Amp choice - I think I need help here

JohnnyGuitar

JohnnyGuitar

New member
Okay, after more than a year of practicing with my current band we got a gig. Apparently, people like our rehearsal recordings and actually want to book us. Good news.

Bad news are - I need a new amp. We can probably rent for the first gig but I really need to buy something bigger than my petite Peavey Classic 20. The thing is - I don't exactly know what I want... but I want it now (because I actually need it).

I play classic rock and related genres. I'm more of a Strat and single coils kind of player. I need some headroom (30 to 40 watts will do, I can also go for more) I also want a head, and one that doesn't way too much. Clean and dirty channels are also required...

This leaves me with a very limited number of options. I'd love to read your suggestions. The options I thought about so far were:
1. there's a 2nd hand Orange Rocker 30 offered in a store here, for a very good price. I don't like the fact that it is a somewhat heavy amp and I'm not sure how well it would fit me.

2. there are a few custom amp makers here that could make me the amp I want. It might get a little expensive but it would be made for my need.

3. get a cheap amp, like the Fender VM Bandmaster or some Booogera or something, play it for a while and then take it to a custom maker who can modify it to something a little more impressive (it might be cheaper than option 2).

What do you think?
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

How much are you willing to spend? Having a price range will help us to better help.

Do you have a preference of combo or head/cab?

I'm a huge Vox fan. I think an AC30 or AC15 can handle a lot of classic rock tones and a few pedals could supplement to take you in other directions if need be.

But don't discount your Classic 20's ability to keep up. 20 watts is loud and if you are being mic'ed it will be plenty.

Finally - Don't just buy something because you Have to have it. Take your time. Your current amp may be able to get you through for a while. Make an educated decision and get the amp you Want and that suits your needs the best.
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

beggar_guitar said:
Finally - Don't just buy something because you Have to have it. Take your time. Your current amp may be able to get you through for a while. Make an educated decision and get the amp you Want and that suits your needs the best.
Click to expand...

That's the best advice you can get.

And take a look at Mesa Boogie. Lots of bells and whistles. Great warranty service.
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

Depending on the venues you'll be playing, don't count out your Classic. With the right cab and speaker setup it may be plenty, especially if you're miking (which IMO you should do as much as possible to spread sound around for everyone)
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

just put a mic on your peavey and run it thru the front of house. see how that goes first.
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

Everywhere I ever play mic it themselves no matter how many watts my rig puts out. 20 watts is plenty.
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

beggar_guitar - it's hard to talk about spending. Prices here are not the same as in the USA. There is VAT and for amps there's a special import tax, and of course you have exclusive dealers and importer/dealers that hike the prices to crazy numbers.
The Vox dealer is also in this group... that's why I'm left with the option of looking for a bargain, going custom, or going for something cheap and then modifying it.

VanDerchuck - Mesas are actually priced very fairly here. I'm actually thinking about their Trans-Atlantic series...

Using my Classic 20 wth a mic - tried it.
The amp is very weak, even when used with a mic. I've started thinking about investing in a 2X12 cab that would work with the Peavey. The little fella only works with a 16 ohm load. Might get a proper head later on.
 
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Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

As I wrote the previous post, I thought about it... what I basically need is an amp purchase strategy more than an amp recommendation. It leaves me with 4 options, as fat as I can see:
1. find a good deal on a good amp - used or new.

2. go custom.

3. buy something cheap that could serve as a platform for an upgrade, use it for a while and then upgrade it.

4. start with getting a speaker cabinet that would work with the Peavey - then go back and choose from options 1-3. Which means that I still need to think about 1-3.

Any input? anything that I didn't cover? what do you think about these options?
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

We need ALOT more info. What style? Covers or originals? If covers, what bands? Who are your influences? Do you use pedals or plug straight in? Price range (granted prices will be different, but would give us a starting point). ETC.

Without knowing your style, availability of brands or budget, here's a list of pretty versatile rock amps that should be affordable (some more than others) and would nail the rock genre.



VOX AC30
Marshall DSL
Carvin Legacy I
MESA Rectoverb (any recto would work really)
ORange Rocker
Randall RM50
Fender DR and pedals
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

JohnnyGuitar said:
beggar_guitar - it's hard to talk about spending. Prices here are not the same as in the USA. There is VAT and for amps there's a special import tax, and of course you have exclusive dealers and importer/dealers that hike the prices to crazy numbers.
The Vox dealer is also in this group... that's why I'm left with the option of looking for a bargain, going custom, or going for something cheap and then modifying it.
Click to expand...


Thanks for giving us more insight into your position.

My last piece of advice still applies though. Make the best decision you can with what you have to work with.

What amps are available locally and reasonably priced? You mentioned one, but are there any others?
What about the custom builiders? Any websites that we could view and look to see what they offer? Or do you know anyone with one of their builds that you could test drive?

I get it that you don't have tons of options readily available. Still don't spend money on something you know you will replace. It is just a setback on getting what you really want.
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

beggar_guitar said:
Thanks for giving us more insight into your position.

My last piece of advice still applies though. Make the best decision you can with what you have to work with.

What amps are available locally and reasonably priced? You mentioned one, but are there any others?
What about the custom builiders? Any websites that we could view and look to see what they offer? Or do you know anyone with one of their builds that you could test drive?

I get it that you don't have tons of options readily available. Still don't spend money on something you know you will replace. It is just a setback on getting what you really want.
Click to expand...


Excellent post.

Allow me to add to it a bit more.

What kind of sound are you going for? Are you a fan of british voiced EL34s, thumping/ yet clean american 6l6 or high gained kt88s?

Does it need to be multiple channels or single channel?
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

go play every frikkin amp you can - used or new - and see what you like ... if you want tubes and low weight, you are gonna be searching for a long while ... honestly, i think you can get good results with a decent condition used fender and a pedal for the kind of music you are playing

the custom approach is bound to take a LONG time and be way more expensive for anything you'd really want to play
 
Re: Amp choice - I think I need help here

JohnnyGuitar said:
As I wrote the previous post, I thought about it... what I basically need is an amp purchase strategy more than an amp recommendation. It leaves me with 4 options, as fat as I can see:
1. find a good deal on a good amp - used or new.

2. go custom.

3. buy something cheap that could serve as a platform for an upgrade, use it for a while and then upgrade it.

4. start with getting a speaker cabinet that would work with the Peavey - then go back and choose from options 1-3. Which means that I still need to think about 1-3.

Any input? anything that I didn't cover? what do you think about these options?
Click to expand...

Out of those options I would go with #4. Buy a good quality cab. That way you can keep running your current amp and then add a head later on down the road.
 
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