Mini-Amps (Fender Mini-Twin, Pignose, etc)

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 25 Jul 2004 2:22 pm

I'm looking for an inexpensive, battery powered amp for practice on the go. My local music store had one of these, which had the best sound of all the cheap similar models (HoneyTone, Marshall, etc):
http://www.music123.com/Fender-Mini-Twin-Amp-i114289.music

I stumbled across this Pignose during my search:
http://www.music123.com/Pignose-7-100-Legendary-Pignose-i90606.music

I'd like to find a $40-$60 battery/recharable unit with decent enough sound, and with reverb. But, it looks like most of these models don't have any effects. The Fender Mini Twin sounded pretty good, even without a reverb feature...

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with these little amps?

erik · Post by **erik** » 25 Jul 2004 6:49 pm

Have you tried playing through a ZOOM PS-02? I don't actually play steel, just guitar, but there are many amp models and comes with backing tracks and multi-track recorder. You need headphones or stereo system for the output. Has reverbs, including spring (simulation). You can find one on eBay for around $100.Make sure it comes with SM card which contains O.S.

Scott Appleton · Post by **Scott Appleton** » 25 Jul 2004 8:19 pm

the roland cube with efx small can oporate on bats

------------------
Mullen S12
Acoustic 165 100W tube
71 Tele, Regal 45, Gretch
Lap, Columbia Lap, Magnatone S8, Sho Bud S10 lap, Line 6 flextone 3, JBL d130,

Gino Iorfida · Post by **Gino Iorfida** » 26 Jul 2004 1:48 am

I'm actually selling a mini-amp at the moment, if you look in the instrument for sale section here, the mini amp is being packaged in the 'amp in bag' gig bag that I'm throwing in wiht my Danelectro Innuendo that I'm selling. ok, enough of the shameless plug

Most of the mini-amps I've tried are very limited in tone etc, even fewer with effects. The Danelectro is no different, however it does ahve a decent tone etc. (as good as it can get with an amp with a 3" speaker

. I would bet a lot of these mini-amps really have the same circuit, just a different case... not sure if that would change the tone or not, to be honest

Another real low cost one you may want to check out, is the 'smokey' amps -- you have 2 styles, the ones in the cigarette pack, or in a plastic case. Very simple, no knobs, just an input jack and a speaker (some have an external out as well)... and these sound pretty good as well, for what they really are.

Bill Leff · Post by **Bill Leff** » 26 Jul 2004 5:53 am

I played a small Roland cube a few weeks ago with a lap steel and it really sounded good. I'd recommend looking at the Rolands.

Stuff like the Mini-Twin are toys compared to the Roland IMHO.

Bill

Tony Orth · Post by **Tony Orth** » 26 Jul 2004 8:59 am

I've got 6 practice mini-amps and the Fender Mini-Twin sounds the best with my steel.

Tony<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Tony Orth on 26 July 2004 at 10:00 AM.]</p></FONT>

Steven Black · Post by **Steven Black** » 27 Jul 2004 10:56 am

Hey Jeff, do you use a reverb unit into it? like a Boss RV3 or Holy Grail? steveb.

Jeff Strouse · Post by **Jeff Strouse** » 27 Jul 2004 11:04 am

I Steve, I haven't tried one yet. Both of my amps have reverb, so I don't have a seperate unit for it. I basically want a portable practice amp for under $50...something to use in the car, or to find a nice secluded spot on the beach and be able to hear the guitar. Sounds like I may go with that Mini-Twin Fender. It sounded the best (of its class) in the music store.

I just want to be sure it's okay for steel...I wouldn't want it to blow out as soon as I get it!