One amp to rule them . . .

[GuitarStv]

Well, since it seems that I'll be getting rid of my little amps over the next few months, I've got some questions to beg from the knowledgable amp guys here. What amps would you suggest that are around 400 - 500 $, tube, can stay clean in normal gig settings (small bars, jam sessions), sound great when played very quiet (practice levels), and are very portable (can be lifted with one hand)? If it's not asking too much, cool looks would be nice . . . but aren't really all that important I suppose. I play funk, reggae, blues, rock, and a little Jazz. I've got pedals, so I don't care about channel switching/a great distorted channel so much. I'm hoping this can be the last amp that I ever buy . . . but we'll see about that . . . Any suggestions welcome . . .

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: One amp to rule them . . .

A small Fender combo or even 1 of the new Traynors might fit the bill. I expect someone can recommend you something, as I don't have a great deal of experience in this area.

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: One amp to rule them . . .

In fact, the more I think about it the 50w Traynor Blue might fit the bill.

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: One amp to rule them . . .

Try to get these used
V-32 Palomino
Fender Blues Deluxe
Peavey Classic 30 or Delta Blues
Traynor 50

or new

V-16 Palomino
Fender Blues or Pro Jr.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: One amp to rule them . . .

Is a 30 watt tube amp really loud enough to stay clean at gigging volumes?

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: One amp to rule them . . .

Is a 30 watt tube amp really loud enough to stay clean at gigging volumes?

As long as your drummer isn't King Kong and you mic your amp, it is more than sufficient............ works for me anyway.

 

[Bludave]

Re: One amp to rule them . . .

I've been using a Deluxe Reverb for about 2 years now and in most small situations its a great amp. As Bill said it may come down to miking the amp and working with a drummer that doesn't crush the drums. The Deluxe Reverb will probably cost more than the amount of $ you mention, but its a better amp than some of the others suggested. The Hot Rod Deluxe is a chnnel switching amp that has a good clean channel and IMO a not so good drive channel. The channel switching Fenders share the EQ so it can be hard to get a good sound out of both channels. They do take pedals very well.