Line 6 Spider III Series

[Thumby55]

Hey folks,
I just picked up a new practice amp - It's a Line 6 Spider III 15W and I'm a huge fan of the out-of-the-box presets but am thinking of moving up to the 75W due to the added presets and the ability to throw on a stompbox which controls them.

Does anyone have experience with the large Spider III's? Any pitfalls?

[Budda]

do you need the added presets or the stompbox?

you could get the 30W?

[mikerockstar]

I recommend a 75-watt (or higher) if you plan on jamming with a drummer. Otherwise, you probably won't be loud enough :)

I have a Spider II 112, and it has treated me pretty well. I use it for jamming a lot (I play in 2 bands) because I hate transporting my stack around.

I'd recommend you check out the new Spidervalve amps. They have all the same stuff as the solid state Spiders, but they sound even better! I played one (the 2x12" combo) for a while at Tom Lee Music in Vancouver, and it was sick! Better than all the other Spiders so far, in my opinion. More expensive, sure, but worth it. I imagine the 75-watt Spidervalve is just as killer.

[Budda]

but mike, why not just get a gigging amp if you're going to be jamming with drummers?

[mikerockstar]

but mike, why not just get a gigging amp if you're going to be jamming with drummers?

I do have a gigging amp! In my post I said, "I use it for jamming a lot (I play in 2 bands) because I hate transporting my stack around."

I have a Randall RH300 head with a RS125CX cab. I keep it at home most of the time, though. I use the Spider for jamming with the guys most of the time, then bust out the "big guns" for a show :)

[Budda]

what's the price of the 75W? used mesa boogie F-30 can be had for $600 on ebay, and will sound a Lot better then the spider if he's out jamming etc.

I have no problems bringing my jsx halfstack to jams - it's the best sounding amp i've got, and the only one i play on lol.

thumby, have you considered a used flextone II instead? IMO they sound better then the spider series, and won't break the bank.

[Steve P]

I don't think there is much point to getting a 75-watt practice amp, when you are intending to play at relatively low volumes at home. The digital modelling amps don't sound very good at jamming volumes, anyway.

In my opinion, you would be better off purchasing the smaller practice amp, and then saving your cash for a tube amp for jamming and gigging.

[Steve P]

what's the price of the 75W? used mesa boogie F-30 can be had for $600 on ebay, and will sound a Lot better then the spider if he's out jamming etc.

+1 This is really good advice.

The F-30 is a fantastic, versatile and affordable amp, especially at second-hand prices.