Cheap tube amp for a decent rig

[Meb]

Hey guys, I have a budget of around $600 and I'm looking to put together a decent rig, just guitar, and amp. I'm thinking of dedicating about $250 to the amp and the rest to the guitar. I play from jazz and blues to moderate hard rock, not really any metal. Influences are Zeppelin, Hendrix, Clapton, GnR, John Mayer, various jazz musicians, etc. Combo or head and cab don't matter really as long as it's within budget, which is, unfortunately, my most limiting an important factor. If anyone can suggest something that's over budget but really worth it, I really don't mind. Currently, I've been looking at Tech 21's, Jet city, Blackstar, Boss(Katana), etc. Any help or opinions at all are appreciated, thanks guys

 

[MrDowntown]

if it's gotta be a tube amp, for that price, i'd say B'Star. Not sure of the parameters of how big you need the rig to be power-wise..but 20w would probably be a minimum, unless you're gonna mic it, then maybe 5w would get there, but only in small rooms. The DSL line of Marshall's are very good for the price, but tend to be a little more costly than the B'star line.

Katana is really hard to beat for the money, because of the rabbit-hole of pedals and efx at your disposal; surely you know it's SS though. KTN100 (head) used for about 250, then you got to have a cab..., or the 50 w or 100w combo. 50w combo doesn't have the efx loop, midi, etc that the 100w combo has. The head, IMO is the way to go, and find a 112, or 212 cab (if you need it).

 

[311boogieman]

Used Peavey Classic 30 and Fender MIM Strat.

You should be able to find both in the $300'ish range.

...if you want good tone that is.

 

[Pentatonic Wanker]

Used Peavey Classic 30.

This is good advice. Also consider a used Orange CR-60 pro. Not tube, but one hellava good sounding amp.....takes pedals extremely well......and built like a brick $hithouse.

 

[ClintN667]

If it doesnt have to be tube I just grabbed an Orange Crush Micro 3. It's actually pretty cool built in tuner for about $60. The thing that surprised me is hooking it up to a cab. Sounds really good through my KSR 2x12. So yeah I would recommend the Orange Crush series all day. Not sure what the Katana's go for but every time I go to GC thats what they plug me into and I have gotten decent tone from them.

 

[Manxmusicman]

Peavey Classic 30 is a good shout, maybe have a look at a second hand egnater rebel or Fender Hot rod. As for the guitar I’d recommend the sterling cutlass. Just picked up a sterling valentine and I’m very impressed with it.

 

[Bad.Seed]

I also vote for the Peavey classic series. Excellent workhorse amps at a crazy price. They can do a lot of tones, and get extremely loud, if needed. One of my favorite lower to mid gain offerings for rock n roll, and great cleans to boot.

 

[skullfxr]

I will put another affirmation on the classic 30. Darn good amps for the money and it would suit you quite well. Plenty loud for most things, good cleans, good moderate OD. I would recommend picking up a tubescreamer or blues driver.

For guitar, there is nothing wrong with a MIM strat. I would go HSS though for what you mentioned. You may need to swap a pickup, but you would still be in a decent budget. I think the OD is a must though for GnR maybe a fuzz for hendrix.

 

[PAULYC2]

I have an old Traynor Mark III that I put a Celestion Alnico Blue in with an MXR EVH OD and any decent guitar it sounds pretty damn good for short money.

 

[GOHOINC]

I dig the orange dual terror in that range. Great little amps imo.

 

[skullfxr]

I dig the orange dual terror in that range. Great little amps imo.

I had one and liked it, but his budget is $600 for everything. The heads go used for around that on a good day. Nice little amps though.