are really missing out, experiment with secondhand amps, swap, buy and sell until you get the magic combo. Don't settle for the one size fits all (boss katana) and sound like every other amateur.
Absolutely… can you see my problem trying to get the best (or something pleasing) out of each of these guitars I review? It’s the never ending amp dance I am going to have to start taking notes I think! 😂
"Ass looper guy." Thanks for that big laugh. Another great film and thank you. This was a great comparison of those amps. I'd definitely need an attenuator or something I think. Those amps can and do get really loud, as you pointed out. I've always wanted a Vox, but I'd seldom use that tone as much as I love it. The Fender would probably be the one I choose, but that could just be my American ears!
Cheers man, that little Vox is punishingly loud... doesn't really do quiet, the Supro probably most versatile, Blackstar the easiest to use (and my go-to small amp), and the Blues Junior is a Blues Junior and everyone should probably own one! :)
I just got my first real valve amp ac15c1 so awesome and fun compared to my little fender m80. Thanks for the comparison really helps with the sea of amps to choose from.
You have the best sounding blues junior i have ever heard ! Seriously ! Most of them sound like fart boxes and yours is bright and chimes with chunk not like the weedy sounding vox.
I suppose I tend to keep the gain down and just go for a bit of crunch when dialling in... they certainly can get a bit too saturated if you're not careful.
Enjoyed the video great playing to compare sounds on amps. You made that Casino sound great didn't even know I needed one till now. Looking forward to next video.
Wonderful show, Colin. Certainly proves a certain guitar sounds much better with a certain amp I usually use two twenty watt amps split with a ten band MXR equalizer. Both amps have EL34 tubes. Certainly can get beautiful tone from them I use a MXR delay on one of the amps. Number one guitar used is a 2015 Les Paul Again, great show!
I came here because of my interest in the Vox AC10. I checked the Supro because of its FX loop, but discovered that they stopped making those amps with a loop because it caused some technical problems resulting in a bad sound. So I‘ll stick to the AC10.
Thank you so much for making this video. I have the same Sire Telecaster as you, love that guitar. I'm using a Fuchs amp with mesa thiele 1x12 speaker. Getting some very interesting tones from this setup. Keep the great content coming!
Great insight, thanks Colin, very much enjoyed it. Personally not ventured down the rabbit hole of valve amps & pedals.......yet. As a relative novice that only really noodles at home & for some minor gigging, like many, plumped for the Boss Katana some years ago. Certainly get that it lacks a bit of depth & soul, but just so versatile & comparatively cheap way of experimenting & exploring a myriad of sounds.
Hey Paul, the valve amp journey is definitely not one that should be embarked upon lightly... once you have opened that door there is no going back and as I commented earlier your neighbours will never forgive you!
I love that olive green casino, its been on my shortlist for awhile but i already have a d'angelico semi hollow with p90s so dont have much need for a casino. But i love that color!
My AC10! I've been trying to tell people about this amp ever since I first heard it. (PS: Your arse pedal control is truly inspirational, and possibly the most important innovation in musical technique since 2-handed tapping.)
I like this vid. Subscribed and will have a look at older content. Small amps are the way forward. Good direct out emulation and level knob and effects loop and you don't need anything bigger
Someday I hope to upgrade to one of these. My Gorilla GG-20 is kind of outdated. I think it’s almost time for a tube/valve amp. This video made me want to take that plunge. Thank you for another great episode!
Brilliant, loved the looping technique. i liked the Vox and the Fender the most, which is handy as I play through an AC30. That Casino really sounded fantastic.
Cheers Paul! I actually use the AC15 more than this AC10 as it has the full top boost and spring reverb… and AC30 with band… they are just the best amps imho. 😎👍
still the Clarkson of guitar vids, your the go to watch on a late Saturday night watch, glad to see the gold top is still one of your favourites, mine is the reason I practice every day amazing tone!!!!
The derriere-loop technique could be a first for YT. By the time the Casino appeared, the technique seemed to come second nature to you. Btw all my SG answers were wrong. Another great review - thank you so much. I’ve been using an Ampeg J12t - el84s - that I picked up in the states for the last 20-odd years. Has done me proud for small-medium gigs.
Interesting stuff Colin. Food for thought there. I particularly liked the pioneering use of “arse-cam”. Let’s hope those cheeky blighters from That Pedal Show don’t pinch the idea!
Yeah. Cool. I liked all the amps really. Probably the Vox Casino combination the best. You keep teasing me with that Epi gold top as well as the casino.
I've played all of these side by side too, in a guitar shop with my own guitar...I ended up buying the supro 12. The supro 10'' and 8 '' speakers fall off far as tone possibilities and I can't really listen to a classic tube amp with 8" speakers. The tens sounded good but the twelve has a little more headroom, loud enough for a small gig with a drummer, but can still get nice stuff in the living room of my condo without bugging the neighbors out. The vox and the new blues junior both have way more headroom and would open up at a small gig with higher Vols, but really stalled tonewise at the living room settings. I was keen on the black star but it lacked dimension somehow: 2d instead of 3d and the digital reverb has awful compared with the supro and the fender springs. There is a trick with the supro: it sounds boxy right in front of it and has icepick transients but when I moved it from ear level to waist level it sounded great. I haven't recorded it yet but I'm guessing the mic placement would need to be angled and placed away from the center of the cone to hit its sweet spot. Anyway I love the supro 12. Its pigtronix disto sound is nasty, it cleans up beautifully, and the built in overdrive and distortion give it some tonal range out of the box.
Some thoughts: Those new "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphone's are simply incredible instruments. I envy anyone buying one as their first guitar! Also, that Sire T7 sounds *lovely*! I am eyeing one of those in the Spring when they release here! Once you got the overdrive dialed in, it was just *nirvana*. In terms of the amps, I liked the Vox and the Blues Jr the best. I found the Supro too harsh, the Blackstar tended to sound a bit plain to me. This is a wonderful video, having access to content of this quality for free is just insane. Thank you for doing it! Regarding the quiz, I got all of them right, except I switched the Gibson Standard and the Epiphone 61, which makes sense, given that the latter has Gibson pickup! I think I liked the 61 the best!
You can't beat the dynamics of a tube amplifier 12 inch speaker. But let's face it they're bloody heavy so getting mine out is a treat especially if I don't do my back in :) Most of the time I use my headrush modeler which is easy and convenient and awesome. Plus where ever I go it's easy just to plug into a PA system and that's it. It's the future as they say. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good valve amp and I think the video is testment to that. Sure valves have awful harmonic distortion but you can't beat them for sound. Great video Colin.
I never had much experience with Blackstar amps (made by former Marshall engineers) but I think it was the best. Lowest noise and best overall freq response. The Vox sounds noisy (inherent of any Vox I’ve owned) and fizzy. The Supro was a let-down, very scooped mids and anemic low end. The Fender seems to lack headroom, which is the way they’ve voiced (and biased) it for “blues.” The Fender demos sounded off a bit…maybe a bad mic or mic cable?Again, it’s all subjective towards each player’s style and taste. Love your vids! Cheers!
I recently tried a Vox AC10C1, couldn't tame the highs whatever I did. And I had another tube amp to compare, the Vox is just too trebly. I sent it back Just ordered the Supro Amulet. Have great expectations, I once had the Supro Keeley 25w and it sounded killer, like a beefed up Fender Blackface.. It took pedals magnificently (well it was what it was made for, a pedal plateform..) I did a gig with, almost dimed, one if the best sound I ever had Supros are really great in my opinion
Dear Colin, thank you for this video. I think it's a good idea to share your other gear - amps, pedals etc. - with us every once in a while. But please don't take your amps apart to show the components - DANGER!!! For this kind of videos I highly recommend the channel of "Uncle Doug". For example the series "How tube amps work". It's just great. Now amps: I really like the Fender Blues Junior. It's kind of old school (although it's not hand wired and has a master volume) and especially those classic simple pedals work really well with it. E.g. Stratocaster and Tube Screamer or Les Paul and Boss DS-1 are really great combinations in front of a Fender Blues Junior. The Blackstar certainly is more modern and more versatile. My Blackstar HT-20R Mk II that comes also with a single 12'' speaker has two channels, voice controls, effects loop etc. and sounds really good. Unfortunately I cannot say anything about the other two amps. However my biggest wish is that Vox would reissue the old AC 10 from the 60's with two 10'' speakers. That would be a dream come true!
Watching the coolest guitars rating video. You are the coolest on YB! Enjoy my Fridays because of your channel and how you film the videos. Thanks Colin!
This is a really excellent video - there are times when I struggle to hear differences between guitars on comparison reviews but your format makes it really easy to hear the different tones when played with the same guitar. Unfortunately as I live in an appartment block I'll never acquire one as I just noodle around with headphones and the amps on Garage Band :) Cheers
Cheers Simon, that’s appreciated! 😎👍 GarageBand is pretty good to be honest but if you do want to try a cheap tube amp that’s headphone friendly (and doesn’t needs speakers) my home practice amp is the Blackstar HT1HR… 1watt tube amp you can get them for around £200 and they sound brilliant and will give you a full on tube amp experience that only you can hear.
@@theguitaristas That's really interesting. Unfortunately as I live in Brazil all guitars and amps are generally twice the UK prices, hence me not really being able to buy pedals and just using the ones in GarageBand for example.
It's kinda comforting to visit this channel. It's the room that reminds me of a long lost age of guitar shops 50 years gone now. Mainly, it's like a hogwarts professor of affordable mid rock era sweetness.
Cheers man, thanks for the kind words and support. That picture resonates with me!… I remember the excitement browsing in my local music shops almost (but not quite) that long ago. An Aladdin’s cave of used gear… stacked high with tatty well gigged amps and cabs, second hand guitars. And I do appear to be keeping that ancient tradition alive!! 😆👍
LOL, Great analogy.
Same vibe exactly
I'm old enough to remember those shops. Sadly missed.
Agreed. It's such a chill vibe here. There's gear everywhere and no one is trying to sell anyone anything. Tasteful playing vs mindless shred.
This was DEFINITELY worthwhile. As you say at the beginning, the amp is almost as much an instrument as the guitar. I was surprised at just how much the tones varied. I don't know that any one amp was better than the others. They all just sounded different and good.
Cheers Scott 😎👍
Yeah - exactly - it's all about finding what works for you at this level.
And it' s always two pairs of shoes if you' re in a studio or stage situation.
I was deciding between selling my ac10c1 and buying a supro but i think i actually like the cleans and more rounded sound on the vox!
Please continue to do more-best amp comparison i’ve seen by far on here! I was always frustrated by comparison vids on here because they would either A)play a different riff on each amp B)switch so slowly that i forgot what the previous amp sounded like. You using a looper and amp setup solved both of these issues. So thank you!
Very very cool shootout, Col. Intelligent use of the Glooper (Gluteal Looper). As a predominantly P90 player I fancy the AC10. Had to sell my AC15 last year due to poverty and I miss the hell out of it. Rock on, brother.
Cheers John, the AC10 has got that sound but it’s fussy and it’s stupidly loud so not really good for home use. I use the AC15 mostly which bizarrely is much more controllable and neighbour friendly and worth the extra if you can imho. Glooper out! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas I can definitely agree with that! I own the ac10 and never take it past 2/3 on the volume controls
@@theguitaristas Oh shit, Jack Fossett made me buy the AC-10C1, but maybe should have gotten the AC-15C1??
@@pharmerdavid1432 The AC10 still rocks!... and you can also look forward getting an AC15 later! 😆👍
Love the mini amp thumbnails on the bottom left. Making tracking what amp you are on super easy. Well done.
Great recording, can really hear that "bottom end" coming through in some of these. 😂 - thanks for the run down!
Cheers man! 😎👍
I look forward to every new show you put out. Not only are you entertaining and informative, but you have a way to really connect with me. So casual and relaxed, your show is like coming in to your favorite pub or coffee shop.
I was really taken aback by the Blackstar's versatility. It sounded very good with everything you put to it. The Vox really shone with the Casino, and probably should be sold as a pair. The Supro and Fender were similar with my vote going to the Supro.
I can't wait to see what's next!
From Wyoming, cheers...
Cheers Jorge, thanks for the kind words and support man it’s appreciated! 🙏☺️ The Blackstar is actually the one I use most for guitar demos… it seems a lot easier to dial in a great or ‘pleasing’ sound, but yes the others when matched with the right guitar can shine also. I think my demonstration may have worked! 😆👍
Took me a while to find the time to sit down - beer in hand - and enjoy this one. Wow! I didn't expect the Casino with Vox to just kill it.
And your playing was super.
Thanks Bob that’s appreciated! 😎👍
Your thoughts about the Casino toward the end of the video are the similar to the thoughts I had when you were playing it. You both sounded great on all the amps.
Actually everything sounded wonderful.
I liked all of those amps. I was rooting for the VOX and SUPRO, but the Fender and Blackstar performed amazingly well.
I'd be happy with any of them. I'm years away from being able to make any amp sound good. This video gives me a base mark to go over when I add a tube amp.
Cheers man! 🙏☺️ they are all great amps and whatever you end up with they will make you sound better… that certainly works for me! 😆👍
@@theguitaristasI like the Blackstar Studio 6L6 so much that I ordered the EL 34 Studio yesterday. I thought about a DV Mark 40 watt amp and in my world that means that I might end up with it too, somewhere down the road. For right now, the Studio and the money I saved buying it, I put into a DigiTech Trio+ Looper and Effects pedal.
I may trade my solid state amps for one or two of the other lil amps.
@@pinkiewerewolf I don't think you can go far wrong with those Blackstar's Pinkie... loads of vintage crunch and as much overdrive as you can handle with the benefit of a master volume to dial it in at 'neighbour friendly' or 'neighbour annoying' volume as the mood takes you! 😆👍 Cheers brother.
@@theguitaristas Cheers Colin. Thanks for all you do!
When I first started playing guitar I bought a squier and a Blues Jr in that same tweed configuration from a friend. I did not know much about how amps worked and what the knobs did. However, when I really started to learn how to play and gained a lot of confidence, I decided to buy more gear and learn about other brands and options available in the market. I narrowed down my findings to amps that could be home/room level and a a guitar that differed from the Strat that I already had. I ended up buying the VOX AC10 after demoing it at a store near my house. The Squier quickly sold on the FB market which allowed me to buy a Fender Strat and had some savings which I used to buy the same Epiphone in this video, Goldtop Standard 50’s from the new Inspired by Gibson range. I was so happy with my new gear until I decided to sell the Blues Jr because I was more driven to the sound of the VOX. Seeing this video made me a bit sad because I really liked the Blues Jr and I fully regret selling it. At the time I thought it took up space and I thought I didn’t really need two amps, simply becasue I don’t gig and consider myself a bedroom musician, but knowing what I let go makes me hurt a bit. However, the VOX AC10 is amazing and I really love the amp. I do intend to buy a tweed Jr in the future once I can. Also, the video was great and I have been binge watching some of your other videos, specially the SG one! Epiphone has really done an amazing job to give the customer a Gibson type experience for a much lower price! At first I thought about changing the Pro Buckers for other ones but after really playing my LP I don’t think its neccesary. They are really good!
Cheers from Costa Rica!
Hey Federico, thanks for comment man!… yes that’s a good story and shows what I mean that the amps themselves are a different ‘instrument’ it’s easy to forget how much you enjoyed them and let them go, same as guitars sometimes we eventually wonder why we sold them! 🤷♂️ The great news is there is so much choice and great things to look forward to owning! 😎👍👍
Next time you try a Pr. go for the (even cheaper) Pro Jr. IV. It is the better sounding amp.
Interesting to hear the tones back to back. The blues junior to my ears was better than the Supro, but I was also impressed by the Vox. Somehow your little pedal switch dance reminded me of Balou the bear in Disneys Jungle Book for a second or two. Rather entertaining.
😆👍
the blackstar and the Fender Blues Junior for me, not what I wold have predicted but just goes to show, both sounded great.
Good choices. My ears heard the same and agree
Same here.
The “arse looper”!!! Love it. Good video. Tube amps have a sound that to my ears, is fuller, richer, or deeper. My old fender hot rod deluxe from the nineties is still my personal favorite amp. But in your lineup here, I found the Supro sounded the best. My only tube screamer clone is an old Joyo vintage overdrive. It’s cheap but honest, and gives me enough drive to get there. The SGs all sound good but very similar in overall tone. Keep up the excellent work man, you’re the only guy whose videos I like anymore. Maybe it’s because we’re similar in age, or that we like similar music. I enjoyed this one !
Cheers Jonathan, the hot rod deluxe is still one of my regular choices… no surprise it’s one of the most popular amps out there. Thanks for the kind word and support it’s really appreciated! 😎👍
Great comparison video, especially the use of different guitars. Found your channel some time back by accident, so glad I did. Possibly some of the most honest reviews on UA-cam. No gimmicks, no trying to sell the latest thing, or biases because of the cost or brand. Keep up the good work.
Cheers man, glad you found us and I appreciate the kind words and support! 😎👍
Amazing chap. One of the guitarists in our band regularly uses his AC15 on gigs, and christ is that thing loud. In any of the clubs we play in over here it's perfect for like 90% of all applications, it always sounds great too, highly recommended that Vox sound.
Cheers Alistair, yes the AC15 is just brilliant… quite a step up from this AC10 as it has a bigger box sound and it’s powerful enough to play anywhere 😎👍
I always wanted an AC30 but I ended up buying an AC15. Sometimes I wish I’d gone for the AC30 because, well, it’s an AC30. But then I haul out the (surprisingly heavy) AC15 and turn it on and realise how bloody loud it is. As much as I like the idea of an AC30, the AC15 is already overkill for my needs.
Of course, having a 50 watt JCM800 head and 4x12 cab in the house, I’m not the most practical of people.
@@Dreyno you sir have good taste in amps, that Marshall sounds sweet. And yeah that ac15 is heavy as all hell, lol. Most of the places we play (hotel bars and resto-bars) have a lift. But this one place we go we have to access from the back and its endless stairs, all you can hear is a solid ten minutes of guitarist complaining as he hauls his amp like a pack horse 😆.
I have a mid-70s AC30 as a bedroom amp, sometimes you just have to go for the jugular 😁
@@alecboyyes 😆👌
Man this was great! You managed to help me validate to my wife why I have so many amps and guitars! The Casino is a very nice guitar! Cheers and stay safe.
Cheers Dude, thanks for checking in and have a great weekend! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas 👍
Great comparison thx! The Vox AC10 is my fav amp for sure, it has the most chime, clarity and character i.m.o. The blues junior is always a great clean amp and pedal platform. The Supro is last for me but they all get the job done pretty well.
I have the Vox AC10 and two Blackstar amps and a Fender amp and I can truthfully say all these amps sounded good. They all have a different tonality but surprisingly I enjoyed all of them. I regularly play the AC10 because I enjoy the tone and the fact it is so light. Enjoyed the review.
Surprised at how much I liked the tone of the Blackstar. It obviously has less street credit than those more iconic brands but on numerous occasions it made me sit up snd listen🤔
As always, a comprehensive and well laid out review, I trust this channel!
The more I listen to it, the more impressed I am with the Vox. Me wanty. The Arse-Cam cracks me up.
Have you no Vox?? 😲
@@theguitaristas Fender Showman, Marshall Haze 15, Jet City 20 (Soldano), Twin Reverb, Marshall JCM 800 4210.
I am stuck on the Marshalls but will fall back on the Twin Reverb. The Jet City is pretty dirty. The Showman I should sell.
Nice nice collection… you may need a Vox AC15 to complete 😜
@@theguitaristas I should be able to sell the Showman and have change from the Vox AC 15 purchase. That is, had I not ordered the Boss looper an hour ago. You now need an Amazon kickback page.
Great vid, really cool comparisons. Vox seemed to stand out on its own more from the others to my ears. Really liked the Blackstar also esp w the LP. If I was to buy one though I think it’d be the Blues Jr
Cheers man, they are all really good and in this comparison I wasn’t able to demonstrate individual strengths etc… but my personal go to is the blackstar for it’s nice tight crunchy tones… but it doesn’t really chime quite as well as the others.
Don’t normally comment but you are so talented and yet so modest. Always enjoy your videos no matter the content. It was certainly cool to see something a bit different!
Thanks Hector, that's very kind and very much appreciated! 🙏😊 I shall probably dabble with these 'not sure what its about' films from time to time as they are fun to make! 😎👍
I think you did a great service to all of us. I’m trying to decide on an amplifier you have really helped me. Thank you so much. I greatly appreciate it. Keep doing what you’re doing.
Cheers John!
Another great show! Never in a month of Sundays I thought a VOX could sound that good (Marshall guy). I had my money on the Fender, but hey there you go. I love your guitar reviews, but once in a while doing something different to spice things up is a great idea. As always am looking forward to your next episode. Cheers.
Cheers Ziggy! 😎👍
As a Marshall guy myself, I always acknowledged that a vox clean/slightly crunchy is very hard to beat
A Vox + an old-school Marshall and I'm set!
" The Arse Looper Guy " ha ha ha BRILLIANT Colin lol I love the Supro Blues King 12 - cracking amp .... Oh and I grabbed me one of those lovely Epiphone Casino Worn Olive Drab guitars and you're right, it's a belter ! ... also, you are right, the Casino and Vox amp belong together !
Cheers Peter! 😆👍
I could watch these types of videos all day long my friend...w you leading the way of course..lol..great work man and as always tyvm for always featuring epiphone guitars...you know where the good stuff is at🤘😀🎸
Vox and Fender for the win! Ac15 would've been better, but still that tone is pure Vox.. And the Blues Jr keeps its clarity all the way, always lovely
Cool no bad amp there … always thought would get the Supro (delta blues got not send & return) but that Fender blues jr really shines … the Casino brings out the best in what is a great range of amps, many of the early studio recordings were on small amps so big thanks … more !
Cheers Gerry, so they left the fx loop off the Delta Blues King did they? 🤔 more to follow… gives me excuse to acquire some others! 😆👍
Was really surprised at how nice the Blackstar was! They don't get a ton of love. The rest sounds very distinctive, like you'd expect. Not a bad one in the bunch!
Would love to hear you on a little DSL!
Cheers Robert, yes the Blackstar gets the most use out of this lot for reviewing guitars as it’s much easier to dial in and sounds a lot bigger physically than the others. Of course now I also have a Marshall DSL20/10 on my shopping list! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas - Thanks for this video, it's really helpful. I'm looking at getting a compact valve amp. Would you recommend the Studio 10, over an AC10 or a Blues Junior?
@@rickwellings4127 I think so… they obviously they are all great so depends what you are looking for, but Blackstar is a lot more versatile.
@@theguitaristas Thanks Colin, I really appreciate this advice.
New subscriber and I really like your channel. These are are all amps that would be up my alley and I like that your using guitars that many of us working guitarists use. Thanks for the content and hello from Nebraska USA.
Thanks for the kind words and support glad you found us! 😎👍
Awesome video as always. it was fun to hear the differences between some nice reasonable tube amps with a variety of guitars. Gosh every time you play that casino I fall more in love with it
Me too! 😆👍
Glad you enjoyed making the vid Colin, that's important in the overall scheme of things & we did also. 👍😎
My take in brief... the vox possibly can get harsh /brittle, so needs to be dialed in correctly for each guitar. And the supro perhaps at the other end of the spectrum & could get really dark and muddy.
So, quite a bit to think about matching amp to gear, if people just buy on a whim.
Cheers.
Cheers man, yes totally… I didn’t get chance to show each amps individual potential in this film but I did think with some settings the vox sounded a bit brittle (as it needs cranking a bit more) and likewise something the opposite with Supro. Does show how it’s not a one size fits all thing, but all these amps are capable of so much providing you can spend some time working on dialling them in. 😎👍
Great video Colin, thanks! Love the Blackstar - it’s like a benchmark for me, if I want a sound with more colour, I’d go for a Vox. I have both 🤗
By the way - your soloing reminds me of Neil Young, but with some nice bluesy chops thrown in!
Thanks for the kind words man…. I’ll take Neil Young any day! 🙌 So the Blackstar is my ‘go to’ from this collection… easiest to dial in will pretty much do it all were the others can take you to some quite unique places if you have time to get to know them 😎👍
I'll be damned,it does sound like Neil young.I Flippin love N young,got to see him at farmaid a few years ago.Lifelong dream come true.
Ya, I’ll take all 3 my friend. 😁 I have a number of amps as you do. I don’t use the Marshall stack much anymore. You have to crank it up too much to get the wood to sing. I really like a VOX I have with the Celestron gold and balanced Tung-sol tubes I get from a “tube tech’. The bigger amps are just too heavy and Loud. I did sell a 1964 fender proverb before I moved to Michigan. It always had a nice, but particular sound. I tend to gravitate to the VOX amps, but usually switch out all but the power tubes and the speaker(s) to my own taste. 🔊
Love your channel
Cheers man, I think I’d have to go with you on that too… Vox probably my favourites and AC30 always in my band rig 👌😎
I own the Vox Ac10 and the Supro Blues King. I also have a Fender Deluxe Reverb Tonemaster. The Vox is hands down the best of the bunch.
Great video. Just discovered this channel and it is excellent. Keep it going mate. For me the little Blackstar is lovely, very soft warm sound to my ears. These little tube amps pack an incredible punch. I'm a Marshall man ( have an Astoria Dual), but my little practice amp is an early 90s Pro Jr. Huge volume for a little 15 watter. Cheers.
😎👍👍
Thanks @asslooper! Excellent stuff - well played.
Being new to guitar and not being blessed with a trust fund and a country house, I have started off with a Boss Katana. A quick demo in my guitar store of choice showed me that tube amps belong on the stage, in band rooms and in soundproof studios rather than in normal residential situations. Although I am able to hear the differences between your amps, it would be an entirely different (and no doubt more enjoyable) experience to be in the room with a beer in hand. Thanks for your efforts.
Have a good 'un!
Cheers David, I think with the Katana you made a very good choice for home anyway… I actually got the Vox to use at home but forget about that it only does LOUD… in fact they all do, and the ringing in my ears is testament that! 😆👍
The best sound for my taste and for the music I play is the Casino into Vox and/or the Supro.
Wow was really surprised I nailed the SG test! Cheers for your great videos!
Amazing! All in all it depends but the number one could be Blues JR. However, on neck pickup, fat warm bluesy sound with a little gain, I would go with Supro. More gain, more on a bridge pickup, for lead blues, the winner for me is the blues Jr. Blackstar is in between, personally I found Vox not to be warm, but definitely a winner when Casino with a much higher gain comes to the play.
Hey Colin. Great video. Loved the comparisons and the way you presented them. Just stumbled on your channel the other day and its now one of my favorites. Appreciate the time and effort you put into these.
Hey John, thanks for the kind words and support glad you found us! 😎👍
The Blackstar is a steal. It's not very popular so it's easy to find discounted; I got a CV-10 (same as the Studio 10 6L6 but a different aesthetic) for $360. To be honest it's not the best at anything besides value. The tone is very non-distinct (not to say bad, just it would be hard to pick blind out of a lineup). It's warm but not muddy and doesn't really have an identifiable character like the Vox or Fender. The reverb is there, which is nice, though I would use any other reverb if I had one--but lacking a pedal, it's an adequate onboard reverb. Same with the boost--I would take genuinely any boost pedal over the onboard boost, but in a pinch its nice that the amp provides one. It's the price point that elevates it immensely, especially with the inclusion of an effects loop.
I have the Studio 10 6L6 version..I love it..especially after replacing the stock tubes. Makes my Tele Thinline sing. Love the content,
😎👍
Aloha and mahalo Colin! I'm glad you did a video with amps. They are an important part of our sound. Good selections. I should listen again with headphones. The SG test sounded to close to really tell apart due to quality of phone and hearing or they sound that close. Thanks again. Aloha!
Cheers Victor! Hope you are all safe over there man it’s been eventful hasn’t it?
@@theguitaristas Yeah the new covid case numbers are high. Hope it runs itself out. Like to have a nice spring and summer. Some outdoor concerts would be great.
@@victorbeebe8372 Covid everywhere unfortunately... Tongan Tsunami wave any threat?
@@theguitaristas No Tsunami thank God. We don't need anymore challenges. Covid and higher cost of everthing is enough.
@@victorbeebe8372 Good to hear... take care man and have a great weekend! 😎✌
Thanks Colin, this really shows how a finding the right amp to match the your guitars makes a difference. Of the four amps you mentioned I have not owned a Supro and am thinking about getting Delta King 10, thanks again and I am looking forward to you next video for this upcoming Friday.
Cheers Tom 😎👍
Welcome back to Colin's Cafe and Pub. Kick back and enjoy a pint or cup and let Colin "The @$$ Looper" entertain you...
I've watched and listened multiple times on a computer with nice speakers, big screen tv with killer sound system, and on my phone with headphones. The end result is always the same, the best one is always YOU!
You made all the amps sound great and demonstrate their attributes so that someone like me can compare them. Here in Wyoming, there is NOTHING even remotely close to try out gear. I've gotten more out of your channel than the big mega channels that I also watch.
With a most sincere, THANK YOU.
JR
Jorge, thank you so much for taking the time to say these nice things! ☺️🙏 i really appreciate the support… I have great fun making these films and talking to you all so it’s a win for us both!! 😎👍
I'll tell you this dear brother "accross the pond." Getting back into guitar playing at 52 years old now, I get a whole bunch of great ideas and inspiration from watching your channel's video. I look forward to every video. Whatever the gear may be. You are the greatest ASS-LOOPER GUY there ever was! Cheers, my brother!☺👍
BTW: I just really enjoy watching Andertons and PMT London videos too! I've always modeled my style after European players. David Gilmour, Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Dave Murray/Adrian Smith, Toni Iommi, Jimmy Page, etc...could go on forever. The fluid-like, European style is my favorite style. God bless you, your channel, and all of your wonderful subscribers.☺💜👍
Cheers Joe thanks for the kind words and support it's appreciated! Great to hear you've picked up the guitar again... I too had a long break and it was so good to be able rediscover the joy of playing and to learn new things and buy the things I was never able to afford back then!. Glad you found us man your in good company!! 😎👍
Stumbled on this by accident and was hooked by the ass looper. ✌🏻🖤🐺
Blackstar for me love watching you and the knowledge thank you sir
the blues junior is just an amazing amp and my favourite of the bunch. and for people looking for affordable valve amps i would reccomend a used
Laney lc30 mk2. I picked one up for under £100 a few weeks back it has an amazing clean channel and a cllassic british distortion channel and a great spring reverb. not bad for the cheapest amp i have ever bought.
I use a MK1 for gigs and I'm sticking with it. In fact I may pick up another one.
This was a nice change of pace, Colin!
I've recently begun to educate myself a bit on tube amps, overdrive versus solid state amps and distortion pedals and how/why they match up the way they do.
I've been playing on a solid state Marshall stack since... '99 now? I was running my pedal board through the input with an acoustic processor through the effects loop in the back. It's a bit overkill in the bedroom, but it's not something one can really crank up and keep any integrity. After about 5 or so on the volume and it starts to sound like crap. Tube amps are the opposite. A friend has 2 JCM 800 2203 half stacks in his living room... I'll keep my hearing and listen from the next county. LOL
ANYWAY, I saw that Marshall, MESA, EVH and many others started making mini versions and/or lower powered versions of their flagship models which really picqued my interest lately.
I started buying the pedals by the manufacturers because tube amps are simply not in my budget. I recently picked up a MESA Throttle Box and it turns my fake Marshall into a Rectifier for the most part. Definitely has the Rectifier sound as much as a $150 pedal can deliver vs a $5k half stack. Similar to a Epi R9 vs a Murphy Lab R9. Pretty close considering how different they are in cost. I want to try the Friedman and Diezel ones next. Also, a Looper may be my next purchase down the road. I'll try not to use my ass to switch it on or off though! That got a good chuckle.
FWIW, that Blackstar seems to be a good one! I liked how each guitar had its own "relationship" with an amp. Epi LP with Blackstar. Telecaster with Vox. Epi Casino with the Supro.
I believe I passed the SG quiz 4/4!
Cheers Jeremy, thanks for the kind words and support! 😎👍 You have to be careful as once you start the journey down this tube amp rabbit hole there really is no going back! Even this collection of amps are way too loud for bedroom use… I’d suggest checking out the 1w heads you can get and maybe hook them up with a 1 x 12… there you will always be able to get the break up that your mate with the full stack would die for… and your neighbours will still talk to you! 😆
I don't see myself buying a tube amp. I've had my amp and pedals dialed in for some time now. Early 90s metal sound for the most part. Think of the sound of the No More Tears album for a good base of reference.
I'll stick to the newer pedals for the tube sound. They're too loud and too expensive for me.
I can see why good pots in the guitar like the Epi R9 are so important now. With a proper tube amp, it makes all the difference!
@@jeremymiller6933 Yes if its not broke no need to fix it! 😎👍
Truly an incredible arse looper. Best in the business even.
''Guitaristas and the Arse Loopers'' sounds like a great name of a band, you crack me up sometimes, keep it up.
Cheers Steve! 😆👍
I've had my eye on that olive Casino worn for a while now, and was trying to decide which amp to pair it with (since I'm new to the world of electric). I heard a live gig with a blues junior and loved it, but I wanted to know how my future guitar would sound on it. SO THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME! This was sooo very helpful, as are all your videos. Thanks.
Cheers Kevin, glad it helped! 😎👍
Got the Jr and AC10....love both. In this demo...the Vox stood out... Supro, Blackstar sounded a bit sterile in first loop/lead run (17 min mark). Learned just how different amps sound...now I need more amps...thanks Colin....thanks for nothing! ;-).
as you said bought it coz its "NICE" your going to love the Squire custom classic vibe STARCASTER I do , its the goto guitar , Les Paul is now second and that says a lot!
That’s the cool one with fancy pickups?
You nailed it
amps are instruments in their own right.
I know most people wil buy 2 or 3 guitars but rely on 1 amp and they are really missing out, experiment with secondhand amps, swap, buy and sell until you get the magic combo.
Don't settle for the one size fits all (boss katana) and sound like every other amateur.
Tele kinda sounds like a jazz master through that ac10.
Absolutely… can you see my problem trying to get the best (or something pleasing) out of each of these guitars I review? It’s the never ending amp dance I am going to have to start taking notes I think! 😂
Great,good way to hear Amos and help to shop for a new one.
Blackstar for me. Has effects loop, you can put EQ there or straight. With eq , you'll get the tone of the other amps.
Great stuff. I enjoy hearing you play quite a bit. The different amps and guitars is a bonus. Thanks again brother~!
"Ass looper guy." Thanks for that big laugh. Another great film and thank you. This was a great comparison of those amps. I'd definitely need an attenuator or something I think. Those amps can and do get really loud, as you pointed out. I've always wanted a Vox, but I'd seldom use that tone as much as I love it. The Fender would probably be the one I choose, but that could just be my American ears!
Cheers man, that little Vox is punishingly loud... doesn't really do quiet, the Supro probably most versatile, Blackstar the easiest to use (and my go-to small amp), and the Blues Junior is a Blues Junior and everyone should probably own one! :)
I just got my first real valve amp ac15c1 so awesome and fun compared to my little fender m80. Thanks for the comparison really helps with the sea of amps to choose from.
Cheers Jamie, that is an awesome amp! 😎👍
You have the best sounding blues junior i have ever heard ! Seriously ! Most of them sound like fart boxes and yours is bright and chimes with chunk not like the weedy sounding vox.
I suppose I tend to keep the gain down and just go for a bit of crunch when dialling in... they certainly can get a bit too saturated if you're not careful.
Laney L5-112 was sorely missed. Excellent video, thank you.
I now have cub supertop for the next one! 😆👍
@@theguitaristas beautiful. I really do get on with my L5 it’s pokey !
Enjoyed the video great playing to compare sounds on amps. You made that Casino sound great didn't even know I needed one till now. Looking forward to next video.
Cheers man, yes an affordable Casino! 😜
Really like this video, and I prefer it when you play lead over the loop while switching. Really gives a sense of the differences. Great playing too.
Cheers John! 😎👍
Wonderful show, Colin. Certainly proves a certain guitar sounds much better with a certain amp
I usually use two twenty watt amps split with a ten band MXR equalizer. Both amps have EL34 tubes. Certainly can get beautiful tone from them I use a MXR delay on one of the amps. Number one guitar used is a 2015 Les Paul Again, great show!
Cheers John, twin amp setups rule for sure! 😎👍
Not a bad amp here... Like you said, they are instruments in themselves. I have a HT5R MK2 myself for the bedroom, but mainly use clean channel.
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The other side of the tone chain!
Very interesting - thanks a lot, Colin!
Greetings form Germany!
Cheers Chris… lots to think about eh?! 😎👍
@@theguitaristas Liek the Fender and the Blackstar!
Looking forward to other episodes of this series (Hope it is one)!
Fender blues Jr to my ears. . I played tennis supposed today at GC and it was awesome though
I came here because of my interest in the Vox AC10. I checked the Supro because of its FX loop, but discovered that they stopped making those amps with a loop because it caused some technical problems resulting in a bad sound. So I‘ll stick to the AC10.
Thank you so much for making this video. I have the same Sire Telecaster as you, love that guitar. I'm using a Fuchs amp with mesa thiele 1x12 speaker. Getting some very interesting tones from this setup. Keep the great content coming!
Great insight, thanks Colin, very much enjoyed it. Personally not ventured down the rabbit hole of valve amps & pedals.......yet. As a relative novice that only really noodles at home & for some minor gigging, like many, plumped for the Boss Katana some years ago. Certainly get that it lacks a bit of depth & soul, but just so versatile & comparatively cheap way of experimenting & exploring a myriad of sounds.
Hey Paul, the valve amp journey is definitely not one that should be embarked upon lightly... once you have opened that door there is no going back and as I commented earlier your neighbours will never forgive you!
I've said it some many times, this channel is amazing.
I love that olive green casino, its been on my shortlist for awhile but i already have a d'angelico semi hollow with p90s so dont have much need for a casino. But i love that color!
lots of hard work thanks .. I have a 335 type and looking ..
My AC10! I've been trying to tell people about this amp ever since I first heard it.
(PS: Your arse pedal control is truly inspirational, and possibly the most important innovation in musical technique since 2-handed tapping.)
😆👍… amazing to think that I may have just earned my place in the history of innovative guitar techniques! 🤣🤣
I like this vid. Subscribed and will have a look at older content.
Small amps are the way forward. Good direct out emulation and level knob and effects loop and you don't need anything bigger
Cheers Richard, glad you found us thanks for the sub and support! 😎👍
Someday I hope to upgrade to one of these. My Gorilla GG-20 is kind of outdated. I think it’s almost time for a tube/valve amp. This video made me want to take that plunge. Thank you for another great episode!
Cheers man hope this was helpful!
Brilliant, loved the looping technique. i liked the Vox and the Fender the most, which is handy as I play through an AC30. That Casino really sounded fantastic.
Cheers Paul! I actually use the AC15 more than this AC10 as it has the full top boost and spring reverb… and AC30 with band… they are just the best amps imho. 😎👍
I agree Colin that getting your leg up that high gets bloody hard the older you get!
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Great review, I have one Blackstar HT5 and I love it, thanks again for this channel
Thanks Jose, the Blackstars are amongst my favourites for sure and I also have HT1 and HT20… and a Stage 100! 😎👍
Thanks for the great overview. Looking for an amp for my little bro. This really helped a lot.
Thanks Charlton… for budget option check out my review of the excellent Tube 15! 😎👍
still the Clarkson of guitar vids, your the go to watch on a late Saturday night watch, glad to see the gold top is still one of your favourites, mine is the reason I practice every day amazing tone!!!!
Colin reminds me far more of James May
Cheers man, yes the gold top has been one of my most played since I’ve had it… can’t explain why it’s just great! 😎👍
Maybe I am the budget version… a bit of all three of them mixed together? 😂👍
The derriere-loop technique could be a first for YT. By the time the Casino appeared, the technique seemed to come second nature to you. Btw all my SG answers were wrong. Another great review - thank you so much. I’ve been using an Ampeg J12t - el84s - that I picked up in the states for the last 20-odd years. Has done me proud for small-medium gigs.
Cheers man, honest truth my arse nailed all those loops first time and I hadn’t even practised! 🤣👍
Interesting stuff Colin. Food for thought there. I particularly liked the pioneering use of “arse-cam”. Let’s hope those cheeky blighters from That Pedal Show don’t pinch the idea!
Cheers Ian... well you saw it here first but I expect they'll all be doing it soon! ;)
Yeah. Cool. I liked all the amps really. Probably the Vox Casino combination the best. You keep teasing me with that Epi gold top as well as the casino.
I hear you.... dangerous watching this channel those are two great affordable guitars! 😆👍
I've played all of these side by side too, in a guitar shop with my own guitar...I ended up buying the supro 12. The supro 10'' and 8 '' speakers fall off far as tone possibilities and I can't really listen to a classic tube amp with 8" speakers. The tens sounded good but the twelve has a little more headroom, loud enough for a small gig with a drummer, but can still get nice stuff in the living room of my condo without bugging the neighbors out. The vox and the new blues junior both have way more headroom and would open up at a small gig with higher Vols, but really stalled tonewise at the living room settings. I was keen on the black star but it lacked dimension somehow: 2d instead of 3d and the digital reverb has awful compared with the supro and the fender springs. There is a trick with the supro: it sounds boxy right in front of it and has icepick transients but when I moved it from ear level to waist level it sounded great. I haven't recorded it yet but I'm guessing the mic placement would need to be angled and placed away from the center of the cone to hit its sweet spot. Anyway I love the supro 12. Its pigtronix disto sound is nasty, it cleans up beautifully, and the built in overdrive and distortion give it some tonal range out of the box.
Cheers man good info! 😎👍
Some thoughts: Those new "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphone's are simply incredible instruments. I envy anyone buying one as their first guitar! Also, that Sire T7 sounds *lovely*! I am eyeing one of those in the Spring when they release here! Once you got the overdrive dialed in, it was just *nirvana*.
In terms of the amps, I liked the Vox and the Blues Jr the best. I found the Supro too harsh, the Blackstar tended to sound a bit plain to me. This is a wonderful video, having access to content of this quality for free is just insane. Thank you for doing it!
Regarding the quiz, I got all of them right, except I switched the Gibson Standard and the Epiphone 61, which makes sense, given that the latter has Gibson pickup! I think I liked the 61 the best!
61 is a great choice
You can't beat the dynamics of a tube amplifier 12 inch speaker. But let's face it they're bloody heavy so getting mine out is a treat especially if I don't do my back in :)
Most of the time I use my headrush modeler which is easy and convenient and awesome. Plus where ever I go it's easy just to plug into a PA system and that's it. It's the future as they say.
But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good valve amp and I think the video is testment to that. Sure valves have awful harmonic distortion but you can't beat them for sound. Great video Colin.
Cheers Sionyn, I have yet to admit defeat and move to modelling amps… but I do sometimes use a trolley to move the tube amps around! 😂👍
It wasvery helpful. Thank you. Enjoyed your company.
Thanks that’s appreciated, and I enjoyed your company too!! 😆👍👍
I never had much experience with Blackstar amps (made by former Marshall engineers) but I think it was the best. Lowest noise and best overall freq response. The Vox sounds noisy (inherent of any Vox I’ve owned) and fizzy. The Supro was a let-down, very scooped mids and anemic low end. The Fender seems to lack headroom, which is the way they’ve voiced (and biased) it for “blues.” The Fender demos sounded off a bit…maybe a bad mic or mic cable?Again, it’s all subjective towards each player’s style and taste. Love your vids! Cheers!
Cheers man thanks for comments! :)
you can keep the Supro but the Vox sounds great, Fenders not bad too!!
Thank you for this very enlightening video. I’m buying the Supra or Vox based on your video. Loved your full body technique!
Cheers man, they are great little amps… and I shall let you into a secret, the Supro can sound remarkably like the vox with a bit of dialling in 😜
I recently tried a Vox AC10C1, couldn't tame the highs whatever I did. And I had another tube amp to compare, the Vox is just too trebly. I sent it back
Just ordered the Supro Amulet. Have great expectations, I once had the Supro Keeley 25w and it sounded killer, like a beefed up Fender Blackface.. It took pedals magnificently (well it was what it was made for, a pedal plateform..)
I did a gig with, almost dimed, one if the best sound I ever had
Supros are really great in my opinion
Dear Colin, thank you for this video. I think it's a good idea to share your other gear - amps, pedals etc. - with us every once in a while. But please don't take your amps apart to show the components - DANGER!!! For this kind of videos I highly recommend the channel of "Uncle Doug". For example the series "How tube amps work". It's just great.
Now amps: I really like the Fender Blues Junior. It's kind of old school (although it's not hand wired and has a master volume) and especially those classic simple pedals work really well with it.
E.g. Stratocaster and Tube Screamer or Les Paul and Boss DS-1 are really great combinations in front of a Fender Blues Junior.
The Blackstar certainly is more modern and more versatile. My Blackstar HT-20R Mk II that comes also with a single 12'' speaker has two channels, voice controls, effects loop etc. and sounds really good.
Unfortunately I cannot say anything about the other two amps. However my biggest wish is that Vox would reissue the old AC 10 from the 60's with two 10'' speakers. That would be a dream come true!
Cheers Lars, thanks for the support and warning… don’t worry I shall not poking around inside amps! 😆👍 Oh yes the AC10 2x10 would be a dream! 🔥
This was very good indeed !!! 👍♥️ Keep it up !
Also thanks to your reviews of Epiphones, got myself an ES-335. Started buying plaid shirts too!
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Watching the coolest guitars rating video. You are the coolest on YB! Enjoy my Fridays because of your channel and how you film the videos. Thanks Colin!
Thanks man that’s really appreciated!😎🎸
This is a really excellent video - there are times when I struggle to hear differences between guitars on comparison reviews but your format makes it really easy to hear the different tones when played with the same guitar. Unfortunately as I live in an appartment block I'll never acquire one as I just noodle around with headphones and the amps on Garage Band :) Cheers
Cheers Simon, that’s appreciated! 😎👍 GarageBand is pretty good to be honest but if you do want to try a cheap tube amp that’s headphone friendly (and doesn’t needs speakers) my home practice amp is the Blackstar HT1HR… 1watt tube amp you can get them for around £200 and they sound brilliant and will give you a full on tube amp experience that only you can hear.
@@theguitaristas That's really interesting. Unfortunately as I live in Brazil all guitars and amps are generally twice the UK prices, hence me not really being able to buy pedals and just using the ones in GarageBand for example.
Thank you Sir, great review, in all honesty I was a little indigested with all those epiphones, thanks again.
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