Best Lightweight, Gig-worthy 1X12 under $800 (new or used)?

Hoodster · June 7th, 2007, 02:12 PM

In general I'm looking for a simple, light, toneful 1X12 tube combo for jams and small gigs, with a solid base clean tone for blues, classic rock, and alt-country. Preferred food groups lean toward Blackface and Vox.

Preferences:

40 lbs. or under
Reverb
Master (not a deal breaker)
Single channel (not a deal breaker)
Don't care how many tone controls
$800 is absolute max, including shipping

Amps tried and rejected for various reasons:

Hellhound
BJ
Carvin V16
DRRI
HRDLX
Rivera-era Fenders
PV C30
Vox AC-15CC
Tweed Champ and Deluxe clones

Amps still considering:

Ampeg Jet
Gibson Goldtone GA-15RV
Traynor YCV-20
Rivera Pubster/Clubster
PR clone w/12" (Allen, Gries, etc., but pushing budget)

Input on these and/or other choices MUCH appreciated.

jjh37854 · June 7th, 2007, 02:22 PM

tried a classic 30?

FMA · June 7th, 2007, 02:29 PM

+1 Classic 30

johnnylaw · June 7th, 2007, 02:32 PM

PV Classic 30 is well worth a look. Gibson GA-15RV is a personal fave.

tjalla · June 7th, 2007, 02:57 PM

AC15CC - did you try it with the Celestion Blue? That speaker IMO is at least half the classic vox sound. There's a few mods to get the best out of the amp too, esp with a tele. See recent thread on amps page...

Rivera R30 (1x12, 30watter) is pretty cool too - I gigged with a pair of them for a while.

Trevor

dangelico603 · June 7th, 2007, 03:03 PM

I love my Jet. 30lbs, great cleans, good reverb and tremolo (if you're into that). If 15watts isn't enough they make the Super-Jet which is 50watts AB but slighty heavier. Plus you can still get them on Ebay for next to nothing!

Resident Ampeg lover,
Jason

Chris S. · June 7th, 2007, 03:10 PM

The OP said he had tried and rejected the Peavey Classic 30 -- but he didn't say why.

But the really nice thing about the PV C30 is that if you have $800 to spend, you can get TWO of them used.

Then use the leftover cash (!!) to buy either a stereo chorus AND/or a stereo delay pedal. You'll NEVER find a single 1x12 amp that will sound anywhere near as good as 2 Peavey Classic 30's in

( ( ( < < < ---- S T E R E O --- > > > ) ) )

All IMO, of course. ;-) Hope it helps, CS :-)

FMA · June 7th, 2007, 03:16 PM

May bad on the C-30 thing. Of the amps on your orginal list of rejects, though, are some that I like. The C-30, the AC15...So what do I know...

klast · June 7th, 2007, 03:23 PM

A Laney VC30, perhaps? A bit like a Vox AC30, but yet with its own flavour.
I have one myself and it's ideal for the 60s rock covers and instrumentals I play.
Meets most of you requirements, too.

Also, I'm a bit curious why you didn't like the Vox AC15CC. Was it the all too splashy reverb?

Klas

Jeffscreamedcorn · June 7th, 2007, 03:24 PM

Boogie F-30. It does have channel switching, but you don't have to use it (I usually don't).

PhatTele · June 7th, 2007, 03:55 PM

SF Princeton Reverb w/a 12" speaker (they're out there...right now!)

Telenator · June 7th, 2007, 04:05 PM

If you like the Rivera Pubster/Clubster and can handle just a wee bit more weight, it's hard to beat a Rivera Chubster 40. I has everything and can be had for about $700 used. They're bult tough, take a beating, sound terrific, and have plenty of clean headroom when you need it. The deeper combo cab gives a better, fuller open back sound than most and with two switchable channels, it covers alot of ground. It's my #1 gigging amp for everything from Van Morrison to Stone Temple Pilots!

The Pubster and Clubster are both great amps but they sit right on the far side of sounding a bit boxey like most small amps do. I bought a light hand truck and now carry all my gear around on it. No more heroics for this 'ol guy!

WireLine · June 7th, 2007, 04:54 PM

If you can find one in good shape, a MusicMan RD50-112 is a real sleeper amp...lots of guys got hold of them and won't let go, though...they were the 1st production amps ever to actually use 2 discrete footswtichable channels IIRC...

Get one, drop an EV in it, and stand back...they are extremely loud and efficient amps with a killer sound - relatively light and easy to move as well...

Still kicking myself in the butt for selling mine.

IronJoe · June 7th, 2007, 05:40 PM

Wow, you threw out a bunch of good amps.

I like the Ampeg Reverberocket 112. Nice tone, nice reverb. 45 lbs.

Someone around here came across a Kustom '36 Coupe they really liked. Similar controls as the Reverberocket, same weight.

Both of them are right around $700. Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

KC · June 7th, 2007, 05:49 PM

I'm still a little baffled by the AC15 rejection -- I've got an AC30CC1 that would completely fill the bill except that it weighs too much. The 15 with a blue would seem to be exactly what you're after.

One more from the reject pile: the Blues Jr does exactly what you want it to, especially with the weber blue dog & JJ retubing.

But the Goldtone GA15 is a fun little amp, too, and worth a check. You might get way lucky & find a silverface DR or a non-verb deluxe in your price range, though I might be living in the past on that one. A Lil Dawg Deluxe and a Holy Grail pedal will fit just fine in your price range, and that rig weighs nothing. Jim can build that up to be a pretty good gig amp, too. That might be my choice if you want a fun, flexible amp. Good luck.

Hoodster · June 7th, 2007, 07:04 PM

Wow, lots of good suggestions--keep 'em coming.

Those that were puzzled by the AC-15CC rejection were right on--it has pretty much everything I'm after, but I have a hard time with a 15-watt amp that weighs 47 pounds (especially when the Jet has pretty close to the same features at 30 lbs), and frankly I'm not wild about Vox cosmetics.

I like PV C30's too, but I don't really need the 4 power tubes and am looking for something a little less common. They should make a Classic 15 with one channel, 'verb, and 1 12", unlike the rather limited old C20 (which I have also owned and sold). I also like BJ's, but for the boxiness.

Bottom line is the LIGHTWEIGHT element is what makes this quest difficult--there are tons of good amps in this price range that are 45 pounds and up (many suggested by folks above).

pickinpete · June 7th, 2007, 07:31 PM

I just bought a Peavey Classic 30 today! Nice amp, Not as heavy as I thought but I'm luvvvin it. It might be double case of honymoon cuz this is my first tube amp. But Im glad I did it.

Pickin Pete
www.billsbluegrass.com

Sleph · June 7th, 2007, 07:52 PM

out of the ones you're still considering it would have to be the Rivera Pubster/Clubster.
I've owned the Ampeg and though it was made well and could sound good it was quite limited to how good it sounded depending on the volume.
IMO the Gibson & Traynor aren't in the same league as the Rivera.
I currently own a YCV-40 and gig with it occasionally but I don't think the smaller one would cut it.

The PV classic 30, as suggested by others would be worth a look .
Keep us posted on what you decide.

toadman · June 7th, 2007, 07:54 PM

in the past 15 years i've only played through 2 amps at gigs AND rehearsal AND home practice. the first is a Randall RG-80 1x12 100 combo solid state but GREAT clean tone and a decent break up when pushed. when that started to show it's age(although it was still very reliable) i bought a Tubeworks 1x12 100W combo. i play both of them to this day and haven't really needed anything more OR less for any situation. they both are about the same size and weight and fit in the van easily when it's loaded up. AND i have NEVER paid more than $300 for an amp! pound for pound, dollar for dollar, mile for mile i can't imagine unloading either of these amps.

gtrman911 · June 7th, 2007, 10:15 PM

line 6 spyder II 75w

lite, cheep, good

Big Mike Simpson · June 7th, 2007, 11:40 PM

Get a silverface Princeton Reverb and have it serviced, then put a good quality 12" speaker of your choice (weber, eminence, JBL etc).

Daddy Elmis · June 8th, 2007, 09:12 AM

Find a used or NOS Reverend Kingsnake:

20/60 watt selectable
6L6 based amp, all tube.
1x12
Schizo switch that really, truly works to go from tweed, to US/BF, to Vox
Efx loop
Reverb
Single channel
Small and lightweight

I've got it's little brother, the Goblin (5/15 watt switchable), and the damned thing is amazing. Out of production now (Reverend is focusing exclusively on guitars now), but can be found.

eddiewagner · June 8th, 2007, 09:31 AM

i really dig my marshall dsl 401. i got i new for a supercheap price.

Maestro · June 8th, 2007, 10:14 AM

fender blues JR?

ol man · June 8th, 2007, 10:34 AM

Haven't heard them, but I bet Allen Amps Princeton-type with
12" are great.
I don't care for Peavey Classic 30 - to onedimensional stock.
I'd hesitate to call the small Ampeg reissues gig-worthy,
to often problems with cab-rattles and such.
SO-OO, you can do what I did;
got me a home-built Marshall 18 watt clone.
Light one-channel head with voxy config: volume, tone and cut only.
No need for bland-sounding digital reverb...
Add an open-back112-cab in birch ply with
an Emi Red Fang.
(Neo speakers sacrifice tone in this case I think.)
Head: 16 pounds, cab with Red Fang:18-20 pounds.

June 7th, 2007, 02:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
Hoodster Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 329	Best Lightweight, Gig-worthy 1X12 under $800 (new or used)? In general I'm looking for a simple, light, toneful 1X12 tube combo for jams and small gigs, with a solid base clean tone for blues, classic rock, and alt-country. Preferred food groups lean toward Blackface and Vox. Preferences: 40 lbs. or under Reverb Master (not a deal breaker) Single channel (not a deal breaker) Don't care how many tone controls $800 is absolute max, including shipping Amps tried and rejected for various reasons: Hellhound BJ Carvin V16 DRRI HRDLX Rivera-era Fenders PV C30 Vox AC-15CC Tweed Champ and Deluxe clones Amps still considering: Ampeg Jet Gibson Goldtone GA-15RV Traynor YCV-20 Rivera Pubster/Clubster PR clone w/12" (Allen, Gries, etc., but pushing budget) Input on these and/or other choices MUCH appreciated.

June 7th, 2007, 03:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
dangelico603 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 180	I love my Jet. 30lbs, great cleans, good reverb and tremolo (if you're into that). If 15watts isn't enough they make the Super-Jet which is 50watts AB but slighty heavier. Plus you can still get them on Ebay for next to nothing! Resident Ampeg lover, Jason __________________ "Don't just play something, stand there."

June 7th, 2007, 03:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Chris S. Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Near TELE-Town (Wash. DC) Posts: 2,835 7 Photos	Try thinking of it this way <--> Try thinking of it this way The OP said he had tried and rejected the Peavey Classic 30 -- but he didn't say why. But the really nice thing about the PV C30 is that if you have $800 to spend, you can get TWO of them used. Then use the leftover cash (!!) to buy either a stereo chorus AND/or a stereo delay pedal. You'll NEVER find a single 1x12 amp that will sound anywhere near as good as 2 Peavey Classic 30's in ( ( ( < < < ---- S T E R E O --- > > > ) ) ) All IMO, of course. ;-) Hope it helps, CS :-) __________________ "I go online sometimes, but everyone's spelling is really bad. It's depressing." – Tara, from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" "It was born at the junction of form and function." – Bill Kirchen, from "Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods"

June 7th, 2007, 03:23 PM	#9 (permalink)
klast Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sweden Age: 59 Posts: 206	A Laney VC30, perhaps? A bit like a Vox AC30, but yet with its own flavour. I have one myself and it's ideal for the 60s rock covers and instrumentals I play. Meets most of you requirements, too. Also, I'm a bit curious why you didn't like the Vox AC15CC. Was it the all too splashy reverb? Klas __________________ ...all the times I've had to play while people sat there drunk...

June 7th, 2007, 04:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
Telenator Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 4,476	If you like the Rivera Pubster/Clubster and can handle just a wee bit more weight, it's hard to beat a Rivera Chubster 40. I has everything and can be had for about $700 used. They're bult tough, take a beating, sound terrific, and have plenty of clean headroom when you need it. The deeper combo cab gives a better, fuller open back sound than most and with two switchable channels, it covers alot of ground. It's my #1 gigging amp for everything from Van Morrison to Stone Temple Pilots! The Pubster and Clubster are both great amps but they sit right on the far side of sounding a bit boxey like most small amps do. I bought a light hand truck and now carry all my gear around on it. No more heroics for this 'ol guy! __________________ Dogs have the right idea!

June 7th, 2007, 02:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
jjh37854 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Francisco Age: 35 Posts: 1,149 7 Photos	tried a classic 30?

June 7th, 2007, 02:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,080	+1 Classic 30

June 7th, 2007, 02:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnnylaw Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New England Age: 50 Posts: 265	PV Classic 30 is well worth a look. Gibson GA-15RV is a personal fave.

June 7th, 2007, 02:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
tjalla Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 1,825 7 Photos	AC15CC - did you try it with the Celestion Blue? That speaker IMO is at least half the classic vox sound. There's a few mods to get the best out of the amp too, esp with a tele. See recent thread on amps page... Rivera R30 (1x12, 30watter) is pretty cool too - I gigged with a pair of them for a while. Trevor

June 7th, 2007, 03:16 PM	#8 (permalink)
FMA Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 1,080	May bad on the C-30 thing. Of the amps on your orginal list of rejects, though, are some that I like. The C-30, the AC15...So what do I know...

June 7th, 2007, 03:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
Jeffscreamedcorn Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: beantown Age: 51 Posts: 781	Boogie F-30. It does have channel switching, but you don't have to use it (I usually don't).

June 7th, 2007, 03:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
PhatTele Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 707	SF Princeton Reverb w/a 12" speaker (they're out there...right now!)

June 7th, 2007, 04:54 PM	#13 (permalink)
WireLine Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midland TX Age: 52 Posts: 168	If you can find one in good shape, a MusicMan RD50-112 is a real sleeper amp...lots of guys got hold of them and won't let go, though...they were the 1st production amps ever to actually use 2 discrete footswtichable channels IIRC... Get one, drop an EV in it, and stand back...they are extremely loud and efficient amps with a killer sound - relatively light and easy to move as well... Still kicking myself in the butt for selling mine. __________________ Ken Morgan Wireline Studio Midland TX The Only Thing That Really Matters is Your Sound Please Support American Indian Schools

June 7th, 2007, 05:40 PM	#14 (permalink)
IronJoe Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 33 Posts: 413	Wow, you threw out a bunch of good amps. I like the Ampeg Reverberocket 112. Nice tone, nice reverb. 45 lbs. Someone around here came across a Kustom '36 Coupe they really liked. Similar controls as the Reverberocket, same weight. Both of them are right around $700. Good luck. Let us know what you decide.

June 7th, 2007, 05:49 PM	#15 (permalink)
KC Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Missoula, Montana Posts: 1,231 15 Photos	I'm still a little baffled by the AC15 rejection -- I've got an AC30CC1 that would completely fill the bill except that it weighs too much. The 15 with a blue would seem to be exactly what you're after. One more from the reject pile: the Blues Jr does exactly what you want it to, especially with the weber blue dog & JJ retubing. But the Goldtone GA15 is a fun little amp, too, and worth a check. You might get way lucky & find a silverface DR or a non-verb deluxe in your price range, though I might be living in the past on that one. A Lil Dawg Deluxe and a Holy Grail pedal will fit just fine in your price range, and that rig weighs nothing. Jim can build that up to be a pretty good gig amp, too. That might be my choice if you want a fun, flexible amp. Good luck.

June 7th, 2007, 07:04 PM	#16 (permalink)
Hoodster Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 329	Wow, lots of good suggestions--keep 'em coming. Those that were puzzled by the AC-15CC rejection were right on--it has pretty much everything I'm after, but I have a hard time with a 15-watt amp that weighs 47 pounds (especially when the Jet has pretty close to the same features at 30 lbs), and frankly I'm not wild about Vox cosmetics. I like PV C30's too, but I don't really need the 4 power tubes and am looking for something a little less common. They should make a Classic 15 with one channel, 'verb, and 1 12", unlike the rather limited old C20 (which I have also owned and sold). I also like BJ's, but for the boxiness. Bottom line is the LIGHTWEIGHT element is what makes this quest difficult--there are tons of good amps in this price range that are 45 pounds and up (many suggested by folks above).

June 7th, 2007, 07:31 PM	#17 (permalink)
pickinpete Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lawrenceburg, TN Age: 42 Posts: 160 2 Photos	PVC30 I just bought a Peavey Classic 30 today! Nice amp, Not as heavy as I thought but I'm luvvvin it. It might be double case of honymoon cuz this is my first tube amp. But Im glad I did it. Pickin Pete www.billsbluegrass.com

June 7th, 2007, 07:52 PM	#18 (permalink)
Sleph Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,052 6 Photos	out of the ones you're still considering it would have to be the Rivera Pubster/Clubster. I've owned the Ampeg and though it was made well and could sound good it was quite limited to how good it sounded depending on the volume. IMO the Gibson & Traynor aren't in the same league as the Rivera. I currently own a YCV-40 and gig with it occasionally but I don't think the smaller one would cut it. The PV classic 30, as suggested by others would be worth a look . Keep us posted on what you decide.

June 7th, 2007, 07:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
toadman Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: andoverandoverandover,ct Age: 45 Posts: 976	in the past 15 years i've only played through 2 amps at gigs AND rehearsal AND home practice. the first is a Randall RG-80 1x12 100 combo solid state but GREAT clean tone and a decent break up when pushed. when that started to show it's age(although it was still very reliable) i bought a Tubeworks 1x12 100W combo. i play both of them to this day and haven't really needed anything more OR less for any situation. they both are about the same size and weight and fit in the van easily when it's loaded up. AND i have NEVER paid more than $300 for an amp! pound for pound, dollar for dollar, mile for mile i can't imagine unloading either of these amps. __________________ toadman the plank spanker www.slugnickel.com www.zydecohogs.com "The ultimate result of protecting man from folly is to fill the world with fools" Herbert Spencer

June 7th, 2007, 10:15 PM	#20 (permalink)
gtrman911 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Camelot Posts: 1,140 7 Photos	line 6 spyder II 75w lite, cheep, good __________________ My opinion is worth what you paid for it.

June 7th, 2007, 11:40 PM	#21 (permalink)
Big Mike Simpson Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ (PHX) Age: 52 Posts: 1,402 59 Photos	Get a silverface Princeton Reverb and have it serviced, then put a good quality 12" speaker of your choice (weber, eminence, JBL etc). __________________ Big Mike http://www.myspace.com/bigmikesimpson

June 8th, 2007, 09:12 AM	#22 (permalink)
Daddy Elmis Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: USA Posts: 961	Find a used or NOS Reverend Kingsnake: 20/60 watt selectable 6L6 based amp, all tube. 1x12 Schizo switch that really, truly works to go from tweed, to US/BF, to Vox Efx loop Reverb Single channel Small and lightweight I've got it's little brother, the Goblin (5/15 watt switchable), and the damned thing is amazing. Out of production now (Reverend is focusing exclusively on guitars now), but can be found. __________________ Elwood: Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we're sure glad to be here in Cocomo tonight. We're the Good Ole' Blues Brothers Boys Band from Chicago. I sure hope you like our show. I'm Elwood, this here's my brother Jake.

June 8th, 2007, 09:31 AM	#23 (permalink)
eddiewagner Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: ROCK!linghausen/germany Age: 49 Posts: 3,775 27 Photos	i really dig my marshall dsl 401. i got i new for a supercheap price. __________________ My Drum/Guitar-Duo: www.myspace.com/captaintwangandhisrhythmcat

June 8th, 2007, 10:14 AM	#24 (permalink)
Maestro Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The United Lowlands Of Holland Posts: 753	fender blues JR? __________________ A clean conscience is usually the result of a bad memory.

June 8th, 2007, 10:34 AM	#25 (permalink)
ol man Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sweden Posts: 233	Haven't heard them, but I bet Allen Amps Princeton-type with 12" are great. I don't care for Peavey Classic 30 - to onedimensional stock. I'd hesitate to call the small Ampeg reissues gig-worthy, to often problems with cab-rattles and such. SO-OO, you can do what I did; got me a home-built Marshall 18 watt clone. Light one-channel head with voxy config: volume, tone and cut only. No need for bland-sounding digital reverb... Add an open-back112-cab in birch ply with an Emi Red Fang. (Neo speakers sacrifice tone in this case I think.) Head: 16 pounds, cab with Red Fang:18-20 pounds.

June 8th, 2007, 10:38 AM	#26 (permalink)
bender-freak Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: springfield, missouri Posts: 1,292