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2444 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: Jan 24, 2011 4:33 PM by larrymac RSS
eschmitty Just Startin'
eschmitty
16 posts since
Aug 30, 2008
Currently Being Moderated

Jan 5, 2011 8:34 AM

SJ a good gigging amp?

Hello folks,

 

I wanted to get your opionin on this being a good gigging amp? Im at that point and am a little worried about its durability. Looks like a lot could go wrong. Im looking at the Tube amps from Line 6 and like the sound, but the price tag, not so much:) The band Im in we are micing the amps through a PA so the SJ should have plenty of ump.

 

Also wondering if I get the FBV shortboard (I have the express) and if its worth the investment to upgrade. What would be benefits over express?

 

Thx

 

Schmitty

Tags: pedal, upgrade, trouble, fbv, shortboard, amplifier, help, fbv-express, spider_jam, mkii
  • Buy-a-Fender Iknowathingortwo
    Buy-a-Fender
    426 posts since
    Jul 25, 2008
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 5, 2011 8:58 AM (in response to eschmitty)
    Re: SJ a good gigging amp?

    Hi Schmitty

    I will offer my opinion (since you asked )

     

     

    Although I no longer do live gigs I did perform for over 25 years.

     

    I have had my Spider Jam for over 2 year snow and I love it...BUT....

     

    I would never try to use it for gigs.

    IMO there is too much to go wrong.

    Simply switching presets can change volume dramatically and unexpectedly.

    The amp is much to fussy and fiddly to be mucking around with during a live show.

    In addition, I am afraid the rigors of the road would be just asking for trouble. Just look at all the posts in this forum relating to loose connections.

     

    IMO opinion the Spider is best left in the practice room and a solid, road-worthy amp be used for live performances.

     

    Just my cents, your mileage may vary.

     

    Steve

    • eschmitty Just Startin'
      eschmitty
      16 posts since
      Aug 30, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 5, 2011 9:15 AM (in response to Buy-a-Fender)
      Re: SJ a good gigging amp?

      I appreciate the honesty Steve, thats on the spot what I was looking for. My next question is what is the next progression from this amp? I really like the line 6 interface, ergonomics and am already familiar with the brand. I'm looking at going to a HD 500 multieffects board into a tube amp vs the Spidervalve MkII. Your thoughts?

       

      Thx

       

      Schmitty

  • joegillespie Gear Head
    joegillespie
    795 posts since
    Mar 31, 2007
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jan 5, 2011 9:36 AM (in response to eschmitty)
    Re: SJ a good gigging amp?

    I tried my SJ out at live gigs a couple of times. First time was a disaster as all the tone settings sound completely different at higher volume. It was too scooped (too much treble and bass and no middle).

     

    The next time, I customised the tones for high volume playing and it was a lot better. Although it is rated at 70 watts, my Peavey Classic 30 is much louder. The SJ is hard-pressed to compete with a drummer.

     

    With acoustic guitar and mic (no band), it performed very well.

     

    Like Steve, I would be worried about its reliability for 'road life'. It is not built for that.

     

    My 'main' kit was a Peavey Classic 30 and POD XT Live. I don't play live any more so the Peavey and POD are gone and the Spider Jam is perfect for home.

     

    The difference in the Shortboard and the Express is purely the number of USER Preset you can call-up. Shortboard gives acces to all 9x4 presets. The Express only does 4 at a time.

    • eschmitty Just Startin'
      eschmitty
      16 posts since
      Aug 30, 2008
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jan 5, 2011 10:37 AM (in response to joegillespie)
      Re: SJ a good gigging amp?

      Thx Steve and Joe! you guys are the best.

       

      Schmitty

      • daydreamin7677 Iknowathingortwo
        daydreamin7677
        320 posts since
        Feb 7, 2007
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jan 5, 2011 4:13 PM (in response to eschmitty)
        Re: SJ a good gigging amp?

        I've used mine for live gigs with no issues. I had already set my tones for high volumes so that was no problem. Being in a cover band I use quite a few tones so I really like the ease of the shortboard. My band plays acoustic to electric in our show so its nice to go from cat stevens wild world to drowning pool let the bodies hit the floor with just a few clicks of the old shortboard. But you gotta find what works for you.

        • JB1973 Just Startin'
          JB1973
          604 posts since
          Apr 19, 2008
          Currently Being Moderated
          Jan 19, 2011 12:23 PM (in response to daydreamin7677)
          Re: SJ a good gigging amp?

          I don't think you would be asking this if you were making a living at gigging so...

          if you are looking for small gigs the only way I would suggest that you use the jam

          for live playing is to use the rca outs to a PA. You can keep the jam at low and good

          sounding volume the PA will handle the sound at higher volume and it sounds surprisingly

          decent.

           

          And much cheaper than my rig.....hmmm maybe I should have thought harder about this and not

          let my ego get in the way

          • larrymac Just Startin'
            larrymac
            3 posts since
            Jun 28, 2007
            Currently Being Moderated
            Jan 24, 2011 4:33 PM (in response to JB1973)
            Re: SJ a good gigging amp?

            I've been using a Spider Jam as a gigging amp for nearly 2 years, without any problems, period. I dialed in my settings based on 60% volume and primarily use the Clean Red and Blues Red amp selections. I run a Tom Anderson Hollow Cobra as my main axe, and a Gretsch 5120 on occassion. My band plays a mix of jazz, blues and classic rock and I've never had a problem not being able to cut through the mix. We play clubs with capacities of 75-100 people. The SJ has been used in outdoor 100 degree temps and exposed to 16 degree temps before being used at a gig without any negative effects My backup amp is a Spider IV 150 and I've never needed to use it. Been playing for over 40 years, gone through numerous amps, including tubes, and the Spider Jam steps up to the plate very well.

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