Question:
First off, I know you guys see dozens of these threads a week, and I am genuinely sorry to post another one. However, I browsed the topics and I didn't find one that quite fit my parameters. Anywhoo......
I am looking for a new amp and I would appretiate the suggestions of experienced persons such as yourselves. Here are some of the qualities I would like to have
1. Somwhere in the $400-$500 price range. However if there is an amp that is absolutely amazing that is under $600, I would be willing to shell out the cash
2. I would like it to be a tube amp
3. This amp would potentially be used for playing in my youth group, (it is a small group, 100 people at absolute maximum. Usually around 50) so it would have to be at least semi-loud.
4. I try to keep myself well rounded as far as my musical style, so I would like this amp to be flexible and capable of producing a semi-wide veriety of sounds.
Thank you very much for any suggestions you may have in advance! I appreciate it!
EDIT: Sorry, I forgot to mention my guitar. I play an Epiphone LP Standard
Answer:
I would have to say that the Peavey Classic 30 would be the way to go, it tube and is a very veritile amp. You might also look at fender
Answer:
Thanks for the advice. Does anyone here have any experience with the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe? I've been browsing musicians friend and music 123 and that amp has killer reviews.
Answer:
Since you asked, Traynor YCV 20 or 40. It's plenty loud for your needs. Traynors are part of Yorkville which has a past history of making good vintage tube amps. Check out the Fender Forum in the Miscellaneous and Non-Fender section and I know there are threads there comparing the Traynors to these Fenders. Hint: the Traynors are highly preferred.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Hopeful Since you asked, Traynor YCV 20 or 40. It's plenty loud for your needs. Traynors are part of Yorkville which has a past history of making good vintage tube amps. Check out the Fender Forum in the Miscellaneous and Non-Fender section and I know there are threads there comparing the Traynors to these Fenders. Hint: the Traynors are highly preferred. i am glad you thought of those i had forgotten them.
Answer:
i've got a Hot Rod Deluxe that's attenuated to run pertty quiet. i really dig the tone.
if you shell out some used cash, you can find them for under $400. I saw one for $350 in the San Diego section of www.craigslist.org recently. if there's a craigslist.org town near you check out the musical instrument postings. i'll even help you out.
I also highly recommend the Peavey Classic series, though for $400-$500 you can get a Classic 50 (50W version). I saw one in the DC area when i was trying to help someone else out for $325.
the main advantage of the Hot Rod Deluxe over the Classics is the presence of an effects loop, and a two stage drive channel (drive and more drive). the advantage (and this is HUGE imo) of the classic 50s (and i would assume 30s) is the presence of a master volume knob.
Answer:
What limits do you have to your sound? If you need to be versatile then it probably would be a good idea to just tell us what tones you don't need. Used gear will get you the best deals on anything. In the extremes of versatility going from metal to folk (sometimes right after one another ) that I need, my amp, a Yamaha T50C, has served me well, and I'd also consider a Peavey Ultra, Trace Elliot Speed Twin, Marshall DSL, or something like that. The above-mentioned amps will be also very versatile, except for the extreme metal/hard rock tones (though, I've heard the Traynors get pretty close).
(the following is totally unrelated...) And your youth group is is pretty big by my standards, 50 isn't small at all.
Answer:
I've used a Blues Jr. that was miced for a whole church service - about 300 people. It's 15 watts. But I don't think it would suit you well.
Maybe try a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. It's a great amp, and is in your price range. If it doesn't have enough gain, look at a Tubescreamer or other drive-pedal.
Answer:
Thanks alot for all of the great info guys!
As far as the sounds I don't need, I don't really need much as far as distortion. I very rarely play metal, and when I play rock I prefer a light distortion with more of a "crunch" sound.
Those Traynor amps look awesome, as does the Hot Rod Deluxe. How do you guys feel about used gear? I have had bad experience with used electrical equipment before,but perhaps amps are different.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Da Shortie Thanks alot for all of the great info guys!
As far as the sounds I don't need, I don't really need much as far as distortion. I very rarely play metal, and when I play rock I prefer a light distortion with more of a "crunch" sound.
Those Traynor amps look awesome, as does the Hot Rod Deluxe. How do you guys feel about used gear? I have had bad experience with used electrical equipment before,but perhaps amps are different.
Used amps are generally suggested. They are typically simple on the electrical/electronic level. I haven't had a huge amount of experience with used equipment... I do have an old Kalamazoo from the '60s that seems to be completely original. Works great, although it needs some updating (3 prong plug) and maintenance (power filter caps are old and need replaced... they are letting 60 cycle hum through the power supply and into the signal).
Answer:
Thanks alot for all of the great info guys!
As far as the sounds I don't need, I don't really need much as far as distortion. I very rarely play metal, and when I play rock I prefer a light distortion with more of a "crunch" sound.
Those Traynor amps look awesome, as does the Hot Rod Deluxe. How do you guys feel about used gear? I have had bad experience with used electrical equipment before,but perhaps amps are different.
When posting a help thread, remember that there are heavy rock players like me floating aorund trying to cater to our genre, too. I love used amps. All the amps I've had I got used (except my first one... Fender Frontman... cheeeeep.), and work excellently.
Answer:
Originally Posted by Da Shortie Thanks for the advice. Does anyone here have any experience with the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe? I've been browsing musicians friend and music 123 and that amp has killer reviews.
I own one. Fantastic amp. I got it used on ebay, for $375. It was in almost new condition. I'm a huge fan of used equipment.
-Nick
Answer:
Originally Posted by Mattlock I've used a Blues Jr. that was miced for a whole church service - about 300 people. It's 15 watts. But I don't think it would suit you well. the problem with the Blues Jr. that i've experienced is simply that they aren't overly versatile in themselves...but, i think that they are a decent tonal foundation on which a vibe could be built.
Answer:
I tried the Blues Junior too recently.
It has a nice clean tone, single channel only. So its good if you wanna plug in your distortion effects and run through it.
With volume at 3-4, it could get REAL loud in the room
Answer:
Originally Posted by thesteve the problem with the Blues Jr. that i've experienced is simply that they aren't overly versatile in themselves... ...says the guy who routinely reccomends Fender Champs.