Line 6 Spider Valve 1x12 combo

Purchased in 2008 from GC. Extremely versatile amp. I have the shortboard, and have 2 banks programmed to cover most of the music I play. I play in 2 different bands, one does mostly modern rock, and the other plays classic and southern rock. I need this versatility to cover all the tones needed, and it does a really good job. Saves me from humping a lot of gear to gigs, and let me get rid of some of my fender/marshall equipment I had aquired.

I use 4 guitars with this amp. USA custom Telecaster, Charvel model 5, PRS Standard, and a Gibson Les Paul Deluxe. The les paul and tele have been modified with custom pups. All of these guitars sound great through this amp. I saw another reviewier that said he wasnt able to get a good clean sound with his Les Paul. I've had this problem in the past with mine as well, but this amp cured that problem for me. The clean channel's sparkle with all of my axes. Sounds great through the pa as well. I make a point to go out front with a wireless rig to hear what the band sounds like during sound check, and sometimes during a show as well. Take the bad reviews you see about this amp with a grain of salt. I've been playing professionally for almost 30 years, and I've had lots of guitar and amp setups. I wish I had this thing 30 years ago! Sure there are amp's that may give you a "specific" sound a little better, but nothing compares to the variety of sound and ease of setup with this rig.If you can afford to buy 3 or 4 high grade amps, and like to lug them around, then go for it, but believe me, 99% of the people you will be playing for wont appreciate it, or even be able to hear the difference.

I bought a floor model because it was the last one they had left. I did have to have a volume pot replaced under warranty, but the guy did it in like 10 minutes while I waited. I've owned several line 6 products and never had any major issues. I also own the line 6 spider 75 combo, which I purchased prior to the valve amp, and have been very happy with it as well. Used it at many shows until I got this one. Still use it at home and an occasional show when I dont want to lug the heavier valve amp.

Great. Needed a volume knob for a line 6 flextone Head I owned, as one fell off and got lost somewhere. Line 6 mailed me a new one free of charge.
Thats good customer service.

As i said, I've been playing professionally for almost 30 years. Besides the 2 line 6 amps I own, I have an old Randall RG80, which still sounds great and its about 25 years old. I keep it in my out building where we have band practice. If it were stolen, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

Multiple amp models from the well known Line 6 range combined in a 50w valve amp combo. There's more than enough power on tap for small gigs and the digital nature of the amp models means it's adaptable for home use, though it does sound a lot better at higher volumes just as is the case with most valve amps. It comes with a range of the most popular effects but more can be added through the effects loop. Overall it certainly covers all the bases you may need.

The numerous amp models available means that this amp will have the biggest range of sounds you're ever going to find on a valve amp. In that respect it is an amp that is certainly worth considering but there are limitations as well in terms of sound. Line 6 advertise it with details of valves used in both the power amp and pre amp stages but this is a little misleading as the preamp is still digital, as it is in all of the line 6 modelling products. What this means is that while you get a wide range of sounds, some of them still sound quite digital, so it's a little bit like playing a Pod XTL at times, though the sound is improved by valves in the power amp stage. People will no doubt get different results depending on their tastes but for me, I found that many of the lower gain and mid gain models to still sound too digital. The very high gain patches seemed more convincing to me and to the amp's credit, it's the only valve amp at that price point that will give you reasonable cleans all the way up to super saturated gain levels.

Overall I'd say that this amp certainly has a market out there and many people will be very happy with it but for me I concluded that it had two main drawbacks. Firstly, it simply didn't appear to have the richness or harmonic complexity of a real valve amp and secondly, having owned a modelling unit before I just didn't need thousands of reasonable sounds when you invariably end up using just 3 or 4 of them regularly. If that is the case for you, then you'd be better looking at a decent true valve amp.

I have heard that many of the amps come with poorly matched tubes but I can only comment on my own experience and I had no problems.

Not needed at all but when I was researching the amp they always replied to emails reasonably well.

I've been playing for about 5 years and use an Ibanez RGT42 fitted with Bare Knuckle 'Cold Sweat' pups. For many, this is a great amp simply for variety but you need to accept the compromises. Many of the amp models aren't that convincing and the onboard effects are generally poor. You'd be far better using your own through the effects loop. Furthermore, as there are so many amp options through 4 channels, you really need the optional floorboard to make it a viable option and that just adds to the cost of an amp that already isn't exactly a steal. I'd maybe buy one if I was in the market for a new amp again but it would have to be priced at least ??100 less when you consider that a Peavey Valve King can be had for only ??279. The Spider Valve is worth more but it's not ??200 worth.

This amp features multiple amp models, chorus/flange/phase/tremelo modulation effects and 3 different delay types. The modulation effects are ok...the delays are great! The amp models are very unique and react well with the tube amp power section. This amp is not designed for the bedroom. This is a loud gigging amp.

The is the ultimate coverband amp. You can program settings fairly easy. With the FBV shortboard, you can quickly set up and tear down. Some of the tones are just as good as my JCM 800, Fender Twin, and modded Carvin Nomad (Voxy-like EL84 AC30 amp).

After three months of gigs...so far so good!

The online Line6 forum is a great resource for assistance.

I have been gigging in coverbands for about fifteen years. This amp just works great. I use the XLR out for my in-ear monitors and mic the amp in larger rooms for FOH. Quick setup and great flexibility.

Features already covered extensively

The distortion is awesome! I love the Pantera-ish sound. But.... I could NOT get a good clean sound with my Les Paul Classic AT ALL. To me it sounds too muddy and flat. I brought home the amp and messed with it for about 10 hours and could NOT dial in a good clean sound... Bummer.... I bought this with the shortboard pedal. What awesome potential this has, but it's not there yet in my opinion. I ended up taking it back today for a refund. I will have to look into an all tube amp that is just an amp and get effects pedals for the effects. I believe I will get a much better sound.

In my opinion, good for distortion but not good for clean.

12 amp models, 40 watt tube amp, 1 -12" Celestion V 30, built in effects. Everything you need in one amp. When using the optional short board the versatility is unbelievable. Very easy to program!
Would have gave it a ten if it had a way to back up the programs like a midi port or even better an SD card reader. An overall solo or boost button would be a nice feature as well. Other than that this thing rocks!

I am a gigging musician and I have owned a lot of amps in my 30 years of playing guitar. Everything from Fenders to Boogies. I play a Warmoth Strat and Tele with Fralin Pickups. This amp is unbelievable. The cleans sounds remind me of my Vibroking or twins. The Marshal and Boogie sounds are very close. Yes its not exactly the amp but it comes so close who cares?
I just got rid of a Mesa Roadster and I don't miss it at all. The guys in the band say they can hear me better and noticed a big difference in my tone. can get everything form Rockabilly to heavy metal and I don't have to break my back carrying it around.
I sat down with it for about 2 hours programing it and gigged with it the next night. Plenty of volume and sounds great in the PA.

I have owned lots of line 6 product and I have never had any real problems with their equipment.

Past experiences they have always been great!

I have been playing for 30 plus years now. I own lots of stuff to much to list. I love the versatility of this amp. It allows me to have access to tones that I could not afford to own or take out on the road with me every weekend. If this was lost or stolen I would buy it again! This is the best Modeling amp out there hands down even better than the vetta!

This is a 1X12" ALL valve Combo I purchased in December 2007. It has 40w of Class AB valve power, which translates to a very loud amp!

I bought the Spider Valve amp after owning a Spider lll 75w which I had used both live and in the studio. I can honestly say that the Spider lll impressed me with it's versatility, even with the slightly digital sound it delivers, so when Line6 released the valve version I had to check it out!

The valve amp may have the same features as the Spider lll, but believe me the similarity ends there!

I play rock, folk/rock, punk and some electric/acoustic solo stuff, so I need plenty of different sounds from my amp.

The Line6 Spider Valve gives you versatility, of that there is no doubt, but can it give you quality of tone? The answer, in my opinion, is yes.

The manual explains that the amp models are based on various classic amps, and to my ears they do sound similar to the amps listed. But what really matters is what you actually hear when you play your own guitar through it. The Spider Valve isn't trying to sound EXACTLY like these amps. If you want a Messa buy a Messa..etc.etc. No, what the Spider Valve does is gives you a flavour of these classic amps, and delivers these sounds with it's own classy valve tone ( this shows just how good the Bogner valve amp is). What you get is classy clean's, authentic sounding 60's/ 70's tones, brilliant 80's/90's rock sounds, and blistering distortion for full on Metal.

The digital effects are good, though I only use the delay and reverb. There are plenty of other effects but I never use them. I would say, being really critical, that the effects could be better. So I won't give it a 10 for sound because of this.

It is a more solidly built cabinet than the Spider lll, so I think it'll stand up to being thrown around in the van with all the other gear. I don't see any signs that it will fail during a gig so I would trust it without a backup!

Never had any issues with any of the Line6 gear I've owned so I've never had to speak to them. The amp comes with a 12 month warranty which you can register online.

I have been playing guitar for over 25 years. I've owned several amps including VOX, Fender's, Marshall's and other Line6's, all of which I enjoyed. I own a Gibson Les Paul Std Limited Edition and a Fender Standard Strat, both with original pickups. The amp sounds great with both guitars. So whether you have single coil's or humbucker's you will find it all in this amp.

I would certainly buy another Spider Valve if it was stolen.

In my view, in this price range there is absolutely nothing to compare with this amp for versatility and sound (and I've tried most of them!). This is the best sounding amp I have owned.

brand new Feb,2008 amp.

1) Best feature - tubes 2 (5881's) they give it strength and warmth.
2) second best - channel switching. 4 diff channels buttons to set up a wild host of sounds you cant even dream of.
I wanted versatility to play mellow rock, country, and hard rock.and the leads to match.
3) Third best feature -
speaker out, you can hook up speaker cab. Power to spare to get over stubborn, heavy handed drummer.

worst feature - figuring out the system of factory presets. and dialing them in with proper volume between channels.

Its the sound, that boutique amp sound that they have nailed here. clean channel better then my Fender dualshowman.. and the blues and crunch are punchy and great sounding. words i can think of are warm, harmonic and inspiring. When playing distortion channels. I want to pump my fist in the air.
no buzz or high end tintyness.. searing leads. as far as the amps effects. i'm mostly presetting a slight touch of delay and then using my pedal board. my tube screamer sounds great off the clean and twang channels. In fact my whole pedal board sounds great off almost all the channels. thats what good tube amps do, they take pedals well. This Bogner-Line6 amp sounds better then this list of amps Marshall dsl 2000, Dr.Z carmen Ghia, Mesa Lonestar. Peavey jsx, peavey prowler, fender dualshowman. B52 at100, Carvin mts, Reverend Hellhound.Vox Ad50 vt. Its sick but these are the amps I've gone through this year. None of them did I ever feel compeled to review. This amp deserves my time to review.

I would not worry about a back up amp. the amp is for professionals, solid. The tolex is well made too, and there is no rattling of tubes.

dont know.. but I did buy the extended warranty through GC. I worry about all the fancy electronics going bad. You cant take this to Jerry at Amp Crazy and expect him to fix it like a 68' Fender.
That plugs' for you Jerry.

25 years of playing. I was a solid state guy, now I'm an old tube guy with a slight touch of ADD. This doesn't allow me much patience when dialing in a tone. I like to sprint to my tone, not take a journey. but i must say I have enjoyed playing with the presets. they have sounds I would not think to explore that I really enjoy. one draw back is when dialing in the presets. you will get blasted out when coming across a high volume preset. which send you scrambling to stop the high pitch squealing. I will have to find out how to remove those presets. the boutique Bogner touch is all over this amp. 5 minutes and you will hear its punch, warmth, shimmer, and grit. The amp comes alive like an amp that cost 3 times as much. I rate this a 8.5 or 9. It might take another week to really fine tune it to a 9.5 Tens are reserved for amps that havn't been made yet. Line 6 has more than redeemed itself in my opinion, but their crappy amps in the past will haunt them. I must admit I've already looked at how to remove the name plate. I'm ashamed of myself. Its not my fault, shallow tone snobs have done this to me. I'm not holding the Line 6 flag, thats up to them. I'm going to go quietly back to my bedroom and indulged myself in the sweet organic tones of this amp. And that amp is the Line 6 Spider Valve. cant believe I said that. I even hate the name spider valve, keep Bogner but please drop the "spider valve" other then that.... Line 6... you get a 9.5 from me.

the whole idea was the flexabillity of the digital and the sound of tubes.simple enough,except line 6 must be deaf to sugest such over cooked fx and horrible sounding distortion.

anybody whos looking for tone youre in the wrong place.
really childish distortion sounds very bad.
clean sound not too bad but thats not the point with this amp.
Im not one of those who is automatically anti modeling,
I actually realy liked my flextone 2 amp
I dont understand what happend to the folks at line 6.

didnt have it long enough
luckilly the store would take it back.

nothing with this amp however try unsubscribing from guitar port
its pretty impossible.

stay away!!!!
you have been warned.I have been playing for too long to ignore
my ears hopefully they will try again with flextone valve
preferablly pod 2.0

Made in 2007 as far as I know. It is perfect for what I play (I play christian rock mainly, but do love to play guitar instrumental music such as Satch and Gilbert and whatnot). The amp has plenty of sounds at your fingertips, and it does take some tinkering to get an A+ sound...but it sounds great for every style of playing I've tried.

Definitely loud enough for anybody, very loud 40 watts. A neat thing I thought about the amp was the chassis being deeper into the cab, keeps the tubes and electronics and such further from danger of bumping and stuff.

I purchased it along with the shortboard, which really helps me have better control of effects and such.

This amp can make probably close to a million sounds. I haven't tryed the clean at high volume because frankly it is too loud to try, but you should be able to find a clean/breakup type sound by tinkering with the amp settings.

The distortion can get pretty brutal on the amp, but still retains pretty good definition. I have owned a Mesa F-30, Rectoverb, and still own a Peavey JSX. It is rather easy to find a distortion setting that isn't fizzy, and coupled with the onboard effects it really shines.

When I use the shortboard on the higher gain channels, the effects loop is engaged as sort of a noise suppressor, because they can get noisy (depending on pickups, I suppose). I'm using a 2004 PRS McCarty.

Seems pretty reliable. Solid construction and the shortboard seems virtually indestructable minus the screen. I would gig without a backup.

I Have not dealt with the company. But I also purchased the 2 year warranty from musician's friend for extra coverage, which I definitely recommend.

I have been playing for 7 years and have been teaching professionally for 2 years. I own a PRS McCarty, Fender Nashville Tele, Ibanez JS1000, and an Ibanez RG2620. I have previously owned a Mesa Boogie F-30, Mesa Rectoverb, Fender Deville, Peavey Classic 50, and still own a Peavey JSX head.

If it were stolen I would be pretty angry because I mainly play at churches...heh heh. But if it were I would buy another definitely.

I originally was comparing it to a H&K Switchblade, and while I did love the Switchblade, the price is so much more appealing on the SV (it was still way under the price of the H&K with the shortboard too).

I wish it had wah, so then I could actually use the wah switch on the shortboard, but I have a Bad Horsie so I'll live.

For the price, I wouldn't have chosen any other amp!

1X12" Combo. 2 12AX7 preamp tubes, 2 Sovtek 5881 (6L6) tubes. Open back cab, 12" Celestion Vintage 30 speaker.

Preamp out, Power amp in. Cabinet outs. Class AB power section. Modeling amp meets tube amp hybrid. 12 total amp sounds, plus effects. Over 300 presets of famous tones and artist tones. Built in tuner with screen display. Direct XLR output for recording or live feed to a mixer.

First let me qualify my experience in the world of playing and guitar tones. As a guitarist with 20 years experience and a 10 year career in music retail I can say I've played it all. I've played real '59 Les Pauls through vintage Plexi's and vintage Strats worth more than my SUV was new into vintage tweed and blackface amps.

My personal tastes and playing vary from stratty blues tones to full out heavy riffing with thick nasty distortion. I've owned Twin Reverbs, Soldano heads, Mesa amps, stock Marshalls, modded Marshalls and have played just about anything you can name and some people have never heard of from Sundowns to Dumbles.

The closest I've come to tonal nirvana is a Custom one-off PRS standard, with Bare Knuckle pickups into an ABY box that split the tone into a Twin Reverb HEAD (yeah they're out there) and a Soldano Hot Rod 50 + head for dirty. My pedal board consists of an original Digitech Whammy pedal for fun, a Teese RMC3 Wah, EB volume pedal, Ibanez vintage analog delay AD 80, ADA vintage Flanger, Carl Martin Chorus x 2, Sobat Phase Breaker plus a few other secret weapons for good measure ;). Working with instruments on a daily basis can quickly help your ear set apart the tone of an aged piece of wood from a Korean made cookie cutter guitar and one taste of vintage analog anything can reveal the warmth lost in a new stomp box.

Long story short, I've heard enough to submit the first review of this amp.

First things first, any amp purist wouldn't even look at this amp because its a "hybrid", "digital" or maybe simply from bad experiences with modeling amps. Rest assured this is NOTHING like you've heard before. To be able to emulate classic and modern tones using one housing is remarkable.

Make no mistake a Fender guy will miss his Jensens while a Marshall nut will tear at the absence of EL34's but when they both close their eyes and see the money saved on a Swiss Army all in one they will be willing to make certain sacrifices.

While this amp is merely days old I can tell you it can cover any base you need and with surprising quality. This amp does not have settings for Fender, Marshall, Boogie, Vox and the like, they do explain the models they had in mind. The result? An amp that can deliver any tone you wish, plus effects, with REAL not simulated tube harmonics, warmth and "feel". You can dial in that big warm clean tone, the raspy breakup of an English amp, the attitude and boldness of an American gain monster and color them with studio quality effects, noise gate and what the heck a tuner too.

At 40 watts it can hang with your drummer, but it can get quiet like a practice combo and still retain the same gain level and tonal properties. And for a 1x12 open back it grunts and growls like a closed back 4x12...all the bass not thin even a bit.

Bottom line? If you wanted the exact sound of a 65 Twin...buy the Twin. If you want a 1959 Super Lead Marshall...get it. But if for $699 you want to be able to capture tones close enough to scare Leo and Jim, still have real tubes that work (not dummy lights burning at 1 watt), and be able to enjoy those sounds without being fined for disturning the peace, this is your amp. Modeling has found a level that no one else has hit.

I've owned modeling combos and tube combos. I have never played anything more versatile, more inspiring and more perfect than this. If you need a variety of sounds, want tubes, want convenience, portablility welcome to your amp.

While nothing can ever replace a studio's worth of amps, cabs and effects, there is truly nothing this little amp can't do.

Try out the presets to get a feel of what it's capable of, then tweak the sounds to your taste and guitar and you'll have the guitar world at your fingertips. You won't want to stop playing. Best little amp I've ever played...hands down. Thank you Line 6 and thank you Bogner for giving us what we've been craving for a decade.

I'd be a fool to comment on a week old product for versatility. I can say it's solid like a tank, doesn't have the annoying plastic jacks and uses real components. Vintage 30, Sovtek tubes etc. I believe if I take care of it, it will take care of me...other Line 6 products have given me no issue.

Line 6 has always been one of the best being customer friendly and making things easy to read and understand. Beyond that I'd have had to have something break to ever need to call them. Their reps are among the most knowledgeable I've ever dealt with.

Words can't decribe how happy this amp is. It can put out anything I hear or feel. It makes me plug in and play. For $700 it had provided me more than a $17000 rig did. Try one....you'll agree the modeling era has yeilded a truly musical and useful amp. I would never clain that it 100% accurately models the amps that shaped music, but this thing simply goes from fat warm tube clean, to natural raspy blues rock, to classic creamy distortion to the most evil, crushing heavy sound you can envision. Best amp of the year....best modeling amp ever.