I am a learner...do I need a pro quality Amp?

Charles Fager · Post by **Charles Fager** » 4 Feb 2007 9:38 am

I have been playing PSG for a year and a half and to date have been playing over a generic Peavey Amp; I have been asked to join an alt. country garage band and am wondering whether it is worth my money at this point to invest money in a pro quality amp such as a Nashville 112. Will it make a noticible difference to a schmuck like me? I play an MSA single neck Extended (12 String) E9 . Any advice on whether I should spring for the money right now, or should I wait until I get a little farther down the road with my chops? My current Peavey amp sounds good to me, but other say it's worth the investment to get an engineered amp for steel. I don't have the comparative experience to know how much of a difference it would make in my sound. I am rockin' on my AB pedals and D and F levers...I'm psyched about my progress and want to get more up to speed with my equipment since it looks like I might be doing some local performance in the near future. Any advice?.....CF

Chris Bauer · Post by **Chris Bauer** » 4 Feb 2007 9:50 am

The right amp is the one that sounds good - or, hopefully, great - to you. If you poke around here, you'll find folks using all kinds of amps besides the ones normally associated with steel guitar.

Of course, you may need to consider whether the amp you're currently using has enough power to play live with others as well as whether or not the speaker is going to be able to put up with all the stress that a pedal steel is going to throw its way.

Otherwise, it certainly makes sense to find opportunities to try out some other amps to see if you like them better for what you're doing, and if one of them knocks your socks off and you can afford it, go for it!

Bottom line, though, is that amps and guitars are going to feel and sound different to everyone. No need to go with what sounds good to anyone besides you (and maybe your bandmates...). As long as the one you're using is in good enough shape that you aren't going to need to start putting money into it, keep it if you like it. Why not?

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 4 Feb 2007 10:02 am

There is a very good chance that playing thru a more appropriate amp will be a revelation. You will hear stuff coming back at you that will really excite you, that you didn't realize was mising in your current amp. The smaller PV guitar amps require some real good touch to work well with steel. Otherwise they are unlikely to help you in your progress. However there's no way to tell you which amp is likely to light you up. An N112 may or may not be an answer to your quest. Which makes try before you buy pretty good advice. Or do the other thing----join the amp of the month club and keep buying until you are happy or broke or both.

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 4 Feb 2007 10:24 am

I agree with Jon.. If you can, try a NV 112, but try other amps also.. With YOUR steel... The small PV guitar amps are generally not well suited to steel, and I will bet you will find a whole new world of sound when you do move up to a "real" steel amp... bob

Marc Friedland · Post by **Marc Friedland** » 4 Feb 2007 10:41 am

CF ----
You can come over to my house and pick up my Nashville 112 if I'm not using it. Even if I have gigs, I can usually use one of my other amps. I'm sure we can find a weekend, if not longer, that you can borrow it. I made the same offer to Dave Zirbel a couple of years ago, and I believe he was glad to be able to take advantage of the offer. Trying it in a live performance is really the best way to tell. Just give me a call and we can work out the details.
-- Marc

Chris Bauer · Post by **Chris Bauer** » 4 Feb 2007 11:08 am

I'd jump on Marc's offer in a heartbeat. There will never be a better way to check an amp out than with your own guitar and other gear. Plus being able to play with the amp both on and off stage is the best thing you can possibly do, it seems to me.

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 4 Feb 2007 1:55 pm

Hey Charles,
Sounds like a great offer from Marc! Most players dont get the
chance to "try before you buy". What you are using now may be just fine but also as others here have said, you may find a whole new world of sound. Dont worry about what everyone else is using as long as you like the way your set-up sounds.
There is nothing wrong with any equipment wether it be steel guitar or amp as long as it is not holding you back! Just my 2 cents.

Randy Gilliam · Post by **Randy Gilliam** » 4 Feb 2007 7:48 pm

Marc Is a Real sport Borrow His and you will see a big difference. Keep Playing and If you get a Good amp and Decide too give it Up It Will Take about 10 minutes or Less too sell on The Forum keep Steelin and Have fun. Randy.

Charles Fager · Post by **Charles Fager** » 5 Feb 2007 7:56 am

Per ususal, Marc Friedland comes to my rescue...awesome example of an experienced steeler supporting a learner...Thanks Marc..I think I'll take you up on your kind offer..CF