Looking for help to decide what to buy

2343 Views 54 Replies 17 Participants Last post by Budda, Jul 7, 2017

Shpee

Discussion Starter · Jul 4, 2017 (Edited)

Hey fellow forum users!

I need your help!

I am in the process of creating a small band with some friends. It's nothing serious, we are mostly going to jam together, learn our instruments and show the others what we learned. We probably aren't going to gig, unless it's in a couple of years, when we'll be better (or at least decent) at playing.

So for now I'm looking for an amp. Since we'll only be jamming at a friend's place, I don't need a super expensive amp. The only problem is that I still need to have an amp that's loud enough to play with drums. I'm pretty new to amps, since I've played electric guitar without one for almost a year now.

My budget is about 600 CAD. I'm looking for an amp that could give me good sounds in the cleans but also in the more driven tones. Not really interested in playing super distorted sounds for now. + I may get into my school's jazz band next year, so I need something that could give me some warm smooth tones (I can get reverb from a pedal if there's a good amp with "meh" reverb that I should get)

I'd rather have my effects coming from pedals (the 600 is only for the amp. pedals will come later), so keep in mind I need a pedal friendly amp. With that said, I don't mind having the effects coming from the amp.

Solid-states, valves/tubes and Modelling amps are all welcome!

Thank you very much to everyone who helps!

P.S I've got a decent pair of arms, so if there's an amazing amp that's a bit on the heavier side, you can still tell me about it!

1 - 20 of 55 Posts

seadonkey

· #2 · Jul 5, 2017

My first thought would be to suggest a Rivera Clubster. Great cleans, good crunch. Plenty loud enough and if I remember correctly, a nice reverb. I sold mine a few years back for $600.

Rivera is a great tube amp that doesn't seem to hold a lot of value on the secondary market.

You could also look at getting a used Deluxe Reverb and just have your crunch come from a pedal.

Fender Prosonic is a great all in one amp as well. They can be found in your price range if your patient.

Lots of options out there on the used Market.

seadonkey

· #3 · Jul 5, 2017

Here is a killer amp for $349. $349 at the London, ONT L&M. If you are interested you can get your local shop to do a store transfer so that you get free shipping. ***I am in no way affiliated with L&M***

Traynor YCV20WR
CUSTOM VALVE 20 WATT ALL-TUBE 1X12 GUITAR COMBO AMP - WINE RED
Class "A" Cathode bias amplifier
DC filaments on preamp tubes eliminate hum
Fully regulated power supply with tube rectifier emulation
Long spring reverb
Classic Celestion G12M "Greenback" speaker
Wine Red leatherette finsh with oatmeal grille
Speaker jack and selectable defeat for disabling the internal speaker
D.I. Output for connections straight to the board
All plywood enclosure
Heavy gauge perforated grille with cloth cover
Custom design "Chicken Beak" knobs
Sale Price: $349.00Original Price: $855.00
Model: YCV20WR

See less See more

Reactions: 4

colchar

· #4 · Jul 5, 2017

Yeah that Traynor would more than fit the bill.

Reactions: 1

seadonkey

· #5 · Jul 5, 2017

seadonkey

· #6 · Jul 5, 2017

The video above is the 40 watt version but the 20 watter is great too.

colchar said:
Yeah that Traynor would more than fit the bill.

Yeah, and with G12-M Greenback I'd be all over it if i were in the market and on a budget.

Reactions: 1

Shpee

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 5, 2017

seadonkey said:
Here is a killer amp for $349. $349 at the London, ONT L&M. If you are interested you can get your local shop to do a store transfer so that you get free shipping. ***I am in no way affiliated with L&M***

Traynor YCV20WR
CUSTOM VALVE 20 WATT ALL-TUBE 1X12 GUITAR COMBO AMP - WINE RED
Class "A" Cathode bias amplifier
DC filaments on preamp tubes eliminate hum
Fully regulated power supply with tube rectifier emulation
Long spring reverb
Classic Celestion G12M "Greenback" speaker
Wine Red leatherette finsh with oatmeal grille
Speaker jack and selectable defeat for disabling the internal speaker
D.I. Output for connections straight to the board
All plywood enclosure
Heavy gauge perforated grille with cloth cover
Custom design "Chicken Beak" knobs
Sale Price: $349.00Original Price: $855.00
Model: YCV20WR

Wow, thanks for the help! Took way less time than expected! I'm watching some videos on the amp and it sounds great!

Budda

· #8 · Jul 5, 2017

Fender hot rod, peavey classic 30/50 or delta blues, traynor ycv50 or YBA series, egnater rebel or renegade, jet city combo, roland jc-60, marshall dsl 40 (not the reissue), theres a ton to choose from.

Grab your guitar, hit some stores and try some gear.

Reactions: 2

Shpee

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jul 5, 2017

Budda said:
Fender hot rod, peavey classic 30/50 or delta blues, traynor ycv50 or YBA series, egnater rebel or renegade, jet city combo, roland jc-60, marshall dsl 40 (not the reissue), theres a ton to choose from.

Grab your guitar, hit some stores and try some gear.

I appreciate the help, but all of the amps you listed are out of my price range. I'm looking for amps that will cost no more than 600-ish after shipping (if I need it), taxes, etc.

BSTheTech

· #10 · Jul 5, 2017

I have the ycv-20. I'd aim higher. 30-40 watts if you want to keep up with drums in a big room. Good amp otherwise.

BSTheTech

· #11 · Jul 5, 2017

Fender Blues Deville 4x10 seems like a great all around amp. This guy showcases guitars for Norm's. He's always playing through one and no matter what he plays it sounds great.

"All the eq's at noon and just a bit of reverb".

BSTheTech

· #12 · Jul 5, 2017

Shpee said:
I appreciate the help, but all of the amps you listed are out of my price range. I'm looking for amps that will cost no more than 600-ish after shipping (if I need it), taxes, etc.

Hold out for a deal, and keep saving. You're right on the border of junk and good stuff.

Reactions: 1

Adcandour

· #13 · Jul 5, 2017

Get a 50 watt boss katana.

Reactions: 2

BGood

· #14 · Jul 5, 2017

adcandour said:
Get a 50 watt boss katana.

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. Or the Boss KATANA100 - 100watt, 1-12inch speaker. Reviews are really good on these. Look them up.

In the same state of mind, there's also the Vox VT80+ Valvetronix to consider.

You might not want to bother with tubes, once you've tested those two.

Reactions: 1

G

· #15 · Jul 5, 2017

It really depends on your drummer. I have played with a few that are quieter, but most are loud. I would like to try a drummer with midi drums and see if the room volume could be super low. A 20watt tube amp won't keep up to most drummers as stated by others. Solid state amps need more wattage than tubes usually. If you are practicing with a drummer I recommend getting some musician's hearing protection. Most musicians develop tinnitus and/or hearing loss...

G

· #16 · Jul 5, 2017

Rent a few different ones over a 6 month span.

Reactions: 2

1SweetRide

· #17 · Jul 5, 2017

seadonkey said:
My first thought would be to suggest a Rivera Clubster. Great cleans, good crunch. Plenty loud enough and if I remember correctly, a nice reverb. I sold mine a few years back for $600.

Rivera is a great tube amp that doesn't seem to hold a lot of value on the secondary market.

You could also look at getting a used Deluxe Reverb and just have your crunch come from a pedal.

Fender Prosonic is a great all in one amp as well. They can be found in your price range if your patient.

Lots of options out there on the used Market.

Agree with this recommendation but I think you're going to have a hard time finding a used one at that price. It's also heavy. If you're going to be lugging the amp around then I'd get a solid state. Everyone seems to love the new Katana and Fender GTs. You should explore those options.

Guitar101

· #18 · Jul 5, 2017

If a maxed out Traynor YCV20WR won't keep up to your drummer, I'd keep the amp and get a new drummer.

Guitar101

· #19 · Jul 5, 2017 (Edited)

Player99 said:
If you are practicing with a drummer I recommend getting some musician's hearing protection. Most musicians develop tinnitus and/or hearing loss...

Good point. Years ago when we were playing on a small stage that our 5 piece band would barely fit on, I was seated playing my piano on the right hand side of the stage. I looked to my left and realised the drummers crash cymbol was about 6" from my left ear. Too this day, I can't understand why my hearing is still ok but hearing protection is a must. Even if it's just those cheap foam plugs. (which by the way, I would have paid $100 for at the last Tragically Hip concert I went to). Later on, when you've got little more cash, you can get those expensive one's like Budda has.

Budda

· #20 · Jul 5, 2017

Shpee said:
I appreciate the help, but all of the amps you listed are out of my price range. I'm looking for amps that will cost no more than 600-ish after shipping (if I need it), taxes, etc.

Aaah shucks, I forgot to preface my post with "buy used". All the amps mentioned should be doable on the used market with $600

1 - 20 of 55 Posts

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