What would you recommend?

[AstroSonic]

For sure, skip the Vox (10w into two 5 inch drivers in an open back cab). For practice and playing with acoustic guitars, 25 - 40w into an 8 or 10 inch (esp a 10) is plenty. There are a few good choices in your price range (new) from Ampeg, Carvin, Peavey, and Fender (probably missed a few, but avoid the 10 & 15w rigs). If you will likely play with electric guitars, you will need more power - really - 100w or more, and a 12 - 15 inch driver. Avoid 'effects' and 'models' - your budget is too tight - you can buy these later if you want. To meet your budget, you will need to buy used. Look for Ampegs, GK's, Fenders, Hartke's and Peavey's. Peavey's tend to be good value to start with and to last a long time (they're very reliable) - they're just heavier than most. Watch CL and the used GC listings - they will ship to your local store for free.

 

[dtrmn8r]

A lot depends on what your plans are, if you're in an apartment you might want something compact and light duty.
I've owned big rigs, but for learning and practice you may have to spend just a few more bucks than you want. I've been seriously looking at the Hartke 35 watt kickback. It has line in for learning tunes, but also xlr out so you can plug right into the mixer, and bring yourself into the monitors as well as the front end...
Food for thought.
It has nice tone, light weight and probably won't get you evicted. Give it a play when you're out shopping.

Good Luck !

 

[hopsbb]

1 on buying used.When my starter 15watt amp died on me I went looking to upgrade and at the time was broke as dirt.Ended up finding a used Fender Bassman 150 at GC for under $200.Its worked great,12in Eminence speaker,tilt back design,fairly light weight. I've used it for practice at home and the occasional jam with friends.It even holds up to playing with a drummer as long as they aren't going all beast mode.Just for jamming though.I never gigged with it but always had the option of running it di to a pa if needed.

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I use a Fender Rumble V3 15 watt practice amp. It is more than adequate for practice. You can plug in a set of head phones and also plug in an exterior music source like a computer, to practice with. i get good tone and plenty of volume out of it with the knob set to the 8 o'clock position. It is well worth the $79.95 I paid at GC. I highly recommend it. At least at GC, you can take your guitar in and try one out. I think you will like what you hear. Good luck.

 

[bassrich]

I use my BA-108 (V1) for home practice/rehersals Holds up well against 2 electric guitarists and a drummer

 

[ashtray]

When I worked retail, I often would encourage new buyers to pick an amp that wasn't the cheapest. (I didn't get sales commission.) A bunch of those low wattage beginner amps are disposable. After a few months, your needs outgrow it and the little amp has zero resale value. Better to buy an amp you can realistically grow in to a d not have to keep spending money on upgrading.

For me, I started with a used 60 watt Ross 1x12 combo. A Peavey Basic 112 replaced that. The Ross I used in a band for a year. The Peavey I used in another band as well as with acoustic guitars. I used that amp for 10 years. Eventually I got a head & cab setup, but the 1x12 combo still had its uses.