Anybody have any plans to treat themselves to a new amp this Xmas? Or, does anybody get enough money for Xmas that they can put it towards a new amp? I'm thinking of treating myself to a Peavey Vyper modelling combo to have around the apartment.

Hi Eric. I'm actually looking around at acoustic amp combos that have the XLR line in as well. Something for little acoustic deck jams with friends. Probably won't have the cashish to get this around Christmas though... Does that Vyper model amps, cabs, and effects? How many Watts?

The Vyper models amps but it doesn't simulate cabs like the Line 6 stuff. The Vyper models all the popular Peavey amps like the 6505, JSX, XXX and the Classic series. It also does Diezel, Marshall Plexi, Fender Twin etc. It models popular effects like the Tubescreamer, MXR Phase etc. The lower wattage models (15 and 30 watts)are 100% solid state while the higher wattage combos use a tube power amp. I'm not totally sold on using digital modeling amps for gigs just yet, but around the apartment and quick jam sessions they work great.

The guitarists in my church band use a Line 6, a Vox AC30 and an amp that was manufactured by the guitarists using a old jukebox amp. All of them sound great, but I favor the Vox over the others.

It's not surprising you prefer the Vox over the Line 6. The Vox is the "real thing" and the Line 6 is a digital simulation. What kind of sound does he get with the Vox? Is it more of a Beatles-type chime or does he go for a Brian May/Queen all-out crunch?
Even though the Vox is "only" 30 watts, I'm guessing it's incredibly powerful for your church.

Actually, the Vox is too loud for our church, which means you can guess that he goes for crunch. None of the guitarists goes for "chime," which is too bad. However, I've heard what the AC 30 sounds like in clean mode, and it's very nice. It's a real battle trying to get the guitars to turn down and let the PA do the work. These kids today ...

How about a Vox AC15? The same sound but half the power, although it will go into distortion quicker with the decreased headroom. I've also read in reviews that the Vox Valvetronix modeling amps do a nice job of copping the AC30 tone-it has a tube power amp and might be more controllable.