Need Advice on Buying an Amp

JC 2K3

Hey,

I'm looking into buying a new amp, but I haven't a clue where to start. Been playing guitar for over 5 years now, electric for 3, but only ever had a crappy 20W Drive practice amp.

I want an amp to last me for about the next 4/5 years for both practice and playing small shows, so I'd probably be looking for about 50-100W, I think....

My price limit is €400

I like the sound of my guitar through my friend's 15W Fender and amn't massively keen on Marshalls.

Valve or Solid-State?

I don't mind buying second hand.

There's a Fender "Deluxe 85" on Chris Guitars which works out at about €250 with postage which caught my eye, but it's an old amp, and despite Chris praising it I amn't 100% sure of its reliability, and it's solid-state, which I've heard isn't good... And besides all that, I don't know what I'm looking at really...

So just looking for advise based on what I've said above....

Thanks,
Jimmy.

Voodu Child

Honestly, if you're only going to be playing small shows, you dont need 50-100 watts, not if you go for a valve amp.

i'll presume it's a fenderish tone youre after?

Maybe something like a 2nd hand peavey classic 30?

JC 2K3

lol, I really know nothing about wattage, that was just an estimate.

Hmm... There's actually a Peavy Classic 30 on Chris Guitars for $300, but it's reserved.

Was looking at a Peavy Triumph 60 on there also(no. 39 on http://www.chrisguitars.com/amp.html ) - $295.

Peavys have Fenderish tone yeah?

Voodu Child

JC 2K3 wrote:

Peavys have Fenderish tone yeah?

No, some do, some dont. The classic series would be roughly in that ballpark, but honestly, there isnt one fender tone either, so really its just better to think in terms of cleanish, dirty, high-gain or whatever.

I wouldnt bother buying off chris - shipping a heavy combo from the states is only worthwhile with an expensive amp.

In regards to watts - a 50 watt valve amp will be powerful enough for small and medium sized venues. 30 watts less so, but still plenty loud for clubs.

Im happy enough to recommend the Peavey Classic 30 - keep an eye out on the buy and sell and you'll pick one up eventually.

That said, there are a lot of amps in your price range (new and used), so i'll leave you to see what the other lads recommend.

Karl Hungus

You can get a used 30 watt Laney tube amp for that kind of price, they're very good bang for the buck, and sound great. Nice variety of tones.

Voodu Child

Yeah, Laneys are great for sure, Paul Gilbert & Mattias IA Eklundh use em.

Not sure how fenderish they can get though

Karl Hungus

Maybe not all that Fenderish, but I'd say they're worth considering as they're quite good indeed.

My main advice would be to try out a good few amps in this price range, and see what you like best. So it's good to get suggestions, but don't buy anything on blind faith.

JimmNeutron

Hey man i just say this on adverts, definitely worth checking out if you would be willing to drive to clare:p
http://www.adverts.ie/showproduct.php?product=9485&cat=16

fitz

Blues Junior shouldn't set you back much more than that, and it's probably the amp your friend has that you like. I'd try and get one cheap and re-valve it, even if it's new. You'll get a much better sound.

Quattroste

If your near Blessington (15 mins from Tallaght) you can try my Laney LC30 which just happens to be up for sale(check sig)

I can't tell you how comparable it is to Fender tone because i have only had a solid state Fender and that was just good on the clean channel only.

The LC30 II is a pure class A valve amp. 4 preamp valves and 4 power amp valves. Its very loud when required but can be used at home as mine has. I don't gig

Anywho it would be a big up on the amp you already have.