Which "mini" amp?

[gersmatt]

Hey folks,

 I'm downsizing my gear and need some pointers on a new amp, I play in a busy covers band, mainly classic rock, so need an amp with a great clean & dirty channel. 

Criteria is,

Minimum 30 watts, must be all valve (tubes for those of an American disposition  ), footswitchable channels, fx loop, variable output, reverb would be good too.

I'm looking at H&K Tubemeister 36, Hayden MoFo 30, &, Orange Terror. Any other suggestions would be great.

Thanks in advance.

 

[WRGKMC]

If you're thinking about a combo instead of separate head and cabinet, a Peavey Classic 30 is a good budget tube amp. Fender has a bunch of lower wattage tube amps. A Vox AC 30 is hard to beat http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/vox-custom-ac30c2-30w-2x12-tube-guitar-combo-amp

A Tweed Bassnam 4X10 reissue is a killer stage amp. You dont hear allot of bands with them because the tweeds are rare.  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Bassman59LTD?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=COSAlP_X77wCFSXl7AodtG0Acw  Blues Deluxe http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BluesDeluxe?device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CPHMzJPY77wCFW9p7AodkRMAzQ

My choice would be a Marshall Haze MHZ40C 40W http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/marshall-haze-mhz40c-40w-1x12-tube-guitar-combo-amp  The DB difference between a 30W and 50w amp is very small. Its price is affordable and I'm a fan of the marshall tone ranges.

When I downsize I'll likely go for a Fender twin or a Marshall Twin. Hard to beat a 100W 2X12" or 4X10" for stage and mobility. Moving 4X12 cabs is too much when you get older. Maybe one of these Ampegs would do the job well. The VT22 was a really good amp. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-Ampeg-VT22-Guitar-Amplifier-Very-Good-condition-V4-Vintage-Tube-Combo-/171252186159?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27df6cfc2f

 

[thom]

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gersmatt wrote:

Hey folks,

 I'm downsizing my gear and need some pointers on a new amp, I play in a busy covers band, mainly classic rock, so need an amp with a great clean & dirty channel. 

Criteria is,

Minimum 30 watts, must be all valve (tubes for those of an American disposition

 ), footswitchable channels, fx loop, variable output, reverb would be good too.

I'm looking at H&K Tubemeister 36, Hayden MoFo 30, &, Orange Terror. Any other suggestions would be great.

Thanks in advance.

 

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For sparkly cleans and a mid gain bluesy tone in one package, I'd second the Classic 30 suggestion. A nice dirt pedal in front won't hurt though. Great bang for the buck for a US made amp with those specs. 

Any good Marshall tube amp can definatelly do the classic rock thing, but I'm personally not a fan of post jmp marshall cleans. If you can live with the meh clean channel, you might want to look at the DSL40C. 

Super versatile with it's half power option and fx loop, convenient and portable, but still loud as f*ck. 

The onboard digital reverb and the stock speaker don't have the best reputation, but you really want to judge for yourself before believing what you read online:)

It's probably a bit more than the similar orange/blackstar/laney/egnater alternatives though, which might be worth checking out as well I guess. 

[thecakeguru]

I really liked the egnater rebel 30 and tweaker 40. Two def worth checking out in my opinion.. Orange terror was nice, but in my opinion very much a one trick pony, albiet its a very good trick..