adlankj Posted August 15, 2008 Posted August 15, 2008 Hey guys. So I'm thinking of buying a new amp later this year ( I have a crappy solid state one) on a budget of probably no more than 400 bucks, and since I live in Jamaica where we don't have a good guitar store (seems like I say this every post I make), I was thinking of getting someone to bring down either a good amp head or a good small amp. But lately I've decided I don't really need or want to get an Amp Head, mainly because a Cab would be very expensive here, and I don't want to lug all that stuff around. And plus, with my budget I'd probably have to go solid state again, when I can get a small tube combo amp for less money and have better tone. Since I'll be asking someone to bring down the amp for me, it has to be something relatively small, probably 2X12 or smaller. So I have some questions for you guys. What's a good small Tube combo amp for $350 or less? I play mainly Indie/Alternative rock, and maybe some blues and classic rock. I was looking at the Crate V50-112 and V33-212. Is it worth the extra money to go up to 2 speakers but down in wattage? What's more valuable, wattage or the extra speaker? Thanks in advance.
littlekenny Posted August 15, 2008 Posted August 15, 2008 Well, the Blackheart Combos - Blackheart Combo Amps Have been getting great reviews, and then there's always the valve junior but out of the two I would get the blackheart. I'm sure others will post with different suggestions but those are just two. Between the two crates, I would go with the one with the lower wattage, tube amps are loud. A lot louder than you would think.
saturn Posted August 15, 2008 Posted August 15, 2008 I have no evidence to back my claim, but from my experience I prefer a two speaker combo whenever possible. All the single speaker amps I've had seem to sound a little muddled. If you're getting a tube amp, lowere wattage is probably preferable anyway. It will start to get that classic tube breakup sound at lower volumes.
Thundergod Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 What about the peavey classic 30? Or the fender hot rod (the smaller one... dont remember the name now)
NeoConMan Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 Fender Blues Junior. 15 watts, 1x12, very cool little amp, less than $400. TG, are you thinking about the Deluxe? 40 watt 1x12, maybe a little over $400 Don't rule out a good used amp, save a little cash and get a little more.
FennRx Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 Fender Blues Junior.15 watts' date=' 1x12, very cool little amp, less than $400. TG, are you thinking about the Deluxe? 40 watt 1x12, maybe a little over $400 Don't rule out a good used amp, save a little cash and get a little more.[/quote'] the HRD is around 700 new
tepidy Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 I would keep saving up funds and go for a used Carr Mercury,( $1,200.00 - $1,500.00 U.S. on ebay). absolutely the best most versatile small tube amp made. Can dial the amp all the way down to 1/8 watt and crank the volume and drive up all the way and still achieve tube breakup and distortion at very low levels. Very compact and easy to transport down to you.
Bradmeister Posted August 17, 2008 Posted August 17, 2008 Carvin Vintage 16 or Nomad would be good choices. I had the opportunity to try them out recently, and they were good amps. -Brad
ChanMan Posted August 17, 2008 Posted August 17, 2008 Blues Jr is 479.00, new. I just bought one. +10 on nice little amp. The only quality tube amps I know of for less than $350 are the Epi and the Blackheart.
MikeRom Posted August 17, 2008 Posted August 17, 2008 Nuthin' wrong with those Crates you mentioned either. I have a V8 and it's a great little amp so it's big bro's should be just as kick-***,
rjay777 Posted August 17, 2008 Posted August 17, 2008 Another option is the Peavey Valveking 112 combo. Around $400 USD new, and a killer little tube monster.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.