Review: Ibanez Valbee

1 Review:

Review by	Soft.com.sg
Submitted on	2011-06-03 10:21:58
Rating	8
If you are an ardent tube amp fan, the ValBee isn't a serious contender considering the default driver size, which makes the inherent tone rather one dimensional. With this shortcoming in mind, you will love this amp for its above-average inherent tone & the potential it has to offer, it does not offer a top-notch tube tone per se, be warned. Chances are you’ll look forward to hook pedals up to it, in the hope of refining its capacity & discovering a unique voicing in doing so. This amp will benefit from a reverb option, which is sorely missing here. Also, tube access involves a complete removal of the rear panel which is really a chore, especially when you have limited patience with a screw-driver. The phones/ recording out feature doubles as an extension for external speaker cab, but there are limited offerings out there which will be functional enough with a 5watter amp. Do not dismiss the ValBee as an under-class, entry-level amp, it’s a more worthy investment than many 15W (solid state or otherwise) practice units out there. The ValBee is arguably a tonal adventure more than enlightenment. Let’s hope there will be a subsequent version with a bigger default driver.