What's the best super-cheap option for a basic clean amp tone?

[metropolis_4]

I need something small and cheap that will give me a decent basic clean amp tone. Doesn't have to be fancy, it just has to sound like a clean electric guitar amp and have a way to send that direct.

I'm thinking maybe one of the old Tech 21 Character pedals? What else is out there?

 

[Lysander]

Cheap, you say?

 

[V|J]

In the budget options, Nux MG 30 or 300 gets good reviews.
Maybe used Atomic AFB mk I.

People at tdpri always rave about the Joyo emulation pedals, which are sub $50 I think.

 

[metropolis_4]

It's not digital, but just stumbled across this guy: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ock-phantom-powered-electric-guitar-interface

Anyone ever use one? Sounds promising!

 

[SeeD]

Why super cheap ?

 

[metropolis_4]

Why super cheap ?

I'm going to be playing almost a whole show from the stage, but there are two songs I have to play from a separate control room so I need a separate rig in there. It's not something where tone is super critical, it just needs to be something simple that will give me a good enough tone to work in a dense mix.

I'd prefer to go cheap since it's for such a tiny use and it's not something I'm likely to have much use for after this show (unless I get something I can keep around as a backup).

 

[SeeD]

I'm going to be playing almost a whole show from the stage, but there are two songs I have to play from a separate control room so I need a separate rig in there. It's not something where tone is super critical, it just needs to be something simple that will give me a good enough tone to work in a dense mix.

I'd prefer to go cheap since it's for such a tiny use and it's not something I'm likely to have much use for after this show (unless I get something I can keep around as a backup).

I see

But you own a Stomp ?

 

[metropolis_4]

I see

But you own a Stomp ?

It's services are needed elsewhere :)

 

[Bruce]

Go straight in and cut hard around 4-5k or so. Cant get cheaper than a cable.

 

[Baba]

Joyo American. Doesn’t get more simple/cheap and better sounding than that.

 

[Alex Kenivel]

Korg ToneWorks PX4 | Reverb

The Korg ToneWorks PX4 is a combination multi-effects unit, amp simulator and phrase trainer that offers guitarists a complete practice and personal recording solution. Featuring 58 effects, 25 amp types and 23 cabinet effects in addition to a looping recorder will flexible tempo control, th...

reverb.com

This was my backup for a few years. I never had to break it out for that reason but I kept it in the gig bag of my #1 guitar for Justin and for headphone practice.

I still have it but also have other, newer options that have replaced it so it sits in a drawer and gets pulled out when I want it's quirky effects

 

[Bob Zaod]

Joyo American. Doesn’t get more simple/cheap and better sounding than that.

I agree. I did a three set gig with the American and British Joyo pedals Direct to PA. It didn't blow my mind or anything but it sounded good and I had a good time

 

[dk_ace]

Any of the old tech 21 stuff will get the job done, even the really old stuff like the various sans amp pedals. Also, the zoom g3 or ms stuff would get the job done.

D

 

[ragingplatypi]

I need something small and cheap that will give me a decent basic clean amp tone. Doesn't have to be fancy, it just has to sound like a clean electric guitar amp and have a way to send that direct.

I'm thinking maybe one of the old Tech 21 Character pedals? What else is out there?

Let us know what you wind up with.

 

[metropolis_4]

Let us know what you wind up with.

One of the sellers on Reverb sent me a great offer on the Quilter Phantom Block so I grabbed it. I almost went with the Joyo American, but I figure this might be really useful for other purposes.

I'll report back once I get it and have some time to check it out.

 

[hippietim]

Find a Tech 21 Blond pedal.

I just saw this: - I bet it sounds really good. https://www.tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/characterplus/

 

[hippietim]

That new Plexi gizmo sounds great!

 

[metropolis_4]

Find a Tech 21 Blond pedal.

I just saw this: - I bet it sounds really good. https://www.tech21nyc.com/products/sansamp/characterplus/

Those look awesome, definitely interested!

 

[GuitarDave]

Those look awesome, definitely interested!

I've used SansAmp stuff on and off for years - never loved it, but made it work. My last go round was the first FlyRig and I really didn't like it much as a direct solution. It was usable, but not even close to inspiring to play thru. Not compared to the Helix Floor anyway.

So far the best option I've found for my "direct" tone is the DSM Simplifier functioning like a clean amp with pedals in front/effects in the loop. I compared it directly to the Helix, an Ethos pedal, etc. and it was really much more of what I like to hear. But it's probably out of budget for what you want. On the other hand you might have the same reaction to it and it will be the cat's meow!

Gotta try this stuff out for yourself!

 

[JiveTurkey]

I've used SansAmp stuff on and off for years - never loved it, but made it work. My last go round was the first FlyRig and I really didn't like it much as a direct solution. It was usable, but not even close to inspiring to play thru. Not compared to the Helix Floor anyway.

So far the best option I've found for my "direct" tone is the DSM Simplifier functioning like a clean amp with pedals in front/effects in the loop. I compared it directly to the Helix, an Ethos pedal, etc. and it was really much more of what I like to hear. But it's probably out of budget for what you want. On the other hand you might have the same reaction to it and it will be the cat's meow!

Gotta try this stuff out for yourself!

Good seeing you here Dave!