The Battle of the Small Tube Amps: Fender, Vox, and Monoprice Stage Right

Posted in Guitar Amplifiers on Jul 27, 2023.

Hello, fellow gearheads! Today, we're going to dive into the world of small, affordable tube-driven guitar amps. We've got three popular contenders on the stage today: the Fender Pro Junior IV, the Vox AC10C1, and the Monoprice Stage Right. Each of these amps has its own unique charm and sound, and we're going to dissect them to help you find the perfect match for your needs. Let's get started!

The Contenders

Fender Pro Junior IV

The Fender Pro Junior IV is a compact tube amp that packs a punch. It's a 15-watt amp with a 10-inch speaker, and it's known for its straightforward, no-frills design. The Pro Junior IV is all about pure tube tone, with a simple volume and tone control setup that lets the character of your guitar shine through. It's a part of Fender's legendary Hot Rod series, which is known for its warm, rich tones and excellent build quality. The Pro Junior IV is priced at $557.

Vox AC10C1

Next up, we have the Vox AC10C1, a 10-watt tube amp that's a modern take on the classic Vox AC10. The AC10C1 features a 10-inch Celestion speaker and has controls for gain, bass, treble, reverb, and volume. It's known for its chimey, jangly tones that are characteristic of the Vox brand. The AC10C1 is a versatile amp that's great for a wide range of styles, from clean pop tones to gritty rock sounds. It's priced at $514.

Monoprice Stage Right

The Monoprice Stage Right is a 15-watt, 1x12 tube combo amp that's a great value for the money. It features a 12-inch Celestion speaker and has controls for volume, tone, and reverb. The Stage Right is known for its warm, vintage-inspired tones and its impressive build quality for the price. It's a great choice for beginners or anyone on a budget, priced at $365.

The Reviews

Now, let's dive into the reviews and see what actual users have to say about these amps.

Fender Pro Junior IV

The Fender Pro Junior IV has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, with reviewers praising its pure, unadulterated tube tone. Users love its simplicity and its ability to deliver warm, rich tones at any volume. Some users have noted that it can get quite loud for a small amp, which is great for gigging but might be a consideration for home use. A few users have reported quality control issues, but these seem to be the exception rather than the rule.

Vox AC10C1

The Vox AC10C1 has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, with users praising its versatility and classic Vox tone. Reviewers love the chimey, jangly tones it can produce, and many have noted that the built-in reverb is a nice touch. Some users have reported that the amp can get a bit noisy at high volumes, but overall, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

Monoprice Stage Right

The Monoprice Stage Right has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon, with users praising its value for the money. Reviewers are impressed with the warm, vintage-inspired tones it can produce, and many have noted that it's a great amp for beginners or anyone on a budget. Some users have reported that the reverb can be a bit overpowering, but this seems to be a matter of personal preference.

The Verdict

After comparing these three amps, it's clear that each one has its own unique strengths. The Fender Pro Junior IV is a great choice for those who want a straightforward, no-frills amp that delivers pure tube tone. The Vox AC10C1 is a versatile amp that's great for a wide range of styles, and the Monoprice Stage Right is an excellent value for the money.

If I had to choose, I'd give the edge to the Vox AC10C1 for its versatility and classic Vox tone. However, the Fender Pro Junior IV and the Monoprice Stage Right are both excellent amps in their own right. Ultimately, the best amp for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences.

Here's how I'd rate them:

Thanks for tuning in, and happy playing!

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