[ArizonaBlues]

I'm looking to get one of these so that I can sit around in my living and jam out by myself. So, I've been looking at both of these amps. The Fender G-Dec doesn't have much but it does have a few sounds, a some basic tracks. The Line 6 overpowers the G-Dec in this category.

Here's the thing, I'm a blues player and I've got tons of backing tracks that I used to play what I want to play. I don't have that much of a need to layer music and do all that fancy stuff that the Spider can do. I could live just fine with the G-Dec. However, everyone that I know has been telling me that the added expense of the Spider Jam is worth the money. They tell me that the Spider will let me do what the Fender will do and much better. I'm just afraid that I will pay more money for the Spider and never use alot of what it can do.

I kind of wish that Line 6 sold the backing track portion of the Spider amp separately so that I could use it with the amp I already own.

So, what do you guys recommend? I play through a Fender Strat with Texas Specials. The only effect pedal I have is a wah-wah. Most everything I like to play is SRV, old school blues.

Help me out!!

 

[Oscar]

Spider Jam vs. G-DEC

Hey Arizona,
I hear ya. Although I wouldn't call myself a blues player yet, that's what I'm trying to be. I bought a Fender G-Dec (the small one) about 18 months ago and had a blast with it. Unfortunately, I've got more money than talent so I was wooed by all the reviews of the Spider Jam. I bought one about a month ago and I'm still trying to figure it out. I'm sure it's very good and versatile, but like you, I just want to put in my backing tracks and start jamming. Unless I'm missing something, a basic 12-bar blues doesn't exist on the pre-loaded Spider Jam tracks. The G-Dec has all kinds. I will admit that the Spider Jam's tracks do sound spectacular compared to the G-Dec.
All in all, I'm sure I'll probably "grow into" the Spider Jam, but for right now, I miss the simplicity of the G-Dec.
Hope this helps.

 

[TunaCanTommy]

Hey guys...new guy here. I just started taking lessons in Jan. 09 and am progressing, I think well. Gotta great teacher. Started on an inexpensive acostic but my instructor let me play his electric one day and I was sold. Went immediately out and bought a new Fender American Delux Strat and an inexpensive Fender Amp until I talked with my instructor. For the price he said to go ahead and get the Spider Jam. Traded the Fender back and got the SJ. I am having trouble figuring the thing out also. Being 59 years old, I have to have my nephew help me with new phones so hopefully you young guys can give an old guy some help. I think the amps decent but the instruction book, well is a bit suspect. I saw one song, "Charlemagne" and thought it would be studio type recording of "Kid Charlemagne" but when you press the play button, something else comes up. It does that with all the music so I think I'm doing something wrong. Being also a Blues guy, well someday, I found "Unexpected Blues" on the SJ to be a version of The Thrill is Gone, but you probably already know that. I've been using it to work on my scales and it fits pretty good. I am also disappointed that the 12 Bar Blues isn't on the SJ. Thought that would be naturally on there. Well, any help would be appreciated.