• From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Topic: Clean Amp Discussion

Hey guys, I searched a bit and found tons of info, I just need some help getting some things straight. The question at hand is, I'm looking to incorporate a clean amp into my rig, preferably under $600 or $700. To give you an idea, I'm into the cleans of Allan Holdsworth, Pat Metheny, Eric Johnson and so on. I've read about the Peavey Classics, Lab Series, all kinds of Fenders, Roland Jazz Chorus, the list goes on.

So I'm posing to you guys, what would you recommend? Experiences are appreciated...I do play shows, so it'll have to have some power since we don't mic the amps quite yet...and of course, the cheaper the better!

Thanks so much!

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

Well the Peavey Classic 410 is about 50 watts, but don't think for a second that its just a clean amp, its got a great dirty channel for blues and classic rock.  Peavey builds their amps like a tank and will out live you even if you abuse them on the road.
The Fender Hot Rod Series is really good amps.  I've had a hot rod Deluxe that I loved.  The Clean was better then the Peavey but the Peavey has better overdrive.  The Fender just seems to sparkle more.  Just so you know these are the budget fender amps and in my opinion they are great amps but the vintage series is on a totally different level.  My experience with this is my old Fender Custom Vibroluxe Reverb.  2 10 inch speakers driven by 40 watts.  Its really loud and cranked will distort with the best of them.  You might have trouble finding something like this for under $700 today 10 years ago I got mine for $800.
I would avoid Marshalls they just don't have the cleans.
Vox AC30 you can find one of these used for about $600-$700.  These are in my opinion better then the Hot Rod Fenders as far as clean.  Yes 30 watts is less then 40 watts but I honestly believe that Vox amps are louder.  I could be wrong.
Egnator amps are really good sounding amps and I think you can find one for $700 that's 30 to 40 watts.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: WV
  • Registered: 2012-04-04
  • Posts: 115

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

I just sold a AC30 or Id hook ya right up with a killer deal!!

Have you considered a Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue? I use a '59 bassman mostly for cleans, they are a little more than the price you mentioned though

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

I've considered the fenders, sure. they're just out of my price range...also, I don't particularly mind if it's a one trick pony. I would rather it be able to get a great clean tone than a good clean tone with the addition of good distortion. I'd be using it solely as a clean amp

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

Used Hot Rod Deville less then $700.  Best clean you can get at that low budget.  Peavey 2nd.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

I've heard the Hot Rods can get rather ice-picky. What are your thoughts? Ultimately I want to try everything out, I just want to get an idea of what to try out. Thanks!

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV
  • From: kentucky
  • Registered: 2008-03-06
  • Posts: 304

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

fender super reverb hands down in my opinion.......in this economy you can find a good used one in the price range you are looking.

masque's Website

  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

Super would be nice but on Ebay I think your still looking at about $900 if you can find one that will ship to you.  The Hot Rods are not Ice picky but you'll have to tweak to get your tone.  Any of the vintage series are awesome, however the hot rods will get you there, there is just more adjustments.  You might wanna try the Blues Deluxe and the Deville out.  Not nearly as much distortion on tap but cleans are awesome as well.  But I believe Mr. Bonamassa said the Blues Deluxe is the one that is ice picks to him, not the hot rod deluxe, those are Aces.

AD3THREE's Website

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

TubeSaturation wrote:

I've heard the Hot Rods can get rather ice-picky. What are your thoughts? Ultimately I want to try everything out, I just want to get an idea of what to try out. Thanks!

+1 my guitar player has a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and the thing is glass shatteringly bright. Good value for the price.
Vox AC30 is a good one too, but they can break up if you crank them.
I would go with a Peavey Classic series amp
Gibson Lab Series is not tube, it's solid state (BB King played one)
Roland Jazz Chorus - Heard good things about their clean, I've heard keyboard players like them (Albert King played one)
Any Fender tube amp will get you a nice clean, really, just find one that's a good value and be conscious of the highs making people's ears bleed.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

The Traynor YCV-40 or YCV-50 are great value and they sound like a Hot Rod Deluxe meets a Vox AC30...

They are traditionally fender in terms of circuitry only the circuit surrounding the 1st preamp valve is almost identical to a traditional Vox wiring..

So it's clean but is warm and doesn't get ice-picky!

Also got a great drive channel (unlike the Hot Rod, I personally think the Hot Rod's drive is a little fizzy) as a bonus.

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • From: 62703
  • Registered: 2012-10-22
  • Posts: 21

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

I've had "useable headroom" issues with the AC30 and the entire Hot Rod series. A Deluxe Reverb is definitely not going to give ou the headroom you're asking about. Cabinet rattle issues with the Traynor YCV-50, plus I personally didn't dig the tone.
I'm not out to try convincing you to go digital, but I'm currently getting the most pleasing cleans I've ever experienced with a POD HD500 (Dr. Z amp model) and all the headroom I'll ever need with a powered RCF ART-310a.

  • From: over yonder....in PA
  • Registered: 2009-02-09
  • Posts: 240

Re: Clean Amp Discussion

I think I'm very interested at this point in trying Fenders (of course), the JC-120, and the Peavey Classic's since they all can potentially be in my price range. I'm a little weary of the JC though, as I've heard from some that it's sterile....and I get a great digital sound from my Fender G-Dec, but it still lacks the cut even when I run it through a bigger system to make it louder.

"The way I like to look at it is....if that's the last time I ever got to play, I'd better give it everything I've got." -SRV