• From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Topic: Amplifier help again....

Hey everyone...I'm still looking for an amp.  I have narrowed down what I am essentially want.  I'd like a relatively light weight tube amp....20 to 40 watts...minimum of reverb onboard and/or an effects loop..1 to 2 channels....low gain because I play both blues rock and smooth jazz.  Does anyone have an idea of something that can fit this?  I don't want to spend a ton of money...Used is ok but I don't want to spend a boat load for a vintage amp and then sink more into it to make it work properly.

I am just not getting the tone I'd like out of my Vox ac15....


I really would love to hear your suggestion!!!!

Thanks,

Barry

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: The Netherlands
  • Registered: 2010-02-14
  • Posts: 318

Re: Amplifier help again....

Well, I had this problem too in some sort of ways. I would say try the Laney VC30. Size is up to you, it's in 2x12 or 1x12 and another one I forgot. It's based on the Vox AC30, but it's not a clone or something, it has its own sounds. It's 30 watts and it's 22 kilos. Search it online. I would say try that one out in a store. That's what I'm going to do....

I don't charge for mistakes. - Joe Bonamassa
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Amplifier help again....

Dr. Z Maz 18 Reverb or Dr. Z Z-28.  Heck, any small Z combo would fit your needs perfectly.

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • Registered: 2008-10-02
  • Posts: 373

Re: Amplifier help again....

Look for a used Peavey Classic 30, yes I said Peavey picked one up for $300 used in like new condition and will cover everything you need. Has two channels, onboard reverb and an effects loop, its got a real nice clean, not quite fender clean but good and a nice useable overdrive. Put in a vintage 30 and some JJ tubes and your got a monster little amp and only weighs maybe 45 pounds.

5 Reply by Sonicboom (edited by Sonicboom 2010-07-27 02:13:14)

  • Registered: 2010-07-09
  • Posts: 122

Re: Amplifier help again....

Not to ask a stupid question but how light is "relatively light?"  I'd recommend a Super Reverb - 2 chl., can do clean or dirty, no effects loop, but reverb and tremolo and enough power to play any venue.  This amp is a feather (65 lbs) compared to my Deuce, which weighs slightly less than the space shuttle and is just about as loud.   smile

Get a used BF or drip edge.
BF = 65 lbs.
SF = 86 lbs.

Guitars: '79 LP Custom, '01 Dickey Betts Goldie - 80 of 114, '00 Chandler Lectraslide
Amps: '00 Marshall 1987x, '70 Marshall 1959 SL, 4x12 JBL D120s
'64 Vibroverb - JBL D130, '66 Super Reverb - CTS Alnicos
'77 Peavey Deuce (great for melting stubborn ear wax)
  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2008-12-05
  • Posts: 16

Re: Amplifier help again....

Try a Hughes&Kettner Statesman EL 34. It is available as a 20W and as a 40W Combo. I own the 20W version and I am very happy with the tone. It even sounds pretty good at bedroom levels and I have done a couple of gigs in small bars.

-------------------------------------------------------
Gibson Les Paul Studio, PRS SE Custom Semi Holow, Epiphone Les Paul Custom, Ibanez RG370 BK
Marshall JVM 210H, Marshall JCM 900, Hughes&Kettner Statesman Dual EL34   
Blackstar HT Dual, Fulltone OCD, Dunlop Cry Baby, Marshall Blues Breaker, Boss GE 7
  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Amplifier help again....

+1 I played a Statesman and I was really impressed with the tone. Is H&K stuff generally overlooked? Pricey though, maybe thats why.... hmm

gitchef wrote:

Try a Hughes&Kettner Statesman EL 34. It is available as a 20W and as a 40W Combo. I own the 20W version and I am very happy with the tone. It even sounds pretty good at bedroom levels and I have done a couple of gigs in small bars.

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: Amplifier help again....

If you dont like the AC15 dont get the AC30 or any vox type amp. 

I'd look at small marshall combos like the three channel 2000 I am sorry I cant recall the actual name.  They have a two channel model too that is 40 watts I think.  Some here hate the Haze but I thought it was a cool amp.

I'd also go look at the hot rod deluxe series from Fender.  They are well priced used and sound fine.

Just out of curiosity what dont you like about the Vox AC15.

-Jeremy

  • Registered: 2009-10-27
  • Posts: 250

Re: Amplifier help again....

+1 to StratPaul.  I played a Z28 head recently and was impressed.  I would still get a head and a 1x12, only one more trip - well worth the less boxy sound.  I prefer a Ceriatone 50-wat head and 1x12 cab, which I don't think is a huge difference in price, accept you'll need a reverb pedal.  A little noodle I did drinking some red wine plugged straight into amp (no effects in front) with reverb and delay pedal in loop on lead channel...excuse boring noodle. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NAACfgtpS0

  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-02-11
  • Posts: 453

Re: Amplifier help again....

Here is a link of simon mcbride playing a statesmen I think. I stumbled across this a while ago while looking for DGT demos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSAwumklYhw

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Amplifier help again....

thanks guys....keep em coming...


I don't dislike my Vox ac15...I am just not getting the tones I want out of it.  It does sound amazing but not quite what I am looking for.

I have considered and tried a used Peavey Classic 30....used it with my band one night...cut through the mix nice and was very warm.  Did not get a chance to use it with the jazz stuff I am doing.

H&K Statesman with el84's have been on my radar...love to hear more from anyone that has expereince with them....

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: Burlington, Ont Canada
  • Registered: 2010-04-01
  • Posts: 365

Re: Amplifier help again....

You have got to check out a Mesa Lonestar 1x12. I tried one last night in a Music store. Plugged a beautiful desertburst LP Traditional straight in - it sounded soooo good people gathered around. Pricey - but INCREDIBLE tone. I am GASsing for it now big time. Weird - I have gone from a diehard Marshall guy to now owning a Mesa Stiletto and gassing for a Lonestar.... hmm . What's next - PRS?  wink

Gits: '03 Gibson Historic R7 Goldtop, '06 Gibson R8 Plaintop, MIJ '62 RI Strat,  and others...
Amps: '99 Marshall 1987x Plexi RI, 1969 Fender Super Reverb

My band: www.meanbones.com
  • Registered: 2008-10-02
  • Posts: 373

Re: Amplifier help again....

Those Lonestars are nice amps but pricey I have yet to find a deal on any Mesa Amp.

  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Amplifier help again....

What do you guys think of the Marshall DSL401?  I have read that it has the best cleans for a Marshall.  There is a used one near me under $500....seems low...

is it versatile enough for what I want to use it for?

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: Amplifier help again....

any thoughts on the DSL401?

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • Registered: 2010-07-14
  • Posts: 3

Re: Amplifier help again....

DSL401 is a great little 40w amp.Had mine over a year and have found some beasty tones out of it . When your trying one out make sure you complete the fx loop with anything (lead or pedals) and put the fx master to 10 . The amp gets louder , dirtier and gives off much more bass , Id say try one out and see what its like . Also boosting the clean channel at the point of breakup gives some good results too .

Lefty Vintage Lemon Drop - Lefty Epiphone LP Standard - Marshall JCM2000 DSL401 - Boss SD1 & TU2 - Dunlop GCB-95 Wah - EHX #1 Echo