Yet another

[smooth55]

Yet another recommend me an amp type thread. I swore I wouldn't do this but I've been around a couple music stores and they all seem heavy on the modelling types and light on what I'm looking for. I want an all-tube 1x12 combo amp that will give me nice Fender cleans to modern hi-gain distortion. I realize that there will probably have to be some compromise. I play mostly hard rock (think Zeppilin, GnR etc) mixed with Satriani type stuff when I cover things. As for my own music, it's all over the place (even played in a calypso band with a steel drummer). Versatility and portability are my prime concerns. Price is not an option, only the time it takes to amass the funds might be and it needs to be something I would have a reasonable chance to try out if I looked around. I'm very hesitant to purchase anything I can't actually try first. I would prefer something with switchable wattage or some other method to allow me to use it in my basement at home as well as in full out gig situations. Ideally, something that maxes out at 40 watts but switches down to much less, 5 or so. I was looking at the specs of the Egnater Rebel and thought that'd be sweet in a combo when/if it ever comes to a place I could try it out. Also looked at some of the Mesa switchable wattage amps. Basically, I'd like to crank it without pissing off my wife. It also has to take pedals well as I like to mess around with that stuff. I realize I may be shooting for the moon with this wants list, but oh well. Thanks in advance.

[shogun]

fender supersonic?

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

JSX?

Nice cleans, great distortion and sounds great at bedroom levels all the way up to gig volume no probs. I really need to get one of these myself.

Rock on!

[JayRobIBZ]

I have to recommend the Mesa Express. Some people on this forum have been disappointed with them, and I understand because it isn’t a great first impression amp. However, after spending a few months with mine I am very happy with it.

[Tank]

Carvin V3 Combo. I know 2x12 but hey no amp is perfect

[smooth55]

Thanks for the comments. I've tried the JSX, and love its sound but hate it's weight and size. The Express is something I've wanted to try for a while but I only just moved to Columbus and haven't found a place that has them. I'm not sure I've ever come across the V3 but at 2x12...yeah. Thanks for the input though. Please keep it coming...

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

I've got a Laney VC30, great cleans and if you put a good distortion pedal with it it'll cover alot of ground. Same with the Peavey Classic 30 and the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. They are the best 3 "small" tube combos i've tried.

Good luck with your search.

Rock on!

[chaos731]

Carvin NOMAD
https://www.carvinguitars.com/produc...?product=NOMAD

I don't own one personally, but I've played through one and it's pretty sweet. Price isn't too bad, either.

It's a vintage-style amp, but it's capable of more than just blues.

[smooth55]

So it would seem that my best best would be to look for a good small amp to add pedals in front of? If that is the case, what sort of clean channel compromises would I have to make. I have heard that the more sparkly the clean (fendery) the less able to take pedals well. Is this so?

[lynchfan6]

Search the internet for a used Marshall JCM601 1x12 combo amp......4 12ax7's, two EL34's, two channels with independent eq. The normal channel is beautifully clean.....basically like a JCM2000 Marshall, except the reverb on this amp is amazing. The overdrive channel is not super high gain, but still provides plenty of overdrive. The overdrive channel has as much gain as any JCM900 or even a TSL100on the crunch channel(think of a TSL's crunch channel maxed). Anyway, this is the amp I want to own again soon. I sold it to fund my Soldano purchase years ago,,,,but I really miss having a small, portable tube amp that can go from bedroom to rehearsal volume when I don't want to lug around a cab and head.