How much power do we really need

Joe Smith · Post by **Joe Smith** » 25 Aug 2002 4:56 pm

I used to think that it took a lot of power to amplify a pedal steel.

Lately I have been using my old Standel amp on all of my gigs. It's a tube amp that puts out about 35 watts. I seem to have plenty of head room and everyone can hear me with no problem.

Do we really need those big high powered amps?

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 25 Aug 2002 5:42 pm

The guy with the loudest amp wins.

Seriously, I used a Standel Custom with JBL 15 for years. They get a great tone and will play loud enough for me. If more volume is needed, they can sure be miked.[This message was edited by Jim Bob Sedgwick on 25 August 2002 at 06:44 PM.]

Joe Smith · Post by **Joe Smith** » 25 Aug 2002 6:37 pm

Jim I agree.
But it doesn't have to be a Standel. I think any good 50 watt tube amp using a 15" speaker would work just fine for steel.

Dan Tyack · Post by **Dan Tyack** » 25 Aug 2002 6:56 pm

I play most gigs these days with a 30 watt tube amp (a THD BiValve). I'd hate to play a gig it wasn't loud enough for.

John Russell · Post by **John Russell** » 25 Aug 2002 7:12 pm

In my opinion, 300 watts is for masochists.

Seriously, no guitar player uses that kind of power, in fact only bass players need that kind of wattage and I doubt if it's really necessary for them.

Sure, we don't want distortion but smaller amps with good speakers in properly designed cabinets will deliver the goods.

Where you position the amp onstage is critical. Be sure you can hear it louder than anyone else.

We have 3000 watt sound systems these days, and monitors so good only the rich and famous could afford them just a few years ago. Let the PA do the heavy lifting.

If your're using a crummy sound system AND playing with adolescent, power mad guitarists or horn sections, maybe you need a 200 or 300 watt rig. I pity the condition of your ears under those circumstances. I gave up that kind of abuse years ago.
I'm currently using a 40-watt Fender Deluxe Hot Rod, with analog delay and EQ and the tone is do die for. Plus, it's easy on the (old) back.

I should say, I'm not the one to tell anyone what they SHOULD do. I only know what works for me.

--JR

Brandin · Post by **Brandin** » 25 Aug 2002 7:34 pm

The only amp I use is a 30 watt Rickenbacker
M-15 made in 1956.

GB

Paul Graupp · Post by **Paul Graupp** » 25 Aug 2002 7:35 pm

You know, I'd almost think we were talking horse power and cars here. The same logic and reasoning applys. I mean didn't we all fool General Motors and Ford a couple decades back and maybe still do. I can understand someone cringing over a 1000 watt rig like I use but then I cringe when some little chick @ 5'2"/100 lbs passes me in a Dodge Super SUV with 4 or five hundred horses. She might as well have a Sherman tank but don't try to tell her that.....she's got exactly what she needs and wants and it doesn't matter a dang what you think about her mojo !!

Regards, Paul

Mark Herrick · Post by **Mark Herrick** » 25 Aug 2002 7:50 pm

Anything that goes up to 11...

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 25 Aug 2002 8:28 pm

You need to triple the amount of power in a tube amp to get the equivalent headroom from a solid state amp. I've been playing with a stereo tube amp that's 50 watts per side, and it can get VERY LOUD.

I'm moving this topic to the Electronics section of the Forum...

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