Guitarists, I need a combo amp.

[pie_man_25]

If tubes weren't important I'd honesty say he might be better served by a moderately ported ss combo with reverb. That being said though, for many -especially on guitar - tubes are king. There are plenty of reasonably affordable options, too. My only real experience is with low-powered single-tube class A stuff that might do 5 Watts on a good day, this stuff is a bit on the low power side, but I know a guy with a jet city head that he quite likes at about 20 watts, that might work quite well.

 

[vvvmmm]

Second and third on the Blues jr. and Peavy, but if you're looking for a more inexpensive alternative that sounds great check out a Crate V series or a Palomino.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

You could get the amp and still afford to put the pro coverage on it for your buddy.

I had a V50 that I still miss to this day.

That's a great buy. My guitarist uses a 30 and it's very nice.

 

[dvs20]

Fender Princeton RI

 

[dvs20]

Fender Princeton RI

I guess I'll give a reason...... I'm in a band with my cousin who is an amazing guitar player, and after playing out with him and hearing him in a bunch of other bands...... If I were a guitarist, my holy grail of tone is a Telecaster into a Fender Princeton. it just sounds amazing.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Fender Princeton RI

...a Fender Princeton. it just sounds amazing.

I used to have an early '70s PR; mine had a Celestion G12M-70 in it.

 

[vvvmmm]

The OP originally requested, "So, maybe a few hundred bucks used and a hundred or so for the tech?"

A Princeton RI is US$900 new, mebbe 7 hoondo used.

Just sayin' ...

 

[lowplaces]

Fender Pro junior 20lbs
vs
Blues Junior 31.5 lbs

Jeff Beck uses Pro Jrs. I wouldn't doubt they are modded though.

 

[Aric Keith]

Not a fan of the Blues, Jr.

Based on the needs, I can't imagine anything being a better fit than a Deluxe Reverb. Find a used 65 reissue, or a 68 Custom deluxe reverb. They are pretty small and light, have CLASSIC Fender sound, reverb, tremolo, and are loud enough to play small gigs without even being mic'ed.

You can find the 65 DRRI used for about $500-600 on Craigslist.

I use one in my 7 piece funk band on smaller stages and it's fantastic.

 

[Ronzo]

Not a fan of the Blues, Jr.

Based on the needs, I can't imagine anything being a better fit than a Deluxe Reverb. Find a used 65 reissue, or a 68 Custom deluxe reverb. They are pretty small and light, have CLASSIC Fender sound, reverb, tremolo, and are loud enough to play small gigs without even being mic'ed.

You can find the 65 DRRI used for about $500-600 on Craigslist.

I use one in my 7 piece funk band on smaller stages and it's fantastic.

I completely agree with your assessment of the DRRI, but finding one in reasonable shape at that price point is very difficult in my area.

 

[Aric Keith]

I completely agree with your assessment of the DRRI, but finding one in reasonable shape at that price point is very difficult in my area.

That's a shame. I guess it depends on timeframe, too. Eventually they pop up, but if you need one now-ish that won't help.

 

[Febs]

I'll second all the votes for the Blues Jr. and Vox AC15. I also love the sound of the Deluxe Reverb so that's a great option if you can find one.

 

[Stumbo]

20lb Quilter MicroPro Mach 2 8", 200-Watt Guitar Combo Amp

 

[DirtDog]

Not a fan of the Blues, Jr.

Based on the needs, I can't imagine anything being a better fit than a Deluxe Reverb. Find a used 65 reissue, or a 68 Custom deluxe reverb. They are pretty small and light, have CLASSIC Fender sound, reverb, tremolo, and are loud enough to play small gigs without even being mic'ed.

You can find the 65 DRRI used for about $500-600 on Craigslist.

I use one in my 7 piece funk band on smaller stages and it's fantastic.

The DRRI is an awesome amp - but if you read the OP - the guitarist in question is tired of lugging his $1000 combo to solo gigs in Nashville.


I’ll put good money on it that he’s already got a Deluxe Reverb, reissue or original.

 

[Aric Keith]

The DRRI is an awesome amp - but if you read the OP - the guitarist in question is tired of lugging his $1000 combo to solo gigs in Nashville.


I’ll put good money on it that he’s already got a Deluxe Reverb, reissue or original.

I did read it, but I figured if he was "lugging" something it had to be heavier than a DR. That's a rather small combo as it is! I only mentioned it because I consider it a one-hand carry amp.

 

[DirtDog]

I did read it, but I figured if he was "lugging" something it had to be heavier than a DR. That's a rather small combo as it is! I only mentioned it because I consider it a one-hand carry amp.

Yeah, it’s definitely more portable than a Super Reverb or Twin, but it can still tear your head off with its 22W in a non-band setting.

The Princeton is a bit more suitable with 18W and 10” speaker but for the OP’s use case....sub 15W and 8”-10” speaker will be more than enough.

Hence the Blues Jr.

Pro Jr. would be even lower output, smaller form factor and even more portable but with the EL84 power amp section, it’s the least Fender-y of the lot.

 

[Aric Keith]

Yeah, it’s definitely more portable than a Super Reverb or Twin, but it can still tear your head off with its 22W in a non-band setting.

The Princeton is a bit more suitable with 18W and 10” speaker but for the OP’s use case....sub 15W and 8”-10” speaker will be more than enough.

Hence the Blues Jr.

Pro Jr. would be even lower output, smaller form factor and even more portable but with the EL84 power amp section, it’s the least Fender-y of the lot.

I guess, but the DR sounds great at low volumes too. Also, the Blues Jr is an EL84 amp like the Pro Jr. I've never really enjoyed its sound but obviously this whole recommendation process is subjective.

 

[akrachanko]

I have a Vox AC15 with the greenback I use with my Strat, which has been setup with single-coil sized humbuckers from Seymour Duncan, which I have a coil tap wired to one of the pots for a whole slough of incredible sounds. All, and I emphasize, all of the sounds that this guitar creates sound good through the AC15 with the greenback. I'd highly recommend checking one out!

That being said, I cannot go through this post without also mentioning the Fender Blues Junior. The AC15 and the Blues Junior are literally the two most popular amps in this category, whatever you'd call it. The Blues Junior, I'm told, has a more 'American' sound, where the AC15 has a more 'British' or 'Brit Rock' tone. I chose the Vox because I liked the fullness of sound it had, which I think is due to a more closed-back construction. I'd recommend trying both before choosing one over the other. That's my 2 cents. Take it with a grain of salt, as I'm primarily a bass player.