Recommendation for a good used amp in the UK

[Banana]

Hi all,

1st post, so I apologise in advance if I say anything silly here.

I'm a new player, but need to get a reasonable rig together fairly quickly as I have gigs planned soon.

I'm in Europe, but will be in the UK for a few weeks, and want to buy a head whilst I'm here. I need to get something pretty cheap, but I'm hoping that I can still get a reliable, good sounding amp by getting an older used one.

I'm hoping to find an old, but great sounding head, that is versatile enough to cover most small to medium venues, and most styles of music (although, I suspect that I will be mainly playing classic rock & blues).

A quick look on Gumtree & eBay has thrown up a few old Trace Elliot heads (AH250, AH300 Series 6, GP7SM). I've read some good stuff about Trace Elliot heads, but would these fit my needs well? Also, how does one model compare to the next in terms of tonal range, reliability & general desirabilty?

I'm also seeing a couple of Hartke HA heads, are these a good choice? How do they compare to the Trace Elliot heads?

Finally, are there any other amps I should be looking for?

TIA

 

[RickenBoogie]

As to how they compare sound-wise, only your ears will be able to answer that. If I were in your shoes, I'd get out and play some amps. Alot of 'em. Otherwise, you'll be depending on strangers advice for YOUR tone.

 

[Banana]

I can see that what you are saying makes sense, and I understand completely (as I am also a guitarist, and I'm really obsessive about my tone).

But, the thing is I just don't really know what I'm looking for yet, I need a good solid reference point to get started. Specifically what Ilike, I'm not sure. For example after 25 years with guitars, I have only just realised that I like single coils & American amps for rock.

 

[ZachGoldie]

try www.basschat.co.uk, has a really good for sale section.