Power Attenuators...

My Classic 30 doesn't start shining until ~4-6 on the clean channel, which is much too loud for practicing in my room (unless I'm home alone). So I'm exploring two options:

1. Trade it for a Crate Palomino V16 or V8.
2. Buy a Weber MiniMASSSome questions about the Weber. I know I cant just crank my amp to 10 then turn the volume down with the attenutor and expect amazing quality. But if I'm just looking to slightly lower the volume, how much will my tone be effected?

If you get a THD HotPlate, you will be pretty happy with the results. I've used it with my Soldanos and have been very impressed with it.

For slight volume attenuation, the MiniMASS sounds great. I have one semi-permanently mounted in my homebuilt Phonyvox 13 Watter. The great part about the MiniMASS is that it matches small amps so well - you're not paying for power capability or features you don't need.

Turned down real low, the MiniMASS still sounds pretty good. The only problem is the wirewound rheostat gets a little flakey when it's down to the first one or two windings - it gets a little scratchy, and you have to fiddle with it. Still sounds OK, though. Once it up above 8 o'clock, its fine.

Good sound for cheap - money well spent.

1 on the MASS, although I've never used the Mini, but the regular one.

When the amp is cranked amp; the attenuator is maxed, it's not a good idea to do this....too much stress on both units amp; it doesn't sound as good.

I usually find a good spot with the amp volume at around 6 (1 o'clock) or so amp; then play around with the MASS to find a good spot.

I'm not sure about the mini, but the regular MASS has a bypass switch....throw that for when you can crank it amp; it's as if the MASS isn't even there.

Wait for Lew to chime in or send him a PM...I think his brother gave him one for Christmas last year amp; he loves it.

I love the Mini-Mass with my Blues Jr. Definitely get the treble-retention switch (or whatever they call it). Helps a bit below 5 on the tone.

Chip

Attenuators aren't designed to turn big heads into bedroom players. My marshall sounds better with the master volume at 5 than it does cranked with the hotplate set to match the volume of the marshal at 5. Too much attenuation = tone suckage.

I just received a mini-mass and there was some type of ring or clip halfway wedged where the knob connects to the potentiometer shaft. As soon as I turned the knob the ring/clip popped off and flew across the room. Now the knobs shaft just spins. Not 1 minute out of the box and that happens. I still have to plug it in and test it yet. I may have to open it to adjust the pot. Hopefully it isn't damaged and can be easily repaired.