Line 6 Flextone III 112 Combo

Bought new in late '03, updated software a few months later via Line 6 web site. Loaded with models and effects. About the only thing lacking is auto wah.

I use with an American Telecaster, and usually with headphones. It's a great practice amp with phones, as long as the jack works (more on that in a moment). But sadly, this is an amp that sounds much better through phones than through its own speaker. There's just no denying that this thing is a bit on the sterile, transistory side. It's basically a computer with a speaker, and unfortunately that's pretty much what it sounds like.

Everything on it has worked fine for 4 -plus years, except lately the headphone jack has started crapping out. I get fuzz on one channel and intermittent pops. It's not a home repair, as far as I can tell, so I'm either going to get fleeced going to an electronics shop or be on the market for a new amp.

The software update via computer hookup was way cool. I e-mailed a couple times with Line 6 early on and they were helpful. Their web site also has good forums.

An OK amp for the learner/practicer who wants a lot of versatility at his fingertips. I wish it had a slant-front control panel, because having to reach over the top to make all your adjustments -- and adjustments are what this amp are all about -- is a pain. But the sound through the amp's speaker is not that great. I have read that this amp is better with humbuckers, but since I only own a Tele I wouldn't know. This thing was pretty novel when it came out but there's a lot more competition in the modeling category now so I'd shop around carefully...

Digital modeling guitar amplifyer, with a wide range of diffrent emulated sound of classic amps and speakers, and effects such as reverbs, delays, chorus, flanger etc. Combined headphone and stereo line out jack. External effect loop.
You combine amps, speakers and effects, and store them as presets (four accessable directly on amp).

And then, ofcourse, you play.

I've used the amp with a lot of different guitars and pickups, ofcourse, the wide range of sound provided by the amp, makes it quite easy to find something that matches your instrument.

I use sounds from real clean to medium distorted sounds, both for rythm playing and solo. During my 20 years of playing this is the amp I like best, not because it's best at everything, but because it does most of it very well. I'm very happy with the crunchy sound, heavy distorted sounds might in some cases leave you with something to wish for. I would say that this goes for all digitaly modeling dist-effects.

It's loud enough, I bought an amp with a 12" speaker, so I can't really blame if for not beeing a full size 4x12" cabinet, can I? To compare it with such would just be meaningless, when it comes to ludness and power. Smaller and medium indoor gigs works fine without having to run it through a PA-system. Also it's VERY nice to work with in a studio.

You won't get the ultimate amplifyer for all uses, but you will get extremly much for the money.

I've had no problem during the 3 years I've had it.

Good support site. I've had nothing to do with them over the phone.

I've been playing for about 20 years, with diffrent amps and guitar. Now I mostly play with this amp and a Fender Strat, with a "little 59'" mic. Have had diffrent marshall amps and multi effects.
This one is perfect for me, although, maybe I would have a look at Vetta models, if this one were lost, simply because I can afford one.

One weak think is that the it does not have a good speaker simulation if you try to use it as a POD preamp, even though it have a stereo line out.

IGNORE ANY POOR REVIEWS ON THIS AMP, quite simply its EPIC! if anyone says they dont like the sound they must be too stupid to dial a good one up. Huge spongey clean sound like a darker twin reverb, one of the best ive heard. very good blues emulation, probably the weakest suit BUT its very good and with a decent strat on the neck pickup i couldnt tell it wasnt my laney VC30. Great AC/DC marshall crunch, perfect to my ears AND a few flavours of class lead concoctions. Very close to being perfect. of course does dozens of other things very well too. onboard effects spot on.

Used with a Jackson and a frankenstrat, i couldnt be more impressed, if you need louder than this you must be playing some pretty big venues. Looks the dogs bollards too! Nine and a half is closer to the truth. Wound up to a decent level it roars, the power amp DEFINATELY has an effect on the overall sound. I loved it. Head and shoulders better than my spider II 150.

Havent had it long enough to judge, my mate gigged one for over a year with no problems.

Line6 UK are superb. had problems with a spider II 2x12 that a courier dropped and they were exemplary.

Ive been playing since 1974. Used laney VC30`s for the last 6 years, Vintage bluesbreaker before that. My only criticism of the whole concept is the price of the foot controllers. Will do EVERYTHING a good covers band needs. Very very close to being as good as you`ll ever need. Sensational value for money. If i could get a comprehensive foot controller for sensible money I would give it ELEVEN.

Line 6 Flextone 111 1x12" Combo. I got this amp around a year back off ebay. I have read some of the reviews below and can't believe that people have a bad word to say about it. In my humble opinion, you get exactly what it says on the tin. It's a modelling amp and should be treated as such. It has one 12" Celestion speaker in it and a rating of 75 watts. If you want to create the sound a Marshall head with a 4 x 12" cab will make, then I suggest you go and buy one. Having said that, I'm not sure Mom & Dad would be too pleased if you stick one of those in your bedroom. I have used this amp live many times in smaller venues with no problems. For larger venues, I use my larger amp, it's quite simple. This amp is fantastic for recording though, due to it's twin XLR outs on the back and it's midi capabilities. Great for hooking up to your PC or Mac based recording software. The amp models are as true as you will get for the money. The floorboard foot switch is really user friendly and you can mess around for hours creating your own sounds and storing them, as well as using the preset patches. The board is a dream live too, I can't think of how many pedals you would need to replace this. It includes all of the modulation effects you could ever want (flange, phase, trem, chorus etc), compression, delays, reverbs and of course all of the clean and filthy sounds from the amp models. All of which are available at the kick of a switch. It also has an expression/wah/volume pedal. Nice.

As I mentioned above, this is a 75 watt 1x12" combo amp. For my money, you won't get a better sounding amp at this price and is much better than some that cost lots more. I have owned all kinds of smaller combo amps over the years. Marshall, Fender, Peavey to name a few. This amp is easily as good as, and in some cases much nicer sounding than any I've owned. I use mainly Telecasters and the clean and dirty sounds are equally warm sounding for an amp of this size. Due to the modelling and the versatile floorboard, the variety of sonds and effects is never ending.

I have used and will continue to use this amp in smaller venues and for recording. I never take a backup and have never needed one. Very reliable.

I have never had to use Line 6 for my amp, but I had to send tham a Variax guitar back last year. They dealt with the problem quickly and didn't charge me. This is my only experience of dealing with Line 6. I don't know about warranty as I bought it second hand.

I have been playing for too many years to mention and have owned all kinds of equipment over the years. I know that amp sounds are a very personal thing, so I wouldn't really ever criticise what some of the reviewers have to say. I do think it's worth mentioning that if you are thinking of buying a modelling amp in this price range, you won't go wrong with Line 6. I tried a Vox and a Yamaha modelling amp before buying my Flextone, and for my own taste, the Flextone blew them both out of the water. For ease of use, features and tones, this is a great little amp.

Bought in 2005. Won't bore you with the features. I usaully play a Tex-Mex Strat, American Strat, or PRS Custom 24 through this amp. I hate stomp boxes (the clutter, the batteries, the cables, etc.) but realize the need for them to be versatile. Have the short board and like the fact that it offers one baord that covers most of your effects (and each is swithable on the fly). It's not like the MIDI effects I've tried w/ the foot controller. You really can turn on and off each effect individually, not stuck w/ patch selection like MIDI has. The expression pedal and built in quiet tuner on the board is nice as well.

Regarding sound: Use it as a good practice amp for a beginner.
Here is where the amp is really weak and just cannot come close to my Carvin tube amp: All of the sounds are more or less sterile and transistory sounding. This amp models other transistor amps well! Reverb is wet and rich though. Effects are decent. Power is extremely lacking and like any cheap transistor amp. It boasts 75W but have used it live and always end up w/ volume on "10" and cannot hear myself but my 50W Carvin MTS3212 set on 50W keeps up set on "6". Surprised? I believe the Celestion speaker may be a cheaper OEM version that is contributing ot the problem, too.

Two reliability issues:
1) Amp started getting quiet (like you just reached over and gradually cut the volume from 6 to 3. Hit a sound selection [A-B-C-D] and the volume comes back. Wait 30 seconds, does it again. Took back to local dealer where I bought it new and they fumbled w/ it for 4 weeks and then sent it to Line 6. It's still there. Not sure when it will come back. Am prettty sure they too busy aren't changing the tubes!
2) The floor board uses Cat-5 ethernet cable between the board and the amp. Way too flimsy for any road use.

Can't tell if the dealer or Line 6 is holding up the repair - no opinion

Been playing 27 years. No plans to sell this amp but wouldn't buy another one. Mostly went for this because of my passionate hatred for a row of 5-7 stomp boxes on the floor, cables, batteries (dead batteries), clutter, etc. and because hauling the tube amps around is not good for a 40+ year old's vertibrae!

Line 6 Flextone 3, 1 x 12" Celestion "custom" speaker. Bought new. Pitch of this amp is that it 'models' other(32) ezisting, often vintage and expensive, equipment and that's not just amps, it is cabs as well...
Tonnes of features, but as it is, it doesn't do many of them well. It needs a (expensive) footswitch to have more than 4 preset 'sounds'. But for a rookie or especially, a first time amp buyer, there is plenty enough variety to keep them entertained. For a bit....

The sound quality is poor. If the models are so accurate (say a 4x12) then why do line 6 make a 2x12 version of the cab? You can add your own speakers so volume and them (Line 6) having to provide it is a non-issue. None of the models feel like their authentic counterparts, even though some do sound close. It works best if you want to emulate a song - effects and all- forget the 'ohh i think ill use a soldanao today' attitude. Also, it makes guitars (ie a ric and an SG, ? ) sound homogenous.
It sounds ok, so this rating seems harsh but it doesn't deliver what it says it does.
It 's like going to watch an awful and disappointing covers band, who for the last song just jam randomly instead and you leave thnking that was the best bit.

Perfect.

N/A but cheesy website.

Quite poor, gimmicky amp that cost (me) a lot of money. Since sold on, i never considered it essential while i owned it. Well-made and interesting though. But if you think buying this is an economic shortcut to a blackface twin, boss ce-1 and a janglebox or any of the 3 original marshall silver jubilee heads and a 4x12 then you will be disappointed. Even amps you think would lend themselves to being relatively 'modelable' a Roland JC120 eg, sound miles off.

32 Amps
16 Cabs
512 combinations
6 Delays
6 Modulations
Noise Gate
Compressor

How can this not get a 10?

Awesome!!!!

The cab models are brilliant, the 4x12s really do sound like youve got 10 stacks stood in front of you, theyre also a great way of tweaking the amps to get the sound just right.

The amps are....... well put it this way, if they dont sound like the originals then i dont actually care, theyre brilliant, every type of gain stage you could want, the fenders are brilliantly modelled too :)

Only had it a week but the build quality is very impressive, id gig it without a backup :)

Phoned them to see about specs of the amp that werent listed, very helpful

Ultimate gigging amp in my opinion, the Vetta series are probably better but you cant beat these for value, especially at the price i got mine at :D

I really do think this is the best amp ive ever played on (i work in a guitar shop btw!), okay, if i was a millionaire id have the valve amps or if i only used one sound, id have just the one perfect valve amp but im not and i dont so for me, this amp is unbeatable :)

2003 flexitone 3. i wont list features as others already have.
I use amp for giging rehersal, practice etc....is o.k power for v small club gig, needs ti be miked for larger venues 100+ is plenty of power for practising etc

sound quality is nothing special, the amp modelling is pretty shit and you'd be fooling yourself if you honestly thought it was any good. I doubt some of these people who say they have put them up against there tube amps and reckon they sound better, i bet most don't even know real tube tone. the deluxe reverb model really sux and lack considerable warmth, the jc 120 is a joke as well as all the other amp models it simulates.I play jazz through to metal aswell as blues and some dub it is flrxible for different sounds but would definetly not record with.

shit, after 2 weeks the delay effects crapped outand there is noise when footswithching. the speaker is REALLY SHIT . I also own a rivera chubster and this thing kicks it arse in every way.

shit tried emailing and no reply

it good for kids wanting to replicate there favourite bands and young cover bands, but for a professional musician performing and recording it sux.

Solid state modelling amp, lots of features is it's stock in trade. 60 or 75 watts mono (not sure), can connect an external cab for 100 watts stereo. I'm still a beginner (1 year), so I play in the livingroom, more than loud enough for my needs. New, so probably built in 2005. 36 amps modelled, 16 cabs. Global reverb (3 types), noise gate, comp, delay, trem, chorus, flange, etc. 4 writeable presets or channels available with the amp, adding an FBV Shortboard controller opens that up to 36 writeable presets, plus a tuner, stomp ability for all effects, and volume/wah pedal. Lots of features.

I'm playing through an American SSS Strat and a Mexican Tele with SD Vintage Hot Neck Pickup and SD little '59 bridge humbucker. I play some rock, blues, metal, and pop, and this amp and the options it offers suit me perfectly. The amp is silent (in a good way). It only makes noise when I'm playing it, and any tiny amount of hum or buzz on the higher gain settings is killed when you turn on the noise gate. The amps sounds great, and I'm primarily comparing it to the various tube amps I have tried over the last 6 months. More models and choices than any other amp I've played, and so far everything sounds good. The Line6 custom amps are top notch, and the Fender and Mesa simulations sound spot on. I don't play it at ear shattering volumes, but it's got plenty of clean headroom, and the distortion at low to medium volumes (where I play) is absolutely delicious.

Haven't had it long enough to comment, I purchased it locally from a Line6 dealer/repair shop that will take care of any issues.

Haven't dealt with the company yet, but the commitment to suport on the Line6 website is very impressive.

I started with a little practice amp, then moved up to a Vox AD50VT. The Vox was a good amp, but I was still looking for something else. I traded in the Vox and went through a Roland JC-90, a Fender Blues Deluxe, and a Mesa Boogie F-30. I also tried out Crate tube amps, tons of Fender tube amps, Traynor, Peavey, and Marshall. Each one went back until I got the Flextone III. I thought I needed a tube amp to be happy, but proved myself wrong with the Flextone. The amp models are either spot on or 95% there, the effects are top-notch, and the options are nearly limitless. I'll still add a tube amp someday, but I'm glad to get this first. You'll definitely want the FBV Shortboard foot controller, which adds to the cost significantly, but it's still a great value considering everything it does (and sounds great doing it).

This amp is versatile, many effects on board (none as good as pedals) But what do you expect for 300 bucks. it has 4 channels.
It does not have an effects loop. It has one guitar input. You need to buy a pedal to do channel switching...well unless you want to use your fingers(has to be a line 6 pedal wich is pricey) The amp has plenty of power(75 watts) very loud.

Clean sound does not sparkle, as some have said. It is a bit electronic but good none the less. I like the distortion...not great but again for 300 bucks its good. All the other sounds in between are average, you really have to mess around with settings to get things right. It has chorus, tremolo,phaser,delay,tape echo,sweep echo. and reverb. None of wich you would use if you had pedals, but for someone just getting started at least you can have fun with them.

seems reliable, have been using for one year with no problems.

have not used, decent web site

overall it is good for the money. I use it with a digitech gnx4 so I don't have to use the SUBSTANDARD EFFECTS of the line6 spider2. This amp would be nice for a begginer who did not want to spend alot of money.