|
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 54
Location: Taiwan | I'll get a bigger, better amp eventually. But I'm lookin' for something to tide me over that might still be a useful second amp, so a practice/travel amp seems ideal and fits my current budget.
I've read enough reviews to make me vomit and it seems that everyone who has either of these two loves it. I would probably be happy with either. The MicroCube appeals to me because of size, AA batteries (as opposed to C's), and maybe requires a bit less tweaking to make sound good. The VOX may sound better, I'm not sure. Subjective I suppose. It's a bit bigger, and maybe less of a "no brainer" when using. (That's a good thing for me at this point.)
Regardless, I'm buying one without listening to either. If you have experience with one, the other, or best yet - both. Type a couple sentences to help me out.
This would be for use with an HSS strat - only very rarely the Balladeer.
Thanks |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2004
Posts: 112
Location: Ballston Lake, N.Y. | I use the Micro Cube alot. It actually has a real nice "Vox" model that I use as my primary overdrive sound. Real portable. Nice chorus fx. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | I tried a Microcube once. The one I tried had six FX, but it is not very loud. It is less than 10 watts. But it has Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, etc. And I think that you can use it to run a bigger speaker.
Alot of FX though. And it says that it will run for 20 hrs. on six AA batteries. I didn't buy it, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't buy it. I still might someday. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Where are you going to be playing? Hotel rooms? On the train? Is so, you'll want something smaller than a micro cube. Get one of those little pre-amp things with headphones, or a cheap zoom or digitech unit,and then when you get to the hotel, plug into the tv set and drive your fellow guests crazy (like me).
If you're going to the cabin for skiing in the winter, the micro cube would work. I can't say I'm a big fan of them and instead I would go with one of the Pignoses. I think it has better sound quality, you could be proud of owning one, plus it's cooler.
Or how about, a zoom unit for traveling for work, and the pig nose for vacationing?
If you told us you budget, I'm sure we could come up something that would exactly suit you. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | Don't bother trying to play your balledeer thru the micro cube, the vox, the pignose, the zoom unit ... etc, it just won't sound good.
Just play it acoustically or if you must amplify on a small scale, get a small PA like a yamaha MS101 and a digiverb. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | This topic got my juices flowing, for the strat, just get a PODXT, and all your needs will be fulfilled. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | [an4340 quote] "I would go with one of the Pignoses. I think it has better sound quality, you could be proud of owning one, plus it's cooler."
I concur! A Pignose is the classic Street Musician's primary weapon. So you can get that Classic-Hippie-thing going.
Depending on the model you get, some are rechargeable. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
May 2003
Posts: 4389
Location: Capital District, NY, USA Minor Outlying Islands | For the acoustic, try a small keyboard combo. I tried a Peavey 20 watter that was pretty good. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
July 2003
Posts: 1922
Location: Canton (Detroit), MI | I have a MicroCube and SSS Strats.....the Vox could sound better, I haven't tried it, but the MicroCube works for me. And the "20 hours" battery life is WAAAAAYYYYY understated. Mine rocked for three months on one set, used a half-hour to an hour a day. And the batteries weren't dead when I took them out, I was putting in a fresh set for a trip.
I use the Twin Reverb, Vox and Marshall amp models about equally. The Acoustic model works fine with my Os with some reverb and chorus. Not something I'd depend on to gig with, but it's useable, IMHO.
Roger |
|
| |
|
Joined:
June 2004
Posts: 375
Location: Rocky River, Ohio | both amps have great features, but the roland's speaker will "fart" quicker than the Vox, especially if you EQ a bit of bass in the mix.
Ernie |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | I had both and kept the Vox. Better sound, better control, better looking (IMHO) and VOX is an amp maker...Roland makes keyboards and effects and a few amps to round out the package.
If you get it from MF or American Musical or any of the online stores, send it back if you don't like it and get the other one.....or order them both and send back the one you don't like. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | ".....or order them both and send back the one you don't like."
Oooh, I wish I had read that earlier. Good plan! I gotta remember that! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 54
Location: Taiwan | Thanks for all the advice.
I have a Pod XT but am tired of using the headphones. I want the Microcube for size, looks, durability, and batteries but keep reading about the farting out and lack of volume. I'm definitely a sound snob when it comes to stereo equipment, so may find that unbearable. But I'm pretty much talkin' sittin' in my bedroom here. $150 budget. That said, it doesn't have to sound great - I'll get a Blues Jr. or Pro Jr. or some such thing in a few months.
Won't really use this for the Ovation. It's loud enough for my classroom anyway.
Order both is great advice, unless you have to ship them to Poland and one back!
Thanks though - I'll keep thinkin'. Shouldn't take it too seriously, I guess. It's $130 bucks for some fun, not a serious amp. Glad the pignose has it's defenders - they're few and far between elswhere I've read.
good day to all from Poland |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Pignose were great 25 years ago. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 54
Location: Taiwan | Well, stephent28, I've noted your support of the DA5 on a number of threads. So you'll be glad to hear that I'm gonna go with the VOX.
I "like" the Micro better and think it would work great for me, as it's smaller and perhaps easier to use and I've got TONS of rechargeable AA's for my sons toys. But if I got it and found that I do listen loud enough to make the 5" speaker sound terrible, I'd feel pretty stupid about trying to save a few inches space on something I probably will never put in a suitcase.
The DA5 will go louder if needed (especially clean, which I anticipate using), sound a bit better in general, and has the variable wattage settings, which I think is a pretty good feature. So it's only $15 more for the VOX, but also AT LEAST $30 more for the rechargeable C's. But at least I can get it in green! Or pink :(
Thanks again to all for the input. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Originally posted by stephent28:
Pignose were great 25 years ago. So you find an old one! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | Originally posted by stephent28:
I
If you get it from MF or American Musical or any of the online stores, send it back if you don't like it and get the other one.....or order them both and send back the one you don't like. that attitude makes me wonder why I even bother some days. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Al,
I find that response odd. It is no different than buying a couple of shirts or pants and returning the ones that don't fit right.
Why should anyone keep something that they don't like....and in this case he did not have a local shop where he could go and give a listen.
Have you NEVER returned anything? Have you NEVER BOUGHT anything knowing you might return it if you don't like it?
That logic make me wonder why I even bother |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | sorry stephen
it is the whole "home depot" attitude that I just have a problem with. you buy a chainsaw cut down your tree and return the saw as defective.
I will go on record as NEVER having bought anthing with the absolute intention of returning it at a later time.
Yes I have returned items that did not fit, did not work or were defective. I have no need to buy try and return. I also don't bitch when I have to pay return shipping or a restock fee because I know that is part of the process.
I have trouble with the deliberate concept of buy both and return the one you don't like.
I have no clue what business you are in, but if I suggested someone purposely waste your time and energy and cost you additional dollars I am sure you would not like it.
sorry but why not go one step further and say it was damaged and make a fake claim to UPS? have UPS pay for the amp for free?
See this thinking can be taken to many extremes. It just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry if it did the same to you.
edited to add that if there is a scam out there and someone has ever tried it, then it has been tried on me. I am hypersensitive to these types of issues. I have had to change and add policies in my business to deal with individuals whose word is untrustworthy and their actions less than honorable. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 347
Location: Reno, NV | I guess things are different depending on which side of the fence you are on.
Im sure that MF loses all their profits on the sale of the amp you keep by doing that. Imagine the losses to ship both ways (remember over $99 is free), packaging, inventory etc.. But, being on the consumer side, why should that be your problem? Chances are you are going to buy from them again based on the good experience. Costco will let you return just about anything for any reason too. They know that: 1. This makes you very happy with them. 2. Chance are the cash they just gave you is burning a hole in your pocket and you will re-buy something in the same visit.
Now, being a small guitar shop, I think I'd be rather upset with that attitude, as Alpep is.
EDIT: IMO, I prefer to do my reasearch, on-line or otherwise and make the right purchase the fisrt time and be happy with it. Its a hastle for me to return things, and I hate doing it. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Al, understood. Anything can and will be abused and your example of the chain saw is a prime example.
I am in business for myself, out of my home, and I have my time wasted on a daily basis. People call me or make an appointment to learn all about the products I sell and then go and shop for a cheaper price from someone who has no time or energy invested...just the profit of the sale my efforts provided for them.
My comments were made in regard to a situation where the buyer did not have local means to listen to the amps in question and was in turmoil over which one to get.
If you have ever purchased high end audio or high end recording equipment, these companies ACTUALLY ENCOURAGE you to try several items and return the one you don't like.
I have recently been purchasing some higher grade equipment for my home studio. When I have been confused or unsure of what piece of equipment would work best....whether compressor/limiters, EQ's, mic preamps or whatever....these companies HAVE SUGGESTED that I get a couple of the items in question....try them out for 30-60 days (depending on policy) and then RETURN THE ONE that DOESN'T MEET MY NEEDS....without restocking fees or charges (just the shipping back to them)and these are for pieces that cost anywhere from $1500 to $10,000!!!!
Now I realise that working out of your home/garage is a little different (remember, I work out of my home also) and that you can't afford to be as lenient and have the same crazy return policies that the big box corporations have but NO ONE MADE these companies set up the policies that are in place. It is not abusing the system when you are merely following the guidelines set forth by the company you are dealing with.
Now...fraud is fraud...and filing false claims, buying something with the intent to use it and then return it, damaging an item and then claiming it didn't work or was damaged when you received it....we are 100% on the same page.
I just felt your blanket comment was uncalled for based on the circumstances which is why I responded back.
I'm good with this conversation. I hope you are too. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by alpep:
if I suggested someone purposely waste your time and energy and cost you additional dollars I am sure you would not like it.
This just happened to remind me of an incident that I am sure you will appreciate. I was working with a woman who was totally confusted as to what she wanted vs what was best based on her current situation. After spending several hours, she felt she had made a decision but wanted to think it over. Well, I never heard back (which is not totally uncommon since people sometimes change their mind or decide not to spend the money).
About 2 months later, she calls me up all upset because she is disatisfied with her purchase. I mentioned to her that I could not remember ever selling anything to her. She then admitted that she had gone elsewhere and purchased the same thing for less but that the person she had purchased it from was unable or unwilling to help her.
While I hated to do it, I basically informed her that she got what she paid for and that if she wanted my help, she would have to pay me my time and she would be charged upfront. This really upset her and she hung up on me.
Oh well...... |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | yup stepehen
and when when there is no more manufacturing in the USA and the only choices for purchases are the big box stores, we will only have our own self to blame.
BTW please don't make assumptions about my business. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | My wife does that alot - though I don't think that she does it on purpose. She buys alot of her clothes out of a catalogue and I would say that about 1/2 the time what she gets doesn't look as good in person as it did on the model (go figure!). It does drive me nuts when she does this - but it's even worse when she forgets to return the items she doesn't like. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Originally posted by alpep:
BTW please don't make assumptions about my business. I'm sorry...what assumption did I make?
If you are referring to the home/garage comment, that was a generalization referring to all home based business and not any particular one...yours, mine, or others. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The long and short of it is that handling return stock is a typical cost of conducting business, and not all businesses approach this the same way. One theory is that more time and effort at addressing customer needs and expectations before the point of sale minimizes the need for handling returned merchandise from dissatisfied customers after the sale. The opposite theory suggests that consummation of the sale is paramount and that all customer service issues can and should be dealt with afterwards. Neither theory is really right nor wrong, just different, and various business models can support the advantages and disadvantages of either theory’s impact on profitability. The knowledge and sophistication of the customer has a lot to do with it as well. Personally speaking, in the leadership classes I teach, which focus more on service than products, I discourage the latter theory if for no other reason than it places a business in a defensive or corrective posture because much of its customer service contacts must necessarily be based upon customer dissatisfaction, which can be deenergizing to both the business and the customer. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 54
Location: Taiwan | Damn! That guy's smart.
I never return stuff anyway. Actually, to a fault.
One time I ate the food I was served at a chinese restaurant, even though it wasn't quite what I ordered ('cuz I don't like to make waves.) I had added some soy sauce, served myself some, and began eating. A few minutes in, I'm getting chewed out by some chinese waitress who says "I charge you double!" She scoops the food back off my plate and onto the main plate, returning to the kitchen with it (no doubt to serve it to it's intended recipient.)
So much for not making waves. (Kinda like this thread.)
I just ordered the one amp, and I'm keeping it, even if I have to put soy sauce on it to like it.
SiD |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2005
Posts: 11840
Location: closely held secret | Originally posted by Shot in the Dark:
Damn! That guy's smart. Well, he is the Professor. You should see him make a shortwave radio out of a couple coconuts and some seaweed. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | The point was MicroCube v s Vox....MC has more possibilities , sounds good (no speaker out though )is extremely rugged,and has looks that says "Growl"and with a little fiddling can produce a decent acoustic sound..that Vox is okay..but as far as Acoustic/Portable/Battery operated amps. go..the ElectroHarmonix is a real good one,a Humdinger`..and that pignose ?!...oh come on now..ROFL ,but it looks cute :)
Have a Nice Condensor Mic. day
Vic ;) |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 54
Location: Taiwan | Thanks Vic, but the Vox is in the mail.
It won't really get any Balladeer time, but I posted here 'cuz I knew I'd get some response and someone would make a coconut joke.
Must agree with you on the pignose. The description actually says: "You can have a friend open and close the case to get a 'Wah-Wah' effect." - LOL
Thanks all for input. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2006
Posts: 10777
Location: Keepin' It Weird in Portland, OR | Hey! Those of us who said all those good things about the Pignose speak through the fog of short-term-memory-loss, and nostalgia.
I really miss the VW microbus with bomber windows too! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2004
Posts: 13303
Location: Latitude 39.56819, Longitude -105.080066 | Back in the day, the pignose was great (and the only game in town). Now it is a classic design whose time has come. Based on current performance, nostalgia only.
And I have LOTS of memories that took place in the back of a VW bus....and PANEL TRUCKS....and the famous Vega panel wagon! |
|
| |
|
Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 10582
Location: NJ | pignose
lectrosonic mouse
eh dirt road special and freedom amps were probably the first |
|
| |
|
Joined:
April 2006
Posts: 2491
Location: Copenhagen Denmark | Yup,the FREEDOM,that`s the one ElectroHarmonix is selling,a re-issue....Great Sound,Great Looks,affordable..I would choose it over the AmpCan any time.. ;)
Vic :cool: |
|
| |
OT: MicroCube vs. VOX DA5