Looking for Versatile combo amp <$800

[hybridrocknroll]

Hey everybody!

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive amp (<$800) that is versatile, around 30 Watts, and can go from alternative to blues, jazz, and country. I have been looking at the Vox AC30VR. I have a fender hot rod deluxe, but the distortion just isn't what I'm into anymore. Thanks!

[hooch1]

Rebel 30?

[SnorkelMonkey]

alternative to blues

Two different...

jazz, and country

Sides of the moon here mate. But a middle ground is what you are looking for? With tube amps I think 6V6 (also their big brother the 6L6) output tubes when I think jazz and country. The newer alternative stuff EL84 output tubes, and blues just about anything.

Personally I think a 6V6 amp would cover all those bases quite nicely. And based off your mentioning of your distortion needs I recommend you to test drive a Princeton Reverb.

Oops, I didn't see that. Why does it have to be 30 watts?

[hybridrocknroll]

My main amp is a Marshall AVT150 w/ a 4x12. That's definitely not a very travel-friendly deal. I want that valve/tube hybrid thing with more portability.

[getrguy1]

I would use the HRD clean & put a Zendrive in front for most excellent greasyness!
Not to mention you'll save yourself about $550.00.

[SnorkelMonkey]

Originally Posted by hybridrocknroll

I want that valve/tube hybrid thing with more portability.

Test drive a BFPR, SFPR, or PRRI. All basically the same amp. Very portable, loud, and can cover all those bases. With an efficient speaker (100 db or more sensitivity) these are quite capable of keeping up with amps you would never think it could keep up with.

[hybridrocknroll]

Originally Posted by SnorkelMonkey

Test drive a BFPR, SFPR, or PRRI. All basically the same amp. Very portable, loud, and can cover all those bases. With an efficient speaker (100 db or more sensitivity) these are quite capable of keeping up with amps you would never think it could keep up with.

You'll have to forgive me, can you break down those acronyms for me? I'm usually pretty good with them, but I'm having an off night haha.

[HopDog]

BFPR = Blackface Princeton Reverb
SFPR = Silverface Princeton Reverb
PRRI = Princeton Reverb Reissue

I would take a look at the Peavey Classic 30...might be just what you are looking for, and can be found for $500 or less with coupons/price matching.

[hybridrocknroll]

Awesome, thanks. I'll check some at the local music stores.

[DGW11]

Look into Wampler pedals...Im happy...Keep the HRD..You will need the clean ch for your dirt..

[BLAM]

The Line 6 Spider Valve MkII that I messed around on the other day seemed to cover a heck of a lot of styles. Not sure of U.S. pricing but I think the 1x12 would just about squeeze into your budget.

On the other hand you could just keep the Hot Rod Deluxe and stick a Pod X3 live in front of it.

[RubyRae]

Firebelly Amps has a nice Princeton Reverb type clone that is closer to the 30 watt range. They seem to build pretty good stuff, and offer a few cost effective options.
I talked to him a few times, and he was real helpful...just wasn't what I was looking for at the time. If you are used to a hrdx, and wanting to keep plenty of clean headroom, the standard PR will not meet your needs most likely.

A Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue will be closer at 22 watts...plenty of used ones floating around.

[studio1087]

Have you played an AC15VR or an AC30VR?

I have an AC15VR in addition to another Vox true tube amp and three Fender tube amps.

The AC15VR is really nice. I paid about $350 for it brand new. I think the AC30VR's are under $500



You might find a Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue (DRRI) for $800.

You could buy the VOX and a couple pedals for $800.

[jazztele]

I'm not sure how you'd cover all that ground without some pedals, so I'd find an amp that gives you a great clean tone, and worry about boxes for the dirt.

there's plenty of dirt boxes out there, but there's no "clean in a can."

I like the suggestions of the princeton reverbs and the peavey classic 30. I just bought a SF princeton non-reverb, which is just about the best clean tone of all time IMHO--but if you're thinking 30 watts I don't think it's have enough juice for you...that said, it's plenty loud for my needs...how loud do you need to play?

[valiant]

If you can stretch that budget to $999 then Valvetrain Revolution series made in America
handwired club combo the Trenton and Savannah might be worth a look.
Valvetrain Trenton 4 voice amp 16 watts $999 new.
Valvetrain Savannah tremelo amp 16 watts $999 new.

[hybridrocknroll]

Originally Posted by jazztele

I'm not sure how you'd cover all that ground without some pedals, so I'd find an amp that gives you a great clean tone, and worry about boxes for the dirt.

there's plenty of dirt boxes out there, but there's no "clean in a can."

I like the suggestions of the princeton reverbs and the peavey classic 30. I just bought a SF princeton non-reverb, which is just about the best clean tone of all time IMHO--but if you're thinking 30 watts I don't think it's have enough juice for you...that said, it's plenty loud for my needs...how loud do you need to play?

Church, couple different clubs, and some outside events. I'm sure the 30 watts are overkill, but our drummer and bass player have volume issues (Everything at 10 kind of deal). My pedalboard consists of a boss metal zone, tuer, keeley modded tremolo, EH memory man, and a boss auto-wah. Trying to cover all bases. There's another set of guys that I play metal and punk with just or kicks, so I'm looking for that particular one amp that has great clean head room and a nice modern drive, not too vintage tube.

[Durtdog]

Originally Posted by SnorkelMonkey

And based off your mentioning of your distortion needs I recommend you to test drive a Princeton Reverb.

Why does it have to be 30 watts?

He isn't into distortion any more. 30 watts will give some clean headroom.

Try a Peavey Classic or Delta Blues. Portable enough, as you specified. Not boutique, but will do the job nicely and save you some dough.

[kddean66]

Check out the Egnater Rebel 30. It is one of the most versatile amps there is and it is in a smaller package than most. It's exactly 30 watts, has two channels and both 6V6 and EL84 tubes. The bottom line, it sounds fantastic!

[telex76]

Everything you are describing you want, sounds like what you already have.

[RubyRae]

Originally Posted by telex76

Everything you are describing you want, sounds like what you already have.

That is what i was just thinking as I re-read...I had a hrdx for 11 years and was great for any situation...I just grew tired of it and wanted something different and better tone. He might feel the same way I did...still a great amp in the meantime.