Shane, I have the GA15 which I got a christmas. Haven't had a chance to play out with it yet but it's well loud and has a nice tone. Also it cost me only £117 from Thomann (who are a German company and give very good service). I think I need to change at least one of the pre-amp tubes as it feedsback after about 6 on volume but for a 15 watt valve amp you can't go wrong for that price. I was nearly going to order the GA5 myself but as I already have a Champion 600 5 Watt, it would have been a bit of a pointless exercise. I needed a 15 watt amp so I could be heard at jams and this was perfect.
I was very impressed with the build quality of this amp and it looks like the sort of amp that could be very easily modded.
I have heard some very good reports on the VHT also. ---------- Oisin
Last Edited by on Jan 13, 2011 6:56 AM
Pssst... There's this Vox knockoff brand called Nux. I tried it at a friends jam the other day. Has a circuit just like the high end Vox ones and a 10" speaker built into it. Purely digital but the tone was very solid. Look it up if you can.
Hi Shane...the GA15 is MUCH louder than the GA5. Because it has a slightly larger speaker and the addition of EQ control, the tone will be different than the GA5 but it sounds great to me.
Get the GA5 and see what you think.If you are going to be playing at home than 5 Watts is plenty, in fact 5 watts at high volume will really piss your neighbours off. ---------- Oisin
Is that GA-5 basically the same ciruitry as the Epi V Jr, just the European version? It sure looks and sounds like it. I wonder if the Randy Landry mods would work on it, or there are similar mods specifically for it. ----------
I don't think it is available here in the States, but I'm not certain. Oh, and as far as mods go, keep in mind most are geared towards guitar. The Lone Wolf mods are specifically geared towards harmonica.
The GA5 circuit is the same as the EVJ with the addition of a tone control on a separate board. I'm not sure if the numbering of the components is different though? The same mods will work, but you'll have to be able to read a schematic! The GA5 tone control can be removed and replaced with a treble cut.
Based on what Bruce says, find yourself a handy electronics friend if you aren't handy that way yourself, and go for it. The mods make a big difference. Many folks are quite happy with the Epi V Jr as-is, though, so don't think you HAVE to getted it modded. I didn't care for mine stock.
much simpler:upgrade those tubes when you get it. That alone will make a big difference.
EDIT: as a point of reference for you, Randy Landry himself does the mods for 75$ US. You shouldn't have to pay anyone more than that, I would think. ----------
Todd L. Greene, Professor of Meaningless Trivia
Last Edited by on Jan 14, 2011 12:30 PM
I would look for a vintage tube amp in good working condition. Lectrolab or Sound Projects amps can be picked up off ebay.com for between $100 to $200 they sound as good as anything & better TONE than a modern Fender 600 or Gretsch or Harley Benton . The small Kalamazoos are good harp amps too. Small multivox Premier 50. if you keep your eye out you should find a good practice/small gig amp cheap enough.
Heres one like I mentioned - these are excellent little harp amps as good as any small harp amp IMO much better than a new Fender 600 for tone
Sound Projects Co (Lectrolab) R200B R-200-B Tube amp Item number: 150505711104 Item condition: Used Price: US $279.99 Buy It NowBuy It Now Add to list Shipping: $40.00 USPS Priority Mail International to the UK | See all details Delivery: Varies for items shipped from an international location Seller ships within 3 days after receiving cleared payment . Returns: 3 day money back, buyer pays return shipping | Read details
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