Would like suggestions on AMP

[wudstoc]

It is unbelievable how many folks as of late have been asking for amp recomendations. It is amazing how many folks would let perfect strangers help them decide on how to spend a substantial amount of money.

my response to acstorfer's questionnaire
I am new to guitars and this forum as well. The reasons I use this forum for is the expertise of the people that have been here and gone around the block. I find that asking people here is better than going to a sales guy who works on commission.
My answers to your questions
How much would you like to spend? 700.00
What's the absolutely most you will spend? 700.00
How many years have you played guitar? Years how about 2 months
Do you seek tone quality or versatility? Both
What is your primary guitar (include pup type and configuration)? Les Paul Traditional Pro
What style(s) of music do you primarily play? I like 50’s 60’s 70’s 80’s Rock and all Blues
What one guitarist do you wish to emulate? None
Do you prefer to plug straight in, or will you be using effects? Right now straight in, in time maybe effects
* If you plug straight in, you will likely require 2 or more channels
* If you use effects, you may prefer an effects loop
What will be the primary use of the amp?
Bedroom/living room (yes)
Jam with friends (guitars only) (yes)
Jam with friends (guitars, bass, drums, etc.) (No Plans
Gigs (small venues) nope
gigs (large venues, is mic'ing available?) Never
Do you prefer a combo or head/cabinet (and why)? I am new and don’t have a clue.
Since I am just learning it’s hard to go and research since most of what they can or can’t do is over my head, hence why I ask for help here. Just for the record I am serious

 

[Deftone]

You'll get good answers here. Just be patient and do your research. You should be able to get a great amp for $700.

I would think a combo would be your best bet for a starter. The Peavey Classic 30 seems to be a really popular tube amp. Or If you want lots of different tones and efx, a modeling amp might be right for you.

Good luck.

 

[campbellj]

Check out the Egnater Tweaker , its 650 for a head and matching cab, its 15 watts which is plenty loud for what you want to use it for, if not a little too loud, but its nice to crank up from time to time. Plenty of features that can give you very close to Marshall, vox, and fender amp tones. There is tons of utube vids and reviews. guitar center usually has them to try out. a LOT of people here at MLP love these amps, it comes highly recommended. I was unfortunate and got one with a bad tube, almost sent it back, but Egnater handled it very quickly and sent me a whole new set of tubes almost no questions asked. so I know first hand their customer service is top notch. I am so glad I didn't send it back because it sounds so awesome now. even at low volumes for late night playing.

And like Deftone said, the classic 30 is a killer amp too, but 30 watts is tons of power for bedroom/living room use. It's enough to gig with. I would definitely go try out some different wattage amps first, just so you can see just how loud these low watt amps can get. Then depending on how much power you decide will work for your situation you can explore options in that range. Blackstar's ht-5 is another killer amp at only 5 watts, especially if you want to get in the higher gain territory.

 

[Lungo]

A budget of $700 will give you lots to choose from. See if there's a Tech 21 dealer near you and take a look at their combo amps. I think a Trademark 60 would be perfect for you.

 

[Hotspur]

Nothing wrong with asking, just remember - everybody has an opinion, and what you're really looking for is an amp which speaks to you. You should take everyone's advice as a starting point. Go into a bunch of music stores, play the amps you have people recommend, and then ask the salesman what else he has that's similar.

My feeling is you want a small combo amp. Honestly something like a Fender Blues Jr would cost you less than half of your budget, and probably fit your needs rather well. Quite frankly anything over 20 watts or so probably seems like a waste at this point. Expect your tastes to change as your experience grows, and I would encourage you not to spend money you don't have to.

You're not getting channel switching with the Blues Jr, but that's not really necessary until you're jamming with a full band, at least. (And you could accomplish a similar effect with a good overdrive pedal). It's loud enough, but works well at bedroom volumes (a lot of bigger amps don't). It's also small and nicely portable, which is nice, too - you don't want to be hauling a monster amp around if you don't have to. You'll be more likely to take your amp places with an amp like this than with a head/cab combination.

The Blues Jr isn't great for metal, but covers pretty much everything else else, especially with a good overdrive. It's definitely got a bias towards blues and blues based rock, though.

Another possibility, more expensive, but more full featured, would be a Vox AC15. Bigger, fuller featured, but a lot of personality - think Brittish invasion. These are very popular amps. Honestly it feels like overkill for someone who's only been playing for a few months.

 

[hipofutura]

Tech 21.

 

[Tuya Customs]

I agree with Hotspur. Look at low watt combos. For 700 you have plenty of room. Playing for such a short time I think you're still building your sound and I'd take your time on picking it. Try to find something sub 15 watts at best 5. Buying second hand will save you money as well. Look at old fender champs, Marshall class 5's, Blackstar HT5, Orange AD 5. Theres tons. Look at this thread http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/squawk-box/61729-lots-people-looking-low-wattage-amps.html

 

[JakeM]

I second the egnater tweaker, Great versatility and tones. Nice price too. If you want even lower wattage go for the Jet city pico valve with interchangeable power tubes giving you around 5watts of tube power and couple it with a nice 2 by 12 speaker cab. Tube is definitely your best bet and for $700 you'll get loads.

g'luck
jake

 

[wudstoc]

If you want even lower wattage go for the Jet city pico valve with interchangeable power tubes giving you around 5watts of tube power and couple it with a nice 2 by 12 speaker cab

Would someone mind explaining what lower wattage will do. I am sorry but i just dont understand the wattage part.

 

[Tuya Customs]

Would someone mind explaining what lower wattage will do. I am sorry but i just dont understand the wattage part.

For the most part less watts=less volume. You can't really get the amp to sing unless the volume is turned up a bit. So in your case less is more. Cheaper as well. Look for amps in the 5 watt range.

 

[Jon Rambo]

Check out the Orange Tiny Terror and Dual Terror. The Dual Terror gives you a second channel to use. New it's a bit out of your price range, but you can find them used for in your range. They're perfect for the type of music you described and they're switchable between 7 and 15 watts (and 30 with the Dual) so it will work in your room, with other guitars, with drums and in small venues.