Reviewed by:
ShallowEndings, on december 25, 2008
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Price paid: A$ 199
Purchased from: Cheapa Music
Features: This amp is probably the most versatile solid state practise amp I've ever tried out, tone wise that is. The TBX was freshly made in 2008, and can produce sounds mixed from metal, rock or anything with a good tone to it. It came with a sticker which features settings on tones like ' High voltage distortion, metal, O.D blues and clean. It is a 2 channel amp. Normal/Clean and X, with a handy little EQ. I rarely use the clean channel. And since it's a practise amp I don't expect it to have a footswitch or anything like that. // 9
Sound: With this amp, I use an Ibanez RGR421EXFM with stock V7 V8 pickups. These 2 go hand in hand for superb sounds.
I play anything from metal to rock and all in between. Of course you wont get an exact loudness, but just remember it's a practise amp, not a 400 watt cab. If the gain is all the way up, it has quiet a bit of feedback, but it's not really that enjoyable all the way up, which I normally keep it about 3/4 of the way, maybe a bit less. This amp is used in my room and I don't really have it loud, but for 15 watts this thing can pack a punch when it comes to volume.
Like I said I don't use the clean channel much, as for most of the TBX range, they haven't really been known for clean sounds, so if that's wat you want - clean, maybe look for another amp. that's not to say the clean sucks, but it's something you should try before you buy. The best thing on this amp is the distortion!! It hits you in the face so hard. it's wat makes this amp so enjoyable. Also this particular model has reverb. I don't really use it to much though. // 9
Reliability & Durability: Would i gig with it? Proably not, because its a 15 watt practise amp, but it could just be mic'd. Maybe if i was practicing a song for school or something, or playing it for a performance, i couldnt see why not, because it is pretty loud.
This amp hasnt broken down, and i can't really see it breaking down either. Its built like a tank, a bit heavy but not over the top. Its about 3 months old and hasn't had any incidents so its all good. // 9
Impression: As said about 2 times before, it's not an amp for cleans. If you play country, don't get it. Choose a Fender or something known for that genre. If you want something to practise your favourite songs, or writing your own rock songs, get this amp. Play metal? Even better. I've played for a fair bit now and I can tell you this amp is worth the money. I own the Ibanez RGR421EXFM, as well as the matching hardcase for RG models. And the other essentials.
As for asking stuff, no, I've researched amps and guitars for about 2 years now, and I always had my eyes on 100 watt amps, but I saw someones comment one time that said there's no need for a 100 watt amp. And I took that and now I realise it's true. it's fairly cheap, and you can upgrade to something with more power later on. Stolen?? I'd have to say I'd get it again because it's such a versatile practise amp. And if I have more money later on, I'm hoping to get it's big brother, the TBX150H. The thing I love is the distortion, I can't say I neccessarily hate anything about it, because it's a practise amp not a rectifier. I compared it to quiet a lot of amps, big power and little. Randall, Behringer, Ibanez's other amps, and some other stuff. And thought that this amp should be the go. I tried it out at another guitar shop near a relatives, and bought it when I got home because I wasn't having an amp on my arm with me on a train.
What I wish it had? Nothing really, I can't expect 4 channels, footswitch, etc etc because I'm happy how it is. // 9
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