Tech: Looking for small amp

Subject: Tech: Looking for a very small amp
From: GUEST,sally
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 10:11 AM

Hello.

My partner has mentioned an amplifier that he could use with a mandolin - so that it could be heard in a session.

Apparently, it is the size of a cigarette packet, in fact I think they are designed to actually look like one.

Unfortunately I can't remember a brand name. I've looked through guitar magazines & used google without luck.

Does this sound familiar to anyone ?

Fingers crossed, as I'm hoping to find one (in the UK) as a birthday present for him.

Thanks, Sally

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 11:44 AM

"Marshall" make one of those little fag packet sized amplifiers.(sic)
You might also consider buying him a slightly larger battery powered unit - such as a "Pignose" which would sound 1.000,000,000,000,000,000 better! And they are very portable too.

Gud Luk.

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 11:55 AM

Better than than the mini marshall stacks but not as big as the pignose are Danelctro Honeytone amps. The heir to the sheds has been taking one to school for his music lessons for a couple of years

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:01 PM

Gallien Kruger do a really cool amp, about the size of a lady's handbag.. ... enough power to blow the balls off a buffalo!

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Grab
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:08 PM

I've seen several in the Elderly catalogue, and actually used a friend's about 10 years ago, but I've not seen one in a UK shop recently. I'll check Elderly for the names and makes of the ones they stock, and you'll then have something solid for searching.

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: mandotim
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 12:22 PM

Another solution might be to invest in a louder mandolin. Some sessions can be a bit sniffy about amplified instruments. As it happens, I've just finished making a very plain and simple mandolin; wild cherry wood with a spruce top. French polish finish, VERY LOUD; loud enough to drown most banjos. It's for sale, and it's not expensive. PM me if interested...
Tim

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Leadfingers
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:15 PM

I am in agreement with Tim - If everyone at a session had a 'small' amp the volume would be excessive as too many people forget that Volume controls go DOWN as well as UP ! But as I have a nice loud acoustic mandolin (Docherty) its not a problem for me !

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:21 PM

Do these 'micro' amps have a built-in speaker?

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 03:55 PM

Yes
http://www.imusicshop.co.uk/product.php?xProd=289

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Mr Red
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 04:01 PM

I have a mini Marshall - I was going to wind-up the Folkies at the Somers (Albion, Worcester Fri) by not only going amplified but micing-up my spoon!

Sadly it would just not be funny now.

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: CStrong
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 05:29 PM

I'm with the acousticists: louder instrument, heavier strings, more aggressive playing. Amps change everything in a session.

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: C-flat
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 02:48 AM

These minature amps have a tendency to go into overdrive even at low volumes and therefore aren't really suitable for accoustic instuments.

C-flat.

Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: GUEST,heavy metal mandolin
Date: 12 Jan 05 - 11:40 AM

compromise..

get a cheap playable mandolin..

open up the back and install a small amp..
battery.. and speaker..

simple innit