The Official "Help Me Choose An Amp Thread" Thread

[kneadmomunny]

let's see...

I am looking for the best deal in tube amps for under 1000 dollars. i play classic rock, heavy blues, metal, and shred. My guitars are a strat and my lp is on its way. I don't need ear crushing volume so i could go as low as 30 watts but at least 50 would be nice.

I haven't tried out a lot of amps yet and i am not really sure what it is i want. but if you could start naming some amps that fit the bill, it would give me someplace to start.

 

[OlinMusic]

Re: The Official "Help Me Choose An Amp Thread" Thread

I would say look for a used Rivera Knucklehead 50 watter or a Mesa Mark III used also. These amps can sound great.

Also consider a Marshall DSL 50.

There are a few new amps to keep in mind, perhaps a Fender Supersonic or a Peavey 6505, JSX.

 

[greendy123]

Re: The Official "Help Me Choose An Amp Thread" Thread

I would just go try every major tube amp company, to find the flavor you like best. Definitely try to play them at the volume you plan to play at. After that we can narrow the suggestions to specific amps with the tone/volume you want. Another thing to consider is deciding between a head or combo. I consider heads as an advantage because you can get the exact speakers you want and speakers at least provide 25% of the tone you hear.

 

[34029324079]

Re: The Official "Help Me Choose An Amp Thread" Thread

ya, play before you buy if possible. You would need a closed cab for those sounds/versatility. So your amp head would be $600...can you save up for $1500 of amp? If so I suggest the Mesa Mark IV

 

[drpietrzak]

Re: The Official "Help Me Choose An Amp Thread" Thread

Used something. Marshall, Genz Benz El Diablo, Peavey XXX. Also check out the B52 3 channel here.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: The Official "Help Me Choose An Amp Thread" Thread

I like the Rivera 30/12. You can get one used under that price. One sold on ebay last week for $540.

Vintage Traynors can be had fairly cheap at times, too.