swampash Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Around next March, I'm going to be looking for a new all-tube combo amp. I have certain ideas of what I want out of an amp. Also it has to sound good with the Guitars I own. I have a Gibson ES-335, Classic series 50s Fender Stratocaster, Fender AVRI 52 Telecaster and I hope to buy the new 2012 Gibson Les Paul Standard with this amp. I will mostly be using this at home but there is the possibility of an old band getting back together so It may be used for small/medium venue gigs. I will be using my own pedal-board with it which includes an Ibanez TS9 Tube screamer, a Big Muff as well as a Seymour Duncan Pickup Booster (for my single coil Guitars). I also has a Marshall Jackhammer Pedal which may be alternated with the Big Muff to give me extra space on the pedal board. The amp has to be: Not more than 40 watts and not less than 15 watts Have on-board reverb 2 channels (foot-switchable) Good sparkling clean channel decent dirty channel Under €1000 Amps I am currently reviewing include the Fender Hotrod, Blues Junior and Blackstar HT-20. I really want an amp that will not have to be modded later on. I have always wanted a Fender Tube Amp but I have some misgivings on how the Gibson Guitars may sound through it. I would really appreciate some suggestions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOL! Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I have always wanted a Fender Tube Amp but I have some misgivings on how the Gibson Guitars may sound through it. You should not have any misgivings. Gibsons through Fender amps sound killer. I ran an SG Special into a Deluxe Reverb RI for a while and played in a band where one of the guitar players used a seventies P-90 SG into a Pro Reverb and that tone was nirvana. In fact, one of my all time favorite tones is an SG through a Fender Twin or Pro Reverb. My current setup is an SG Classic through a Silvertone 1484. The 1484 is a poor man's copy of a Twin Reverb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Hey Swampy,, Lots of guys love the DRRI's You'd want to not over look one in your shopping adventure. I am not sure the Fender hot rods is the way to go for you. The drive channel on those amps, does not get positive reviews. I've a Hot Rod Deville 4x10, I like it, but I do agree, the drive channel is lacking, so a good crunch pedal could be needed. Laney has some great sounding tube amps in this wattage range too. Blackstars seem to get great reviews too, pursue that, see what you think. If it was me, I'd probably be looking for another Marshall combo. The 40 watt spec would put you in the DSL401 range, I don't know much about these. I have a JTM60-2x12 and that amp really sounds great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderchild Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I've been using a Carvin Bel Air for over 3 yrs with all my guitars, Gibson, Fender, Gretsch. Real happy with how all of them sound thru it. I just tweek the guitars a little to get the sound I want, really don't touch the amp. 50 watt, 2-12s, clean & dirty channel w/footswitch, reverb tank. Carvin has smaller ones also. Made in USA that's a Big point for me. Might take a look at Carvin.com TC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoreyT Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Carvin V3M comes in head and combo. I really like mine, and you do not need fuzz or distortion pedals as the two dirty channels can get as dirty as you want. 7 15 50 watts. http://www.carvinguitars.com/guitaramps/v3microseries.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I love my Rebel 20 & 30... The 30 would be good for you, has two channels and built in reverb for both channels each adjustable on its own. Adjustable from 1 watt to 30watts... Sounds killer.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShredAstaire Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 FWIW I have a Blackstar HT-40 and I love it. I wouldn't call the cleans "sparkling" though...but it sounds pretty good. Depends what you are planning to do with it i guess. If you have the chance, go try the Blackstar in a shop...bring YOUR guitar so you know how it sounds through the amp. Let your ears make the decision. Good luck man!!! New amps are fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Hi Mr s-a.... A very interesting project I use a Fender DeLuxe VM with great enjoyment with Gibsons various and a Strat and Tele too... Sounds great with some footswitchable FX built in... I have enjoyed Laneys for several years...currently using a VC30 2x12 and a practice LC 15...both excellent IMO Also worth earwigging a couple of ss amps Laney Prism sounds great with an ES Gibson...(I gig and practice at home with a Prism 65w) As does the well regarded Roland Cube...superb 'JC Clean' channel and crisp reverb, delay etc I often end up gigging with either ss for portability and usable sounds... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Okay... A cupla comments. The Fender DR would pretty well hit your requirements. My understanding is that some pedals don't necessarily work well with it, but my experience is that your guitars run straight into it would work quite well, both the Fenders and Gibsons. It's loud and it's portable without 18 roadies or breaking the back of a guy over 30. Weaknesses are it doesn't have a line out to go to the board, so it'd have to be miked if you're thinking that way. It's also best raised above floor level - but the same should be said of any small amps and even bigger cabs. It doesn't have a "dirty" channel, though, since it wasn't much of a consideration when it was designed or even when I was playing one. Still, I personally think it's one of the best tube amp designs for overall performance ever made. But we're also back to my concerns that in a band situation, too many of us (and I'm pointing at myself in my rock and saloon country band days) tend to spend way too much on amps and not half enough on PA and considerations of types of venues played to give customers a sound they want to hear again. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swampash Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share Posted October 19, 2012 I forgot to mention that it has to be under €1000. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twiz Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 If you want a great amp for a really affordable price check these out: Peavey Classic Series Carvin Vintage Series I own a Classic 50, and I'm currently gassing for the Carvin VT16 head. Great cleans/rock tones. I'm not sure how much the prices are for these in Ireland. Good luck with your amplifier search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 The DR should be... I think. Dunno the exchange to the Euro. Me, I've given up on even taking out my 90-pound "twin on steroids" 1970s tube monster. It just sits with its nice cover acting kinda like a table on wheels. So... I personally have concluded that with all the pedal stuff folks are using, most of us may really be better off with solid state for a batch of reasons - weight and costs being two major reasons and the use of pedals to modify the amp anyway being the third major one. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twiz Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I'm with ya on that Milo. I just bought a road case for my 5150 head because my band is probably going to be hitting the road here shortly. Between that and a 4X12, I figure I'll have to hire a personal chiropractor in a few years. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kaleb Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I'm with ya on that Milo. I just bought a road case for my 5150 head because my band is probably going to be hitting the road here shortly. Between that and a 4X12, I figure I'll have to hire a personal chiropractor in a few years. :( Not to go off topic but I hope you do go out on the road! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twiz Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Also, Swampash, from the amps in your list, I think I'd go with the Fender Blues JR. My dream amplifier at the moment is an old Fender Champ. The more I learn about them, the more amazed I get. I can't believe how many huge guitar sounds came from those little guys. And don't worry, your Gibsons will sound great through 'em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShredAstaire Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 my band is probably going to be hitting the road here shortly. You know Toronto ain't that far from you right? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LysanderSky Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I would strongly advise you to get a 70s Fender Vibrolux. Pretty much fits your description and you can get them (at least the silverfaces) for the price you mentioned. It does have 40 Watt and a STUNNING spring reverb which puts the current Fender catalogue to shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Twiz... Absolutely good vibes from here for you to go on the road - if that's what you want... Break a leg. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CoreyT Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Good videos on the V3M I posted about earlier. YouTube has several. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwFvKrKqtcU Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightTimeConcealmentX91 Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 deleted comment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catnine Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I had the fender tweed 1994 40 watt blues deluxe and it was plenty to gig with but if you want a simple amp it has a lot of controls and I had a few Fender Pro jrs and a peavy classic 30. I felt the peavy sounded the best and didn't weigh a ton. The main thing I didn't like about any of these models was that the tubes and most else is pc mount and have issues in that respect. I would go with a hard wired fender DR. Used is fine if the seller has kept it up and if you don't like it the resale holds up. Some or I should say many people are fine with the fender PC tube amps. I just felt the peavys were built a bit better. They had a peavy delta blues with a 15 speaker now that amp really pushes the sound. When you get to these 30 and 40 watt amps they are not really good for home use at least they were not in my case. The DR is quite lound and good for home or gigging without buying two amps. Even a champ is quite loud at home and it's only 6 watts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryan H Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 I'm not really sure how much €1000 is compared to USA dollars. It comes out to about $1300 USD. -Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Versatile Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 My earlier 'offering' suggested/implied the advantages of maybe getting 2 amps... A very decent indeed valve 30w ish combo can be had for £600-£750 sheets folding Leaving £250-£400 for a top banana ss or hybrid from Laney/Roland/Marshall/Vox/Peavey/Fender etc... Smell the mojo... V Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 There are some nice 20 watt amps out there. A 40 watt amp is probably a little big. Anyway, I have an Egnater Rebel and a hopped up Orange Tiny Terror. I've played my buddies Vox AC15. I had a Deluxe Reverb. Deluxe Reverbs are not very versatile. They don't breakup until your neighbors start yelling at you. And they do not take pedals very well. I can't imagine sticking a pedal in front of a deluxe reverb and thinking that I'm getting something special. The Egnater Rebel is the best sounding amp I've played, but they are not very reliable and the customer service is absolutely horrible. Both me and my bandmate have Rebel 20's and have had a number of bad experiences with Egnater. I just can't recommend them. We both blew the same power cap. They have problems. The Orange Tiny Terror is nice, but struggles a little to cut thru the band. Very Marshally sounding. No onboard reverb. The Vox AC15 is nice, but a little complicated to get all figured out. That's about all I can add. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Namvet Posted October 20, 2012 Share Posted October 20, 2012 My friends love the way my Gibbys & Fender sound through my Marshall Haze 40 combo. 40 watt tube, clean channel, od channel, on board reverb plus chorus & delay. Price was $700 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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