what small amp has impressed you the most?

[TheViking]

... I need to look at some small amps since my ENGEL's are a bit too big to haul around on the lil gigs. So what would you guys recommend for a small but fun tube amp?

:D
Ludwig

[reverbbb]

The Fender Blues Jr. is very fun and very light weight. It does not have much clean headroom though. I can get loud enough to bother your family at home, but may not be loud enough for a gig.

My Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr. is awesome. It has a great deal of headroom and can get super loud. It will not and cannot breakup like a Marshall. Instead, it just get more sizzle and zest as you dial up the preamp.

Revernd has a new amp (I forget the model name). But I played it at the Arlington Guitar Show. They have a small 1x12 and a larger 2x12. They are tone monsters in a little box.

That's my three recommendations.

[Micter]

I have a Marshall TSL601 that is pretty good for a 1x12 60 wat tamp.

[stephen]

Let me start out with, "You all can just stop your laughing! Really, I aint joking!"

Now that, that is out of the way, a-hem: Pignose G40V, loaded with some good tubes!

40 watts, 6l6, 12ax7 compliment, single channel, master volume, volume, bass, mid treble, presence. 10" speaker. About 40lbs.

Fun, and very usable amp! I've gotten a lot of miles out of her so far, and I got even more left in her too!

Oh yeah, $200.00 us dollars out the door.

[Surfcaster]

It depends on what you mean by small. Do you mean in size, like a 1x12, or do you mean in wattage, or in price, or all three?

Off the top of my head, I'd probably recommend the Peavey Classic 30, or maybe the Classic 50...both are two channel amps, priced pretty well for tube amps (C30 is $500 new, probably $300-$350 used) and sound good.

But if price isn't an issue, I've got a Mesa F-50 1x12 that I love. I wouldn't necessarily call it a small amp weighing in a 50 lbs, and it's loud as all get out, but it's small compared to a 2x12 or a half-stack. And for a Mesa, the price isn't bad...around $900 new I think.

Crate also has the V-Series amps that seem to be pretty decent. I know that Billy Gibbons of ZZ-Top fame is using their 50W 2x12 version of this amp. They do have 30W and 15W models as well, but I think those are only single channel.

I had an Ampeg 50W Reverberocket 1x12 that I really liked, only complaint was it wasn't really a high gain amp, but great clean and overdrive sounds.

Amps I'd stay away from:

Marshall DSL 401 - surprisingly bad for a Marshall, and way too pricey for what it is
Fender Hot Rod series - great clean and very mild overdrive, but high gain is like a buzz saw...not pleasant at all

[randy_mc]

Bad Cat Cub II

Really wonderful sounds from this 15 watt Class A amp. I don't really like other Bad Cats that much, but this one was an exception. You can get them without reverb and save a bundle.

Soldano Astroverb

You can get some great Marshall-esque/Soldano tones with these. A friend of mine bought one, and we tried it with V30's, which helped a bit. Also, closing the back and getting some Groove Tube 12ax7M's were all cool ideas.

Orange 15 watt combo

Nice and warm Class A type tones. I thought it was quite cool.

[Teleguy]

I have one of those newish Vox Valvetronix 15w jobs. $179!
Gets cool sounds, and actually has a 12AX7 configured as a power amp section tube, which it then samples and amplifies.
It responds about halfway like a tube amp, and sounds great, for cheap!

If I need more, I occasionally use my 50w version of the same amp.

Neither are heavy.

I also had a Traynor 20w EL-84 based amp that was great, but the Vox does Vox sounds really well.

[kewlpack]

Ya, VOX Valvetronix are good little amps. You might want to tweak them a bit after awhile.

Blues Jr is a decent amp (the newer ones).

Reverend Kingsnake, Hellhound are both supposed to be great amps.

~A~

[Pearly Gator]

Actually owning (*), and/or having gigged (**) through these, I can give you my 2 cents.

GOOD:

Pignose G40V (Lightweight but stock tubes are aweful.) *
Peavey Bravo (It's heavy for it's size, though.) *
Fender Tweed Deluxe (Or a clone of same.) *
Fender Blues Jr. **

BAD:

Fender Pro Jr. (*)

[Old Believer]

I'd say check out a Mesa F-30. They have plenty of power, and sound good at lower volume levels.

[Micter]

I'll agree if you want a "modeling" amp the Valvetronix series are fantastic. I have an AD60VT. The 60 watt 1x12

[Surfcaster]

I'd say check out a Mesa F-30. They have plenty of power, and sound good at lower volume levels.

You know, when I went out to buy my F-50 I actually had my sights set on the F-30. But I'd heard a couple of salesmen say that when customers set the amps side by side, most ended up buying the F-50. So my buddy and I did just that (at a different store from the mentioned salesmen). And we came to the same conclusion. The F-50 sounded just enough better to be worth the extra $$.

All that said, the F-30 is still a great sounding amp...I doubt you'd regret it if you bought one.

[TheViking]

.... I knew you guys would come up with some great suggestions. I am making a list and checking it twice hehe. So just keep them good ideas comming.
I normally use an ENGL classic head with one or two 2x10" or one 4x10" I also use the classic combo. But sometimes I need to travel light.

[stephen]

Hey, if its something for traveling around and you dont want something expensive to be banged up, there is also the Fender Frontman series of amps. There solid state, but for solid state, they aint to bad. The 15 and 25 (with or without reverb), are pretty good sounding amps, and some have said, that if the venue isnt too big, you could gig with the Frontman 25.

[bvmjethead]

I tested out some T-Rex effects pedals the other day through a Dr. Z MAZ 38 Sr. with one 12" speaker and that was possibly the best sounding amp I've ever heard.

Warm and fuzzy, whatever you like actually just fiddle with some knobs. It had more sounds than most modelers I've played.

[Nickcha]

For gigging, the DC Plexi 18/20 (http://www.dc-developments.com/products-home.htm#plexi) is really a great amp. They're built by Denis Cornell. Denis built these amps along with Gary Winterflood, who had the big hand in guiding their voicing. Here's the scoop on the 18/20. I had the first prototype of the DC Plexi 20. It was a good SS rectified 20w clone. Within a year Gary decided to redesign it as a switchable 18w (tube rect.) and 20w (SS rect.), with a bit of separation in the voicings. The amp went through a few tweaking and design improvements and today is a terrific gigging low watt 18/20 clone. It's a very punchy, dynamic amp with really nice voicing in both chs. Very hot when pushed. The amp is also equipped with a power knock down switch that can be used on the fly. It reduces the power to about 5 (loud) watts. I've used this amp with 112, 212 and 412 cabs and different spkrs from G12H30s, V30s, GBs, TT Hemps, to open-backed VOX-Celestion Blues, and it's a great little versatile head.


Now for the latest.

I just spent the weekend in London with Gary and Denis, and spent Saturday at Denis' shop. They've just finished a combo version of the 18/20 in a beautiful mini Blesbreaker cab with a pair of Celestion (hvy magnet) Vintage 10s. I've never been a huge fan of 10s but that all changed after playing this amp. They have pushed the voicing separation between the two chs a bit further apart. The 1st ch picks up a bit of BF Fender tone and the 2nd ch is a quite hot classic Marshall. The trannies on this amp are oversized and very beefy. But having only ever heard this amp through 12s, I was really impressed with how great it performs with the 2x10 set up. Where many amps sound great by themselves but end up stepping all over the bass player's territory and losing some of their umph in a live gigging situation, this amp just owns the guitar player's slot with authority. In a word, I would have to say this sharp BB combo is about as sweet sounding as I've heard.

They're gonna try and send one over to me along with one of Denis' Twead "Eric Clapton Amp" 40w models. At that point I'll be able to offer guys an opportunity to try it. Honestly, I'm really impressed with this new version of the Plexi 18/20 as a combo, and the head version is still the best small watt EL84 circuit I've heard for gigging.

[wilkat1]

Never, ever rule out the Tech 21 Trademark 10. I adore this small amp: single 8" speaker, dynamite XLR out for going straight into the PA with a mic cable (this sounds better than you'd expect), and tube-like tone with solid state reliability. Behringer makes a 30-watt "version" of the Trademark that also sounds pretty good (though I've only played thru one for ten minutes or so at a guitar store). The Trademark is very versatile and you can tweak many useable tones out of it.

[Crunchyriff]

The Dr. Z "Z-28" has one of the best "clean" sounds I've heard in quite some time...

[Wally]

So what is the consensus on the Pro JR vs. the Blues JR vs. the Vox Valvetronix amps?


I have a Fender Deluxe 90 DSP SS amp that I am pretty happy with, but I am always thinking about a small tube amp. These are the 3 most likely candidates - I know that the Vox is not a true tube amp, and it is probably the least likely of the 3 because I have an amp w/ built in effects already. I play clean no effects most of the time, and that is the appeal of a small tube amp to me. I do realize that there is not an enormous amount of clean headroom with either, but I don't play very loud anyway. I think the "classic" Fender sounds such as the Twin Reverb or Deluxe Reverb are probably what I have in my head as the "perfect sound" but they are too costly and loud for me....

[Old Believer]

Another one to check out is the new Mesa Lone Star Special. It's switchable between 5, 15, and 30 Watts. It's getting really good reviews. I checked out it's big brother the Lone Star when I went and bought my Mark IV. The Lone Stars sound great with single coils.

[kewlpack]

So what is the consensus on the Pro JR vs. the Blues JR vs. the Vox Valvetronix amps?

I have a Fender Deluxe 90 DSP SS amp that I am pretty happy with, but I am always thinking about a small tube amp.
The Vox Valvetronix are more flexible - but I'm not convinced they have as much tonal integrity as the all tube competitors. They do sound good for practice though.

I just got a Fender Stage 1000 and I really like the tones I'm hearing out of it. I don't really notice that it isn't tube. Except when I think about how LIGHT it is and that I don't have to worry about jostling it! 8)
~A~

[Crunchyriff]

From what I understand, ya gotta get the 30 or 50 watt Valvetronix, (the one with the extra vol knob in the back) The little VT is cool, but doesn't capture as much of the the tube mojo that the models do with the x-tra control.

I hear it lends a VERY authentic essence to the whole tube warmth thang that the little guy won't give ya.

If I EVER were to buy a modeling amp- I want one of those.

As far as small "crunch" amps, the Aiken Invader (I have only heard it, not played one) sounds superb.

[reverbbb]

I give the Fender Stage 1000 a thumbs up! I just played kewlpack's last Friday. This is the first time I had ever even given that amp a notice. I was impressed that is sounded like a Fender. It also had the means of imitating a Vox, Marshall or Mesa to some extent. The imitations were not perfect reproductions, but were very good and extremely usable. The Fender sounds clean sound were definately there with a lot of punch and volume headroom.

Out of all the parade of amps and stomp boxes that kewlpack has migrated through in the past several months, I would say this is the best overall sounding one.

Now you watch, next time we meet he will have a different amp and guitar. I am getting lost on this tone tour :shock: .

[kewlpack]

Out of all the parade of amps and stomp boxes that kewlpack has migrated through in the past several months, I would say this is the best overall sounding one.

Now you watch, next time we meet he will have a different amp and guitar. I am getting lost on this tone tour :shock: .
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
[HOWLING W/LAUGHTER]
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

I'm sorry to put you and ML (and my wife!) through all that. I am really happy with this rig. It covers just about everything. Now I just wanna get some side work paid for and I can pick up a GNX4 (again - cheaper this time) for that awesome drum machine! ;) I think I'd be pretty much set for a long time then. :shock:

Thanks for all of your help Rev - I trust yours and ML's ears quite a bit. That's important as I'm still relatively a n00b with all this junk! :oops:
~A~

[Wally]

The Stage 1000 is very similar to my Deluxe 90 (now 900) w/ more bells and whistles - I haven't tried the 1000 so I don't know how close they are in sound. I really like my Deluxe 90 - I probably have all the amp I need! :lol:

[ProTonePedals]

Gibson Gold Tone- Either the the GA15 or GA15rv- AWESOME little tube amps. I've got a GA15- and will not be parting with it any time soon.

Dennis

[randy_mc]

marshall 18 watter combo


played one about a week ago. really amazing tone with it. class a amp. sounded great with a les paul, and the amp volume set at about 2 o'clock with the tone at about10 o'clock.

[PRStringer]

Well, I know they aren't as popular as they used to be... but they still sound good. A small 10w Fender Champ is the one for me... maybe a POD or Pandora run into it for practice.

Pignose's still sound good too... and they are battery powered and you can pick one up for less than $80.

I don't generally get into "modeling amps"... seem's like they just cram a bunch of lame sounding effects to get more $$ out of you.


PRS

By the way, this is my first reply/post... I'm glad I found this forum.

[mattd]

i just sent away a behringer GX110 to be converted into a all tube woodcross T-bolt9. i'll let you know how that is when i get it. here's the website. http://www.geocities.com/woodcrossamps/

[ProTonePedals]

Nice amps!

[Ascension]

I am thrilled with my Carvin Valvemaster Clubmaster 1/12 ,100 watts of SCREAMING pure tube tone bliss. The crunch reminds me of a nice Leee Jackson modded JCM 800 Marshall and the Cleans well :shock caution may cause SERIOUS ear dammage :innocent .This thing has the LOUDEST clearest most pristine bell like clean tones on the planet it`ll SPOIL ya :mrgreen: .And on top of that she is a small little rig is very controllable sounds GREAT at low volumes and only weighs in at 35 pounds.What a DRAG Carvin only made them for a little over a year back in 95 :dunno .

[gracejames]

I really liked the sound of a strat through a Boogie Mark I
Also dig the small Vox amps.

[SAguitar]

I have an old '68 Fender Deluxe that is great, but not quite loud enough for playing alongside a drum set. For the last 3-4 years I played through a Fender Stage 100 DSP, and it was decent sounding, but not totally inspiring. My latest two loves are a Tech21 Trademark 60 which is a lot of fun, and a Rivera 55-212 which is inspiring, and gets great Fender Tubetone, plus a pretty good Marshall growl going. :roll:

[Gino]

Old Believer,

I think we noticed that before - we're obviously both great Mesa Boogie fans and I think for good reasons! They deliver innovation and rock solid quality for almost thirty years now - for me as auslaender - they're another American icon.

Having said this (and not getting paid for it, either) I would suggest that my Norwegian brother get his hands on a Mesa Boogie Studio 22. They are no longer produced but available second hand. 22 Watts out of a pair of EL 84 and 5 or so 12 AX7s are one smoking amp! And for a Mesa, it's pretty lightweight, too.

Gino