Advice needed on amp with built-in backing tracks
So, lucky me, I blew my knee out again and beginning a few weeks from now, I will have 6-8 weeks off work to start really making good on my New Year’s resolution about practicing more often. Because of this, I will likely be spending several weeks more or less confined to my living room (just makes the most sense, as that is where my recliner, TIVO, and X-Box 360 are located, and the Bud Select holder - I mean fridge- is close).
Unfortunately, The Cave, aka basement, where my guitars, GNX3000, recording PC, and Tascam recorder normally live, will be all but off-limits for a few weeks. I have decided that since I will be unable to use my usual setup, I would benefit greatly from an amp with some sort of backing track setup, so that I may practice in a variety of styles and keys, without ticking off the wife by turning the living room into a mess of cables and gear. I can get away with a guitar and amp, but anything more is pushing it. Now, all I have to do is decide what amp to get – which is where I’m hoping you folks can help…
Currently, I am looking at three main possibilities:
1. The Fender G-DEC Junior – I kinda like this one, as it looks to be not only the least expensive, but the simplest to operate. However, as the backings are only bass and drums, and not terribly exciting, I’m not sure how inspiring or useful it would turn out to be in practice.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-GDEC-Junior-15-Watt-1x8-Combo-Amp?sku=485051
2. The original Fender G-DEC amp – looks like it offers a little more variety than the Junior, but not sure how easy to use it’ll be, and still not sure on sound of the backing tracks.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-GDEC-Guitar-Digital-Entertainment-Center?sku=480868
3. The Line 6 Spider Jam – Definitely appears to have the best-sounding backing tracks, but certainly carries a price tag to match. As I live in a townhouse and don’t plan on gigging anytime soon, all I really need is something loud enough to annoy my wife and our cats, so 75 watts is definitely overpowered for my needs.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-Spider-III-Jam-75W-1x12-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481289
So, anybody have any thoughts, reviews or advice on these? I don’t wanna buy an amp that gets boring and winds up just collecting dust after I’m back on my feet, and I do like the idea of having a simple amp that I can just fire up and jam with. Not worried about something to record with, but I definitely can use a solid practice tool for building my rhythm and improvisation skills.
If it matters in terms of choices, I primarily noodle around at the blues, but am planning on spending some of my practice time working through the Metal Method DVDs. (BTW – great learning tool, I learned a ton back in the 80’s from the original series on tape, and these are even nicer!)
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice you can offer!
DJ
Unfortunately, The Cave, aka basement, where my guitars, GNX3000, recording PC, and Tascam recorder normally live, will be all but off-limits for a few weeks. I have decided that since I will be unable to use my usual setup, I would benefit greatly from an amp with some sort of backing track setup, so that I may practice in a variety of styles and keys, without ticking off the wife by turning the living room into a mess of cables and gear. I can get away with a guitar and amp, but anything more is pushing it. Now, all I have to do is decide what amp to get – which is where I’m hoping you folks can help…
Currently, I am looking at three main possibilities:
1. The Fender G-DEC Junior – I kinda like this one, as it looks to be not only the least expensive, but the simplest to operate. However, as the backings are only bass and drums, and not terribly exciting, I’m not sure how inspiring or useful it would turn out to be in practice.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-GDEC-Junior-15-Watt-1x8-Combo-Amp?sku=485051
2. The original Fender G-DEC amp – looks like it offers a little more variety than the Junior, but not sure how easy to use it’ll be, and still not sure on sound of the backing tracks.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-GDEC-Guitar-Digital-Entertainment-Center?sku=480868
3. The Line 6 Spider Jam – Definitely appears to have the best-sounding backing tracks, but certainly carries a price tag to match. As I live in a townhouse and don’t plan on gigging anytime soon, all I really need is something loud enough to annoy my wife and our cats, so 75 watts is definitely overpowered for my needs.
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Line-6-Spider-III-Jam-75W-1x12-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481289
So, anybody have any thoughts, reviews or advice on these? I don’t wanna buy an amp that gets boring and winds up just collecting dust after I’m back on my feet, and I do like the idea of having a simple amp that I can just fire up and jam with. Not worried about something to record with, but I definitely can use a solid practice tool for building my rhythm and improvisation skills.
If it matters in terms of choices, I primarily noodle around at the blues, but am planning on spending some of my practice time working through the Metal Method DVDs. (BTW – great learning tool, I learned a ton back in the 80’s from the original series on tape, and these are even nicer!)
Thanks in advance for any helpful advice you can offer!
DJ
Comments
Most of my equipment purchases are for performing on stage. I don't think any of the amps you are looking at are in that category, so I really don't know what difference a 15 watt v. 30 watt v. 75 watt amp would make. To me, a 75 watt amp is not loud enough for stage (without mic or line out) and on the other hand, a 15 watt amp in the house is still loud enough to drive your wife crazy.
I tend to buy cheap on items that I know I will only use for a short period of time. With the headphone output and aux input, I think the G-Dec Jr. for $150 would be my choice if I were in your situation. I think any of those amps would be fun. If you do get one of those amps, or some other, give us an honest review of what you like, and don't like, about it. Have a productive recovery. Take care.
Most of my equipment purchases are for performing on stage. I don't think any of the amps you are looking at are in that category, so I really don't know what difference a 15 watt v. 30 watt v. 75 watt amp would make. To me, a 75 watt amp is not loud enough for stage (without mic or line out) and on the other hand, a 15 watt amp in the house is still loud enough to drive your wife crazy.
I tend to buy cheap on items that I know I will only use for a short period of time. With the headphone output and aux input, I think the G-Dec Jr. for $150 would be my choice if I were in your situation. I think any of those amps would be fun. If you do get one of those amps, or some other, give us an honest review of what you like, and don't like, about it. Have a productive recovery. Take care.