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Posted by: smrk Aug 1 2010, 06:50 AM

Hello, a decade and a half ago when I was a teenager, I rocked a newbie Ibanez, a low grade marshall, a metal-zone and a DD5 (unfortunately I don't have any of these anymore). Took a long break, I'm returning to the guitar and picked up a mid grade strat a few months ago. My goals for now are to get better and well rounded, but I don't currently play in a band. I need some general advice for what kind of gear to get to take my practicing up a few levels. My budget is 4-8 hundred, but I'd rather be really cheapo right now because I don't need the extra fancy stuff to practice. My skill level, going by the videos on this site, is 4-6; my lead technique being significantly ahead of my rhythm.

I do have a garbage amp that I've appropriated from a friend so my first thought is I need a delay or looping pedal so I can play chords and then do scales over them, in various modes and rhythms. Am I correct in thinking that a looping pedal is the first priority for me if I'm interested in practicing theory and rhythm concepts?

Second, I am interested in pro tools and recording down the road, I was thinking about purchasing that 100 dollar jack thing to plug into my computer. Can I use this tool to practice ie record a progression, play it back through my pc (yes pc) and jam over it? It sounds like it could work in theory, but I imagine it's far less of a hassle to just do a loop through the amp via a pedal.

Third and last, is there such a thing as a small amp that's of a higher quality than a bigger amp? I was thinking of picking up an amp for 300-400 that's small but relatively good sounding, getting a looping pedal and that jack thing and that should take me to around 600 budget wise.

Sorry for rambling, cliffs: what should my gear priorities be if my goal is to improve my theory and become more well-rounded, with a budget of 400-800.

Posted by: Staffy Aug 1 2010, 08:01 AM

It really depends on which style You play, but You can get a Fender Blues Deluxe, Peavey Classic 30, or a Blackheart for that money (used), and all of them sounds good imo. Pimp the rig with some distorsion device of Your taste and You're there!

As recording device, the cheapest way to go would be a POD that also works as an audio-interface, or the one I use sometimes - Vox Tonelab ST, which sounds really great, but is a little bit more expensive.

//Staffay

Posted by: Marek Rojewski Aug 1 2010, 08:25 AM

If You're going to practice at home, maybe a looper isn't necessary? You could record some simple backing tracks with a Line 6 POD or Toneport, and play them via computer speakers.

Posted by: Daniel Realpe Aug 1 2010, 05:02 PM

I think the POD and a DAW give you the most versatile solution if you don't want to spend thousands on a pro equipment,

With software you can do wonders!

Posted by: Fran Aug 1 2010, 07:06 PM

I agree, to practice at home a POD or any other recording interface will work great to create backings and play leads over them, as long as you have a computer there.

As for small amps that sound good, I have a Vox AC4 (head + 12'' cab) and love it. I use it with stomps but it takes a multieffect unit well too.

Posted by: smrk Aug 2 2010, 05:44 AM

ty for replies, the reason I thought I wanted a looper or a delay with 20+ seconds on it is because I thought it would be less of a hassle to pratice with it, so if I was constantly changing the riff around I wouldn't have to re-record every time. But, it would be nice to save some of my stuff so I can hear it later, so I think I'll look into the POD first.

Posted by: Praetorian Aug 4 2010, 01:49 PM

I strongly suggest looking into a Pod Studio GX! It plugs directly into your computer and has unbelievable amounts of amp modelings etc. Also, you can record for free to your PC with Audacity. It's what I have been using for awhile now...I even sold my amp!

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 8 2010, 10:51 PM

As everybody said, POD Studio GX or UX1 will do the job nicely for audio production.

Looping pedal is always welcome, and you will definitely find uses for it, but only if you play through amp often. If you transfer to software, it won't be that functional because you can do looping via PC.

As far as the amp goes, I would recommend something with at least one 12" speaker, and maximum 3-4W all tube. There are some options, like Vox AC4TV head, or Blackstar HT5. Try them and see what you like. I like both of them, and in combination with a nice speaker they will sound good for home use.

Posted by: Mudbone Aug 10 2010, 05:28 AM

You can pick up a Peavey Valveking 112 for around $200 used. You can then change the speaker for an Eminence Governor (which is their equivalent of the Celestion V30) for around $70. From what I hear the stock speaker is quite shitty. And there you have a bad ass combo for less than $300. You can even hook it up to a cab later on if you choose to get one. As far as effects, you can probably pick up a used Digitech RP90 for $50 or less.

Posted by: smrk Aug 18 2010, 09:31 AM

Quick update, got a pod, pretty fun little thing, only worried that it will break (read some reviews saying it breaks). I still feel that I want either a delay or a looping pedal for when I don't want to be on the computer and just play over simple chord progressions. Any specific recommendations - is there any reason for me to drop 200+ on a delay/looping pedal for home practice? I'm guessing no, so is there anything less on the fancy side but with a longer delay, like 20 seconds maybe? I've decided to put off upgrading the amp for now.

Posted by: Berglmir Aug 18 2010, 10:54 AM

That little device will do both for you: Looper and Delay



I consider buying this myself