Looking for Versatile combo amp <$800

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!

Rebel 30?

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. :wink:

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

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.

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.

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. :wink:

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. :wink:

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.

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. :wink:

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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?

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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. :cool:

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.

If you play with bashers and thrashers, and if you can't get them to play at less violent levels, I would up the ante, and suggest looking around for a Marshall (or similar) half-stack or a Fender Twin in good condition.

Wear ear-plugs and crank it! That'll teach 'em. :twisted:

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. :cool:

You hit the nail on the head, I like the HRDX, but I think I'm into the Marshall phase now. That, or I'm just ready to chase another tone. My tastes have changed as I've gotten older, but I'm still stuck on making sure I'm ready for any situation.

If you play with bashers and thrashers, and if you can't get them to play at less violent levels, I would up the ante, and suggest looking around for a Marshall (or similar) half-stack or a Fender Twin in good condition.

Wear ear-plugs and crank it! That'll teach 'em. :twisted:

As a matter of fact, I just bought a set of head phones that people use when they shoot sporting clays, so when we crank it, it lowers the volume in the head phones. Hearing loss is hereditary, so I'm trying to be pro-active.

I like the HRDX, but I think I'm into the Marshall phase now

I did not know... A good part of the equation with the Marshall tone is the EL34 tube set and how it sounds pushed into silly mayhem. It's little brother the EL84 delivers a similar (not the same) tone in a smaller package. A lot of Marshall-stack-heads that look for the Marshall vibe in a not so break your back package love the 18 watt Marshall's (EL84) and I have to agree with them from personal use of both. But an 18W might provide too much breakup for your jazz and country likings though. I might suggest test driving a Blues Jr. instead. More clean headroom and that EL84 breakup thang when pushed. :wink:

As a matter of fact, I just bought a set of head phones that people use when they shoot sporting clays, so when we crank it, it lowers the volume in the head phones. Hearing loss is hereditary, so I'm trying to be pro-active.

Yep, I almost always wear shooting ear muffs when I practice drums - ignore your hearing and it'll go away.

If I'm performing a gig with a loud band, however, I wear earplugs, 'cause the muffs look too goofy for the stage.

My brother's a touring musician, as in serious six-months-at-a-time touring, and both guitarists in his band are getting the Marshall sound the same way: a Zvex Box of Rock into a silverface Twin Reverb. Loud as you need it, bulletproof, sounds great. I was impressed.

Stick another speaker in that HRDX and listen to it wake up, hybridrocknroll. I put a Celestion Vintage 30 in mine, and it made a world of difference in the drive channel's tone, and cured some of the woofiness too. After that, it would be pedal time...

Franc Robert

Stick another speaker in that HRDX and listen to it wake up, hybridrocknroll. I put a Celestion Vintage 30 in mine, and it made a world of difference in the drive channel's tone, and cured some of the woofiness too. After that, it would be pedal time...

Franc Robert

I was actually debating on sticking a celestion blue in there. I'm a huge Brad Paisley fan, and his Dr. Z's are based off of vintage Vox AC30's with blue bells in them.

Vox Night Train

alternative to blues, jazz, and country

Bogner Alchemist 2x12. I just got one used for $650. 40 watts, with a 20 watt "attenuator" setting.

I've played more amps than I care to think about, and this is the first one that TRULY has a range of usable sounds. Every time I flip a switch, I get something different, and COOL.

My brother's a touring musician, as in serious six-months-at-a-time touring, and both guitarists in his band are getting the Marshall sound the same way: a Zvex Box of Rock into a silverface Twin Reverb. Loud as you need it, bulletproof, sounds great. I was impressed.

This was what I was going to suggest, actually. Although I was going to say a Zvex Distortron (I believe it's close to the same thing).

I bet you could probably find a used Twin Reissue for around 6-650 and then pick up the distortron for another 150 (or less if you watch Ebay like I do).

I use the Distortron with my Deluxe Reverb and it's a fantastic Marshall sound. But it's only 22 Watts and a lot of the time, DR's are more expensive than Twins used (for Reissues anyway)

FENDER SUPERSONIC

Elderly Instruments has one for $750 (used of course). Although it is rated at 60 watts, I think it has has a switch to reduce the power. Incredibly versatile amp. Heavy work to fender clean. If I could sell my DRRI today I would buy it myself.

Tech 21 TRademark 30 or 60.

I am in the very same situation as you. I have and love my vibrolux, but it just is too loud for most places and I would love to go without pedals if I could...

SOOO

I am stuck between the egnater rebel 30 and the bogner alchemist.. I will go audition both monday and will gladly report back to you how it went.

I really want to like the bogner, but I also really dig the 1-30watt range control on the egnater. And you even get one control for EACH channel. amazing. It seems that people either hate or love the alchemist. I tried one briefly the other day in a shop that unfortunately did not have the rebel in stock, and I thought the alchemist sounded awesome. Much more full and round than the hrd I A/Bd it to both on the clean and the drive channel. I REALLY like the natural compression on the bogner which made it sooo easy and natural to play even on very low volumes. I did, however, not have the opportunity to get it at any stage level volumes, so this compression might be too much if it graduates much with the volume.
At these lower volume settings though, it was the perfect balance bewteen being tight enough for fast rhythm, yet compressed enough for singe note playing to sound very fluent and smooth, though without ever sounding mushed. Perfect for jazz lines I'd say, and still snappy enough for country picking; really the perfect feel.
Tonewise the 6l6's made it sound very much like a fender amp only fuller and a bit more balanced on the clean channel; it really twanged with a tele.

On the lead channel, I used a les paul and got a FAT and totally awesome sounding lead sound. Again perfect in feel. I don't know how reinhold managed to do it, but while being very pleasantly compressed, making fluent soloing nearly effrortless, it still retained a mean bite and dynamics were not drowned. Really perfect feel and tone and just what I have searched for for so long...

BUT again... Being so perfect at very low volumes I fear that it will be overly compressed and make things messy at stage volumes. I will find out on monday.

Any one have any experience with this and/or the rebel?

Vox Night Train

I'll definitely be checking this out for the smaller jam sessions.

Two different...



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. :wink:

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


I have a Marshall Haze (15watt 6V6) that breaks up nicley but am considering also a BJ (15 watt EL84) for more clean and treble. I intend to use both for reasons you would do the opposite. Must be the way I set them up.

Well, I picked up a used Rivera R30 a few years ago for $550. Clean and Dirty (Fender & Marshall voiced) channels with boost for each, EL34 power, tube reverb, SS recto, Rivera branded Celestion speaker (GT12-75 variant, if memory serves) and a (so-so) effects loop. If that's not enough, there's a 55-watt version that comes in 1x12 & 2x12 variations.

Happy Hunting!

I find that I'm very brand loyal. I've heard that the Marshall Haze's are awesome amps, and the other amps everybody has mentioned are great amps, each with pros and cons towards the versatility I'm looking for. Decisions, Decisions!

I find that I'm very brand loyal. I've heard that the Marshall Haze's are awesome amps, and the other amps everybody has mentioned are great amps, each with pros and cons towards the versatility I'm looking for. Decisions, Decisions!

The Haze are not that great imo. Had the head for about 2 days and then returned it. There is no and I mean NO bottom end in those things even through a 4x12. They sound fizzy and cheap to my ears, and cleans are some of the worst ever, and not at any gig level. The combo might be better but for marshalls, if you really MUST have them, I have found that there really are no way to get a real good tone unless you get one of the older style heads and let those suckers breathe, meaning you drownling the band... Definately not for country either :razz: All pretty much one trick ponies imo. The jvm series give some versatility, but don't do anything THAT well.

Sounds to me though like you will be best of keeping your fender AND getting a 50watt head along with an attenuator of some sort. I have only tried the Weber mass lite 100, and it was quite okay.
You'll have a hard time getting to a gig with this setup though ;)

I find that I'm very brand loyal. I've heard that the Marshall Haze's are awesome amps, and the other amps everybody has mentioned are great amps, each with pros and cons towards the versatility I'm looking for. Decisions, Decisions!



I think that the princeton and twins are probably the most versital amps that I have had the pleasure to play through. The twin is definately louder and a lot heavier. What a boat anchor but it sounds great.

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.

I'm with this. I put a ToneBone Classic on my HRD and never looked back. Putting a good distortion box in the line really makes this amp more useful, especially since the amp has a good clean channel.