User Review: Epiphone Galaxie 10

Epiphone amplifiers offer one of the best investments you can make for your practices and live performances. It’s a brand that stands for quality above everything else, making it a popular choice for professionals for several decades.

When you need a small amp to use at home, the Epiphone Galaxie 10 delivers an impressive result. The stage-like quality of its tone echoes throughout the room while delivering a vintage vibe for most instruments.

If you play live, having a microphone available for the amp ensures that the entire audience can enjoy the benefits of this design.

Although Epiphone no longer actively produces this amp, it’s still one of the best choices you can find for its since. You’ll get lots of features, incredible sounds, and a lot of fun when you start playing with it.

User Review: Epiphone Galaxie 10

The Epiphone Galaxie 10 is a portable tube amp that comes with Sovtec 6L6 and 12AX7 tubes. It uses a 10-inch Celestion speaker for the output while only using ten watts. It might be small, but the volume and tone are comparable to larger models. You can change the stock tubes to achieve more head room.

The Epiphone Galaxie 10 uses a single 12AX7 preamp tube with a 6L6 power tube to deliver a vintage sound.

Even though it is only 10 watts, the speakers deliver a high-quality result with reasonable power. It offers tone and gain controls, along with a standby switch, on a single channel.

Users will notice right away how fast and comfortable the one develops when playing with this amp.

As you push the volume levels higher, more warmth creeps into the output. Although you don’t want to push things too hard some excellent tones develop when you start experimenting with this miniature combo.

The wealth of sounds it delivers without an overdrive or distortion pedal are quite extraordinary. If you want something that presents an Eric Clapton vibe while playing, you won’t believe the results that are possible.

When you add the distortion, you can push the gear toward heavy metal territory.

It is no longer manufactured by the brand, but you can find the Epiphone Galaxie 10 on the secondhand market.

It typically sells for anywhere around $125 to $175, although amps in excellent condition can fetch more than the original $199 MSRP.

■ Specs of the Epiphone Galaxie 10

Here’s a closer look at the specs you can expect if you decide to purchase an Epiphone Galaxie 10 from the secondhand marketplace.

Output Power:	10 watts maximum
Treble Control:	18 dB at 10 kHz
Middle Control:	8 dB at 440 Hz
Bass Control:	10 dB at 100 Hz
Input Impedance:	1M ohms
Input Sensitivity:	15 mV at 1 kHz
Speaker:	10-inch Celestion 8-ohm speaker
Power Consumption:	40 Watts

It comes with two tubes. With the preamp, the Epiphone Galaxie 10 uses a Sovtek 12AX7WA, while the internals benefit froma Sovtek 6L6WGC.

You’ll also have two fuses to consider, with a 120V and 220V added to the design. The latter offers 800mA 250V.

When you take a look at the amp itself, you’ll find a few features worth reviewing before taking advantage of the equipment’s plug-and-play design.

Input jack:	The Epiphone Galaxie 10 features a 1/4-inch jack for instrument connections.
Gain:	When you set these settings higher, you’ll notice more distortion getting added to your overall sound.
Volume:	This feature controls the overall volume or level while playing.
Treble:	With this feature, you’ll be controlling the higher frequencies that get added to your mix. Setting the dial closer to 10 adds more to the mix.
Middle:	Users have more control over the midrange frequencies with this option.
Bass:	You’ll get to update the lower end of the listening spectrum with this feature.
Power Indicator:	The Epiphone Galaxie 10 tells you if the equipment is on and receiving power with this design element.
Stand-By:	When this amp gets placed in the off position, it removes the high voltage flows that come from the tubes. You’ll want to keep it with the amp in the off position for at least 60 seconds before switching it on to ensure the tube elements can warm up appropriately.
Power Switch:	This switch is what provides power to the unit when you’re ready to start playing.

You’ll discover that the Epiphone Galaxie 10 is relatively easy to use. The product is designed to provide many years of musical enjoyment, which means you can have lots of fun with this amp when it’s available to use.

Troubleshooting Guide for the Epiphone Galaxie 10

I’ve found that a couple of issues can develop when you use the Epiphone Galaxie 10 with your guitar. There can be times when no sound comes from the unit even though you feel that all the connections are appropriate.

After you’ve checked to see that everything is plugged in and that your cords are good, here are the steps to follow when you’re not getting any sound through the equipment while playing.

■ What If the Power LED Indicator Is Off?

• The most common issue for not having sound with the LED indicator off is that the power switch is not fully engaged. You’ll want to verify that it is in the correct position before proceeding.
• You’ll need to verify that the power cord is inserted securely at the back of the amp to ensure a consistent flow is available.
• The voltage selector must be set at the appropriate level to encourage playback.
• There might be an issue with the fuse, which could need a check or a replacement to have the Epiphone Galaxie 10 start functioning as expected.

■ What If the Power LED Indicator Is On?

• You’ll want to verify that the gain and volume are at their appropriate settings in the amp. If these are off, you won’t get sound even though power is coming to the unit.
• The cord might not be functioning correctly, even though the LED indicator for the Epiphone Galaxie 10 shows that you’re getting juice.
• You might have an instrument problem. If your volume is set at 0, you won’t get any sound coming from the speakers.

Although the 10-watt guitar amplifier is no longer in production, the owner’s manual specifically states that there aren’t any user serviceable parts. When referring for a repair, you’ll want to speak with an authorized center.

Alternatives to the Epiphone Galaxie 10

Since it isn’t easy to get your hands on an Epiphone Galaxie 10 today, a few suitable alternatives are available that are still in production.

All these models deliver unique advantages that can help your music find a new level.

1. Vox Pathfinder Combo

If you choose this guitar amp, you’ll have a distinctive product that delivers a surprisingly rich tone.

It comes with an overdrive and a clean switch, along with controls for the treble, bass, gain, and volume.

Although it’s only a 6.5-inch speaker, it still provides a creamy sound that works well for the blues, some rock, and even a little country.

The lineout and headphone jack for the Vox Pathfinder Combo offers a filtered signal that works well for practices or direct recording.

Although it won’t get incredibly loud, you won’t get the buzz or hum that overwhelms your playing in the background. It’s a solid-state design, but it sounds authentic.

2. Yamaha THR10II Desktop Guitar Amp

When you select this Epiphone Galaxie 10 alternative, you’re getting a lightweight amp that uses the manufacturer’s signature VCM technology.

It offers a genuine hi-fi stereo experience while staying at an affordable price. You’ll get a new take on a classic tone that offers Bluetooth suppoer for audio playback.

With the Yamaha THR10II desktop guitar amp, the plug-and-play connectivity is one of its strongest features.

You can start playing almost immediately, and a Line 6 Relay G10T transmitter lets you play the music anywhere. It comes with eight effects, hi-fi tech, and an extended stereo sound for authentic playback.

3. Fender Frontman 10G Amp

With this six-inch speaker, you’ll get access to all of the sounds you want in a tiny package.

Although it won’t replace a massive stack, it is a nice option that comes with volume, treble, bass, and gain controls.

There’s even an overdrive switch for the times when you want to rock out.

What works well for the Fender Frontman 10G amp is that it has a closed-back construction that works to amplify the sound.

You can even select a bundle that provides the cord and a few picks so that you have everything you need to start playing. Although the AUX plays straight out, it’s still a nice investment to consider.

If you want to enjoy hearing great sounds in small packages, the Epiphone Galaxie 10 is a fantastic investment to consider.

When you cannot find one secondhand, choosing one of today’s best alternatives ensures that you can enjoy playing and practicing whenever the mood strikes.