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Doug

I'm helping my god-son select a new amp to meet these criteria. Any suggestions?

-enough volume for jams or small gigs with drummer, bass, vocals
-playing mostly classic rock, blues rock. ideally a good dirty tone but also a nice clean to use with pedals.
-must have FX loop for pedals i already own
-reverb would be nice

Thanks,

Doug
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Doug

Nick · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2018 2:07 pm Post subject:

Price range? I'd look for a used Hot Rod Deluxe, haven't priced them out in a while but from what I remember they're a great value. Also maybe a Peavey Classic 30.
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robroe · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2018 3:02 pm Post subject:

jcm800 and a 4x12. quit fucking around

dezb1 · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2018 7:38 pm Post subject:

Laney VC-15.
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Extreme distortion used discreetly...

Concretebadger · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2018 7:48 pm Post subject:

I used to have a Marshall DSL 401, which fits all the criteria here: great classic rock sound, nice enough cleans, FX loop and at 40 watts was just right for playing in a pub/club with a bassist and non-amplified live drummer.

The only issues are, they're not made any more and the earlier part of the production run had reliability issues where all the valves/tubes (four in the preamp iirc and four EL84s in the power amp, in cathode biased mode) produced so much heat that a bad solder joint on the PCB could kill the sound completely. If you find one used, and in full working order, it's a nice little-ish amp.

The other route you can take for a "British" rock tone with decent cleans is one of the smaller Oranges, like a TH30.

Alternatively, Fender do the bassbreaker range now, which is somewhat different from their usual stuff but might be worth checking out. The cleans aren't as bright as the typical blackface or whatever, but it's a nice warm sound and can do higher gain too.

The short answer though, is to take him and his guitar out to a decent store and pick out the nicest-sounding amp that he can afford. Razz

Thom · lamp Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 5325 Location: Exeter, UK

Iâ€™d say the new Marshall DSL20HR would be perfect. I love mine. Can get classic Marshall sound, good clean and there is actually a huge amount of gain on tap if you need it. Get the head and a decent cab though, combo reviews are less favourable. Really great price for what you get.

Doug · Posted: Tue May 01, 2018 1:12 am Post subject:

Thanks Thom, Concretebadger, dezb1, Robroe, Nick for the suggestions and info.

Slainte,
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Doug