Opinions for a new amp,

[ubtguitarist]

I'm In the market looking for a new amp, preferably tube, though it doesn't necessarily have to be. I want something with the best warmest tone, at gig volumes, and with a budget of 700. Now I just wen't to the guitar store and I have a whole bunch of options. I'm choosing between the Vox AC15, The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, fender blues deluxe,and line 6 spider valve 112. I need some opinions on a lot of these and if they are versatile enough for alternative rock and hard rock as well as classic rock which is an easily met requirement.

First off i like the Vox with its beautiful cleans and a nice overdrive. The only problem is that I'm not exactly sure if it would be loud enough for gigging, because at full volume it seems its just right, but i don't know if for some reason i might need it a bit louder. My experiences with using mics is non existent, but i know some people preffer using a smaller amp with a greater tone, and using a mic which might be an option. Another problem I have with it is that sometimes i play alternative/hard rock type music and rarely metal, but it seems as though this amp could not handle that type of distortion and that I might need a pedal, though i'm not sure if i will be able to get a good distortion using a pedal. Plus If I get this one I'll have an extra 100 bucks to spend on a petal.

Next the Hot Rod Deluxe and blues deluxe, which again i like the cleans and its nice warm overdrive but it doesn't seem like it would suit my alt rock hard rock needs, and i wouldn't have the extra cash to spend on the pedal, though they are definitely louder than the vox.I think Guitar center is having a sale on them for 600 bucks next week though, when i asked the guy about the amp he said it was a mistake, but i think he was just lying because they're having a mystery sale thing next week.

Next is the line 6 spider valve which I'm not as fond of in the cleans and the nice bluesy overdrive, but it has crapload of effects which at best are pretty good but nothing too impressive.

If you guys have any other suggestions such as some good solid state amps in that range that are good in the clean sounds, blues, alt rock and hard rock that would be great. The only problem is that i refuse to buy anything that i can't play, so it has to be available at a guitar center or samash. Please don't suggest marshall's, as much as i like them and would love them the lower ones in my price range i personally think they suck.

Thanks guys

[MS]

There is a big difference between the power of the amps you have listed.

AC15: 15 watt
Blues Deluxe: 40 watt
Hot Rod Deluxe: 40 watt
Line 6 Spider 112: 75 watt

[crunchman]

I have experience of the Hot Rod Deluxe. The clean channel takes pedals very well. I never use the drive channel on mine - good pedals sound a lot better. If you do buy one it sounds a lot better with a Weber 12F150 speaker and with some decent power valves - not the cheapo rebadged Sovteks that come as stock. It is a very good amp though. If it sounds OK to you stock then buy it and make the upgrades or buy the pedals later when you can afford it.

[theflailingarm]

I'm presuming you're from the US if referencing Guitar Center. I'd also look at the Peavey Classic series as you seem to be less than taken with the drive levels of the others.

The 50 would be loud enough for absolutely anyone and the clean tone from it I've heard at a few peoples gigs is reasonably sparkley. May need a pedal to go fully Metal, but you'd probably have change for that.

Don't know if you have many stockists over there, but ENGL's i've heard sound good at most things.

[Sir Axeman]

If you like the Vox AC15 then you can get the AC30 which will be 100% loud enough.

http://www.dv247.com/invt/30946/


and with the change you can get a nice OD pedal. Even a SD-1 or Bad Monkey pedal will do the trick for around £35. Kick one of those in on the Vox when its already overdriven and you'll have plenty of dirt for most purposes. If you want more get a Distortion pedal.

[ubtguitarist]

I would love to get an ac30, but its really out of my pricerange, maybe I should clarify 700 US which i believe to be like 360 pounds.

[nsureit]

Save some more $$$ and get an AC30 when you have enough. You won't regret it.

[jonboyrob]

I would not go for the Hot Rod Deluxe, but would look for The blues deVille or blues deluxe. They are fantastic amps, and only have the drive channel, not the more drive. As mentioned above they take pedals well, I don't like the drive channel.
Why not look for an old SS amp, JC120 or Yamaha G100B-212, superb analouge amps..

Jon

[MattANJH]

Save some more and get a H&K Trilogy

[musophilr]

Originally Posted by Sir Axeman

If you like the Vox AC15 then you can get the AC30 which will be 100% loud enough.

http://www.dv247.com/invt/30946/


and with the change you can get a nice OD pedal. Even a SD-1 or Bad Monkey pedal will do the trick for around £35. Kick one of those in on the Vox when its already overdriven and you'll have plenty of dirt for most purposes. If you want more get a Distortion pedal.

+1

I did We Will Rock You for a school, using a 1974 SG fitted with Seymour Duncans, a Boss SD-1, and an AC30CC2X. All the sounds I needed were in there.