Ghia combo 1x10 or Cure

[jdsky]

I got rid of all my performing amps due to recording .I have studio amps now I need a performance amp. Which one might be best for my situation?: electric guitar (me) , standup bass, acoustic rhythm guitar , drums.

definitely need some clean headroom but also some hair. Im ok with getting some pedals for reverb or OD. weight is an issue too. the Ghia 12 inch speaker a little more bass but hows the  10 inch sound?

thanks

[pcns]

I love my Ghia but for your situation the Cure may be more versatile with the Level control and effects loop.

My 2 cents

[digs57]

Had the cure and it was a sweet little amp...let it go cause I have two studio maz 18's that will handily get the job done...saying that this is my second go around with ghia 110...recently put a warehouse guitar "g10c" and it does have more headroom,little more punchiness and the best part is all of my guitars are sounding really good...

But...the les paul really shines through the little guy...he wears some big pants now...you can swing it own both...

[John]

Oct 22, 2018 6:51:22 GMT -7 jdsky said:

definitely need some clean headroom but also some hair.

This is all relative.  We can't quite help you with this one (although we'll try) because it depends on the volume of the band.  At a particular band's performance volume, one amp could be considered not enough clean headroom, where others would be not enough hair.

I will say, if you've got a stand up bass in the band...you're probably not playing too loud.  (although I could be wrong)

For several years, I used a 1x10 Ghia combo with a gold.  To me (and the volume my band played at) it was the perfect grab and go.  It was a reasonably loud modern country band, and I needed clean and some overdrive to cover all the guitar tones required.  It was also small and light.  (light...for a tube amp!)  There was only one gig I ever had where the 1x10 Ghia couldn't keep up. It was a crushing loud showcase gig, where the PA was thunderously...and unnecessarily loud.  Sound guy had drums coming out of the vocal monitors....totally unnecessary..the drummer's 7 feet away from us..I can hear him just fine.

Before this amp, I had never played through a 10" speaker before.  I had serious reservations.  They went away in 5 seconds.  You'll NEVER notice the difference when playing with a band.  I suppose if you A/B two identical amps up with a 12 and 10..there'd be a difference.  But if you don't have anything to compare it to, you'll never know.

The Cure may offer some more versatility...especially with the 'level' knob...but never ever count out the Ghia.  It's tone, touch, dynamics are fantastic.  Don't worry about it only having volume & tone knobs.  It's a great amp. 

[simpleton]

The Ghia is louder than the Cure.....the Cure is more Tweed sounding while Ghia more Marshall/Vox. Ghia 1x10 vs Cure in studio cab?.....hmmmmm sounds like a quieter band so I’d pick Cure, but the Ghia will add volume....18 Watts vs 12-15 watts. After owning the Ghia, Monza, and Therapy .... the Cure does seem a bit smaller albeit very versatile with the EQ boost and FX Loop.

Clean headroom might not describe either the Ghia or Cure.

Have fun

[jdsky]

I should say that the stand up bass does use an amp, and the acoustic guitar does use an amp...but not that loud. So where does that leave me now?

thanks

[John]

I see you posted the same question in the Cure section.

You're talking about two great amps with similar wattage. Once a person gets down to this level of the selection process, personal preference and their ears come into play. They're both great amps. You can't go wrong with either.

Do you require a master volume? Do you like big bottle power tubes over small? Do you require an effects loop?

[jdsky]

yes I did post both places (maybe it was overkill) but I was thinking I could get a response from each group and then take it from there...master not so important. effects loop not so important as I could go thru the front for pedals.

 thanks for taking the time to respond

[Deleted]

I like the Ghia over the Cure and to complicate things further you should look at the weight of Doc's new lightweight 1x12 combo.
He's really brought the weight down.
I'm continually blown away by the Ghia and the idea that it was Doc's first amp.
I consider it to be one of the best sounding amps I've every used.

[LT]

These are both great amps....I have a Cure and had a 1-10 Ghia.

There's more flexibility with the Cure's preamp, and the EQ bypass is a really nice feature (you'll need one less OD pedal). Plus the Level control on the Cure is the bomb. If you get a Ghia, you might want to consider a BrakeLite.

Speaker selection is a big part of the picture. I agree with John in that the 1-10 Ghia sounds like no other 1-10 you've played through before. I had the Red Fang in my Ghia for the increased efficiency, but the Celestion Gold sounded great (but decreased the headroom). Note that I'm referencing using it in an 8 pc horn band (but miced up).

You really can't go wrong with either! Let us know what you decide to do.

[msterling45]

I have both a Ghia and a Cure. If I was playing with you guys, I’d bring the Cure; hands down,

[63fenderman]

Try the Ghia with a celestion g10 greenback. Low efficiency speaker. Has plenty of volume to keep up with a band at moderate levels clean and can also give a nice breakup tone at medium volumes. That speaker paired with a brake lite is an amazing combo.

[nmz]

I had both and kept the Ghia. FYI, there is a anni. Ghia on reverb right now. Those have a master volume which might be of use to you.