Amp Recommendations

[KA$H]

I'm looking for a new cpmbo amp. As a beginner I started with a Line6 Spider II but have outgrown it. The effects leave alot to be desired and the clean channel isn't very crisp. Here's what I'm looking for:

Crisp Clean channel
Warm tone
Crunchy lead channel for VH type stuff
All tube
Great tone at low volume

I don't care about effects as I'll add my own. I've looked at Peaveys & Fenders.

[Otis5150]

I'm looking for a new cpmbo amp. As a beginner I started with a Line6 Spider II but have outgrown it. The effects leave alot to be desired and the clean channel isn't very crisp. Here's what I'm looking for:

Crisp Clean channel
Warm tone
Crunchy lead channel for VH type stuff
All tube
Great tone at low volume

I don't care about effects as I'll add my own. I've looked at Peaveys & Fenders.

If you liked the Spider (I did) but want all-tube with the same user-friendliness, check out the Hughes & Kettner Switchblade. I have one (the head) and I love it. If you have any questions, just ask. Good luck!

[h*bunter]

I use a Peavey Classic 50 212 combo.
It gives me everything you are looking for.

Keep in mind that you have to set the amp to get what you want. Also, the type of guitar will change the sound of the amp.

[A&Z Guitar Repair]

You might check out the Peavey Windsor. I just picked one up. For the money they're a great sounding amp. ALL tube class A/AB. It won't do the Metallica stuff without a pedal, but it will do the classic rock and eighties rock easily.

Peavey are starting to get into the "throwaway amp" market. I know, I know, some of you think all Peavey's should be thrown away, but... These amps are breaking the $500 and under price bracket. If you use it for 4 years and it quits, get another. I know it's Chinese made, but the price point is something to consider.

Flame away...

[AT]

I landed a 5150 212 Combo on eBay a few weeks back for a steal--$330. If you do a daily troll and have some patience, you can get the real deal at a great price. It's heavy and big as hell, though.

[vhin04]

Get a Pod xt or an xt live and an Atomic 1x12 tube powered cabinet. Get all 3 expansion packs for the pod and you'll be good to go. Seriously. If you are not in a band or gigging out, it's the best way to go for low volume playing. I have a 5150 head and 4x12, and a Weber Mass attenuator. I've tried all kinds of combinations for low volume playing with mixed results. Now, my Pod runs through the power section of the 5150 and into the cab and sounds terrific at low volumes. I've played both side by side and I can't tell the difference between the 5150 model on the Pod and the real thing, it's that close, except that the Pod sounds great at very low volumes and the real 5150 doesn't.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I have yet to hear a tube combo or head that sounds right at low volumes. The modelling stuff can be quite good if you are willing to set it up right and spend some time with it-from cleans to high gain you can have it there right in front of you. The Pod xt really is a different animal from the Spider amps so don't let that scare you off.

[cav]

I use a Peavey Classic 50 212 combo.
It gives me everything you are looking for.

Keep in mind that you have to set the amp to get what you want. Also, the type of guitar will change the sound of the amp.

I agree... the Peavey 50 Classic is one hell of a good amp..
9 yrs later, I'm still loving mine and so do my friends who try it out.
ps. My friends own great amps (Marshalls etc) and they all love the peavey.
My best advise would be for you to go out and try a bunch of different amps and go from there ....

[FatStrat85]

I own a Marshall TSL122, and I love it. For better sounds at low volumes, you might try the 60 watt version.

I've also played some B-52's in stores and they sounded amazing. They're nice and cheap and have everything you listed.

[lil'devil]

otis, i've been curious about the switchblade crunch channel.

the hughes website demo dealie had some samples that were very sterile, as if the crunch was purely generated by solid state circuitry and not tubes.

would you happen to have some samples of the crunchy channel tones to share? i'm really curious what it sounds like but i cannot find a dealer here in vancouver to try it out my self.

[Otis5150]

otis, i've been curious about the switchblade crunch channel.

the hughes website demo dealie had some samples that were very sterile, as if the crunch was purely generated by solid state circuitry and not tubes.

would you happen to have some samples of the crunchy channel tones to share? i'm really curious what it sounds like but i cannot find a dealer here in vancouver to try it out my self.

It kicks ass! Unfortunately, I don't have any samples to share and, I agree, the samples on the web are a little sterile. But, take my word for it, it is absolutely all-tube. Kind of like they married the workings of a Line6 Spider with an all-tube pre/power section.

It is an outstanding amp. I'm in a cover band that plays everything from Patsy Cline to Godsmack - sometimes in the same set - and it delivers on every level.

If you're interested and can't get to a dealer, I would suggest ordering one from Musician's Friend or some other website that has a return policy. That's what I did. You probably won't need to take advantage of the return policy, though.

I don't want to hijack this thread. So (anyone) PM me if you have more questions. Peace.