looking for a new amp...

Corndog87 · 05-21-2009, 03:39 PM

Just wondering if anyone had any words of wisdom for me, I'm looking for an amp (probably tube) that I'll use for church, mic'd, and has sweet tone and isn't a total pain to lug around, probably in the 15-30 W range, and takes pedals well, thanks

mulletman · 05-21-2009, 03:58 PM

What sort of guitars will you be using it with? And what sort of price range are we looking at?

Corndog87 · 05-21-2009, 04:01 PM

Tele and probably up to $500 ish, but that isn't super set in stone

**thesteve** · 05-21-2009, 04:26 PM

First thought would be a Peavey Windsor Studio. It's a 15W tube amp through (I think) a 12" speaker. It has a built-in attenuator to reduce volume even further if needed.

Corndog87 · 05-22-2009, 12:19 AM

i forgot to add, i mostly will be using it for worship, hillsong, crowder, tomlin, etc. I've been looking at these Blackstar amps, and wondering if anyone has ever used them? Also, one of my friends has a Roland BluesCube 30 and loves it with his pedals, wondering if anyone has played either of these amps?

also wondering if anyone has played the vox ac4tv?

**tenwatt** · 05-22-2009, 04:23 AM

I just picked up a Vox AC-15. I'm really digging it. Beautiful tone, nice trem and verb, and plenty o' volume for church (mic'd). I play the same type stuff at church.

I have a Hughes & Kettner Tour Reverb combo that I'd sell for $300 (plus shipping) and I would guarantee that it would suit your needs. It's solid state but it has limitless tone. The built in OD/Distortion on this amp is HOT too.

Check out it's reviews on Harmony Central.

mulletman · 05-22-2009, 11:03 AM

You might also want to check out the Orange Tiny Terror. I do love mine, although I'm currently trying to sell it....

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 05-22-2009, 12:08 PM

I am going to suggest the blackheart little giant or the vox ac-4. I know, both are in the 5 watt range, but really will do all you are describing. As you decrease the wattage, you don't lose a lot of volume, but weight starts dissappearing in a hurry.

The blackheart takes pedals well, not sure about the vox.
The Frenzel champ pro can take pedals very well, handle being 3 to 20 watts or so (plug and play switch out output tubes) Excellent pedal amp and quite possibly the loudest amp in its class and it is handbuilt PTP at under $400. The champ pro would need a cab, but to be honest, this thing also weighs in at a ridiculously light weight. (5lb, all tube) I have owned one of these and own one of the bigger frenzels. I got offered $600 cash for mine and well... I figured I would buy another one later.http://www.frenzeltubeamps.com/id64.html

I am not a fan of the roland cube series myself.

Another option for a pedal amp is a used fender silverface princeton. NICE pedal amps.

Corndog87 · 05-22-2009, 03:57 PM

so i'm intrigued by the frenzel, so just maybe get a 2 x 12 cab for it?

it's a little bigger than i'm looking for, but i also saw a hot rod deluxe on craigslist for $375, pretty good deal i think, not sure i'll do it though

**thesteve** · 05-22-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corndog87

it's a little bigger than i'm looking for, but i also saw a hot rod deluxe on craigslist for $375, pretty good deal i think, not sure i'll do it though

That is a good deal, but as you have noted, the HRDlx is also a lot of amp.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 05-22-2009, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corndog87

so i'm intrigued by the frenzel, so just maybe get a 2 x 12 cab for it?

it's a little bigger than i'm looking for, but i also saw a hot rod deluxe on craigslist for $375, pretty good deal i think, not sure i'll do it though

In my opinion a 1x12 was plenty for the frenzel. But get whatever cab you like, though if you want small... the 1x12 is a small physical footprint.

Corndog87 · 05-25-2009, 07:25 PM

how much do you think a decent 1 x 12 cab would cost? also, what should I look for in cabs as far as quality? just speaker type?

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 05-25-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corndog87

how much do you think a decent 1 x 12 cab would cost? also, what should I look for in cabs as far as quality? just speaker type?

Well, and that it is plywood or solid wood rather than MDF. A good 1x12 would be the blackheart little giant 1x12. It is very reasonable. Avatar makes killer 1x12 cabs that are very reasonably priced as well. Those are as nice as anything on the market. Be aware that if you were to get the little giant cab, you would need to get the frenzel upgraded with a hammond transformer with a 4/8/16 ohm selector as it is 16 ohm IIRC and the frenzel is stock 8 ohm.

If you were to go avatar, just pick a matching impedance speaker.

telecasting · 05-26-2009, 03:33 AM

Fender Blues Jr or Pro Jr. I've had several blasts on these and wouldn't hesitate in replacing my AC15 for one if I had the money. Fender tone without having to have a separate cab, but that might actually be more what you're looking for. It's a two trip to the car job to have a separates mind.

Corndog87 · 05-26-2009, 10:57 AM

yeah, that's what i've been thinking, but getting a custom made head is just really cool, but i don't think i want to lug that and a cab around