Combo amp with clearest tone?

[Dennis098]

I own an ampeg 112 50 watt amp that i have been using to practice and I like the sounds i can get from it, but they are not very defined and not even close to some of the rigs at my local guitar center.
I'm just wondering if you guys can offer any reccomendations for a small-ish combo with a killer tone.
Preferably something i can get for less than 500 off ebay. or craigslist

 

[pfschim]

I am personally a big fan of the Mesa Walkabout 12 combo, but I don't think you will find it for $500, even used. It is also a fairly tube colored sound. It can be plenty clean, but it's tube driven nature gives it a pretty fat and warm tone.

That being said, you might try looking at some of the all SS stuff from GK for a clear tone, or possibly some of the Genz Benz combo gear (Shuttle 3.0 or 6.0), which I have tried and found to be very flat and uncolored sounding. I don't particularly like this type of tone personally, but many here do and you might too.

Another option closer to your $$ goal might be the Eden/Nemesis line. They have a selection of combos with positive reviews here on TB, and they have a "clean tone" reputation.

I suppose it all depends on what you really mean when you say "clean".

good luck

 

[lomo]

If weight is not a concern, the Trace-Elliot 715X can be had NEW from Lowend.net for 599. It's a great 500 watt, 15 inch combo that can do it all, BUT it weighs about 80 lbs :-( Currently no better bang for the buck IMO. Within your budget I favor the current Fender Bassman 150. New at MF for 450, but can be found cheaper on the bay.