1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

Mr Wolf

New member
Hi guys,

As per the title I am after a small 1x12 combo. I have my regular gigging set up sorted with a head/cab etc, but I want to get a small combo that I can use for smaller jams/gigs (I'm also considering lunchbox heads with a small cab too).

I aim for a good crunchy tone that cleans up. Generally in the British/Marshall vein of thinking tone wise.

Right now, I just want some suggestions of what I ought to try. At present I am curious to try...

Fender Bassbreaker 15
Blackstar Artist 15
Laney VC series
Egnater Tweaker 15
Orange Tiny Terror
Marshall DSL15

I am not fussed about having multiple channels. Effects loop and reverb are desirable, although not essential. Being able to hook up an extension cab would be a plus too.

Anyhow... Any recommendations?

Thanks in advance

Jeff
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

The DSL15 cleans up well on the red channel, with the Johnny Eggz mods or by putting a reversed 12DW7 in V1. (Stock the red channel is way too much gain for most people). If you don't use the green channel at all then you can just put in a 12AU7 or 12AY7 in v1. You get a very good all tube high gain with the guitar volume rolled up and roll it back for semi clean. It also has a deep switch to get more bottom through a small 1x12 cab or the combo. The green channel seems to be for putting pedals in front of the amp, as it's clean all the way up and with the gain cranked.
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

The Bassbreaker 15 is my favorite on your list. I kinda want one. Also check out the new Orange Rocker 15 that's about to be announced.
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

I just got a Peavey Classic micro head with a Jet City 1x12 cab. I only play at home and still getting to know it. Head has a foot-switchable clean and drive channel (not true 2 channel, shared EQ), decent enough reverb, and effects loop. I haven't tried the loop yet, but it takes pedals very well up front. And it is a very portable setup
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

I'd buy a Blackstar. They are amazingly versitle and basically can do any kind of music and flavor you want. British Marshall tones? No problems. Want a 1 x12 they got them for days. Pick your flavor and get one. The Artist is nice but also dig into the Club series like the Club 40. It's pretty damn good amp and not expensive at all. Gig and bedroom worthy.

Case closed.
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

Another vote for the Blackstar Club 40 ... I just picked one up for playing at home and rehearsals just a few weeks ago. The gain tones on it are great and even with a single tone control the clean channel can cover a lot of ground. I've gotten some great tones by setting the gain low with the volume higher on the OD channel and then boosting it with a pedal when needed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

Thanks guys. A lot of love for Blackstar it seems! I have a pair of Laneys, the only valve amps I have ever owned to date. As I don't chop and change my gear often I don't have the broadest experience of different amps. Right now I wanna try as many as I can before making my final decision.

I have just read about them, and I think I may add the PRS Sonzera amps to the list too. The demo videos seem good (they usually always do!) so I'll give them a whirl too.

Please keep suggestions coming.

Thanks again
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

How about Friedman 1x12 runt ? or the head, i know its more expensive, but i must say (i own runt 20 head), that these things are killers, probably the best tone i got from any amp i played so far. Loving this amps.
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

Thanks guys. A lot of love for Blackstar it seems! I have a pair of Laneys, the only valve amps I have ever owned to date. As I don't chop and change my gear often I don't have the broadest experience of different amps. Right now I wanna try as many as I can before making my final decision.

I have just read about them, and I think I may add the PRS Sonzera amps to the list too. The demo videos seem good (they usually always do!) so I'll give them a whirl too.

Please keep suggestions coming.

Thanks again


If you have DEEP POCKETS, Yeah, the PRS amps are very nice BUT for the most bang for the buck I agree with BLACKSTAR. I have the Studio HT-20 and love it BUT I have to add that I recently picked up a VOX NIGHT TRAIN and was blown away by the shimmering CLEANS down to the British DIRT. Love it. I hve bought and sold MANY amps and the Vox really blew me away. another amp that is highly under-rated and under-value is the CRATE V32 or VC-30 or the V16, or for the best home & recording amp (To small to gig with) is the Crate V58 (not the chinese V5) this is also a 5 watt tube amp but made in USA and can not compare the two. Anyways of all the amps I just mentioned I still stand by the first two - Blackstar & Vox :) Hope this helps.
 
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

A DSL40c will get you closer to the "real" Marshall tone than a DSL15. However, you might be happier getting a 15 and replacing the stock speaker with a V30 or Creamback, or getting the head version and running it into a Celestion-loaded cab than you would with a stock DSL15.

I had two Blackstars. One had a 10" speaker, the other had a 12". They're cool amps but part of the circuit is solid state, and you can tell. It doesn't sound like a 100% true tube amp. If that doesn't bother you, go for it. Adrian Smith saw fit to use one on the last Maiden album, so I guess they aren't all that bad after all.

Empty Pockets mentioned the new Orange Rocker series that's coming soon. They sound really cool with a Les Paul. It might be worth waiting for. Check it out:

They've got 10" speakers but the sound is still big and full.
 
Last edited:
Re: 1x12 combo wanted... Recommendations needed

I've been using the Tech 21 Trademark 60 for this. Expensive for a SS amp, but it has a great, dynamic Marshall sound, sounds great direct to the PA, it is light, has an effects loop, reverb, & a boost. 2 channels. It is a great amp for jamming, practice and I've done many gigs with mine.
 
Back
Top