• From: New Orleans Louisiana
  • Registered: 2015-01-12
  • Posts: 104

Topic: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

Ever since I picked up the guitar again in 2012 since 1978, I've been using line6.  After grabbing the guitar again (I was 43, now I'm 46) I've been dedicated and started playing on stages with friends in various bands within a year of restarting. My first amp was a small 15 watt line6, I then traded up to a 75 watt with pedals, now I have a new line6 150 watt. I have the line 6 effects pedal so I'm hands free on stage while changing effects and I Iove it.

My question, or concern, is that I feel like the line6 is so simple and easy, I feel like I'm playing an entry level amp, or an amp with training wheels.  On the other hand, I like keeping things simple.  With my current setup,  I don't have hundreds of pedals to give me what I need.  The types of music I play range from classic rock, southern Rock, pink Floyd, Beatles, British rock (iron maiden, stones, the who), blues (Joe, Clapton, Gary Clark Jr.)

Any thoughts on the line6 as the be all end all amp.  I've test driven Marshall, Vox, Orange, Backstar, etc.  I'm totally happy with my setup, but I'm always going back to line6. Should I be content, or is ignorance bliss, and I'm missing out staying away from something else?

Any thoughts?
Thanks
Brian

"There's a hard life for every silver spoon, there's a touch of grey for every shade of blue.  That's the way that I see life.  If there was nothing wrong, then there'd be nothing right." - Brent Smith
"The blues aint nothing but a good man feeling bad". Leon Redbone
  • From: Central Illinois
  • Registered: 2014-04-24
  • Posts: 293

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

If you've tried others but remain happy with your Line 6 you've answered your own question.  Bottom line is are you happy with what your hearing from your guitar, amps and pedals...if the answer is "yes" then there is probably no need to look for something else.  Now that being said, your tastes may change over time and that might require you to look for something else but it doesn't appear that is happening.

JMHO.

  • From: New Orleans Louisiana
  • Registered: 2015-01-12
  • Posts: 104

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

xland wrote:

If you've tried others but remain happy with your Line 6 you've answered your own question.  Bottom line is are you happy with what your hearing from your guitar, amps and pedals...if the answer is "yes" then there is probably no need to look for something else.  Now that being said, your tastes may change over time and that might require you to look for something else but it doesn't appear that is happening.

JMHO.

Thanks for responding!  You're right!  I am happy with my setup, but with all the different choices out there I just figured eirher I was extremely lucky with the line6 (I can switch from Heart, to Bonamassa, to Iron Maiden, to KISS, to Shinedown with a tap of my foot), or was missing the bus while staying with line 6!

"There's a hard life for every silver spoon, there's a touch of grey for every shade of blue.  That's the way that I see life.  If there was nothing wrong, then there'd be nothing right." - Brent Smith
"The blues aint nothing but a good man feeling bad". Leon Redbone
  • From: Teesside, UK
  • Registered: 2013-03-10
  • Posts: 193

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

You can buy all the gear you like and chase tone forever and a day. Bottom line is it's all about what you hear. If you like what you hear, it suits your style and others dig what you do, what's it matter if it's a £50 second hand special or a £30k Dumble...?
Enjoy playing, guitars and music are a wonderful thing... smile

JB shows: Newcastle 2015, Hammersmith nights 3&4 2015, Calling Festival 2014, Newcastle 2012, Bridlington 2010
Guitars: Gibson Custom Shop Les Pauls; Skinnerburst #018 (Aged), Texas Burst (Heavy Aged), Fender Custom Shop Strat '63 Relic
Amps: Mini Jubilee Head, Carol-Ann Satin

R8 LEMONBURST's Website

  • Devan
  • Devan
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Darwin, Australia
  • Registered: 2010-04-13
  • Posts: 1,304

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

As others have said - go with what your ears and heart tell you.

But bear in mind, in my experience when I switched from solid state amps to tube amps many years ago, I actually had no idea how to dial in a good tone on a tube amp.  And given that my first tube amp was a Mesa Boogie Mark II series made it even trickier, as those amps are notoriously difficult to dial in even at the best of times! smile

It took a lot of learning and experimenting, but I think I got there in the end, and now can walk up to an amp and know how to get it to sound like something I liked.

The biggest thing with tube amps is that they pretty much never sound good at bedroom level volume.  You only appreciate their power and nuance at gig levels.  It wasn't until I started playing my tube amps at larger gigs that I understood their power and ability to cut through, and translate my playing dynamics.  To me, solid state amps sounded good to me when finding tone in my bedroom, but immediately got lost in the band sound at gigs.

Today, I use an Axe-FX so that I can still enjoy the best of both worlds, a little bit (i.e. cranked type sounds in my bedroom studio, and large sound at gigs still).

Perhaps see if you can pick up a cheap second hand (or a clone) simple two/three knob tube amp?  Something like the early Bassman or something?  Then spend lots of time dialing it in and trying it out with different guitars and see what you come up with?

JBLP Gold Top #129 - redubbed "#1 in Oz"
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

xland wrote:

If you've tried others but remain happy with your Line 6 you've answered your own question.  Bottom line is are you happy with what your hearing from your guitar, amps and pedals...if the answer is "yes" then there is probably no need to look for something else.  Now that being said, your tastes may change over time and that might require you to look for something else but it doesn't appear that is happening.

JMHO.

you are spot on. just keep in mind things change and your ear will change craving something else.
cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

If you are happy with your tone, then why mess with it?

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • Registered: 2013-08-02
  • Posts: 215

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

I agree with what everyone else has said pretty much - there's something to be said for just using your ears. Line 6 can often be put down by, for lack of a better label, Tone Snobs, but if you like the sound and it inspires you then thats all you need. I did a demonstration of Blackstar Amps at a local store recently, and much to my surprise I liked their little solid state modeler better than their 5watt tube combo. I played a Vox Valvetronix, one of the early models, for years playing around New England and always got compliments on my tone. Alot of people consider those throw-away amps now that you can find used for beyond cheap, but honestly I wouldn't mind getting my hands on another.

But like Ron said, you'll probably go through many amps on your musical journey. We all go through phases (or out of phases WHAAAAAAAT ..see what I did there..)

jackfossett's Website

9 Reply by RickB (edited by RickB 2015-07-29 13:33:52)

  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

Tone is in the ear of the player indeed. I've seen JoeB go through many iterations chasing the tone in his head. Now, the latest show at the Baked Potato last week had him pared down to straight into a vintage twin with two guitars. His Big Red 335 and his No Caster. Guess what? It sounded just like him.  Down to basics and the truth is the tone is really in your hands.
May you all find it.
Rick

Free download from Vienna! http://mbsy.co/bNLR
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RickB's Website

  • From: New Orleans Louisiana
  • Registered: 2015-01-12
  • Posts: 104

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

cindyron wrote:
xland wrote:

If you've tried others but remain happy with your Line 6 you've answered your own question.  Bottom line is are you happy with what your hearing from your guitar, amps and pedals...if the answer is "yes" then there is probably no need to look for something else.  Now that being said, your tastes may change over time and that might require you to look for something else but it doesn't appear that is happening.

JMHO.

you are spot on. just keep in mind things change and your ear will change craving something else.
cheers Ron

You guys are spot on!  IBe only used line6 since playing again so I wouldn't have to become a sound tech.  On stage, I play just about everyrhing from the Beatles to Zz top, so smacking a button or two in seconds makes it so much easier and I dont have 1000 pedals. I did bring the 150 back and returned it for the line6 150HD with a 4x12 cabinet.im much happier.  I was looking for the extra push, and boy I got it!  Totally happy!

"There's a hard life for every silver spoon, there's a touch of grey for every shade of blue.  That's the way that I see life.  If there was nothing wrong, then there'd be nothing right." - Brent Smith
"The blues aint nothing but a good man feeling bad". Leon Redbone
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

Line6 amps are useless in a band situation. They don't cut through.
If you enjoy it in your own situation...great. No problemo!

12 Reply by CGB

  • CGB
  • Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2011-02-02
  • Posts: 23

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

I see a lot of Line 6 for sale on on CL. Makes me wonder about reliability. I use virtual amps when I record and I'm satisfied with the tone.

I suppose if I had a pro studio a Line 6 would be good to have there.

This song mentions Joe Bonamassa. https://soundcloud.com/cg-instrumental/ … lues-thing
https://soundcloud.com/cg-brady/crimson … ntum-blues
https://soundcloud.com/cg-brady/testosteroneblues
https://soundcloud.com/user-316831637/f … 20-mix-sax
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 489

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

I bought a Line6 Flextone around 1998. Still have it, still play it at sessions. Have played many gigs and studio sessions with it. Very reliable and great sounding.

Jimi75's Website

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

I now use a Line 6 spider valve 112 and as long as you ignore the set sounds and play around to find your own it is a great and very loud amp. I am happy with it and get some nice tones from it. I have often been tempted to try lots of stuff but unless you have very deep pockets it will drive you mad. If you are happy that's all that matters. You just have to get used to the derision of some players of anything Line 6 which is not really justified. big_smile

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • Registered: 2008-08-24
  • Posts: 181

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

DaveWammbarro wrote:

Line6 amps are useless in a band situation. They don't cut through.
If you enjoy it in your own situation...great. No problemo!

why would you say that to someone you've never even met?  sheesh

Ive got 7 tube amps, 4 are heads, 2 are combo's and I have 2 4x12's, mainly because nobody buys dinasour gear anymore. I just cant find anyone to buy it...  I seldom play out anymore, but if I did, I would use a small rack setup I have and 1 4x12 wired  2x12 stereo.  The rack has the first edition Line 6 Pod Pro, a stereo EQ and a Retro~Channel power amp.  I use the Line 6 floorboard to control it, and my collection of vintage pedals sit in the drawers in my desk.  Yes, you can go crazy buying the latest, greatest thing over and over.  but I'm telling you it isn't necessary.

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 489

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

DaveWammbarro wrote:

Line6 amps are useless in a band situation. They don't cut through.
If you enjoy it in your own situation...great. No problemo!

I have experienced it vice versa with my Line6 Flextone 2, but have confirm what you say for the Flextone 3. The Flextone 2 is still my backup amp, just for the case my Two Rock should not work.
If I had the desire to go for a virtual amp I'd chose the Yanaha THR 100 over all other products in the market.

Jimi75's Website

  • From: Chesterville, Ohio
  • Registered: 2014-06-20
  • Posts: 188

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

Jimi75 wrote:
DaveWammbarro wrote:

Line6 amps are useless in a band situation. They don't cut through.
If you enjoy it in your own situation...great. No problemo!

I have experienced it vice versa with my Line6 Flextone 2, but have confirm what you say for the Flextone 3. The Flextone 2 is still my backup amp, just for the case my Two Rock should not work.
If I had the desire to go for a virtual amp I'd chose the Yanaha THR 100 over all other products in the market.

The THR100HD sure looks interesting but have you actually tried one?  I have a hankering to try it but didn't think they were out yet.

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Opinion of Line6 amps in general

It should be noted JB used to play Line6 amps to get a twin reverb sound, since they were more dependable than a vintage amp on the road.

I had and used some line 6 amps, and liked them for in my room, or in headphones. In band practice, I had trouble cutting through the mix. I was in a band with someone who had a Flextone II head, and he did just fine at gigs.

I think they nail the sounds they emulate but they don't have the ballsy feel of a tube amp. The line6 pod can go through a PA and do well too!

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool