What about a used Peavey Valveking 50?
For the $400 he can get a used Peavey Classic 30, which is one of the best sleeper deals on the combo amp market. That's a low-cost tube amp that sounds GREAT and is roadworthy. I have a number of friends that gig with them, or the big brother Classic 50.
I looked at the 50's on Reverb and they're around $250 which I would go with for a bit more headroom.
I was looking at the Valveking for more high gain. The Classics are more like a Marshall whereas the VK's do the modern high gain much better. Plus they're really versatile. A buddy of mine from high school used one for everything: blues, jazz, rock, and me and him played in a couple metal and hardcore bands.
Will second this. Ran a Jet City JCA 22h for a while and really liked the little head. Great medium to gain tones and the new version is even better. There was a combo version available at one time but I prefer a separate head cab because of what I do.If high gain is your thing, you might like the Jet City amps, I don't know how the Jet City 5012 is priced where you live, but I do recommend looking into the brand.
I know a guy with a Friedman BE100 and he loves his Katana head just as much.If your not opposed to modeling amps, the Boss Katana 100w would give you a lot of versatility and give you all the variety you could want.
if it were me, i'd get a used AC30...if I'm lucky
In my experience the Peavey takes road abuse better, though. Plus it has what the VK really doesn't: a great, warm, Fenderish clean. If you're getting a clean sound that good you can build anything you want on top of it using outboard gear.
I completely disagree. First, the VK is a Peavey so same quality. Second I always thought the VK was much more Fender like than the Classics. The Classics to me always sounded much more British in their clean channels.
Blackstar Ht40.
that will give you all the gain you need and a nicw useable clean. Underrated amp that will hold its resale value. $300-$400 used.
If by British you mean marshal they are WAY warmer in the cleans than a Marshall. The OD channel is a bit more Brit... and it's great sounding. People keep saying my god do they have enough gain? I'm like dude... if you think you need more gain than this your soundman hates you.