• From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Topic: Lunch Box Style Amps

I'm really in the market for a Lunch box style head to play into a cab I built a few years back (nothing fancey) Anyway I want Less then 20 watts.  Vox night Train looks good, but I'm leaning towards Orange Tiny Terrors, I can get a steal on a Dark Terror right now.  There is also the Hughes and Kettner Tubemiester 18 which as a built in power attenuator and a speaker off option for direct recording with a built in red box.  I'm leaning towards the Dark Terror and the Hughes and Kettner due to the fact it has effects loops.  Any thoughts?

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

Going by the above mentioned, I've played a tiny terror already and was pretty impressed with it. I'd say if you have a good deal lined up, might be a good move. Having a built in attenuator and direct output doesn't do anything for me. Might sound good as far as options, but I'd never use either. I'd stick with the Orange out of what you've suggested as already liking. Also, part of having a small set up like that is the simplicity, so I wouldn't let an FX loop be a deal breaker..I really am liking having everything out front with my small amps. OD, delay and reverb on a short board and call it a day. -Seth

  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

I've played both the Orange and the NightTrain and I would definitely go with the NT...thought it was one of the most surprising packages I've heard.

  • DougH
  • DougH
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  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,705

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

I checked out the H&K Tubemiester 18 the other day. They had it attached to a Mesa 1x12.

it seemed pretty good; its "pretty" with that glowing front panel.
the clean channel seemed pretty EL84 clean.
dirt seemed to be not "dark" dirty but "cleanish bright" dirty, probably just the EL84's
but its probably better to be brighter than darker since you can't unmuddy an amp.

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • From: Ireland
  • Registered: 2010-10-25
  • Posts: 57

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

This link might be useful as It has reviews for four small heads.
http://www.musicradar.com/tuition/guita … s-273275/1

Guitars: Epiphone JBLP, Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Amps: Marshall Vintage Modern, 18 watt clone
  • macg1
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  • From: St. Petersburg, FL
  • Registered: 2010-01-21
  • Posts: 1,020

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

Played a gig once with a backline of a Vox Nighttrain through a 1x12 boogie cab.  I almost went home and sold my stuff and downsized the rig.  plenty loud, nice headroom and took pedals great.

Amp: Firebird Musical Amplifiers
Guitars:62 LP SG , 02 FB VII, JB FB I, 76 Electra Omega, 64 Firebird V, 73 LPC, 61 Custom Tele, 59 and 60 Melody Maker
Effects: Mythos Chupacabra, Strymon Deco/Flint
  • Registered: 2010-02-01
  • Posts: 175

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

New Orange OR15 sounds amazing on Premier Guitars Namm 2012 clips if you can wait a couple of months till it's released and don't mind a slightly increased footprint. There's also a Jim Root #4 Terror due that's based on the Rockerverb lead channel but I've not heard a good demo as yet.

I had the Tiny Terror and found I couldn't live without the loop, the dark terror doesn't work for me at all and to my ears the Night Train only sounds good in the mode with the EQ bypassed.

For one that's out now and sounds amazing the Engl Gigmaster is worth a listen.

As you may have gathered I like low powered valve amps as I live in pub gig land where I can drive the power stage of these but would have a 100 watt head on around 2 on the master volume.

  • sted
  • sted
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  • Registered: 2011-03-20
  • Posts: 333

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

Mesa Transatlantic or even the new Mini Mesa Recto? Both go to 25w which is giving you a bit more wiggle room than a 15 and they are switchable.

I think the Tiny Terror takes some beating though mate, Two Rock have that Exo 15 thing about to hit the stores, might be worth checking that out too?

9 Reply by dave_5150 (edited by dave_5150 2012-01-24 13:45:31)

  • Registered: 2010-02-01
  • Posts: 175

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

Here's a comprehensive review of the Engl: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_r7Fj0Ys2o

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

Thanks guys!  A friend of mine just bought a Night Train with a Cab for $450!  I love Ebay.  Anyway we are going to put it through the paces either this weekend or next depending on its arrival.  I've got a Blues jr that can do all the clean stuff or mild distortion.  The last few days I've kind of thought Dark Terror is what I want.  Only because I've never had an amp with that much gain on tap (except for a JCM 800 I never got to use because it was either too loud or broken down) I've played the Dark Terror at a fairly loud setting and really just had a lot of fun!  It cleaned up well too.  Anyway I'm looking at April before I really look into forking out cash.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Seattle, WA
  • Registered: 2012-02-11
  • Posts: 268

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

Did you go with the Dark Terror? I'm looking into the Mesa Transatlantic myself. Can't decide if I want just the head or the newer combo they've got.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

No I went with a Gibson SG that I used to own.  Bought it back a while back instead.  Its more fun smile

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Seattle, WA
  • Registered: 2012-02-11
  • Posts: 268

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

I'll bet! I grew up playing a '74 SG (it was my older brother's). I love that thing. I'd love to find my own someday.

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Lunch Box Style Amps

I have a blues jr and after playing with other amps I decided it was as good as any thing and was paid for!

AD3THREE's Website