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Tech: Looking for small amp

11 Jan 05 - 10:11 AM (#1376544)
Subject: Tech: Looking for a very small amp
From: GUEST,sally

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


11 Jan 05 - 11:44 AM (#1376613)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: GUEST

"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.


11 Jan 05 - 11:55 AM (#1376624)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: ThreeSheds

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


11 Jan 05 - 12:01 PM (#1376628)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Big Al Whittle

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


11 Jan 05 - 12:08 PM (#1376635)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Grab

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.


11 Jan 05 - 12:22 PM (#1376658)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: mandotim

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


11 Jan 05 - 01:15 PM (#1376722)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Leadfingers

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 !


11 Jan 05 - 01:21 PM (#1376732)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: TheBigPinkLad

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


11 Jan 05 - 03:55 PM (#1376891)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: ThreeSheds

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


11 Jan 05 - 04:01 PM (#1376899)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: Mr Red

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.


11 Jan 05 - 05:29 PM (#1376986)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: CStrong

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


12 Jan 05 - 02:48 AM (#1377264)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: C-flat

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.


12 Jan 05 - 11:40 AM (#1377373)
Subject: RE: Tech: Looking for small amp
From: GUEST,heavy metal mandolin

compromise..

get a cheap playable mandolin..

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

simple innit