Well...I don't agree completely with this statement. On your side, Olivier, you sing and the stick is like a piano or any other instrument to back up your voice. When we play only instrumentals (like me) we are looking for different colors on the RH side. Sometimes it's a chorus or any other effetc...wha-wha, reverb, etc. The main point is not using "all-the-time" the same one. It's really fun to vary and use these effects.

I am with you on this one, generally speaking. However, recently I purchased a cheap Roland Cube and I have had great results. Setup for practice is simple and I do not get caught up in messing with the various sound palettes that are available on the Mac.

What Greg said.

I placed an order (purchased) for a Mesa Lonestar Classic (100, 50. and 10 watts selectable) in emerald bronco covering with a tan jute grille. Solid state or tube rectifier selectable, "clean" and "filthy" channels. Long spring reverb that is selectable "warm" or "bright". I've ordered it in a head and 2x12 cabinet format, since the 2x12 combo is impossibly heavy. Looking to use it in some Blues and R&B with my Strats ('64 and "hollow" warmoth). Can't wait... I know there are many in here that have known the anticipation of G.A.S. relief. LOL

Onward through the fog!

The amp is simpler to use, more quickly turned on and what is more my wife doesn't want to use it to watch a movie while i'm playing

My question would be, if you already have an amp, why not use that to practice instead of buying a practice amp? Equipment is cool and if you have the money to buy more stuff fine but ...

I guess if you leave your main amp at a rehearsal space then a way to hear yourself practice at home would be a good thing to have

I will PM you when I begin selling loaded pickguards, just in case you are interested.

I keep forgetting that other people's incomes are so much higher than mine that they can afford to duplicate functionality. When I move from using my computer to using a head and cab, that will be my gig rig.

Hi Russell,

I like to have a small amp in the living room so I can practice by the fireplace.

I think Olivier's point is that when learning, chorus and reverb can mask poor technique and prevent proper development. Chorus and reverb are definitely useful modifiers, but are not a replacement of proper technique.

Just yesterday I was practicing "Portrait" by Kansas in front of my wife. She thought I was holding notes down better for continuity between chords and runs. To make sure, I turned off my <name drops> TC Hall of Fame reverb pedal on the melody side and BOSS Bass Chorus on the bass side. She maintained my technique had improved.