Epiphone Valve Junior Combo

Class A single end tube amp. Its best feature is its simplicity, of both controls (one volume) as well as the circuit. One 8" ceramic speaker and a cute but solid retro styled cabinet. Overall a nice package, and surprisingly affordable.

Mine is the newer version, which is worth mentioning, because apparently EPI took heed of what players and techs were saying about version 1, and redesigned the circuit to correct some of the things that were generating complaints. The most noticeable change is the elimination of hum. My VJ is one of the quietest tube amps I have encountered.

As far as the tone of the amp, it is fundamentally good in terms of tube tone and breakup, but there is room for some improvement. There is plenty of volume (it's "louder" with a little more clean headroom than my early 60's 5F1 Champ), and the speaker seems capable of handling the output. However, I thought that the amp right out of the box sounded too dark and lacked fidelity. I play a variety of guitars, but mostly single coils and P-90s. Stock, the VJ lacked the snap and sparkle that I like to hear from my '56 Telecaster, or my EJ Strat.

The good news is that, with a few simple changes (bye warranty), I was able to get a much more satisfactory tone out of the amp. The changes were 1) trash the Sovteks and install a NOS Sylvania 6bq5 and RCA 7025; 2) perform input impedance mod and; 3) install 100pf silver mica capacitor to brighten up the overall sound. All of this took about 30 minutes and less than $5.00 worth of parts (except the tubes, which I had in my stockpile), and led to a noticeable improvement in tone. Now the amp is more "sparkly" and has some of that bite that I listen for.

There are some other mods out there that I ave not bothered with, but you can find the on the internet. One company sells a transformer and choke kit that, when installed, is supposed to turn this amp into a baby tone monster, but the cost of the kit is more than twice the price of the amp!

Realistically, this amp is not supposed to compete with a vintage Deluxe Reverb, AC30, or one of the "bo-teek snob boxes" that sell for many time the price of the VJ. But for an inexpensive pcb amp with 2 tubes and an 8" speaker, it ROCKS! I have already ordered the head version as well.

The simplicity of the circuit leads me to predict it will earn fairly high marks for reliability, although all tube amps are to some degree fragile instruments. I probably would not gig this amp unless it was a party or other informal situation, only because it seems just a little small, even miked, for gigging. Great for the studio, though.

No experience with customer support, although its parent company, Gibson, has excellent CS.

If this amp broke I would probably be able to troubleshoot and fix it myself, it is so simple.

Been playing a LONG time. I have lots of gear, mostly vintage Fender, Gibson, PRS, and LOTS of old and new tube amps. The VJ in both configurations will be part of my collection. The combo is perfect right next to my desk to practice and write with, and I am hoping that the head version (with the cab that I put together for it) will accompany me to some smaller jams or other playing situations.

A parting observation:

Epiphone sells GREAT GEAR for the money- not just the VJ but some of their guitars seem like a really good value.

One channel two tubes 8 inch speaker. Simple as it gets.

I use a Les Paul classic with a Duncan custom in the bridge and a 59 in the neck. I run a Boss OD-3 and GE-7 equilizer up front with a Teese RMC-3. Mine is the first version from last year with the one cutout in the back and the stripes on the face-Plate are different They are on top not in the middle where they intersect the volume knob. I have no buzz whatsoever in it. It does have little 60 cycle hum but not enough to even hear above talking. Must be qaulity control with the filter capacitors I guess i got lucky the 60 cycle hum does not get louder as I turn the amp up. I bought it for practice with my band so I didnt have to lug around a half stack. I can get killer sounds out of it slamming it with an OD pedal. Cuts through easy and is very responsive. It keeps up with drummer no problem and even comes through better than the other guitarist half stack. It distorts at high volume but back off guitar volume and you can get a decent clen sound. Distortion is killer with an OD up Front and an EQ. The EQ helps alot to beef it up. If done correctly it can sound like much much bigger amp. I have the original tubes in it. Sovteks. I love this damn thing I use all the time.

I would use it without a back up. I do all the time. Its very simple circuit. The input jack and on sitch could break I suppose but easy to replace and probably wont break unless the amp is dropped or something similar. I throw it in the back of my truck all the time no problems with it yet.

N/A Never used it. I asked gibson about the different faceplate and they responded saying everything is subject to change?? Could tell me anything else about it.

Been playing 25 years I have other ams Soldano Marshall, If it was lost or stolen I would definetly get another one. For the price it shreds. I love that it sounds like a tube amp should and is very responsive, keeps up with a live band easily unless you play huge gigs, even then you could mike it and get away with it easy. Outsanding Tone. I chose it after doing some research on small tube amps and I came across this one and for the price it was a gamble I thought. I won that bet. Cause I didnt try one out first. I was hoping it would be cool. Easily I would have paid 2 to 3 times the 80$ I spent to get this thing. Go buy one you wont be sorry.

This is an update

I've owned this amp for about 7 months now and it's cleary one of the best amps I've played. In fact I now own two of them and both of my band members bought one. It's just the best kept secret ( no longer a secret) in guitar amps. In my earlier review I said that this was the all time best deal of anything ever. ( or words to that effect) and I still believe that.
At $120 shipped this is crazy, twisted sick. I have two of the older ones with the major buzz but it does not bother me at all. The prices have gone up, I believe they are $140 now but it would be worth it at three times the price or more.I would pay much more for this amp.

It's the kind of amp that you sit down with in a store and walk out telling yourself you need that amp but the sick thing is even an illegal Mexican working for $5 an hour can buy two or three in no time.

If you like classic 60s 70s Hendrix, Zep ACDC and even Van Halen than you will buy this amp and love this amp.

I've owned them all, Original Marshalls and reissues ( both are fantastic) Hiwatts ( not really my cup) Traynor bassmasters ( great bargains but I like the valve better) Dr Z ( owned the Ghia when they used cost like $600 now they are up there).. The little valve fits right in there with my all time favorites.

The unbelievable thing about this amp is it's ability to cut. The little 8" speaker is killer. I use this amp is a 3 piece live situation for rehearsal ( un miked) It is hard to believe but this amp is loud enough. We wail on ACDC and Zep and the tone is spot on. It's more than just volume that you need, you need something that cuts and while I have much louder amps, They do not always cut as good as this tiny thing.

It's just an amazing little amp. Do not spend $800 or more on a little all tube amp by Dr Z or other "booteeks". They may sound great but try one of these first. It's a great feeling to save $700 and get tone that matches or bests the fancy names.

BTW, I took the advice of many and tried some speaker "upgrads" I bought four Weber 8 inchers when they had thier sale/ I bought both ceramic and both alnico models. I tried them all and ended up putting the stock speaker back in on of my amps and left the cheaper Alinico in the other amp. The stock speaker is the shit. Certianly the best match for the amp. I kept the weber in the other amp only because I was to lazy to switch the stock speaker back. It still sounds good but not as good as the other amp with the stock speaker.

I have yet to try differnt tubes.

Good so far.

10

This is the best deal going for an all tube single ended Class A combo amp, I should know, I've been building guitar amps for a few years. The features provided on this amp do what they are intended to do.

I like this amp with a telecaster on the bridge pickup, turn the volume to about 2 o'clock and get a great lead tone.

I have a version 2 amp and it is not noisy at all.

Tried an Alnico Weber 8A125T, but prefer the stock (Weber) speaker.

Clean tone is a little thin but not bad coming from an 8 inch speaker.

For the price, get a second for backup, and run'em in stereo!

Going to mod mine so much for the warranty.

Got this amp to try some mods on, this review was for a stock (changed power tube) amp. I have been trying to play guitar for 40 years. I have built and sold many amps (see Texas Tube Amplifier Company H/C reviews) and had to see if this amp was worth the money. Yes, it is definitly worth the money. If you want an amp to give that classic tube distortion at a lower volume level, this is a great deal. FWIW, I will be selling modified, point-to point/barrier strip constructed Valve jr's with a couple of different circuit options, email me. (my website is down)

Part of what makes this amp great *is* the lack of features. One volume control -- that's it. The tone knobs on your guitar actually do something you know ;)

I would have liked some additional features like a headphone jack and/or additional ohm outputs but for the price you get what you pay for.

I bought the amp when it first came out and was victim to the hum and buzz problems. I paid to have it modded and now I could not be happier. The newest revision (look for serial numbers starting with 1205) do not have buzz problems so do not to worry if you're buying one new today.

Excellent tone. Clean up to 12:00, break up from 12:00 - 3:00, past that it's got a really nice natural distortion. Takes great to pedals and records well. It's really LOUD. Too loud for bedrooms but probably too low for un-miced gigs.

At the end of the day it's a valve amp for $129 that doesn't sound like crap. You really cannot go wrong. You may want to invest in some new tubes eventually because the stock Sovteks do not sound as good as just about anything else you can buy. I threw a coupld of JJs in mine and I noticed a definite improvement in tone.

Built like a rock. My only concern is the MDF cab which whill not hold up well if you keep taking the back panel off. Everything else seems rock solid.

My warranty has been voided. Let's hope it never breaks! I have an Epiphone guitar and their support has always been great.

Great buy overall even though after mods and tubes I paid over $225 for it. If you can get one of the new revs or the head version you can't really go wrong unless you are looking for a ultra-high-gain, drop C, chugga-chugga amp or clean as a bell at 10 jazz amp. Great for blues. Great for classic rock.

You can read about the features elsewhere. A single input jack and a volume knob. What else is there to say?

Using with American Strat with Lace Sensor pickups.

Mine has the infamous hum problem with the volume turned up about one quarter. Very annoying.

It does sound nice though. But I will probably either return it or seek out the modification. Any tips on how to get this done?

Just bought it.

Basic, inexpensive tube amp. If not for the hum, I think I would really like it.

As below.

As Below.

As below.

Just got off with "Bob" the "amp guy" at Gibson who handles all amp problems. He swears there is no swap-out that's ever been done with the new-old VJs and denies any problem with the originals.

He refuses to say if you bring it to an authorized repair place if they'll honor the noise fix or not. But he denies any global fix or repair strategy and that the new rev is simply "revised specs", not a fix. Basically, the guy was a flaming CYA lying corporate bunghole.

Everybody knows about the problem, and Gibson/Epiphone refuses to deal with it. So much for customer support. "Bob" didn't want to know about the problem, wouldn't admit they had ever heard about it before, and wouldn't admit the new rev was a "fix".

This is the kind of user-friendly company you really want to do a lot of business with.

A great product conceptually, and it works quietly after the fix rev, but avoid the early models with the single cutout in the back at all costs. Gibson is basically pulling the Monte Python Dead Parrot routine over the first noisy gen of this product. "It makes noise don't it? Then it ain't dead, is it? Warranty denied!"

2006 version, without any buzz as said in other reviews. I even have no earth in my flat electrical installation and it doesn't make any noise.

You know the stuff : one volume knob that acts like a gain when cranked all the way up. Plug and play, that's totally its philosophy. Perfect for me. I give it a "No opinion" though 'cause I love it this way but it's quite limited nevertheless.

I play it with an Epi Les Paul (w/ Gibson 490R & 498T humbuckers) and with a Squier '51 which I bought at the same time.
A bit dark with the humbuckers, but good nevertheless. The single coils love it. Gain goes from very clear (a beautiful clean in my opinion, I use it mostly this way in fact as I have a Marshall Studio 15 for the crunch with a Master volume - same as a JCM 800 but in a small 15W combo version) to very useable crunch (AC/DC, Thin Lizzy etc.) Not for high gain stuff (thrash metal etc.) of course, but this baby loves pedals (Guv'nor, DS-1 ...) so who knows ...
So in plug and play version, the VJ has one style of sound, from clean to crunch, but it rocks hard ! I might even get another one just to mod it and try to get other sounds, but I like this one too much to touch it.

However, those 5W are LOUD as hell ! Seriously! DON'T buy it unless you have a basement to play in or want to play it clean. I can't even approach the crunch setting (~1 o'clock) in my flat, it's way too loud. My floor vibrates really bad when I go over 11 o'clock! I will use it in a few weeks in a pub with my rock band, it's loud enough.

Seems built as a rock, smells quality for 150 euros. I will see in a few months.

Have not dealt with them so far, and don't think I will need to.

I have been playing for about 7 years. I own the gear mentionned hereabove, an Epi LP w/ Gibson humbuckers, a Squier '51 and a (tube) Marshall Studio 15.

If it was stolen, I'd definitely buy another one, especially now that the buzz problem is fixed (look for the 1205*** s/n which are the fixed ones). For 150? these amps are a freakin' good deal !! I might buy an A/B Box to use it for my clean sound. However I'll try before to throw in a 12AX7 EH and an EL84 JJ, to make it crunch earlier.

I thought I would have fun with it a few days and then cry on my 150? (as always when I buy gear without thinking) but man this little amp rocks so hard, i love it ! The single pot is so fun to use and its look is so cool. I can't help but play "Sex machine" each time I power it on.

It's the 2006 (made in China) version... noiseless !
This little 5 watts (loud enough) amp is more than OK in clubs or pubs configurations.. plug an Esquire or a Tellie in it... and it's just "plug & play"... I give it a 10/10

See above...

I think that Epiphone (Gibson) have resolved he "buzz" problem with the 2006 edition... so is it too for the head version... again...10/10

I don't know much about Epiphone, I've had a Coronet in the sixties... shame on me... I sold it to buy a Gibson...?

I've been playing for 45 years... my current materials are 2 Fender Stratocaster (USA RI-57) H-1 and four Jim Reed Guitars (Tele style)... a Ash model with P-90 neck PU, a thinline, a Ash with hotrail (push-pull) bridge PU and a one and only one piece alder Esquire... I own a DeArmond Jazzbox X-135 and a cheap Cort Earth 100 electro... my amps are a Jim Reed Legend 28, a Fender Pro Junior + this little 5 watts wonder... oh! yes I have a Laney LA65C for my acoustic too...

Read below...I'm giving it a 10 even though HC says that's for 'very versatile'-- but that's not what this amp is about. I bought it for it's LACK of features, and for that, it's perfect.

This is actually an update, since this is my second Valve Junior --I sent the first one back (bought in October 05) because of the noise problem. The amp made too much noise--obviously a design flaw. I even complained about it to Epiphone and Gibson because I loved the tone of the amp so much--they were very prompt about their replies, I'll give them that.

I really regretted sending the VJ back...just haven't been able to get the sound of it out of my ears... I like my other amp a lot too, but it's 15 watts, which is already too loud.

Well, guess what, the people at Epiphone/Gibson have been paying attention to the complaints about the amp...about a week a go I got to hankering for another VJ. I decided I'd just live with the noise problem or pay to get it modded. I wrote to the Epiphone sales team...and got an email back the same day saying that they had redesigned the amp! So I ordered a new one two minutes later...

The arrived today...I frankly didn't expect much, and like I said, I decided to live with the noise...turned it on and...yep, you guessed it: the noise is gone!

Sure, it still makes a bit of noise, but no more than any other tube amp I've heard. And I bet with a proper set of tubes, the noise level will go down even more, while the tone level will go up. I'm playing single-coil guitars too, that probably adds to the noise level a bit.

I love the sound of this amp! I love it cranked, starting around 2-3 o'clock. Although it's sound quite nice at 12 o'clock too.

The sound on this model feels tighter than the last one though, punchier and stiffer --the 05 model really had that creamy thing going, this one's sound is definitely more brittle...probably has to do with the design change, what do I know?

The speaker tends to fart a lot when the volume's maxed out...but that's part of its charm I suppose.

Anyway, take my sound review with a grain of salt, I've only had it for half a day. The main point of this review is to discuss the noise problem and point out that it looks like Epiphone has corrected the design.

Can't give an opinion. Looks solidly built.

I have the impression that they redesigned the back panel --looks like there are two models, one with a single opening, the other with two openings --I'm pretty sure the first JV I had had one opening. This one has two.

Like I said before, both Epiphone and Gibson were really prompt about answering my emails on the one --I got emails from several people too, including tech staff, not just marketing flacks. And all that for an amp that cost less than 150 euros.

Backlit On/Off Switch
Volume Control
Jack Socket
Valves (tubes)
Speaker
What more do you need?

1) Switch on
2) Turn volume knob to 2 o'clock - leave for 1 hour.
3) Take Squier '51 which has been pre-strung with 0.015 > 0.056 Newton set tuned to open G.
4) Plug in Squier.
5) Place Coricidin bottle on pinky of left hand.
6) Hit that classic "Dust My Broom" riff on twelfth fret.
7) Ignore Alfred Black Dog (my labrador) howling.
8) Ignore "Her Highness" screaming (Ithink she says "turn it down!!!!"

SHEER BLISS!

Yes, I've had the hum and hiss problems sorted by my local Tekki for #10 - he won't let me in on the secret but he did a superb job.

No problems so far - except from the wife and the dog!

As an ageing bass player who also plays slide - this is it!
No effects, just use the guitar knobs and your hands to control it!
FUN,FUN,FUN!
Have used it at local pub jams and gigs with no problems other than everyone asking "What the h*** is that? Where can I get one?"

Yes, I would buy another!

_$119.99 ( BEAT THAT!!!)
-Single ended class "A" amp
-One input jack
-One 8" speaker
-One external jack for a speaker ( 4 ohms )
-One Volume control knob
-One EL84 power tube
-One 12AX7 preamp tube

Basically it.

Sounds absoulty great. I play 70's and 80's hard rock and heavy metal. I use with just a Jackson Reverse and a Ibanez tube screamer and it POURS tone out of the little 8" speaker. I just today changed the power tube to a JJ Telsa EL84 and it sounds perfect. 10X better than it did before, more way more smooth, rich, and warmer. And it now sounds way less harsher than it did before.

The only concern i have in this area is the hum. Past nine 'o clock the hum starts to get loud. But when you are playing you cant even hear it.

But again, the tube screamer( TS-7 )plays a huge role in the tone im getting for this amp. I would highly reccomend you get one. I use it as a treble booster and for extra overdrive.


CAUTION AMP IS VERY LOUD FOR ONLY FIVE WATTS RATING

It has held up fine. Havent had it that long though, maybe four months.

Havent delt with them.

You can get any tone from AC/DC to Van Halen with this amp. I rate it a 9 just because of the little hum, but again you can barely notice it when actually playing. May plan on getting another one in the future.

Features = Tone.

This amp sounds very, very good. Yes, mine has hum and perhaps I will have it modded to reduce the hum, but frankly, I don't mind it when I'm playing it, which is the fun part. I had a Vibro Champ years ago, same kind of low-watt amp, and this sounds as good but may be louder. With volume at half I can play my Strat and use the guitar volume to control clean and overdrive. To my ears, the stock speaker is just fine. I did replace the preamp tube and got mo' tone, and I will replace the power tube as well.

N/A. I got mine "used" but mint for $65. Don't care if it breaks.

N/A

Been playing since 1975, if I lost this I would replace it with the head version now it, since it has better grounding and taps for 4/8/16 ohms. A great little amp for practicing that gives up great tone and which is simple enough that you can change out either the power tube or preamp tube and hear a difference, good or bad. Pure tube tone at an affordable price.

2006. one channel, one knob, one el84, one 12ax7. Perfect for blues and rock. I bought it just for around the house. I wanted the 5 watt head, but the store only had the combo. So at 99.00 it was hard to pass up. One 4 ohm speaker out. I run it into a 12" closed cab. It gives the amp a little more beef. I don't seem to have the hum most people complain about. You can get a lot of different sounds with your guitar volume and a tube screamer.

I play an old rg560 Ibanez hum sing sing. Great guitar for blues and rock. Not a heavy metal amp. Great blues amp

brand new ( two weeks old )

I've been playing about 40 years. I have owned 4 marshall, a fender twin, a mark 4 mesa, traynor, vox. And I have played just about any amp made. You know a good amp, when you turn it on, it should sound good right away without a lot of tinkering, This amp sound very nice ane at 99.00 You can't go wrong

03-05 ?? Valve Junior Combo
This amp is only suitable for any style of music where distortion is necessary and overhead isn't a requirement. It has 1 12AX7(ECC83) preamp tube and an EL84(6Q5D) power tube. 1 input jack, 1 speaker output jack (which is plugged into the internal 8" speaker). This can be used for an external cabinet. I think the speaker is a Chinese made Eminence. One (1) volume knob, a power on switch. No tone controls, no gain, no standby. Single Channel, output is 5 watts, Class A design.

A lot of hum, and some hiss. Way, way too much hum. Originally, this amp was much too noisy, especially at any setting. It was the scary kind of hum. I kept expecting to hear peculiar explosions, see smoke and smell pungent ordors. But, never did. I played it with P90 and humbucker equipped Gibsons. I play the blues mostly, which is a suitable for this beast. A Friend got this amp, because it reminded him of a Dr. Z Mini-Z, which reminded him of some good GA-5 he played way back when. So it wound up on my workbench for a few weeks. I did some web searches and found a few sites and a real growing interest in these. Anyway, I found the fixes. When I got around to applying these mods it didn't take long. I just used a bunch of old parts. I fixed a ground problem which turned out to be a proximity issue. I also replaced the cheap Chinese input jack with a good Switchcraft, and put in another one (to split the signal to another amp). I also put in a filter network for the power supply. All the hum and hiss go bye-bye.
This amp only makes two sounds, quiet and distorted. But, what a distortion it is. Wow !!! With the original speaker, it is just a nice dirty growl. I disconnected that and plugged it into an 10" Weber Blue Pup, and what a change. The volume controls the gain, the more volume, the more distortion. I wouldn't call it brutal. Just kind of hot and sparkly. Louder than I expected. If I were to have rated it prior to the fix, I'd have to give it a 1, but now, it's clean off the scale. I'll split the difference and give it a ---

The amp seems to be reasonably well made, just cheap in design. The tubes will probably need replacing. I'd like to put in some vintage NOS tubes. I wouldn't gig with out a back-up yet.

I don't know about the warranty.

I'VE GOT TO GET ONE OF THESE. I like the simplicity of use, and I like the sound. I'd like to see a standby switch. I think I'll buy the head version. Heck for this amount of money, can I go wrong?

This is from the KISS school of amplification. Volume, Jack, On/Off at the front. Speaker out at the back.

Aesthetically, I think it's great. Those who don't want a primal guitar experience should probably look elsewhere or consider it's sister amp with the tone controls and digital effects (Valve Special).

I have a 2001 American Series Tele, an Antoria (70's Ibanez) Les Paul Junior copy with an unidentified refit P 90,an Epiphone Zephyr Blues Deluxe and a Gretsch Bo Diddley Electromatic.

Even stock, this amp gave me a real guitar lesson. I don't know if it's the simplicity of the circuit or what, but the responsiveness of the guitars through this is WAY past what I've experienced with any other amp.

The tone is overdriven rather than distorted and varies with the position of the volume knob. The P 90 on the Antoria (which might be a Seymour Duncan) loves this amp. The Bo Diddley sounds knockout, although I noticed an alarming disparity in output between front and back p/up that I hadn't caught before. The Tele was good, but it does sound better through other amps. The Blues Deluxe has a big, resonant body which I think the 8" speaker struggled to reflect.

I'm likely to try an Alnico Jensen and follow up on some mods that I've seen that will reduce the hum. The noise is so prominent that only the committed lo-fi er will want to record with it.Also, it changes in response significantly after it's been on for about two hours - and for the better.

Would've been a 9 but for the hum.

Too new to tell. It is a cheap (mdf, vinyl, tin corners) but robust construction. I am considering getting a couple more for reasons other than back up, but I've seen nothing to persuade me that it should be any less reliable than my AC 30 (!). I'm not impressed with the way the handle is fixed but then, it's a great little amp for under a hundred quid so it does represent value for money.

Gibson Europe responded promptly to my enquiry about availability of a cover (there isn't one). Other than that, I can't tell. I find that Epiphone products generally tend to be poor at the dealer/distributor interface hence my rating.

I've been dabbling for about 30 years. I have 3 transistor amps (Roland Microcube, Peavey Backstage 30, Fender Bronco) and an AC 30. I've owned many other guitars. Have previously owned a Laney Klipp 100w (70's/early 80's) and a Marshall Super lead 100w (wish I'd known that trick for reducing the output to 50w before I sold it!).

I would hate to be without one of these for all it's faults. Would definitely replace it.

Price and specification were the main reason for this purchase. I'm planning to twin it with a Fender Blues Junior (Fender clean, Epi overdriven. It does everything I want it to do except shut up when the guitar is turned down/strings are damped.

Power, Volume, input.

That's it. A basic 'old school', class A tube amp.

Except for the noise factor, this amp could suite all styles except for low volume practice and recording, where the noise is a substantial factor.

If the nose bothers you, check out the new head-only version with improvements.

Seems reliable enough, and solidly constructed.

Never needed customer support.

Overall, I wouldn't buy the amp again. I would howver consider the newer model, which addresses some of the nose issues.

This is Nice amp, except for the hum. I'll bet a new combo model is due out soon, as the new head-only version has the hum problem somewhat addressed.

The new head version of the Valve Junior Tube amp includes features not found in its combo cousin. These include DC filaments for both the preamp and power sections, reducing unwanted filament hum. It also has 4, 8, and 16 ohm speaker outputs so you can drive any kind of extension speaker, from a single 8" box to a 4x12" cab.

5w tube, 8" speaker, volume knob...what else do you need? Well actually, I wish it had a headphone jack. I use it solely as a practice amp, but find myself reaching for this more these days than my larger amp. Also, it's very portable.

Plenty loud and breaks up at a lower volume than most tube amps which I like. 8" speaker doesn't seem like it could handle too much volume.

I play classic rock, blues, and rockabilly. I have two DeArmonds, one with goldtone humbuckers, and the other has 2k single coils. Both sound great through this little amp

Obviously not a lot of variety in sound out of this amp, but it sounds good. I simply plug my Dano Fab Echo pedal in and this amp has a great sound. I've also used my Digitech RP50 through it, but find I need to really cut back on the effect settings for this amp. As I mentioned above, the amp gets that tube break up at a lower volume than most which is nice when you use it as a practice amp.

Minor hum, but not enough to bother me, and can't be heard when you play.

I wouldn't anticipate any issues with it. It does take longer than my other tube amp to warm up.

N/A

I've been playing for 20 years. My other amp is a Peavey Prowler. After many years of playing lots of equipment I love these two amps. They were both very inexpensive and provide me exactly the sound I want.

I have two DeArmond guitars..the most underrated quitars available. I have a M72 which is a chambered, flat top with USA goldtone humbuckers. This guitar is hot and rocks out. I also have an M77T, arch top, 2k single coils, bigsby tremelo...basically a Gretsch duojet. Deep blues and rockabilly sound.

I love this amp for it's styling, sound, and portability. If it were lost or stolen, I would certainly buy another one.

As guitarists, we tend to get too wrapped up in all the features or amps these days, and multi-effect units. This amp simply has the one feature you need volume!

I just it brand new a couple of weeks ago and it has been nothing but a blast. You can turn it down, but why? the way to go is to crank it all the way and then your sound with your guitar controls. It has a funky nasty little growl that sounds great with my new G&L ASAT semi-hollow. I have used it live in a very small club (no drummer) and it held its own most of the time. Just a trifle underpowered unmiked. But I had a blast. I just wish it didn't have a computer power cord or had a good place to stow it. I know I will show up somewhere and not have one. who needs the stress?
Still for $100 I think everyone should have one. BTW, you can unplug the little 8" and run the amp into a 4x12 and LOOK OUT. It's more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Yeas, it ahs the tone you want for funky, poppin, Tele twang or good slow burn blues. Don't try super clean Jazz. I play single coils and love it. It is noisy, but who cares. As stated, this thing shines on 10, with the volume/tone controls on my guitar, I can get lots of nice sounds.

So far so good. I have trouble thinking of this little boxa s pro gear. I would not take to an important gig without a backup. But it is feather-light, small and seems to be very well constructed. I may be toting this thing around asis in 20 years. I think I will try to figure out a way to secure the powere cord to the amp though.

N/A

I've been playing for years. I recently sold a Roland JC-120 and bought an old Music Man fifty-112 RD which sounds Oh my goodness like heaven. I play G&Ls, an old-style SC-3 and a new ASAT. There is so little risk with this little amp. I mean it cost less than my Route 66 OD and comes with a speaker! It is truly plug and play. There are a couple of other more expensive amps in the line but they just Addd effects and things to complicate the issue. This one is just no frills fun. Enjoy it like a toy.

Made last year, 2005. I bought it from American Musical Supply. I love the way they deal with there customers. I haven't had a bad experience yet.

Versatile enough to make my Strats and my Epi Les Paul Classic sound GREAT!

Single channel, one knob does it all. The knob shouldn't be labeled "volume," it should be labeled "BEEF!"

I use this amp at home being that I don't gig anymore. I just wanted a simple, toneful amp. And after reading quite a bit, I bought the Valve Junior. BUT, I did understand that I'd have to do a few mods to it.

I'm giving it a 3 because of the way Epi shipped these amps out with the ground issues.

I use a Strat with the standard Delta tone p'ups, a Samick SSM-1 Strat copy with Carvin S60 single coils in the neck and mid, and a Bill Lawrence L500-XL in the bridge. And an Epi Les Paul Classic with DiMarzio Virtual PAF's and updated electronics from Black Rose Customs.

It suits my playing just fine. I was looking for a sweet classic rock, heavy blues tone and I now have it.

Like I said before, I don't gig anymore so I don't have that to worry about. So for me it's very dependable. I've played for a few hours straight with the volume around 12 o'clock a few different times with no troubles. So far so good.

I gutted the amp 3 days after I bought it, so right there I voided the warranty. But I bought it knowing what I was going to do with it.

I've been playing off and on for approx. 27 yrs. Long enough to still remember me having a KISS ARMY membership BEFORE Alive II came out! I also used to play bass in a Christian P&W/rock band. I still have my Samick Stingray copy bass and Hartke combo amp.

If i were stolen, YES I'd buy it again. But then again, Epi just released the Valve Junior head for $99. Hmmm, that would be sweet to try through some different cabs.

I love the old school AC-DC, KISS tones I can get with no pedals.

I used 2 websites to get the mods done. The first one mostly dealt with the noise problem Epi let go out the door. The second one dealt with the noise, but also showed how to get some gain increases. Both guys were great at answering any questions I had. I had a total of about $25 in parts and an afternoon in time to get this amp to where it should be. Not too shabby. Next stop is some new JJ tubes unless I can find a good deal on some NOS GE tubes.

http://www.coolpick.com/way/cool/about/valvejunior.html

http://www.euthymia.org/DIY/VJmods.html

This is an addition to my review below, in response to the overwhelming number of emails & requests that I have received.

The amp sounds much like a tweed era champ, or gibson single-ended amp. However there are design flaws that provide loads of hum & buzz...

1) 60-cycle hum (gets louder as you turn up the volume) - caused by AC Filament supply traces running along the Hi-Z audio signals. To fix this you must cut the filament traces near the tube sockets, and run wires instead, as far away from signal traces as possible. New holes must be drilled in the copper near the tubes, to accept the new filament supply wires. Of course, you also have to re-locate the 100ohm filament ground reference resistors to star ground.

2) 120-cycle buzz (always there no matter how you set the volume) - caused by inadequate power supply filtering. To fix this you must increase the first stage filter cap. 100uF gets rid of most of it, and makes it as good as vintage single-ended amps. The problem is there is very little room on the PCB. You could drill new holes through the copper & fit a snap-in cap (be sure to glue it to the board with silicon). However, there's only enough room for a 22mm diameter cap. The cap must be rated at 450V minimum.

This is not a job for a novice, but rather for someone with experience modifying tube amps and PCBs. NOT TO MENTION THAT LETHAL VOLTAGES INSIDE TUBE AMPS CAN KILL YOU INSTANTLY!!! DO NOT OPEN ANY ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO, OR YOU CAN SERIOUSLY DIE!

In short, this amp can be modified to sound good by experienced & reputable tube amplifier technicians. There is a considerable amount of time involved, plus some parts required.

I can do the work for $69, including parts & labor. This is a HIGHLY discounted price. You are responsible for any shipping costs. I'm in Upstate, NY. (If you use UPS, you can send it to my business address to save on shipping costs.) I am not responsible for shipping damage, so please pack it well. Turnaround time is usually 2-5 business days, plus shipping time.

Thanks,
Dan
EE
(References available)

What the &^$# do you think? It only has volume. My friends call it the Man-Amp, because it is bonehead simple to use and play with. It's probably the only Class-A tube amp you're going to see below $200, and I would call that it's best feature. Still, it get's a deserved 2, because at least you can change the volume level.

This is my favorite amp. I have a Behringer 212, and it is a souless, god awful sounding monster. I also have a Fender Hot Rod Deville, which was my first tube amp. I like the sound it has better than both of those. This is the perfect amp for bluesy, funky $%^&, there is a level of responsiveness and warmth that perfectly suits funk, rock, blues, and jazz.

At the lower end of the spectrum, you have a nice warm clean sound, and there is almost no hum. I like this sound for playing in the school jazz band, since our fantastic drummer can keep his dynamics to a reasonable level.

The middle end, around 12 o'clock, it starts to hum a bit, and it'll get crunchy on complex chords and hard-hit notes. This is a fantastic blues and funk zone, and with my beater guitar I can get a Hendrix/Frusciante type tone, and with my hollowbody, I get a more BB King type wail.

Towards the end, you get into Brian May/Jimmy Page land. No, you will not sound exactly like them, but you will be playing through a hot, responsive little combo that hums like the dickens if you aren't playing. If you tack on an overdrive pedal, it goes into a thick, syrupy kinda tone.

Overall, this amp has great tone, a persistent hum, and a versatile sound depending on how many guitars you own. You may want to get some sort of mod for cutting bass, and i'm personally modding it to get rid of hum. My buddy's a tech and he's says $20 worth of caps and resistors will clean up it's act. I'm also aiming to get a little more headroom, but I may just need to play it through a speaker cabinet instead. Remember, 5 watts of class A is rated at a clean level, and it will sound about half as loud as a 50 watt class-A amp all other things (speakers, preamps, etc.) being equal.

The sound is the one I have in my head, plus hum. I can't wait to fix it.

&^$% yeah I'd depend on it. I thought it was cutting out the first week I had it, but it was a guitar wiring problem as it turns out (Curse you squier!). This thing needs to warm up for a couple minutes and cool off a couple minutes between switching it on and off, but other than that it's a low-maintanence beast.

Don't care. If this thing craps out on me, it's got the perfect chassis for a new custom amp. It's speaker is perfect, apparently a Weber, according to my buddy. It's cheap enough to the point where it shouldn't matter about reliability, because if you take it in to a tech, fix it up so it's all vintagey and cool, it's basically like getting a custom amp for the $200 you spent repairing it. I guarantee it will rock in either case.

I got a nice Ibanez hollowbody and a beater Squier 51, and I love the sound of both of these instruments through the valve jr. I don't know why everyone's so hissy about the hum, it's like twenty bucks extra to fix it, why the hell you would miss out on this amp is beyond me.

I've got a Jacques trinity wah, and a Danelectro Daddy O, and both are superb through this baby. I intend to purchase a delay in the future, and will probably want an effects loop, but other than that, I can see no problem with effects.

Well, it has exactly the features I was looking for :-).

As others have said, single-ended Class A. Stock tubes are a Sovtek 12AX7WA in the pre-amp section and a Sovtek EL84 for power. 8-in. speaker. Volume knob.

OK, there are two different issues here: tone and noise. And, of course, they're inter-related, since you can't enjoy the tone if the amp is too noisy.

Even out of the box with the stock Sovteks, the tone was excellent. Just by switching pickups, adjusting the guitar controls and playing with the volume, it was easy to move from a warm, ringing jazz sound to creamy blues, even into classic rock.

But, as others have pointed out, the amp buzzes -- and as you increase the volume, the buzz increases. Based on what I've read here and elsewhere, it seems clear that some of the design compromises that went into making a $100 tube amp contribute to this problem. I think it's also clear that there are QC issues at work, since some of the amps are noiser than others.

Anyway, since I got this amp for learning and practice, I could have lived with the stock setup; however, I decided to contact Epiphone to see if they had any suggested fixes. They suggested the problem was a bad pre-amp tube and asked me to take the amp in for service.

The service tech didn't replace any tubes, but did replace a leaky cap and resolder the output tube. The result was an increase in gain but no change in the noise.

At this point I decided to retube. I put in a JJ ECC803s and an Ei EL84. To my ears, the difference in tone was remarkable. I thought the amp sounded good with the Sovteks, but now it was warmer, rounder and with much greater clarity -- but no change in the noise.

I then got some NOS JAN GE 5751s and Mullard M8162s (12AT7). Wow. Noise much reduced while still offering the improved tone of the JJ. For now I'm sticking with the Mullard.

I'm playing an Oscar Schimdt OE-30 with a stock pickup in the neck and a DiMarzio super distorition in the bridge. Play mostly jazz/blues and a little classic rock.

Seems very solid.

Warranty is 5 years on the amp, 90 days on the tubes and (I think) speaker. Epiphone responded quickly when I sent a question via e-mail. The local service center was did the work quickly and called to discuss what they had done and why.

I've only been playing a short while, but I really wanted a tube amp. I didn't think I'd be able to afford one till I found the Valve Junior. Since I'm not using it professionally -- no gigging or recording -- I could have enjoyed it in its stock form; the noise wasn't enough to bother me for the type of playing I do. But I had fun playing around with the different tubes and putting in the Mullard really makes the Valve Junior even more enjoyable.

very few. thank goodness.

Regarding replacement tube selection:

JJ'S ARE NOT THE ONLY QUAILTY TUBE IN THE WORLD.

sheesh! you people read 100 times that JJ's are the best, and nobody experiments with anything else. what a mind virus. the stock sovteks, in my opinion, sound better than anything else in this amp when it's opened up to max volume. less harshness, less compressed, just bigger. if you plan on using this amp for power tube distortion sounds, leave the stock tubes in it. EI brand el-84's are nice in it as well. brighter, earlier break up.

many sounds to be had in a low watt tube amp - if you're a good player and know how to coax subtleties out of your guitar.

too early to tell - though construction seems great for the money.

am currently emailing CS about the buzzing problem (didn't occur at 1st, then reared it's head after 1 month).

got a prompt response.

the inherent noise (hum / buzz) is a problem. perhaps if enough people complain to epiphone and request warranty service, they will recall the product or fix it. i can see the 11 year old chinese sweat shop laborers cringing at having to make the adjustment...

and again: DON'T LIMIT YOUR TUBE OPTIONS TO JJ's.

JJ's are fine, but try others too, let your ears be the judge - not the sheer volume of posts you've read by other brainwashed victims of the "JJ are best" mind virus...

The best "feature" of this little amp is that there are no features to get between you and your tone. Whatever you plug into this thing is what you'll get out of the speaker. Do your tweaking at the guitar and you're there. For the price, this is a very well assembled and solid little amp. I'm giving an 8 here because a the amp would be really nice with a standby switch.

I just don't know how to describe how bad the buzz is that generates from this little amp. I wanted to love this amp because of all it offers but there just insn't anything sweet, cool, or retro about the level of noise in this thing. I honestly don't know how anybody can use one of these amps stock! Tune swapping didn't help, either. I've read about all the mods that supposedly tame this beast but man, I haven't got time for the pain, if you know what I mean. Don't get me wrong - the tone is there and it sounds great! - but it's burried under a wall of buzz!

I wouldn't know, I just finished returning it to Guitar Center.

Guitar Center was great about taking it back. I don't know anything about Gibson or Epiphone customer service.

This is the coolest looking amp on the planet! Like I said, I wanted to love this amp like I would an old Champ or Musicman but not until they address the issue with the buzz. It's absolutetly awful and no one should have to mod a brand new amp just to get rid of the noise! When Epiphone fixes this issue I'll buy another one - hell, maybe even two! - but until then, no deal.