a little help please...

[queṥ]

hello all

was just wondering if i could have some hard fact/opinion... i want to buy an amp that is versatile - can be used not only for practicing but also small gigs and has a nice punchy sound but can produce the goods otherwise if i want it to... coupled with that i also dont want it to bankrupt me so im looking between £200- £300 (pref nearer the former!)... so thoughts and opinions would be greatly welcomed

cheers

 

[CL400Peavey]

A good cheap one.

 

[ArtechnikA]

The conventional wisdom says 'Buy used' and I would not bet against the conventional wisdom.
But what you're looking for is what everybody is looking for so availability may be an issue.
I don't know if Hartke is available in your (unspecified) location but if you find yourself buying new (the warranty can be a good thing...) have a look at the LH500. It can deliver on your wishlist of virtues and is a great value. It is _not_ small nor light but it is rugged and well-made. There are undoubtedly others but I can't speak to them with first-hand knowledge.

 

[Linnin]

For 2-300 quid look for a used Fender Rumble 150 1x15 combo in excellent condition. That will be loud enough to rehearse with a band w/drummer, and also play a pub up to about 100 folks without PA support. Look for at least 100 watts and 1x15 or 2x10 woofers. You should be able to find some decent used Trace Elliot; Ashdown, or Traynor combos. Ampeg's BA serries of combos are notorious for very poor build quality to include S.A.D.S (Sudden Ampeg Death Syndrome) and are best avoided.