Right now I've got Fender '57 Champ RI that I'm not really digging, so I'm thinking about selling and picking up a new amp. I'm looking for a low wattage amp with a master volume and 1x12 cab. I've been sort of hung up on buying only handwired/made in USA amps, but most of them are out of my price range and don't have a master volume. I realized that I don't like dirt pedals or attenuators, so a MV is a must. Any suggestions for a well built PCB amp head and 1x12 for under $1000? So far I tried (and liked) the Traynor Darkhorse, Egnator Tweaker, and a couple of Jet City amps. I want to get out of amp snob mode, but is there such a thing as a well built PCB amp?
Considering a new amp
- Thread starter iceman79
- Start date
JumpMarine
18 watts of Mayhemologist
Re: Considering a new amp
I know that this is a cheap handwired amp,
, but you could possibly get into a used Dr Z Maz Jr head with something like an Avatar 1x12 cab for around $1000. Or you could could get a 1x12 or 2x10 combo for around $1100. This amp breaks up pretty early and can easily cop 70's rock plugged straight in with a humbucker into the high input. Personally I prefer the 1x12 for that kind of thing. The master volume works pretty well, but even better with a Brakelite attenuator.
.....or the Mesa Trans Atlantic is a stellar 2 channel amp has some great cleans and gain plus very tweakable. You could easily get into a used one with a matching cab for your budget if you keep your eyes open.
I know that this is a cheap handwired amp,
, but you could possibly get into a used Dr Z Maz Jr head with something like an Avatar 1x12 cab for around $1000. Or you could could get a 1x12 or 2x10 combo for around $1100. This amp breaks up pretty early and can easily cop 70's rock plugged straight in with a humbucker into the high input. Personally I prefer the 1x12 for that kind of thing. The master volume works pretty well, but even better with a Brakelite attenuator......or the Mesa Trans Atlantic is a stellar 2 channel amp has some great cleans and gain plus very tweakable. You could easily get into a used one with a matching cab for your budget if you keep your eyes open.
Last edited:
ericmeyer4
New member
Re: Considering a new amp
Vox AC4tv with matching 1x12 cab. Volume, Tone, and switchable 1/4, 1, or 5 watts.
Vox AC4tv with matching 1x12 cab. Volume, Tone, and switchable 1/4, 1, or 5 watts.
Tom Huff
New member
Re: Considering a new amp
A little over your price break but maybe you could save a tad more?
http://classaelectronics.com/diabolicalamplification.html
A little over your price break but maybe you could save a tad more?
http://classaelectronics.com/diabolicalamplification.html
75lespaul
New member
Re: Considering a new amp
I don't know that it is the PCB as much as the other components in the amp that make it good quality or not. I know I had two PCB 1973 Marshalls that sounded just as good as the hand wired I had. As far as new amps, I can't really offer an opinion because I usually buy older stuff when I have the cash. I love the Traynor you mentioned.
Iceman, we are ALL wondering what guitar it is that you got regarding the NGD letdown thread. I know you had it out with a few people, but a lot of us sincerely want to know what you got and we'd love to see pics. One of the guys who got on your case says he's sincerely sorry and would love to see the guitar as well. Whaddya say?
I don't know that it is the PCB as much as the other components in the amp that make it good quality or not. I know I had two PCB 1973 Marshalls that sounded just as good as the hand wired I had. As far as new amps, I can't really offer an opinion because I usually buy older stuff when I have the cash. I love the Traynor you mentioned.
Iceman, we are ALL wondering what guitar it is that you got regarding the NGD letdown thread. I know you had it out with a few people, but a lot of us sincerely want to know what you got and we'd love to see pics. One of the guys who got on your case says he's sincerely sorry and would love to see the guitar as well. Whaddya say?
Re: Considering a new amp
The Vox AC4TV doesn't have a MV and it's made out of particle board. Before I got the Fender '57 Champ RI, I had one of the new Vox AC15HW models. I wound up returning it within a week because of the poor build quality. I thought it was going to be a well built amp because it was $1,200.
The Vox AC4TV doesn't have a MV and it's made out of particle board. Before I got the Fender '57 Champ RI, I had one of the new Vox AC15HW models. I wound up returning it within a week because of the poor build quality. I thought it was going to be a well built amp because it was $1,200.
astrozombie
KatyPerryologist
Re: Considering a new amp
whats that guitar youw ere bummed out about?
whats that guitar youw ere bummed out about?
Boogie Bill
New member
Re: Considering a new amp
Mesas are, and have always been built on PCBs. His boards are works of art, and built to last. Don't forget the solid plywood cabs, not MDF, too.
Might cost you a little more, but a Express 5:25, TA-15 or TA-30 might be right up your alley. A used Nomad 45, DC-3, Rocket 44, Subway, Blue Angel, or Maverick, Caliber, or Mark III would a be an excellent choice and probably well within your budget. Choose the amp that has the features you want. You are going to get what you pay for.
Good luck.
Bill
Mesas are, and have always been built on PCBs. His boards are works of art, and built to last. Don't forget the solid plywood cabs, not MDF, too.
Might cost you a little more, but a Express 5:25, TA-15 or TA-30 might be right up your alley. A used Nomad 45, DC-3, Rocket 44, Subway, Blue Angel, or Maverick, Caliber, or Mark III would a be an excellent choice and probably well within your budget. Choose the amp that has the features you want. You are going to get what you pay for.
Good luck.
Bill
