Tonelab with Valve Junior Head

by **kingsryche** » 17 Oct 2007, 17:36

I sold my AD60VTX a year ago (along with some other gear as I needed some cash) and eventually replaced with a Valve Junior Head and dug out some of my old pedals. My current set up is: guitar -> Boss CS-3 -> Ibanez SM-7 -> Boss GE-7 -> Boss DD-3 -> Valve Junior -> 1x12 cab.

This set up sounds really good for a home rig but there's not a lot of variety.

Was wondering if anyone has tried a Tonelab thru a low watt tube head like this? The VJ takes pedals really well and I retubed it to give it more clean headroom. I've never played thru a Tonelab but was hoping I could replace my pedals and use it in front of the VJ for some nice variety.

Any thoughts?

by **Nik** » 17 Oct 2007, 23:21

You've got a good amp there.

Why do people insist on trying to put a modeller in front of an amp? You would be nuch better of with something like a Boss ME50, which is specifically designed to feed the front of an amp.

by **kingsryche** » 18 Oct 2007, 01:08

Just wondering if a Tonelab (because I liked my AD60VTX) would work well in front of a simple, clean 5 watt tube amp. Like I mentioned, my basic pedal board sounds very good thru the VJ but there's just not much variety.

I've read mixed reviews on the Boss unit and I thought I would investigate the Tonelab first but it's on my list to check out.

by **Nik** » 18 Oct 2007, 08:38

Personaly, I think the Tonelab would sound much better direct to a PA or other clean, full range amplification and speaker(s). And I think the Valve junior would sound at its best with regular pedals.

by **Voxman** » 18 Oct 2007, 09:05

Nik wrote:Personaly, I think the Tonelab would sound much better direct to a PA or other clean, full range amplification and speaker(s). And I think the Valve junior would sound at its best with regular pedals.

+1!

by **Nik** » 18 Oct 2007, 10:40

If you are fixed on using the Valve Junior, buying a Tonelab to see if it sounds OK could be an expensive mistake.

If you want to get back to the sound and versatility you had with the AD60, they can be had at very reasonable prices now, since Vox discontinued them.

But in my humble opionion Toneab + Valve amp does not equal AD60VT.

by **kingsryche** » 18 Oct 2007, 16:06

I hear what you guys are saying. I wasn't set on a Tonelab..just researching options. If I want to totally change my home set up I may look at one later and go back to a pure modeler set up. (I had a Pod XT thru an Atomic but I got sick to death of constantly tweaking the damn Pod).

What I am insistent on is sticking with a low watt tube amp. I just want some variety...I could keep adding pedals but that takes up space, sucks tone, etc.

Nik, I did read up again on the Boss ME-50. Sounds like a good fit as my VJ takes pedals really well and this models effects, not amps. I'll take one for a spin and see what's what. Thanks for the responses.

by **Nik** » 18 Oct 2007, 16:35

kingsryche wrote:
Nik, I did read up again on the Boss ME-50. ..... and this models effects, not amps.

Yup. That's just what I was thinking.

And that's about as much variety as you will get with a low-wattage valve amp.

by **iowa** » 19 Oct 2007, 04:57

I'm running a ToneLab (desktop) thru a VJ head and cab. It's not bad, but I think that the preamp in the Epi colors the sound. I am exploring options for a effects loop for the VJ.

I agree that this is probably not the best combo, but I already had a VJ. While I like the tone, there is only one tone. I had an opportunity to buy the ToneLab reasonably and have not regretted the decision. I also have pretty limited $. I may pick up a keyboard amp later toplay the Vox thru, but for now this set-up works OK. Even better , if I can come up with an effect loop for the VJ.

by **kingsryche** » 19 Oct 2007, 15:42

Iowa...you just confirmed what the other guys were saying. I am looking at other options now but would be curious to hear your results if you add an effects loop to your VJ.

By itself, the VJ is not for me because I like more modern tones. But add an EQ pedal, a decent dist/OD and some delay and I get some great tones out of it. Without the EQ though it is weak. Learned the importance of an external EQ pedal from Voxman when I had my AD60VTX.

The thing I love about it after owning modelers is the responsiveness and dynamics all thanks to the class A tube power. It's a great little amp. I'm just looking for some more variety...different distortions/OD's, effects, etc. Was hoping the TL was an option but I am still looking. Thanks for your post.

Tonelab with Valve Junior Head

Tonelab with Valve Junior Head

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