My Amp Search

Casey · 12-04-2006, 05:57 PM

Ah! I forgot about the carvin! I actually got to play one a while back, and let me tell you that thing was beautiful! I love the drive on it too, nice an spongy a la .... well, I can't think of anyone, but it sounded great!

**Rainer.** · 12-04-2006, 07:12 PM

Oh yeah, the Marshall DSL401 might also work for you.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 12-04-2006, 09:50 PM

Traynor? Sounds like the YCV20 might be worth checking out at least.

15 Watts, all tube, with effects loop. Traynors are a good one for your stated purpose.

Hopeful · 12-05-2006, 01:22 AM

As mentioned in a couple of the replies above, I would look into the Woodcross amps. Definitely boutique at a reasonable price. With the Rivera's, you're looking at used ones or the Pubster line new.

nate95366 · 12-05-2006, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benny Hicks

Mesa Boogie .22+
Couldn't find a link, seems very similar to the F-30. Differences?

I have a Studio .22 (not the "+" though - that adds a graphic equalizer) and I like it for what I do. I have played through an F-30 as well. The .22 is lower wattage and will break up just a bit sooner than the F-30, but other than that, the F-30 is just going to be a newer amplifier. I don't recall seeing a graphic EQ on the faceplate of the F-30, either.

Nate

Benny Hicks · 12-06-2006, 11:17 AM

Thanks for the suggestions guys. It is important to keep it under 35W, because I want tube saturation without having volume that is too high for my needs. After a lot of research, I've come to the unfortunate conclusion that it's unrealistic to expect to have the Budda SD-18 fall in this price range. I'm not a big fan of Carvin, I used to have a Nomad 112 and wasn't thrilled with it, and would just prefer to avoid them. The Traynor's are something I've thought about, I might make a trip to Asheville to try them out.

Lately I've had my eye on a Mesa Blue Angel. I like being able to change between 6V6s and EL84s, it has an effects loop, the wattage is good, and its right in my price range used. Anyone have any experience with these?

**Rainer.** · 12-06-2006, 05:51 PM

I'd say it'd be more important to you, then, to get a 1x12, rather then keep it under 35W, since the number of speakers has a bigger percieved volume impact than wattage.

Ryan Freeland · 12-06-2006, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benny Hicks

Thanks for the suggestions guys. It is important to keep it under 35W, because I want tube saturation without having volume that is too high for my needs. After a lot of research, I've come to the unfortunate conclusion that it's unrealistic to expect to have the Budda SD-18 fall in this price range. I'm not a big fan of Carvin, I used to have a Nomad 112 and wasn't thrilled with it, and would just prefer to avoid them. The Traynor's are something I've thought about, I might make a trip to Asheville to try them out.

Lately I've had my eye on a Mesa Blue Angel. I like being able to change between 6V6s and EL84s, it has an effects loop, the wattage is good, and its right in my price range used. Anyone have any experience with these?

And even if you have a 5w Valve Junior, it's going to be pretty crazy loud when the power tubes saturate.

**Rainer.** · 12-06-2006, 06:04 PM

"Crazy Loud"...

Well, through a 4x12, probably, through an 8" speaker, not so much. These things are so relative... My 5W Champ can't keep up with a band.

Ryan Freeland · 12-06-2006, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

"Crazy Loud"...

Well, through a 4x12, probably, through an 8" speaker, not so much. These things are so relative... My 5W Champ can't keep up with a band.

The VJ puts out enough volume to tick off the neighbors.

**Rainer.** · 12-06-2006, 06:39 PM

My drummer puts out even more. So that fact doesn't help me much.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 12-07-2006, 08:47 AM

a valve junior combo is very short throw... Infact, I have been able to drown out our worship band's drummer. (Keep in mind that its not exactly mellow, but we are not megadeth either)

in a close situation, it keeps up with a reverend hellhound on the 40 watt setting nicely. However, once you go back a few rows, the hellhound and other amps seem much louder.

**Rainer.** · 12-07-2006, 06:47 PM

Yes, sorta like headphones, sound loud and clear when they're on your head, but not so much when you take 'em off.

spyrotheleo · 12-07-2006, 08:32 PM

but your really limited with the valve junior. Your not going to get cleans when your cranking it to keep up with the band.

Ryan Freeland · 12-07-2006, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spyrotheleo

but your really limited with the valve junior. Your not going to get cleans when your cranking it to keep up with the band.

Yeah, I agree. I'm not suggesting to VJ here. I'm just saying that by keeping it under 35 watts doesn't mean your going to get awesome tone when the volume knob is at 1.