[DropKick74]

same to you... merry christmas

[tenwatt]

If you're NOT hooked on a tube amp, pick up an Orange Crush 30 used. I don't like most of the tube amps in this price range. You can pick up a nice solid state amp that will get the job done and be more controlable at bedroom volumes.

[gopats1479]

The Orange Crush would be a good choice, for someone who just needs a good, solid practice amp. However, it only has an 8" speaker, which might sound tinny. There are great things in the solid state market, and IMO, the Crush is okay compared to the rest.

[gopats1479]

Maybe try a Kustom KG series amp. They have two models in your price range. Both are 20 watts, but one is a 210 and the other is a 212. They also have an fx loop so you can insert any pedals you might eventually buy. Use the aux in as well. If you have an iPod or MP3 player, get an 1/8" cable and jam with that.

[metropolis4]

Originally Posted by gopats1479

The Orange Crush would be a good choice, for someone who just needs a good, solid practice amp. However, it only has an 8" speaker, which might sound tinny. There are great things in the solid state market, and IMO, the Crush is okay compared to the rest.

Have you ever heard Eric Clapton's Layla? That guitar part was recorded through an 8" speaker

[thesteve]

Originally Posted by metropolis4

Have you ever heard Eric Clapton's Layla? That guitar part was recorded through an 8" speaker

Oh the magic of recordings?

[metropolis4]

Originally Posted by thesteve

Oh the magic of recordings?

Actually a lot of famous guitarists have both recorded and gigged with a Fender Champ.

Jeff Beck used to use a Champ for his live work. I remember reading an interview where he talked about playing shows with Stevie Ray Vaughn. He talked about how Stevie had this huge rig with multiple amps and was confused when he just came with a little Champ.

He's also stated before that big amps aren't necessary and all you really need is a little Fender Champ

[baerreborn]

Thank you all for the input. I have picked up a solid state randall 15 watter from a pawn shop extremely cheap which is at least enabling me to hear what i'm trying to play. I am however keeping an eye on the local used market place because I do like the tube sound better than ss. Still have not had the opportunity to make it to the shop to try out any of the little 5 or so watt valve amps that they carry, but will hopefully be able to do so in the next couple weeks. Thank you all again for your help.