I'm really surprised with this amp. I really purchased this as a practice amp and jam amp with my friends. It’s a tube amp with effects and reverb built in. And that’s what I wanted, real tube sound and effects all in one. (So I don't have to carry extra equipment around). It sounds awesome with my modified Boss DS-1 and SD-1. It does have a hum to it (it doesn't know the words). I replaced the tubes (stock sovtek, not bad) with JJ tubes and some of the hum went away. I plan to replace the speaker with a Celestion Tube 10 inch. Sure its not totally quiet and super hi-fi, but it does sound good and you can't beat the price and value for this amp.

I recently purchased amp to have a combo version of the Epi Valve series. I own the head version and I must say that this combo is a great companion. I play Les Paul’s and this amp when cranked gives a great gnarly sound. And as the combo version has more features such as tone controls and gain the sounds you get are awesome. It is loud enough to play in a band context and the effects just add to the pallet. I might change out the tubes though as many folks seem to say it just improves the sound but for now I can't wait to take this little monster to the blues jam on Sundays. Buy it now and you will not be disappointed. Tubes definitely rule!

I got this amp 5 months ago and quickly hooked it up through my Pod xt. I figured it should sound great and it did. However you probably wont believe me when I tell you that it sounds better without The pod. (Master volume all the way up, gain half way, bass half way, full trebile and mid). Perfect. The only thing I don't like is the hum and when you play at higher volumes something in the chassis vibrates very loud. Probably fixable. The effects and reverb could be better, but for the cost I can't complain. Sounds great for blues and classic rock, but if you like metal, you're going to have to get some pedals. I heard of people doing mods on thiers, (speaker, tubes, bias) and I am going to do the same. But to be perfctly honest, mine sounded great right out of the box. You can't beat this amp for the price.

This is a great pratice amp, or bedroom amp as I use it. I played this amp over and over at the local music store for about 3 months. Every guitar I auditioned, I used this amp. I have this paired with a Gretchs Historic Streamline and life is good. My main amp is a Fender '59 Bassman which I worship. This Epiphone is a great little brother to my Bassman.

I replaced the Valve Special's speaker w/an Eminence Ramrod.I replaced power tube w/JJ el84,pre's w/Tung-sol 12ax7s. Stock sound was ok,but a bit muddy. After mods less bassey,more highs and useable mids. This amp has a lo-fi old school sound. Lots of grind when maxed (or near max). Takes pedals well.Boss DS-1 sounds great(really). I play w/P90s,single coils & humbuckers. I run this w/a Trace Elliot Velocette 12R (15-5 watts,12in V30). Trace has the (compared to Epi)'hi-fi' chime,Epi has the ripping mids & British gruntiness. I also have the Valve Jr head. When run thru the Ramrod,the Jr has more useable (ie. not bassey) sounds at low to med volume, but nearly identical at higher volumes (where these 5 watters shine) This is a great little rocker after mods.