The Steel Guitar Forum

The band has a permanent practice space and most of the guys leave all their gear there. I have 2 seats, 2 steels and enough effects to leave one setup at practice and one for home/gigs except for an amp.

If I had my choice I would have an extra NV-112 to leave at the practice room. I don't have the funds right now to do that.

I'm looking for some advice on a very inexpensive amp for practice only. I don't need a lot of volume we practice very quietly. It could be new or used but I would like to stay under 150.00 SS or Tube.

Suggestions?

Fender Mustang II used prices can be very affordable. You can dial up some very good lap steel tones, and some fairly decent tones for pedal steel. I found a used one in mint condition for $120 at Guitar Center.

Agree with Rick.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you might find a Peavey Special 130 for that price. These are great little amps for steel. Also, since you won't have to move it around, one of the old TKO bass amps might go for even less than that and can sound quite decent for steel. Too heavy to lug around for a not ideal steel amp, but could be just right for your purposes.

Dan

I've got a small Peavey at home - (I think it's a backstage) - I used it a a camp we go to and it has plenty of punch - Worth around $75 but would probably cost $25 - $30 to ship it
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Ron From Iowa

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/msg/3337278854.html

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/msg/3402962189.html

These are cheap bass amps with a 15" speaker... note there are also small PA heads and speakers that could be put together for your budget that would include reverb.

Otherwise get a small Cube.

These all look like great suggestions. I have a bad back and I'm trying to lighten up even if it's for a practice room so the bass amps though promising would still be heavy.

The Mustang and Cube suggestion would also give me some versatility to use as a 6 string guitar and 8 string lap amp.

OK

I have a choice between 2 that are available pretty close by at about 150.00 used.

1) Fender Mustang II
2) Roland Cube 40XL

Both look to be about the same except the Cube has only a 10" speaker. I'm leaning to the Mustang II.

I have the cube 40XL... great amp, has the 'squeezer' feature that gives the 'loud sound' at low volume, really makes a difference and is one that's not available on the 80XL. If you can get a 40XL locally for 150$, jump on it... the built-in effects make the package even better, especially if you're not using low C6 notes... my previous recommendations were for amps with low freq response. For E9 or lapsteel the 40XL is great.

Alright I went way over budget and found a used Cube 80XL. My logic was I only have one amp and if anything every happened at least I'll be able to play a gig with either one.

Or

Play with both when the situation calls for more.

If the Cube works out it may be my main amp since I also double on 6 string guitar and also have a Fender Deluxe 8 for the swing and honky tonk stuff. It looks like I'll have more flexibility with the Cube.

Good call, Ollin...from all accounts the 80xl is awesome.

used pv bandit of any style...sometimes can be found for $100.

oops Deleted! Didn't thoroughly read your post, duh

If you can find a Behringer GM110 (the older one, not the one with the tuner), that would be great. 30W analog clone of the venerated Trademark 30 analog amps. They did a real good job on this amp. Should be able to get one used for well under $100.