528hemi
1 post
Jul 27, 2009
5:09 PM
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I can get buy either amp for the same price brand new. How would you compare them in respect to chicago blues tone using a Shure 520DX Mic?
I realize that the Hog is rechargable which is a big plus but dont want to sacrifice if the amp is not as good as the Gretsche?
Looking for opinion from players that actually heard or played both?
Thanks for the help.
528hemi
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jonsparrow
666 posts
Jul 27, 2009
5:40 PM
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i havnt played through either of them but if i was to pick one it would be the gretsche for sure.
*gasp* post number 666.
Last Edited by on Jul 27, 2009 5:41 PM
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528hemi
2 posts
Jul 27, 2009
8:44 PM
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To throw 1 more amp into the mix would be the Epiphone Valve Jr.
Going to the local shop to check out both these amps and compare them.
Any comment on the Gretsche compared to Epiphone?
Anyone A/B the amps?
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jonsparrow
668 posts
Jul 27, 2009
9:26 PM
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i have the valve jr. i love it.
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Randy G. Blues
56 posts
Jul 27, 2009
10:38 PM
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Form what I have read, the early Epiphones were prone to hum, but if you are looking at a new one it should not be a problem. I did play through one and personally found it to be a a master of one trade, but my opinion is based on a very short time playing and not much time to fiddle with it.
On the other hand, I got an Electar Tube 10 (8" speaker and a 10 watt rating- probably more like 8). on eBay for about $92 delivered. It has separate volume and gain, plus three band EQ as well as line out. Even has standby. I got it as a practice amp, and for local fun playing, but am using it for jams as well. A lot easier to transport than my 53 pound Genz Benz BP-30 1-12.
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Kingley
289 posts
Jul 27, 2009
11:47 PM
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If you want to play on the street then the Pignose makes sense.
If you want a good tube sound then the Gretsch makes sense.
The thing to ask yourself is how much is your budget. Then look at good amps in that price range. With most amps it really is a case of "you get what you pay for" when buying from new.
For example if your budget is say $200-$300USD then an Epiphone Valve Jr is a good choice.
If your budget is say $500-$700 then a HarpGear is a good choice.
Also try Greg Heumann at www.blowsmeaway.com and ask him if he has any Kalamazoo amps for sale.
If you're willing to take the chance or know a good amp tech then buying an amp off ebay is a good choice.
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Scoltx
52 posts
Jul 29, 2009
3:53 AM
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The Gretch G5222 and the Fender Champion 600 are the same amp with different coverings. I've A/B'd the Fender version with an Epiphone Valve Junior. I chose the EVJ because it was a bit louder and had better bass reponse due to the larger speaker 8 inch vs the 6 in the Fender/Gretch. I needed to replace the 12AX7 with a 12AY7 to drop the gain to get a handle on feedback. I've since purchased a small Supro which has a similar circuit to the original Fender Champ that the Champion 600/ Gretch G5222 are loosely based on. The Fender/Gretch and Supro use a 6V6 tube in the power amp stage which I find has a more singing quality than the EL84 in the EVJ.
Either amp would serve you fine and both would benefit from a preamp tube swap (easy) and a tone control to cut some treble out (not so easy).
Note that the small single ended Harp Gear amps use the lower gain 12AY7 preamp tube and the 6V6 power amp tube and a simple treble roll off tone control as well as an even larger 10 inch speaker for additional bass. Most players rave about the HG amps.
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Kingley
299 posts
Jul 30, 2009
8:08 AM
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Well the HarpGear Rock Bottom uses a 10" Speaker.
The HarpGear HG2 uses an 8" Speaker.
But you are correct that they both use a 6V6 power tube and a 12AY7 preamp tube.
The HG2 also has a 5Y3 rectifier tube whilst the Rock Bottom has a Solid State rectifier.
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Maciekdraheim
39 posts
Jul 30, 2009
12:37 PM
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If I were you, I would go for the tube amp. I have Epiphone Valve Junior #3 and it's the best I could get for the money. I've changed the preamp tube to 12AT7 and that's how it sounds now with ceramic Astatic 10-C, 1963 year:
http://odsiebie.com/pokaz/4450889---a2d3.html
(Just press the PLAY button)
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528hemi
5 posts
Aug 01, 2009
1:43 PM
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Thanks for all the replies. I got a great deal on the Gretsche and picked it up this afternoon. I am very happy with the sound out of the box. It meets my needs perfectly. I only have a Shure SM 58 right now and liked the clean sound but also could get nasty with it as well. I am going to pick up 1 more Mic either a Shure 520DX or Shaker or Bottle 0 blues. Still investigating which one to choose.
Thanks again,
528hemi
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sopwithcamels266
185 posts
Aug 02, 2009
4:23 AM
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528hemi:Hog 20 it a great amp for what it is. I have one I use for harp from time to time. As kingley points out great for the street, however
It dosen't suit the sure mike 520Dx.Even with a really good cup I don't think you will be happy.
To me where a 520Dx can work fine with valve I would say the wrong mike to go with a hog 20.
Bit of a waisted post just read your last one, O well man you probably know anyway and better electronic nuts on here can explain the low and high impedance thing mike straight into amp,ie as in shaker the way they by pass this,(one from the other clever)0n the other hand HI of bullets and low Hi sure 57 or 58.
SO I would take note of this because I think it's important
regarding whether or not you need a IM converter or go for pre amp or don't need either.
Makes a huge difference on tone and feed back.
Last Edited by on Aug 02, 2009 4:25 AM
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