Guitar players, Tech 21 Vs Line 6 VI

[scottmandue]

We have been remodeling and hauling my old Fender amps from room to room (quite a workout).
So I'm thinking boldly moving out of the 1970's gear wise.
My needs are: Living room and garage band jamming, not gigging, not professional. If I ever did get on stage both these amps have a line out... something I have done as a bass player because no way am I hauling a bass stack around.

The candidates are:

The Tech 21 (much liked here, that is how I got the idea to check into this amp, I expect this amp to get the most votes)
Pros: Good sound, lots of flexibility in sounds, light and easily transportable.
Cons: Only 30 watts but probably plenty loud.

Tech 21 TM30 Trademark 30 Guitar Combo Amplifier (30 Watts, 1x10"), New

Line 6 spider IV 120
Pros: 120 watts (more power!) hundreds of sounds/settings, that yummy 2x10 sound.
Cons: Maybe too complicated, may be overwhelmed by buttons, knobs, and switches.

Line 6 Spider IV 120 Guitar Combo Amplifier (120 Watts, 2x10"), New

What think ye?

[Cajundaddy]

Tech 21 by far. I am sure there are some players out there who can get good tone from a Spider but I never could... nor anyone else I know. Something about them just hurts my ears.

For simple, light weight, and decent tone give the Super Champ XD a look as well. It is my current grab-n-go practice amp that sounds good with decent on-board effects. 25 lbs and just loud enough to run with drums.

[LSA]

I can't speak about the Tech21 but when I was looking at amps I considered the (then was the latest Line6 spider) Spider III. Wasn't really too impressed with it and went with the Peavey equivalent the Vypyr. It's pretty cool but now I'd like to move onto something better.

120watts is way more than you'll ever need. My Vypyr is 100w and 2x12 and when just practicing I never really turn the volume up past 2 or 3 because it gets loud. Even any 75w solid state amp will be loud enough to practice with.

[VaSteve]

I have a super champ x2 like the new version of the xd. I never (rarely) use the second channel or the effects. I like my little pedals. That little amps rocks. Check one of those out esp if you like the fender sound.

[futuresoptions]

I voted Tech 21. That being said, how about a hybrid of the two? Behringer copied the Tech 21 when it produced it's Vtone GMX212. You can usually search and find them on Guitar Center used for about $150. in good condition. It is 120w 2x12 amp with the Tech 21 analog circuit with the three selector switches for amp modeling AND it also has a digital side for effects built in like the Line 6.

So really, you don't have to choose between the two of them, just buy their kid Also, if you decide to start gigging, they made a head unit of the GMX212, it is the model GMX1200H. These run about the same price for a clean used unit. The cab unit for the GMX1200H is the BG412S. A good one runs about the same price or a little cheaper. Make sure you get the older "S" model as these are usually factory loaded with Jensen 12"s.

[futuresoptions]

Fwiw, I have owned both Behringer models and I gave my GMX212 to my daughter (which she still owns). If you have any questions about them I can answer them for you.

The reason I suggest getting both the GMX212 and the GMX1200h halfstack is for two reasons. 1) They are super affordable making it cheap enough to do so, 2) you can play the halfstack at bedroom levels with no problem or full blown no problem. 3) The halfstack really sounds awesome compared to the 2x12, almost night and day with twice the fullness in tone.

If you didn't want to bother with both, I would vote on the halfstack. Better sounds, same exact controls, not too bulky or heavy and just plain looks cool! Oh, and there is a footswitch for switching channels on the amp. It is very versatile.

[scottmandue]

Okay added the Champ X2 to my list... and the Vtone GMX212 (hey, you guys were supposed to make this easier!)

Only problem with the Vtone is at 65 pounds a bit much to haul around... however of the four it seems to have the most bang for the buck.

I'm 57 with a day job, not likely to start gigging anytime... however may get roped into playing a party or a local small bar.

[nostatic]

I have a Tech 21 Trademark 60 1-12 that is fairly clean (half the front logo snapped off, otherwise perfect). Includes the footswitch. Can easily gig it, and sounds good to my ear. It is an older one which I think are more sought after. Would sell it for less than they are asking for the Trademark 30. I think a single 12 sounds a lot better than a single 10. PM if interested - I haven't used it for years and likely won't soon.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by LSA

I can't speak about the Tech21 but when I was looking at amps I considered the (then was the latest Line6 spider) Spider III. Wasn't really too impressed with it and went with the Peavey equivalent the Vypyr. It's pretty cool but now I'd like to move onto something better.

120watts is way more than you'll ever need. My Vypyr is 100w and 2x12 and when just practicing I never really turn the volume up past 2 or 3 because it gets loud. Even any 75w solid state amp will be loud enough to practice with.

Now you got me looking at a Vypyer:

Peavey Vypyr VIP-2 Guitar Combo Amplifier, New

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by nostatic

I have a Tech 21 Trademark 60 1-12 that is fairly clean (half the front logo snapped off, otherwise perfect). Includes the footswitch. Can easily gig it, and sounds good to my ear. It is an older one which I think are more sought after. Would sell it for less than they are asking for the Trademark 30. I think a single 12 sounds a lot better than a single 10. PM if interested - I haven't used it for years and likely won't soon.

PM sent... only problem is to fund this purchase I will need to sell off my Bassman 100 (they sell all day long on eBay for $600) and selling that amp is like selling one of my children... I kid you not, I'm getting a knot in my stomach just thinking about it. However the cold hard truth is the Bassman is really, really good at one thing and I can get a much more portable amp that will make five or six different sounds.
I told my wife I would be getting rid of the big, heavy amp, getting a smaller one, and putting a couple hundred dollars in the bank (and getting some work done on the car), but all she heard was "buying another amp".

[Nostril Cheese]

I know nothing about the Tech 21, but I bought a Line 6 AX212 twenty years ago. Still works perfectly. Original speakers, 100w, stereo. Yeah there's some people out there who will be all like "I can hear its fake, blah blah" but it always sounded great to me.

Play both and see what sounds good to YOU.

[Nostril Cheese]

btw.. PM me about your Bassman, it will go to a good home.