I've used a Fly 3 for about a year and a half, it's great. I recommend getting the power adapter(an extra $10) with it when you purchase the amp, otherwise it is (or was) $20.
I have Blackstar fly 3 Bluetooth and added speaker and have used it in front of 30 people. It’s great because it will go anywhere. Hospitals, homes, parks and it’s awesome. I do have a Fishman Solo Amp for bigger venues.
I’m actually torn between the Vox and the katana. But my pedals seem to work best with the Katana so I chose the Katana. However I wish the Katana had an ac adapter.
I just got the Neon Green Blackstar Fly 3 Mini today it was 75.99 it's the 2021 version it sounds awesome Rock On Landon your right some are like toys!!
I've got an even better travel setup (because I'm on the road about 48 weeks a year). I use a Tribit bluetooth speaker along with a Zoom G1X Four effects pedal. It sounds amazing.....The hard part is programming the pedal but for practice or recording live for your friends & family, it's perfect. The Eric Johnson tone is particularly good and I wind up using that for most lead practice.
@@jiaoyizhidao Sadly they don't have bluetooth on the output (serious design flaw) but my Tribit uses bluetooth or direct 1/8" connection. So I use a 1/4" to 1/8" cable and physically connect them. Works great and sounds fairly good considering.
lando27music Fly 3 and katana... have played through a vox but do not own it. Wife loves the fly 3 for playing music around the house so I gave her that one, time for me to get another fly 3, the one with Bluetooth.
Xavier Roberts win the lottery, buy a house, people=shit, Slipknot had that right😂😂😂 in fact she probably doesn’t even hear you play that’s just society bothering you so you would buy a house because you have money left to do things you enjoy and people prefer you to go work more and have a shitty life like them always running after money to pay more for everyone else than yourself😎 they’ve been as far as messing my guitars intonation and breaking my amp😂😂😂😂 but they failed in finding me better to do, so I just got a fixed non-adjustable bridge guitar and an over the top reliable and sounding tube pod I can plug into any stereo sound system, no more assholes problems😎 when all you earn goes away to pay anyone but yourself there’s no point of going to work😂😂😂🤷♂️
Xavier Roberts dude get a decibel meter, get your amp same amount of decibel as your tv, next time she calls the cops shows the cops it’s same noise but she never calls for the tv, problem solved. Enjoy your amps to the fullest😎 until you find a good wife😜 I always kept my amps at home at same volume as the tv and people where always complaining about the guitar like it’s their business what I do in my appartment, just people being the assholes they are. You pay your rent, so you are at home and can do whatever you want in your home man😎 just don’t hit the floor with your foot to step the tempo😂😂😂😂 that would be going for trouble😜
lando27music seems like the Fly 3 has the segment taken care of, at least in brick and mortar stores here in the UK. It's the only sub-£100 practice amp I can find in stores here. I got a Fender mustang mini on eBay in the end, not the tiny fender 3" speaker model but the baby brother of the mustangs I II III etc. So you can even import InTheBlues' excellent mustang patches -with a couple of compromises - using Fender Fuse. It's a shame that amp wasn't more popular and more available, it's been ideal for a learner like me. I bought the mini orange amp first actually, that's a good one, but doesn't really do a lot, like it has one good tone at one good volume level. Fun though.
Great reviews on the battery micros! Keep them coming. Would love to hear your take on the Fly 3 vs. one of the Yamaha THRs... Obviously the THR has more flexibility and can do a lot more, but when you consider the price/value equation (which your videos always do) then it's a much tougher call.
hey thanks! I hope to have a THR on the channel at some point. I've only played the THR5 and it was in a store. I'll see if I can get one for a future comparison.
Anyone who's planning to buy the vox, get the mini5 rhythm instead. The price difference is like 10 euros and you get more volume, and there are like 100 drum rhythms built in which you can play along with
I got a mini 3 with AA battery support, and it’s been my busking amp since then. The tone isn’t great, but it’s nice to have something decent that I can take out of the house to places without electrical support
Here in Korea, the majority of the concensus is that NOTHING out there beats a VOX mini 3 in terms of sound quality. People swear by this amp (especially in this segment). I'm a noobie shopping for a mini amp myself, but I love the color and design of Orange amps, and thus torn between Orange and VOX mini3.
I think this amp would be worth it for you to check out. If I owned a smart phone with which you can use an app to get more features out of it, it would be something I would probably get. Here's the video name:The Latest, Greatest, Portable Mini Amp! - NUX Mighty Lite
I have the Fly 3 with extension cabinet and external power. One thing that NO ONE tells you is that it doesn't like Lithium -Ion batteries. Works well with old style alkaline AA batts. It actually works better on batts than with the power in... too much noise at higher gain levels... even with nothing plugged into it. The delay feature is pretty cool to play with though. and you can plug in your mp3 or other devices to play along to.
hey thanks for the info about the Lithium batteries. I've only tried alkaline myself so I didn't know that was an issue. does it not sound as good, or the power runs out really fast?
the amp just doesn't support the L-i use. power disappears before you can even plug your guitar into it. this with brand new batts. Also, Blackstar has a users forum for FAQ's.
I've had my Fly3 for a long time and use L-ion batteries all the time. I notice zero difference. I suppose it depends if you use cheap Duracell rechargeables or better ones perhaps. I use Eneloop. I will say the cheapies that came with it ran a LONG time, hours & hours. This amp is greta on batteries. This is w/ an extension cab too.
I take the headphone out put and send it to my old Peavey combo 300 and it goes from a mini monster to a beast! All by itself it is a cool little amp, sounds great and very portable.
I like the crush mini because it has the output jack. The output jack really impressed me because I plugged it into a karaoke machine and it BLEW MY MIND. My current setup is the orange connected to a sawtooth amp as a pre amp
Yo man I've got a question for ya! May I use these mini amps for a bass guitar? Home use only just for fun and practicing in my small room. Best wishes, Iliyadis
Yes, to the Vox Mini5 - Rhythm! They are mostly “back ordered” in the USA, especially the “classic” style look, which is nowhere, while you can find the white version and the black with chrome screen (Heavy Metal Mater) version. I’ve seen them on Reverb listed in Canada (eh, Landon?), France, and Japan, and maybe Australia, with heft shipping fees. I’m trying to hold out for the classic style version at $190 USD. But my vintage Fender Deluxe Reverb needs fixing and lacks a headphone jack, so I’m kind of desperate for an inexpensive mini amp...so here I am, looking at reviews and considering other options. I’m keen to check out the link to the comparison video (with demos).
Great review. The first two mentioned I agree. I have not checked out the Vox. I do have a Fly 3 since it was available in the store. It took me a while to get the power supply for it. I had to order it.
Thanks! I believe you just set me out on a mission to replace my practice (only) amp. Néed it only for practice, no jamming or busking or whatever. I bought a cheap Strat and a Fender Frontman 10 last year when I wanted to learn to play to pass the time because of disability. Rushed in without any research. Not happy with the Frontman and see many videos about it having crappy sound. Looking at the minis, seems the tones are better and it could make my wife happy by saving room. My guitar experience so far has taught me one thing besides playing. Don't rush. Research.
Frontman, crappy? I wish there was more of a consensus. Everywhere I look, a great amp is a crap amp and a crap amp is a great amp. It makes not much sense.
Hi great video.....a question though , which do you think is the best suited for me if I want to plug in my multiprocessor board (boss gt-1) to the amp , so i'm hoping for a good clean tone to add the effects over to. Do these amps sound good with the pedals( not too much of unwanted fuzz and clipping)? Which would you recommend for a good clean sound...thanks✌✌
When I bought mine I said that I was a total beginner and I trusted whatever the guy who knew better than me thought I should buy within my price range. I got a strat and that vox mini amp and I tell ya it’s pretty darn good. I’m looking to upgrade to a bigger amp, now, a tube one, but you can get some awesome tones out of that tiny little thing. And for home use it’s loud enough I can’t even get it to like, a quarter way on the volume.
$4 wooden box from Dollarama. $2 TPA 3110 amp board/30Watts p/side. Couple of full-range 3" speakers. $40 Lekato headphone amp on AliX Hot glue, soldering iron, wire, and half a brain.....$0 Certainly sounds on par and probably has more FX. Bluetoothing it is easy.
I have seen some demo vids for the three models after watching yours... The vox for me as well as the katana mini are good choices. I am still in the process of learning guitar so a good clean sound is key and when I want to muck around there are plenty of settings to give it delay and some crunch. So good choices! Thanks again.
May I also suggest the Roland Micro Cube. Unbelievable sounds for a battery powered amp. I have been thinking of the Fly 3 for a backpack/campsite amp though. I've heard nothing but great things about them.
I have a Fly3. I have taken it out to play-for-change, and it actually works. In a quiet campsite the Fly3 would be loud enough for most needs. I was playing mine today on a street corner with an Adamas acoustic/electric guitar. It is good for "sound reinforcement. Well worth the $59.99. Oh, mine came with batteries and I have used a few hours and still have not changed them. And it is light, very good for what it is.
The fly is super quiet outside, but sounds good in a bedroom. The katana has been the go to for camping trips. It projects in many directions, and sounds super cool in stereo with two of them
11 months late but i'll comment for anyone else who reads this, The blackstar fly3 is awesome, i only use it in my bedroom but that little thing rocks way beyond it's size.
Great vid @lando27music ! I'm currently looking around for one of these mini battery powered amps. Have you tried the Roland micro cube GX? How does it compare to the vox mini 3 G2?
I picked up a Fender Mustang Mini v2 (2nd hand for £30) - I'm knocked out by the sound it manages. The fact you can use it as both a USB recording interface and a full fat mustang v2 with the Fender Fuse software to customise the patches make it the best practice amp I've tried. It's battery powered, small size - but loud-ish at 7W, headphones and aux in sockets. USB. Works with Garage Band easily. Has anyone else tried this amp? I don't see it around much. Maybe it had a limited run or something. I think it retailed for about £100 new, would that qualify it for this category? If you can still find it that is...
I've never seen that one before! very cool. ya small, battery powered, it would be a consideration. Can't say I've seen one around here or ever mentioned online. very cool!
lando27music yeah, I wonder what happened to it?! So weird. Andertons had them briefly I think, amazon, then, like that... They're gone. Honestly a great, adaptable amp though. Almost all of the flexibility of a genuine mustang amp, similar price to a mini amp, but with USB recording, a strap that doubles as a tilt stand, built in tuner... All sorts of cool features, and really portable. The 6 C cells seem to last forever, too. Maybe you're right about the big companies - it's difficult to make a good mini amp, at a good price, and be profitable too.
I just purchased the Squire Affinity Telecaster Deluxe as my first guitar and start lessons next week. Not knowing much I bought the Boss Katana MKII 50 watt amp to go with it. Will this be a good starting amp or should I have gone in another direction?
Nice vid man! I'm wondering, which amp would be best for a complete clean sound? using it for my acoustic(yamaha compass series) guitar outdoors so I can loop myself and jam with myself outdoors, which one would you recommend? Deciding between blackstar and boss katana
Thanks for the quick reply! Think Im going towards the blackstar 3 due to the better price tag, still wondering would the backstar fly 3 be loud enough to play outdoors with my acoustic guitar? Doesn't have to be really loud, just enough so that i can sit with a circle of friends and everyone can hear.. And does the extra cabinet produce double the volume as i then have 6 instead of 3 watt? Or would you suggest a different amp for outdoor looping and jamming such as the vox mini 3 G2? You mentioned that the vox mini 3 G2 is suitable for busking, is it louder than the backstar? Both have 3 watts don't they? So they should be the same volume wise? But the blackstar has the advantage of being able to push the volume by adding another speaker cabinet? So which would you say is more suitable?
It's tough to say, depends how big the space is. indoors it's great. The extra cab won't double the volume, but it will fill the space better because you can aim each speaker in a different direction. A Vox Pathfinder 10 is really loud and cheap, that might be another option. It has a lot bigger speaker.
Thanks for the replies man, sorry for bothering, but I'm so undecided on what to get :P tending towards blackstar due to better price tag and better portability due to smaller size (and much less weight) although the vox mini 3 g2 also looks very good, but is bigger than the blackstar.. just one last question, are the blackstar and the vox mini 3 g2 the same volume wise since both have 3 watt? That would make my decision worlds easier :P
the Vox Mini 3 is a lot louder, and pretty much ideal for busking, which is kind of what you're doing (without asking for money) it also has a MIC line in.
While it's definitely a bit more under the "toy" status, I actually really enjoy the Orange Micro-Crush. I found I can get some solid fuzzy tones out of it, and while I know plugging it into an external speaker defeats the purpose of a portable amp, the sound when hooked up to a better speaker system or a larger cabinet sounds fantastic
+Don:Ellis Music hey all good! whatever works right? I played the orange and ya you can get some fuzz for sure. it just couldnt do any low end stuff. 👍🎸🎸
Yeah hence the need for an external speaker for actual good sound. The built in speaker on the Orange is very tinny, which is probably its one major flaw I'd think.
Hi, I agree with your top 3, I'm curious, have you checked out the EVH 5150 mini? I think it's better than the Orange, Marshall, and Fender mini amps, still not as good as your top 3, but you may be interested. I believe they retail around $50.
hey thanks! Ya that's one mini I haven't tried yet. I have seen some other videos and I believe your right in saying it's better than the others. If I come across one, I'll possibly check it out. take care!
The BIG question here is: Which one should I choose between Blackstar FLY 3 and VOX mini 3?? I look for great clean/ lead tones, and would like to have built in fx. Is FLY 3 tone better?? Would I rather taking the mini 3 for the features, or it also has a great tone?? Can someone talk from experience about these two monsters?? Thanks!!
@@landonbailey Direct quote below. A few more reference it as well: I so wanted to like this amplifier. If it wasn't for one issue that bugged me and made me return it (two different units) it would have 5 stars. The problem was the amount of noise this amplifier creates when not doing anything, just switched on, with EVERYTHING, even the master volume, turned off. Crackles and buzzes may be acceptable on a 50w valve amp, but for a small 4 watt amplifier, designed for bedroom use, it's not. Unless you are actually playing notes through it, you have to switch it off or it annoys anyone in the room.
I'm not super familiar with rockabilly, but I believe you need a good chunk of delay with a short decay right? In that case, the top 3 that I mentioned all have delay. The Vox Mini has the longest delay. So really any of those would probably work, and correct me if im wrong about the rockabilly sound. :)
I've never used delay, I'm just getting into playing rockabilly so believe me, I'm no one to correct someone who plays as well as you do. Thank you for the answer though. I'm caught up between buying the Vox, or the Roland Micro Cube, which I believe also has delay built in.
Vox rules! Although not battery powered, the Pathfinder 10 is awesome. Impressive AC tones in a tiny package. Even tho I have an AC-15 now, I still miss that little gem.
There’s only so much these lil fellas can do. They are only practice amps. Not for gigging at all. I use one at the fire station and I wouldn’t dare let one of my coworkers hear it. They all leave a lot to be desired, but they are what they are….for practice.
Thank you! I have a Boss 50 and part of me wants to buy the boss mini but now I'm thinking Vox as well. Just not sure now hahaha. I'm a beginner as well just practicing all the time
Gonna watch all 3 of these, but i need to know, is there a mini amp or speaker thats good for monitoring an fm synthesixer. Dont care about battery power, just size and sound quality,
Hi what do you think of the Vox Adio Air GT 50W 2x3 Bluetooth Modeling Guitar Combo Amplifier? If you have seen it does it sound better than the Yamaha THR10?
Hello, Lando. What do you think of the Roland Micro Cube 2 watts? Is it better and more powerful than the boss katana mini? I am interested in a mini to transport it easily to practice in the park and have a regular power
Im trying to decide between NUX MIGHTY LIGHT BT or ROLAND MICRO CUBE GX or VOX MINI 3 G2 ???? All are under $200 aus, just trying to decide which one before i buy... Help please lol
The mini 3 and the microcube are pretty much exactly the same amp. Great for playing house party's or busking.. The nux is smaller and not as loud but can do a lot of cool interfacing tricks with your computer so it's better for recording. So really it depends what your after doing with it.. I've been using the vox for 3 years now, mostly outdoors it sure can take a beating. When if does die, I'll be buying another.. Hope this helps.
Heh Landon another great video thanks Mate any chance of reviewing some semi hollow guitars please? Say Gretsch Ibanez and Epiphone? Thanks 🙏 Mike from Australia
What do you think Vox Adio Air GT 50W 2x3 Bluetooth Modeling Guitar Combo Amplifier I am looking for amp modeling amplifiers. Do you think it is better than the yamaha thr10?
Thank you. The problem with these amplifiers is that they don't have a looper so you can use it for practicing. Can you attach pedals to these devices like a wah pedal?
The Pignose rocks. It may only have a volume control(shaped like a pigs snout) but it does have a great sound.
I just invested in the Katana mini and the sound that comes out of a little box... is mind blowing
I've used a Fly 3 for about a year and a half, it's great. I recommend getting the power adapter(an extra $10) with it when you purchase the amp, otherwise it is (or was) $20.
Allen Woody it is amazingly good on batteries too, but ya having the plug power is alwayd good
I have Blackstar fly 3 Bluetooth and added speaker and have used it in front of 30 people. It’s great because it will go anywhere. Hospitals, homes, parks and it’s awesome. I do have a Fishman Solo Amp for bigger venues.
nice!
I’m actually torn between the Vox and the katana. But my pedals seem to work best with the Katana so I chose the Katana. However I wish the Katana had an ac adapter.
hey cool. ya the adapter is an add on. not sure how much $$
Why , why would you want that ?
I just got the Neon Green Blackstar Fly 3 Mini today it was 75.99 it's the 2021 version it sounds awesome Rock On Landon your right some are like toys!!
I like the look of the neon models
I've got an even better travel setup (because I'm on the road about 48 weeks a year). I use a Tribit bluetooth speaker along with a Zoom G1X Four effects pedal. It sounds amazing.....The hard part is programming the pedal but for practice or recording live for your friends & family, it's perfect. The Eric Johnson tone is particularly good and I wind up using that for most lead practice.
How do you connect the pedal to bluetooth speaker?
@@jiaoyizhidao Sadly they don't have bluetooth on the output (serious design flaw) but my Tribit uses bluetooth or direct 1/8" connection. So I use a 1/4" to 1/8" cable and physically connect them. Works great and sounds fairly good considering.
Those mini amps kick butt, I find myself using them more than my regular amps...!
jorge cortez which do you have?
lando27music
Fly 3 and katana... have played through a vox but do not own it.
Wife loves the fly 3 for playing music around the house so I gave her that one, time for me to get another fly 3, the one with Bluetooth.
jorge cortez ah ya cool, the Fly 3 doubles as a great music player speaker too.
Xavier Roberts win the lottery, buy a house, people=shit, Slipknot had that right😂😂😂 in fact she probably doesn’t even hear you play that’s just society bothering you so you would buy a house because you have money left to do things you enjoy and people prefer you to go work more and have a shitty life like them always running after money to pay more for everyone else than yourself😎 they’ve been as far as messing my guitars intonation and breaking my amp😂😂😂😂 but they failed in finding me better to do, so I just got a fixed non-adjustable bridge guitar and an over the top reliable and sounding tube pod I can plug into any stereo sound system, no more assholes problems😎 when all you earn goes away to pay anyone but yourself there’s no point of going to work😂😂😂🤷♂️
Xavier Roberts dude get a decibel meter, get your amp same amount of decibel as your tv, next time she calls the cops shows the cops it’s same noise but she never calls for the tv, problem solved. Enjoy your amps to the fullest😎 until you find a good wife😜 I always kept my amps at home at same volume as the tv and people where always complaining about the guitar like it’s their business what I do in my appartment, just people being the assholes they are. You pay your rent, so you are at home and can do whatever you want in your home man😎 just don’t hit the floor with your foot to step the tempo😂😂😂😂 that would be going for trouble😜
just looking for a practice amp can just plug an play not to loud to disturb neighbors yet when use head phones can crank it an get awsome tones
Great little amps. Cool vid man! 😎👍
+intheblues I wonder if the other big name companies will eventually make something that sounds good. maybe there's no money in it.
lando27music seems like the Fly 3 has the segment taken care of, at least in brick and mortar stores here in the UK. It's the only sub-£100 practice amp I can find in stores here. I got a Fender mustang mini on eBay in the end, not the tiny fender 3" speaker model but the baby brother of the mustangs I II III etc. So you can even import InTheBlues' excellent mustang patches -with a couple of compromises - using Fender Fuse. It's a shame that amp wasn't more popular and more available, it's been ideal for a learner like me. I bought the mini orange amp first actually, that's a good one, but doesn't really do a lot, like it has one good tone at one good volume level. Fun though.
I was going to get the Marshall ms4 but woud my money be btter spent on a Blackstar then?
+James Anderson I would say absolutely fly over the Marshall
Review black star. Bass amp
I tried the mini amps FLAMMA FA05 and DONNER CYCLOPS, good mini amps for around 80 dollars
thanks for sharing!
Great reviews on the battery micros! Keep them coming. Would love to hear your take on the Fly 3 vs. one of the Yamaha THRs... Obviously the THR has more flexibility and can do a lot more, but when you consider the price/value equation (which your videos always do) then it's a much tougher call.
hey thanks! I hope to have a THR on the channel at some point. I've only played the THR5 and it was in a store. I'll see if I can get one for a future comparison.
Michael McIlwrath I've got my hands on a Yamaha THR5. check out my Instagram page: instagram.com/p/BasITnKF55d/
Michael McIlwrath thr10 cost 6x more too. Fly 3 is only 59.00
Anyone who's planning to buy the vox, get the mini5 rhythm instead. The price difference is like 10 euros and you get more volume, and there are like 100 drum rhythms built in which you can play along with
thanks for the recommendation. it is definitely very similar to the mini 3 with more stuff. 👍😁
the Mini 5 is great.
I got a mini 3 with AA battery support, and it’s been my busking amp since then. The tone isn’t great, but it’s nice to have something decent that I can take out of the house to places without electrical support
Here in Korea, the majority of the concensus is that NOTHING out there beats a VOX mini 3 in terms of sound quality. People swear by this amp (especially in this segment). I'm a noobie shopping for a mini amp myself, but I love the color and design of Orange amps, and thus torn between Orange and VOX mini3.
cool!
One of my friends just got a Blackstar Fly 3. Great little amp for what it is. I think you have to purchase a separate power supply for it.
ah cool, or 6 AA batteries
Nice list! Which one would you choose between the Katana mini and the Roland Mobile Cube for busking? Thank you
probably the Cube. I don’t think the Kat has enough output
I think this amp would be worth it for you to check out. If I owned a smart phone with which you can use an app to get more features out of it, it would be something I would probably get. Here's the video name:The Latest, Greatest, Portable Mini Amp! - NUX Mighty Lite
th-cam.com/video/Qi82sXvXUi8/w-d-xo.html . 🎸😀🎸👍
Fender Passport Mini is never considered, but has all the features and output capability you could want for the price.
haven't heard of that one. will check it out if I come across it! 🎸👍
That's quite a big bigger than the other ones, if I recall, but a great amp.
Vox 3 is really, surprisingly good.. Guy wad playing it in the street last week, and it sounded just great!
I have the Fly 3 with extension cabinet and external power. One thing that NO ONE tells you is that it doesn't like Lithium -Ion batteries. Works well with old style alkaline AA batts. It actually works better on batts than with the power in... too much noise at higher gain levels... even with nothing plugged into it. The delay feature is pretty cool to play with though. and you can plug in your mp3 or other devices to play along to.
hey thanks for the info about the Lithium batteries. I've only tried alkaline myself so I didn't know that was an issue.
does it not sound as good, or the power runs out really fast?
the amp just doesn't support the L-i use. power disappears before you can even plug your guitar into it. this with brand new batts. Also, Blackstar has a users forum for FAQ's.
I've had my Fly3 for a long time and use L-ion batteries all the time. I notice zero difference. I suppose it depends if you use cheap Duracell rechargeables or better ones perhaps. I use Eneloop. I will say the cheapies that came with it ran a LONG time, hours & hours. This amp is greta on batteries. This is w/ an extension cab too.
Mine works great with the power supply. I suspect there is something wrong with your power supply.
I take the headphone out put and send it to my old Peavey combo 300 and it goes from a mini monster to a beast! All by itself it is a cool little amp, sounds great and very portable.
I like the crush mini because it has the output jack. The output jack really impressed me because I plugged it into a karaoke machine and it BLEW MY MIND. My current setup is the orange connected to a sawtooth amp as a pre amp
Yo man I've got a question for ya! May I use these mini amps for a bass guitar? Home use only just for fun and practicing in my small room.
Best wishes,
Iliyadis
I don't believe so
@@landonbailey Alright man thanks a bunch for a fast responding!
Keep on rocking!
One love!
There's a fly 3 bass model.
Love your videos, love your reviews, just bought the Vox mini 5 and waiting for my PRS to arrive. Thank you much, subscribed!!!
nice thanks!
Yes, to the Vox Mini5 - Rhythm! They are mostly “back ordered” in the USA, especially the “classic” style look, which is nowhere, while you can find the white version and the black with chrome screen (Heavy Metal Mater) version. I’ve seen them on Reverb listed in Canada (eh, Landon?), France, and Japan, and maybe Australia, with heft shipping fees. I’m trying to hold out for the classic style version at $190 USD. But my vintage Fender Deluxe Reverb needs fixing and lacks a headphone jack, so I’m kind of desperate for an inexpensive mini amp...so here I am, looking at reviews and considering other options. I’m keen to check out the link to the comparison video (with demos).
Great review. The first two mentioned I agree. I have not checked out the Vox. I do have a Fly 3 since it was available in the store. It took me a while to get the power supply for it. I had to order it.
hey thanks!
Thanks for all the work getting these three at the top for us!
:)
The Pignose still sounds great as well
I love how you say katana
you should hear how I saw Mario!
I've had several mini amps and the Vox is at least twice as good as the next best amp.
Great video. If you could show the amps in your hand or next to something to see how big it is would help.
Cool video! How is the Vox Mini with the Built in rhythm?
Would you recommend busking with the Vox one? Or the other two?
probably the Vox
I love my katana mini it's such a powerhouse little fella
These amps are good to ukulele? BlackStar Fly 3 or BlackStar Fly 3 Acoustic? Thanks!
should be ok :)
Thank you very much!
Sorry , but what you recomand to buy , BlackStar Fly 3 or BlackStar Fly 3 Acoustic?(i have a elctro-acoustic ukulele)
probably the account Fly 3
Thank you!
Thanks! I believe you just set me out on a mission to replace my practice (only) amp. Néed it only for practice, no jamming or busking or whatever.
I bought a cheap Strat and a Fender Frontman 10 last year when I wanted to learn to play to pass the time because of disability. Rushed in without any research. Not happy with the Frontman and see many videos about it having crappy sound. Looking at the minis, seems the tones are better and it could make my wife happy by saving room. My guitar experience so far has taught me one thing besides playing. Don't rush. Research.
Frontman, crappy? I wish there was more of a consensus. Everywhere I look, a great amp is a crap amp and a crap amp is a great amp. It makes not much sense.
Hi great video.....a question though , which do you think is the best suited for me if I want to plug in my multiprocessor board (boss gt-1) to the amp , so i'm hoping for a good clean tone to add the effects over to. Do these amps sound good with the pedals( not too much of unwanted fuzz and clipping)? Which would you recommend for a good clean sound...thanks✌✌
You’d probably be ok with the Fly3 or Katana. I’ve done some videos with those amps and how they take on fx pedals. Check my channel :)
lando27music thanks🙏🙏 subscribed
Kush Singh hey no problem and thanks!
Landon you should try the vox da5 , this is the one that uses 6 C size batteries , pretty loud little sucker, great tone , gain and distortion 👍
maybe one day!
When I bought mine I said that I was a total beginner and I trusted whatever the guy who knew better than me thought I should buy within my price range. I got a strat and that vox mini amp and I tell ya it’s pretty darn good. I’m looking to upgrade to a bigger amp, now, a tube one, but you can get some awesome tones out of that tiny little thing. And for home use it’s loud enough I can’t even get it to like, a quarter way on the volume.
$4 wooden box from Dollarama.
$2 TPA 3110 amp board/30Watts p/side.
Couple of full-range 3" speakers.
$40 Lekato headphone amp on AliX
Hot glue, soldering iron, wire, and half a brain.....$0
Certainly sounds on par and probably has more FX. Bluetoothing it is easy.
Thanks for making this vid. Going to go buy a mini vox now. Wanted a small practice amp for home use. It should do quite nicely.
Canuckvapor hey no problem! Try it out first if theres a demo model. There's so many settings you should be able to dial in something you like. 👍🎸
I have seen some demo vids for the three models after watching yours... The vox for me as well as the katana mini are good choices. I am still in the process of learning guitar so a good clean sound is key and when I want to muck around there are plenty of settings to give it delay and some crunch. So good choices! Thanks again.
Do they require pedals? I'm curious to ask?
no
@@landonbailey so I can play Heavy Metal with Distortion on this mini amp?
Witch one for acoustic guitar?
Which is the loudest ?
the ORANGE.. very clear and nice clear tone. one of the best and cheaper than what you show. and Marshal mini amp.
cool, thanks for the feedback. tone is very subjective and personal, so I won't disagree. 👍😁
Marshall mini is terrible lmao
May I also suggest the Roland Micro Cube. Unbelievable sounds for a battery powered amp. I have been thinking of the Fly 3 for a backpack/campsite amp though. I've heard nothing but great things about them.
+Roy Benson absolutely! I've heard great things too. I think they were a bit more expensive than the Vox mini series
I have a Fly3. I have taken it out to play-for-change, and it actually works. In a quiet campsite the Fly3 would be loud enough for most needs. I was playing mine today on a street corner with an Adamas acoustic/electric guitar. It is good for "sound reinforcement. Well worth the $59.99. Oh, mine came with batteries and I have used a few hours and still have not changed them. And it is light, very good for what it is.
cool real life usage story! ya the battery life is really great
The fly is super quiet outside, but sounds good in a bedroom. The katana has been the go to for camping trips. It projects in many directions, and sounds super cool in stereo with two of them
11 months late but i'll comment for anyone else who reads this, The blackstar fly3 is awesome, i only use it in my bedroom but that little thing rocks way beyond it's size.
Great vid @lando27music ! I'm currently looking around for one of these mini battery powered amps. Have you tried the Roland micro cube GX? How does it compare to the vox mini 3 G2?
hey thanks! no haven't tried the Roland line, but I've seen them for sure. I hear good things about them too
For a portable Roland cube can't be beat
Have you tried vox mini 5
What's your fav mini amp?
Blackstar Fly3:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/5RYJL
Amazon geni.us/JBtkY
Thomann: bit.ly/39pBstA
Boss Katana Mini:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/k5ZdN
Amazon geni.us/BossKatMini
Thomann: bit.ly/3hwTDQW
Vox Mini 3 G2:
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/eDg7j
Amazon geni.us/VoxMini3G2
Thomann: bit.ly/3gaDro0
I picked up a Fender Mustang Mini v2 (2nd hand for £30) - I'm knocked out by the sound it manages. The fact you can use it as both a USB recording interface and a full fat mustang v2 with the Fender Fuse software to customise the patches make it the best practice amp I've tried. It's battery powered, small size - but loud-ish at 7W, headphones and aux in sockets. USB. Works with Garage Band easily. Has anyone else tried this amp? I don't see it around much. Maybe it had a limited run or something. I think it retailed for about £100 new, would that qualify it for this category? If you can still find it that is...
I've never seen that one before! very cool. ya small, battery powered, it would be a consideration. Can't say I've seen one around here or ever mentioned online. very cool!
lando27music yeah, I wonder what happened to it?! So weird. Andertons had them briefly I think, amazon, then, like that... They're gone. Honestly a great, adaptable amp though. Almost all of the flexibility of a genuine mustang amp, similar price to a mini amp, but with USB recording, a strap that doubles as a tilt stand, built in tuner... All sorts of cool features, and really portable. The 6 C cells seem to last forever, too. Maybe you're right about the big companies - it's difficult to make a good mini amp, at a good price, and be profitable too.
Roland mini cube? Or was it micro cube? Those are amazing sounding little things.
I hear the Roland cubes are great. Haven't tried any myself yet
For versatility, nothing beats a Pignose 7-100
I just purchased the Squire Affinity Telecaster Deluxe as my first guitar and start lessons next week. Not knowing much I bought the Boss Katana MKII 50 watt amp to go with it. Will this be a good starting amp or should I have gone in another direction?
Lol. That's all kinds of amp, even for a seasoned player.
Nice vid man!
I'm wondering, which amp would be best for a complete clean sound?
using it for my acoustic(yamaha compass series) guitar outdoors so I can loop myself and jam with myself outdoors, which one would you recommend? Deciding between blackstar and boss katana
hey thanks! I think either amp would be fine. they have very similar clean sounds. the Kat might have a very slighty higher volume, but not by much
Thanks for the quick reply!
Think Im going towards the blackstar 3 due to the better price tag, still wondering would the backstar fly 3 be loud enough to play outdoors with my acoustic guitar? Doesn't have to be really loud, just enough so that i can sit with a circle of friends and everyone can hear..
And does the extra cabinet produce double the volume as i then have 6 instead of 3 watt?
Or would you suggest a different amp for outdoor looping and jamming such as the vox mini 3 G2?
You mentioned that the vox mini 3 G2 is suitable for busking, is it louder than the backstar? Both have 3 watts don't they? So they should be the same volume wise? But the blackstar has the advantage of being able to push the volume by adding another speaker cabinet? So which would you say is more suitable?
It's tough to say, depends how big the space is. indoors it's great. The extra cab won't double the volume, but it will fill the space better because you can aim each speaker in a different direction. A Vox Pathfinder 10 is really loud and cheap, that might be another option. It has a lot bigger speaker.
Thanks for the replies man, sorry for bothering, but I'm so undecided on what to get :P
tending towards blackstar due to better price tag and better portability due to smaller size (and much less weight) although the vox mini 3 g2 also looks very good, but is bigger than the blackstar..
just one last question, are the blackstar and the vox mini 3 g2 the same volume wise since both have 3 watt? That would make my decision worlds easier :P
the Vox Mini 3 is a lot louder, and pretty much ideal for busking, which is kind of what you're doing (without asking for money) it also has a MIC line in.
Which one is the loudest for its size? Looking to hook it to my belt and move around while playing
These are surely good all...but where is Roland Micro Cube GX?
still haven't come across one yet! hope to some day 👍🎸
The most Best of mini amp
@@nebulastark5939 I hear some say the original was better? Not that I would know.
I have a question. What would be a good amp for an apartment?
I like the Katana Mini
While it's definitely a bit more under the "toy" status, I actually really enjoy the Orange Micro-Crush. I found I can get some solid fuzzy tones out of it, and while I know plugging it into an external speaker defeats the purpose of a portable amp, the sound when hooked up to a better speaker system or a larger cabinet sounds fantastic
+Don:Ellis Music hey all good! whatever works right? I played the orange and ya you can get some fuzz for sure. it just couldnt do any low end stuff. 👍🎸🎸
Yeah hence the need for an external speaker for actual good sound. The built in speaker on the Orange is very tinny, which is probably its one major flaw I'd think.
I have a collection of tiny amps and the Vox is the best, without comparison...
Hi, I agree with your top 3, I'm curious, have you checked out the EVH 5150 mini? I think it's better than the Orange, Marshall, and Fender mini amps, still not as good as your top 3, but you may be interested. I believe they retail around $50.
hey thanks! Ya that's one mini I haven't tried yet. I have seen some other videos and I believe your right in saying it's better than the others. If I come across one, I'll possibly check it out. take care!
My 2 cents. Vox has the best !
The BIG question here is: Which one should I choose between Blackstar FLY 3 and VOX mini 3?? I look for great clean/ lead tones, and would like to have built in fx. Is FLY 3 tone better?? Would I rather taking the mini 3 for the features, or it also has a great tone?? Can someone talk from experience about these two monsters?? Thanks!!
I'm biased, because it's my video, but I would pick the mini 3.
Lando27Music Means a lot from you to response!! Thanks man, now I think I'm going for thee mini 3
I had respect for honeytones.
still?
@@landonbailey yes. How cheap they are and not a bad tone.
NUX Mighty Lite is great too. It's come with apps & able to adjust a fews tones...
ya I've reviewed it. great little amp
Do you have opinions on some inexpensive pedals? thx much
nope :)
Several Amazon reviews complain of the Vox's constant, overpowering hiss. Your experience?
I've never heard the hiss. did they say on what channel?
@@landonbailey Direct quote below. A few more reference it as well:
I so wanted to like this amplifier. If it wasn't for one issue that bugged me and made me return it (two different units) it would have 5 stars. The problem was the amount of noise this amplifier creates when not doing anything, just switched on, with EVERYTHING, even the master volume, turned off. Crackles and buzzes may be acceptable on a 50w valve amp, but for a small 4 watt amplifier, designed for bedroom use, it's not. Unless you are actually playing notes through it, you have to switch it off or it annoys anyone in the room.
I've watched a number of YT reviews and never heard anything about it, but didn't want to buy one if the hiss is a real thing
I've had no noises, sounds like a faulty unit
@@landonbailey thanks for your help!
Which mini amp would you suggest to get a nice rockabilly sound? Like a Brian Setzer sound.
I'm not super familiar with rockabilly, but I believe you need a good chunk of delay with a short decay right? In that case, the top 3 that I mentioned all have delay. The Vox Mini has the longest delay. So really any of those would probably work, and correct me if im wrong about the rockabilly sound. :)
I've never used delay, I'm just getting into playing rockabilly so believe me, I'm no one to correct someone who plays as well as you do. Thank you for the answer though. I'm caught up between buying the Vox, or the Roland Micro Cube, which I believe also has delay built in.
ok cool. I've heard the Roland amps are great. If I can get a hold of one, I'd like to have it in a demo some day for sure. take care!
I almost made the mistake of buying a Mini Fender Twin. After watching your Blackstar Fly 3 video I am getting that instead.
Oh cool.ya you should be happy with the Fly 3
You forgot to mention Roland Micro Cube. Very similar to Vox mini 3 g2.
maybe I'll try it some day
Could you use a black star for busking?
I don't think it would be loud enough
VOX mini 3 g2 or Roland micro cube GX?! Which one is better?
I've heard the micro Cube has great tone, but the Vox has more tone options. depends on what you need 👍🎸😁
Lando27Music thanks for your reply, good luck!😊
Lando27Music I chose vox mini 3 black and I think I made a good Choice 👍
cool! lots of features on that amp. have fun!
thanks man, this video helped so much!!
+Hudson Holdich glad it could help! 🎸😁
Does the Vox mini3 take guitar pedals? I know it has effects, but what if you to expand it with certain pedals later on?
Not into the orange mini crush huh?
Eric Coombs Ya I found it fizzy and no low end.
Vox rules! Although not battery powered, the Pathfinder 10 is awesome. Impressive AC tones in a tiny package. Even tho
I have an AC-15 now, I still miss that little gem.
+Artamus Sumatra cool, I've got a Pathfinder. really loud for the size!
80$ Fly3 Bluetooth or 80$ used vox mini3 g2?
I would get the Vox. has so many more options
how about Laney mini St sir? any good from it, or can u compare it to those 3 amps?
How come none of the reviews mention that the Blackstar is Bluetooth???
hey there. There's actually two models. The newer model has Bluetooth. It wasn't in the first generation
There’s only so much these lil fellas can do. They are only practice amps. Not for gigging at all. I use one at the fire station and I wouldn’t dare let one of my coworkers hear it. They all leave a lot to be desired, but they are what they are….for practice.
have you tried the Fly3 or Katana Mini
Can you play it in gigs sir?
+Voxan Gel the Vox? No you can't gig with any of these
Y sir? Just for practise?
+Voxan Gel ya just practice. they don't have a loud enough volume to gig with
Yes you can 😌 Just mic it up! I have a Yamaha THR10 and I used it in our office event
Can you make an update video now. Or say where the Nux mini and the laney mini stb would fall on your list??
I've made a few update videos since this one. Haven't tried the Laney amps yet. cheers!
Thank you! I have a Boss 50 and part of me wants to buy the boss mini but now I'm thinking Vox as well. Just not sure now hahaha. I'm a beginner as well just practicing all the time
cool have fun!
@@landonbailey so you prefer the Vox right
ya it's great
Say it ain't so, the Pignose 7-100 is not on the list???? It is a classic!
doll lover sophie It could most likely be on the list. I've heard great things, but simply haven't come accross one. 🎸😁
1:27 for the top 3.
What is a modelling amp? how is it different from others?
hey there, it's basically software/hardware that is trying to recreate the sounds of a 'real' amp. Real being a tube based amp or a solid state amp.
Okay, thanks for clarification, have you tried Roland street ex battery powered?
+Dr-Ng'umbi Nickson Hassanally no haven't tried that one
Hello is the vox mini3 g2 suitable for my martin dreadnought junior with electric pickup. Sorry man i m a guitar newbie looking for lotsa help😁
ya should be fine! have fun
When I busk, I use a fender passport mini.
nice! those are perfect for that
If you could put links to these things in the description that would be rad!
Good idea! done!
will this mini amp sounds high I want to use it in a auditorium in my school plzz teply
+Roshan Shibu hi there, none of these amps are very loud for that size of a room
lando27music thank u sir
Roshan Shibu no problem!
Gonna watch all 3 of these, but i need to know, is there a mini amp or speaker thats good for monitoring an fm synthesixer. Dont care about battery power, just size and sound quality,
I wish I could answer that, but I don't have any experience with that! Maybe someone else will see this and can answer. :)
Hi what do you think of the Vox Adio Air GT 50W 2x3 Bluetooth Modeling Guitar Combo Amplifier? If you have seen it does it sound better than the Yamaha THR10?
haven't had a chance to try one myself but they seem pretty cool. around the same price as thr I believe
is there a way to charge these besides batteries?
some of them can be powered with adapters
I'd definitely pony up the extra bucks for the Roland Micro Cube GX
Hello, Lando. What do you think of the Roland Micro Cube 2 watts? Is it better and more powerful than the boss katana mini? I am interested in a mini to transport it easily to practice in the park and have a regular power
+luisrangels I hear the Roland Cubes are great, but I haven't played one myself
Thank you very much Lando. I liked your reviews : D (y)
Im trying to decide between
NUX MIGHTY LIGHT BT or ROLAND MICRO CUBE GX or VOX MINI 3 G2 ???? All are under $200 aus, just trying to decide which one before i buy... Help please lol
The mini 3 and the microcube are pretty much exactly the same amp. Great for playing house party's or busking.. The nux is smaller and not as loud but can do a lot of cool interfacing tricks with your computer so it's better for recording.
So really it depends what your after doing with it.. I've been using the vox for 3 years now, mostly outdoors it sure can take a beating. When if does die, I'll be buying another..
Hope this helps.
@@bombercountyblues ended up going with the micro cube.. very happy with it 👍
Heh Landon another great video thanks Mate any chance of reviewing some semi hollow guitars please? Say Gretsch Ibanez and Epiphone? Thanks 🙏 Mike from Australia
So the honeytone mini app is trash?
i think so 😊🎸
Lando27Music damn no I feel bad for ordering one yesterday☹️
hey don't feel bad. that's just my preference. there's no right or wrong for music 👍😁
can you have a looper pedal with the fox ?
ya you can use a looper pedal with any amp
Vox mini 3 g2 hisses when on. Couldn't understand why, that hiss was annoying.
@@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040
Mine has no hiss.
What do you think Vox Adio Air GT 50W 2x3 Bluetooth Modeling Guitar Combo Amplifier I am looking for amp modeling amplifiers. Do you think it is better than the yamaha thr10?
can't say if they are better. haven't had a try on them yet. 😁👍
Thank you. The problem with these amplifiers is that they don't have a looper so you can use it for practicing. Can you attach pedals to these devices like a wah pedal?
Angel Martinez ya I've had good luck attaching pedals to mini amps. should be no problems