[Harp-L] Epiphone Valve Special - Opinions and Help for Newbie

[Scott Hicks <dscotthicks@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I'm a newbie player, started less than a year ago but have only started to get serious within the last couple of months.  I picked up an Epi Valve Special on a decent deal after reading a few positive things about the Valve Jr. for the budget-conscious harp player.  I liked the idea of tone controls, two pre-amp tubes, line out, and built-in reverb (not awesome reverb but usable).  The previous owner (guitarist) replaced the original tubes (2 - 12AX7's and an EL84) with JJ's, and replaced the speaker with a 60W Celestion G10.  I have the amp paired with a custom bullet with a lo-z Shure CM and built-in hi-z transformer, a pretty hot mic.  Overall, I like the tone, it has a nice mid-range honk.

My biggest issue is volume.  Now I know that I shouldn't expect too much from a 5W amp, but with the master volume dimed I can only get the gain up a quarter of the way before the feedback starts.  I'm really very green so I'm wondering if anyone can recommend changes that would allow me to get a little more volume.  I'm also open to any suggestions on how to improve tone, if anyone has any experience with this amp.  Thanks.

Scott