A great sounding small combo that's SUPER versatile. $700ish

[OneArmedScissor]

That's probably a good bet.

I thought you might could get Mark III combos for about $700, though? That might be the low end of things, but I THINK it's possible.

Mostly, I just wanted to point out that it's probably much more along the lines of being ideal for what you want than too loud, as a lower powered amp would actually probably be the opposite.

 

[Mudder]

Well if you're looking for something new then I'd consider something like a Peavey Classic 30. Those should fit both your price range and needs. It can get loud but sounds good turned down too.

 

[trey85stang]

As I said in the other thread... wait until you can try a spidervalve. That might be your best bet

 

[OneArmedScissor]

Well if you're looking for something new then I'd consider something like a Peavey Classic 30. Those should fit both your price range and needs. It can get loud but sounds good turned down too.

That wouldn't be too appropriate for the whole "liquid leads" thing, though. It'd need a pedal.

But then again, so would most amps that would run that much new.

 

[Mudder]

Right, the Classic 30 is crunchier than liquid on leads, but I was thinking what the most amp for the money would be under 7 bills new.

 

[EvilMeow]

Well if you're looking for something new then I'd consider something like a Peavey Classic 30. Those should fit both your price range and needs. It can get loud but sounds good turned down too.

That wouldn't be too appropriate for the whole "liquid leads" thing, though. It'd need a pedal.

But then again, so would most amps that would run that much new.

Yeah. I kinda have the liquid lead thing covered, with my Two-Rock, but it's sooo loud before it starts to sound great, and it's pretty heavy with the cabinet. I think I'm going to take a look at the Tech21 poweramp/speaker thing and a modeller.

I'm really looking for versatility more than perfect sound. I've been using an Ampeg Jet in rehearsals and it's okay but not great.

 

[Robotechnology]

Has anyone tried a H&K Switchblade combo? I've been pretty curious about those.

Yeah, I think the 50 watt 1X12 version would be a good thing to use in your application. (A used one is about $900 or so).

I think a Mesa Subway Rocket or on of the new Express combo's would also work. Subway Rocket is about $500 and will DEFINITELY give you a liquid lead tone.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Zinky Blue Velvet or Soldano Astroverb 16 would work great. Back off the volume on the guitar for clean, turn it up for rhythm and those singing smooth lead tones. Worst case, pump it with a Tube Screamer.

 

[Subclavian]

Hey EM, good to see you again...

I know you said you wanted to stay new, but check out a VHT Pittbull 45 combo with the 1 x 12 (I don't like the 2 x 10 one)

It has a tremendous clean channel and an outstanding overdrive. It really takes well to pedals and is a tremendous gigging amp for small venues.


sub

 

[EvilMeow]

Zinky Blue Velvet or Soldano Astroverb 16 would work great. Back off the volume on the guitar for clean, turn it up for rhythm and those singing smooth lead tones.

I would do that in a normal gigging situation, but the amount of precision that this ensemble requires makes that entirely impossible. Sometimes I have to switch to distortion for a single note, and then go back after maybe two measures.

 

[BOOGIE444]

A simul-class mark III goes down to 15 watts in class-A mode. They sound great at low volumes and you should be able to get one for $700.00 on ebay no problem. Just a few months ago I scored a mint long chassis mark III head loaded with all options for $750.00

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Zinky Blue Velvet or Soldano Astroverb 16 would work great. Back off the volume on the guitar for clean, turn it up for rhythm and those singing smooth lead tones.

I would do that in a normal gigging situation, but the amount of precision that this ensemble requires makes that entirely impossible. Sometimes I have to switch to distortion for a single note, and then go back after maybe two measures.

Put the Tube Screamer in front of it.

 

[EvilMeow]

Zinky Blue Velvet or Soldano Astroverb 16 would work great. Back off the volume on the guitar for clean, turn it up for rhythm and those singing smooth lead tones.

I would do that in a normal gigging situation, but the amount of precision that this ensemble requires makes that entirely impossible. Sometimes I have to switch to distortion for a single note, and then go back after maybe two measures.

Put the Tube Screamer in front of it.

I have no doubt that it'll sound good, but that puts me in the same position I have right now already, with less headroom. I've been using an Ampeg Jet with a TS-9, MXR Distortion+, and old MIJ SD-1, along with a DL-4, Phase 45, Rocktron Surf Tremolo, and Whammy pedal. A lot of times I have to do things like imitate a flute with an ebow (you'd be amazed at how close you can make it sound. It's amazing. Sweep arpeggios are so easy to pull off and sound great with that thing, too). It works, but I have to schlep so much crap around.

I think I'm going to try out the PodX3 Live with the Tech21 Power Engine. If it doesn't work out, well, I can just take it back.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

I run my POD XTLive into the clean channel of my Randall RG80 head & 2x12 cab for our practice sessions. I've actually been able to dial up some really cool sounds with it lately, cool enough that if I had a gig pop up and I couldn't load and bring my big heads & cabs, I would not have a problem at all playing through this set-up. My singer even commented at our last practice that he never heard that Randall sound so good, then I reminded him it was the POD XTLive.

Using a lap-top or PC with the Line6 software is really cool for building presets in the POD XTLive.