Middle powered Amp

[Alfonse]

I love my Black Star HT-60 S, but I have disc problems and I find I cant lug it around anymore.

I looking for a reasonable valve 30 watt amp that doesn't weigh nearly as much that I can use for practice.

The black Star I.D. Series looks great but way too much spondulex!

Any suggestions from the wise sages out there? I don't want to spend more than $300.

Used is a possibility.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Middle powered Amp

There's not much out there that will fit all your criteria. Lightweight tube amps seem to be pretty expensive, particularly when you are getting into that wattage. For example, there's an amp company called 3 Monkeys that makes a pretty cool sounding 18 watt amp that is 28lbs...but it is about 1500 bucks.

Those little 5watt jobbies are very light, but obviously underpowered for your application. The 30-40watt combo amps that I've owned that are close to your price range (used) were tanks.

 

[VanDerchuck]

Re: Middle powered Amp

I got tired of carrying heavy stuff, so now I have a cab and head. Making two trips is easier than one painful trip.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Middle powered Amp

How about a ZT club. 12" speaker, 22lb, 200 watts/130db.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Middle powered Amp

^Why not ANY solid state amp? Oh, here's why:

reasonable valve 30 watt amp

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Middle powered Amp

the Peavey Classic 30 perhaps?

they are on GC used for $299

played one at GC last weekend, it sounded great
didnt tote it round tho I suppose it weighs round 30 - 35 lbs

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Middle powered Amp

At that budget, you're either going to need to go solid state/hybrid, wait for an incredible deal on Craigslist, or up your budget. Seriously, $300 isn't enough to get you much. With $500 your options open way up.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Middle powered Amp

the Peavey Classic 30 perhaps?

Had one. They weight right around 40lbs if I remember right. A Traynor YCV40 weighs around 40lbs, too.

 

[trevorus]

Re: Middle powered Amp

Yeah, your $300 budget is severely limiting. You'll likely want a head and cab, to save on weight.

Sent from my chromed robot turd, using the miserable junk code known as crapatalk.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: Middle powered Amp

Egnater Rebel 30 amp head is an excellent sounding tube amp and very light weight. 6V6 and/or EL84. As light as SS but great sounding valve. Agree that you'd be better off with head and spkr cab to reduce weight.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Middle powered Amp

^Why not ANY solid state amp? Oh, here's why:

no, I understood what he said, but if he's got back problems he's going to have to face facts that tube amps are tubbo compared to SS or hybrid. It'd be worthwhile to suggest lightweight alternatives to tube as well.
I'd suggest he get a Quilter, but it's too expensive. I'd suggest a Fender Champion, but I'm unsure of it's quality. I'd suggest a Vox vt30, but I'm not a fab of the vts, although if he can find an old ad60vtx he won't be suffering for lack of tone. There's also a Vox hybrid AC series amp worth looking at; I think it's the AC30vt (?).

You you want 30w all tube amp that's easy on the back, you'll be needing a better back or something other than a combo.

 

[jimijames]

Re: Middle powered Amp

Honestly IME the heaviest part of a tube amp (minus speakers, chassis, cab, etc.) aren't the tubes themselves - it's the transformers. I don't know anything about lightweight transformers though.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Middle powered Amp

Honestly IME the heaviest part of a tube amp (minus speakers, chassis, cab, etc.) aren't the tubes themselves - it's the transformers. I don't know anything about lightweight transformers though.

yea, the transformers are the heavy part of a tube amp. Though if it's a combo, you've got heavy speakers and a bunch of heavy wood from the cab too. The metal chassis isn't light either.

 

[Alfonse]

Re: Middle powered Amp

You won't believe the solution i found. Well, some of you might. I have had a Fender Ultra-Chorus for over ten years now. I relegated it to the basement a couple of years ago after buying my twin.
I just resurrected it. I can't believe I'm getting these tones out of a SS amp! Stereo 65 Watts per channel but much lighter. I put an Ibanez tube screamer in front on the lowest setting possible and
If i were blind folded, I'd never guess I was listening to a SS Amp. I don't care for Chorus as an effect, but the spring reverb is great and so is the drive channel.

I just might be able to find the money for a smaller tube amp by selling my '65 Twin RI- If i need it that is. I have to find some way to replace the primary channel 1/4" input on the Ultra.
Looks like I might have to pull the whole chassis apart. Right now a piece of tape is holding it in place for decent contact. Channel 2 is less sensitive, but it sounds OK.

I am amazed that this thing sounds so good! Definitely worth paying a few bucks to fix a minor problem. I would hate to have Channel 1 cut out on me in the middle of a tune.