Tube practice amp! 30 Watts Max, $400 Max, 1x12, Fender Cleans, Mesa Leads?

Fang · #1 02-26-2008, 12:03 AM

I want an all-tube practice amp with the specs in the title, think you guys could make help me out? I tried the Laney LC15, wasn't impressed, not sure about the Laney VC15 though. Either way, I'm looking for more of an American sound, not a fan of British crunch tones. How does their Lionheart line sound? I'm willing to buy used (good condition).

Rivera amps sound like what I'm looking for, but look too expensive/loud for me. I recently heard of Traynor amps too, but have no idea how they'd fit the bill.

Help?

Actually, I just checked out the Lionheart stuff, wow it sounds almost too good to be true. Except the PRICE! geez.

toshiro · #2 02-26-2008, 12:15 AM

If you don't like british tones, I would not look at Laneys at all. They all sound british(which is a good thing IMO

).

$400? Maybe a used Mesa DC3 or something? Maybe a used F30 is in your price bracket, or close enough that you could swing it with a little saving?

Fang · #3 02-26-2008, 12:16 AM

Actually I don't think I know what I'm talking about, British or American haha

MadRyan · #4 02-26-2008, 12:27 AM

Apple Music had a couple of used Mesa's the last time I was in there. F-30 would do you nice.

ColinMmmmm · #5 02-26-2008, 12:50 AM

I've heard good things about Traynors . . . I played through their 100 watt head and it sounded good - but I haven't tried their lower wattage stuff . . . But the price of Traynors is not bad up here in the great white north. They might be more expensive in the states (being made here).

microdmitry · #6 02-26-2008, 01:35 AM

You won't get what you're describing for $400. $600 and up.

ScottB · #7 02-26-2008, 01:43 AM

If I were shoping for an F series, I'd steer clear of the EL-84 powered F-30 and move right to the F-50 with 6L6 power tubes.

shogun · #8 02-26-2008, 08:00 AM

http://www.traynoramps.com/products....&cat=63&id=392

ken_r152 · #9 02-26-2008, 04:10 PM

If you're looking for an "American amp" sound, maybe a Fender Champion 600 might be worth a try. It's only 5 watts but it has a nice Fender sound. If you're just interested in recording or playing at bedroom levels, 5 watts is essentially all you'd need.

Whey · #10 02-26-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottB

If I were shoping for an F series, I'd steer clear of the EL-84 powered F-30 and move right to the F-50 with 6L6 power tubes.

el-84 make some of the warmest tones ever, 6l6 is more sterile and dry. I strongly recommend el-84 tubes, might not sound that great in the Mesa but most other amps they are amazing.

It is not "American" but it pretty much would be impossible to disappoint. Best thing you can do it go try several amps out till you find one you like. Might be harder to do though seems your looking into buying a used amp.

southpaw_lefty · #11 02-26-2008, 04:20 PM

Epiphone Valve Jr. and a good distortion pedal. Bing!

Drew · #12 02-26-2008, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by microdmitry

You won't get what you're describing for $400. $600 and up.

Quoted for truth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottB

If I were shoping for an F series, I'd steer clear of the EL-84 powered F-30 and move right to the F-50 with 6L6 power tubes.

Actually, I prefer the F-30 to the F-50 and F-100. They're different beasts, and part of what I like is simply the lower wattage rather than the tube differences, but I kinda dig small EL-84 watt combos. They're a little more aggressive, and sound "hotter" somehow, whereas the 6L6's are a bit deeper but more restrained sounding.

losgatosrg350dx · #13 03-04-2008, 01:26 PM

i **** messa and fender in the morning cuz they suck, traynor is a great amp tho for what u are looking for, and u can get mods to revoice it with a flip of switch wich just bypasses the origional preamp circuit....also add a texas lead channel to one of those

and ur cumming with joy

rty13ibz98 · #14 03-04-2008, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southpaw_lefty

Epiphone Valve Jr. and a good distortion pedal. Bing!

i second that. that's is a killer rig, basic and has tone like crazy. with the bit mo' mods, you'd be really happy. i would recommend a rat to go with it.

rich

MadRyan · #15 03-04-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by losgatosrg350dx

i **** messa and fender in the morning cuz they suck, traynor is a great amp tho for what u are looking for, and u can get mods to revoice it with a flip of switch wich just bypasses the origional preamp circuit....also add a texas lead channel to one of those

and ur cumming with joy

Riiiiight... Mesa Sucks... I guess you better get the memo out to all the guys who play them.