Combo Advise

[IndyWS6]

Hughes & Kettner Switchblade (either 1 x 12 or 2 x 12).

As an H&K player, I'm a little biased, but this ^^^ Multi-channel, ass-ripping monster of an amp that is completely underrated.

OR a Hughes & Kettner Edition Tube amp. I've mentioned this in other posts, but the guitar player for a local bar band uses the Edition and a modest pedal board and kills with it. It cuts through the mix, emulates the tone of the cover songs well and just flat works. It's only 20 watts, but it has more than enough stage volume.

 

[sinfish]

I really like my engl 530 into a mesa 20/20 power amp with a 2x12. Still pretty loud though.

 

[PaulyPanacea]

ive owned a bunch of H&Ks...great amps. Always sounded killer. But i think i need something different. keep em coming boys

 

[IndyWS6]

ive owned a bunch of H&Ks...great amps. Always sounded killer. But i think i need something different. keep em coming boys

Cool... Just thought I would second the opinion. H&K doesn't get much love around here...

 

[boneyard]

I would go for a Bogner Goldfinger 45 combo if the cash was right... and if it was something you'd keep

Great amp

Matt

 

[billboogie]

Mesa DC5 combo. Cheap (500-700). No issues (gigging in bars with mine for almost 20 years,never broken down). Covers rock/hard rock and takes pedals great on both channels so you can have a variety of tones available if you wish. Underated amp. get a theile cab for even more bass response if desired. Good luck with your search, there lots of great combos to choose from these days.

 

[Joeytpg]

Mesa DC5 combo. Cheap (500-700). No issues (gigging in bars with mine for almost 20 years,never broken down). Covers rock/hard rock and takes pedals great on both channels so you can have a variety of tones available if you wish. Underated amp. get a theile cab for even more bass response if desired. Good luck with your search, there lots of great combos to choose from these days.

oh yeah this is also a great option. I had a Mesa F-50 combo that I really liked too.....

 

['63-Strat]

But one thing to think about, does a combo really take up that much less floor space than a 4x12?

Exactly. For whatever reason a lot of guys have this thing about thinking a 2X12 combo is going to be a lot quieter/take up less space than a 1/2 stack when really, that's not the case. Having carried 2X12 combos for gigs etc. too, I can safely say that it's never been an "easier" load in with a 2X12 combo vs. my 1/2 stack in my experience. Comparable, sure. I can roll my whole 1/2stack with head, rack case and carrying two guitars in one trip. With a combo that HAS casters that's still more of a pain in the ass because you're leaning over to push it. If it does NOT have casters then there's no way you're loading everything in in one trip w/o a handcart and your back will not find carrying a heavy 2X12 combo easier than pushing a 1/2 stack. Which brings us to using a hand cart, which works fine but at that point it's not really any easier or less gear than moving my main rig in the first place. YMMV.

That said, if OP found the VH4 through a 2X12 wasn't working at low volumes then sure, try and find something that does, but a 50 watt head/combo isn't going to be a whole lot different than a 100 watt in my experience. A better master volume is more what's needed, but I was under the impression that diezels had pretty good master volumes anyways?

The only "rig" I think you're going to be able to move easily without a handcart is a small 1X12 combo like a deluxe reverb with a gig bag on your back and carrying your pedalboard in the other hand, if you find a lower wattage 1X12 combo you like then that could work. Even then, walking longer distances with a 1X12 combo will still feel heavy. I agree the DC-5's are pretty cool for that, but probably heavier than a deluxe reverb A shiva 1X12 combo isn't light either

 

[Meathead]

But one thing to think about, does a combo really take up that much less floor space than a 4x12?

Exactly. For whatever reason a lot of guys have this thing about thinking a 2X12 combo is going to be a lot quieter/take up less space than a 1/2 stack when really, that's not the case. Having carried 2X12 combos for gigs etc. too, I can safely say that it's never been an "easier" load in with a 2X12 combo vs. my 1/2 stack in my experience. Comparable, sure. I can roll my whole 1/2stack with head, rack case and carrying two guitars in one trip. With a combo that HAS casters that's still more of a pain in the ass because you're leaning over to push it. If it does NOT have casters then there's no way you're loading everything in in one trip w/o a handcart and your back will not find carrying a heavy 2X12 combo easier than pushing a 1/2 stack. Which brings us to using a hand cart, which works fine but at that point it's not really any easier or less gear than moving my main rig in the first place. YMMV.

That said, if OP found the VH4 through a 2X12 wasn't working at low volumes then sure, try and find something that does, but a 50 watt head/combo isn't going to be a whole lot different than a 100 watt in my experience. A better master volume is more what's needed, but I was under the impression that diezels had pretty good master volumes anyways?

The only "rig" I think you're going to be able to move easily without a handcart is a small 1X12 combo like a deluxe reverb with a gig bag on your back and carrying your pedalboard in the other hand, if you find a lower wattage 1X12 combo you like then that could work. Even then, walking longer distances with a 1X12 combo will still feel heavy. I agree the DC-5's are pretty cool for that, but probably heavier than a deluxe reverb A shiva 1X12 combo isn't light either

When you drive a Honda Civic...a combo is the only wy to go. I don't want to bring my girlfriend's gas guzzling mini van to every gig to haul a large 4x12. Glad I'm not a drummer for that reason.

 

[Meathead]

Depends on the volume (power) you need for your situation. I find the Mesa Electra Dyne sounds really good turned up but it's too loud for my needs. 20 watt 1x12 combos seem to be the perfect loudness for me.

 

['63-Strat]

But one thing to think about, does a combo really take up that much less floor space than a 4x12?

Exactly. For whatever reason a lot of guys have this thing about thinking a 2X12 combo is going to be a lot quieter/take up less space than a 1/2 stack when really, that's not the case. Having carried 2X12 combos for gigs etc. too, I can safely say that it's never been an "easier" load in with a 2X12 combo vs. my 1/2 stack in my experience. Comparable, sure. I can roll my whole 1/2stack with head, rack case and carrying two guitars in one trip. With a combo that HAS casters that's still more of a pain in the ass because you're leaning over to push it. If it does NOT have casters then there's no way you're loading everything in in one trip w/o a handcart and your back will not find carrying a heavy 2X12 combo easier than pushing a 1/2 stack. Which brings us to using a hand cart, which works fine but at that point it's not really any easier or less gear than moving my main rig in the first place. YMMV.

That said, if OP found the VH4 through a 2X12 wasn't working at low volumes then sure, try and find something that does, but a 50 watt head/combo isn't going to be a whole lot different than a 100 watt in my experience. A better master volume is more what's needed, but I was under the impression that diezels had pretty good master volumes anyways?

The only "rig" I think you're going to be able to move easily without a handcart is a small 1X12 combo like a deluxe reverb with a gig bag on your back and carrying your pedalboard in the other hand, if you find a lower wattage 1X12 combo you like then that could work. Even then, walking longer distances with a 1X12 combo will still feel heavy. I agree the DC-5's are pretty cool for that, but probably heavier than a deluxe reverb A shiva 1X12 combo isn't light either

When you drive a Honda Civic...a combo is the only wy to go. I don't want to bring my girlfriend's gas guzzling mini van to every gig to haul a large 4x12. Glad I'm not a drummer for that reason.

I've fit my rig in a civic before

But I agree given the OP was saying that his VH4 into a 2X12 didn't sound right at the volume he was at, and that he didn't like that he needed to have a handcart to move it. That all points to a 1X12 low wattage combo IMO.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

Mesa DC5 combo. Cheap (500-700). No issues (gigging in bars with mine for almost 20 years,never broken down). Covers rock/hard rock and takes pedals great on both channels so you can have a variety of tones available if you wish. Underated amp. get a theile cab for even more bass response if desired. Good luck with your search, there lots of great combos to choose from these days.

I didn't think about that and I have a widebody DC-5 Combo and use it with a Boogie 3QB 1x12 ext cab. Sounds huge and pretty versatile. That amp is WAY underrated imho, love mine

I agree that carting a 2x12 combo isn't easy. With a head and cab its easier to move around, even a 4x12 from my experience with heavy combos.

How about an attenuator to achieve the cranked tone at lower levels? That way you could use your head and a 2x12

 

[6string40]

How bout a Friedman modded Jet City? I realize it's a head, but it's small and you said a 212 wasn't really an issue.

 

[Meathead]

But one thing to think about, does a combo really take up that much less floor space than a 4x12?

Exactly. For whatever reason a lot of guys have this thing about thinking a 2X12 combo is going to be a lot quieter/take up less space than a 1/2 stack when really, that's not the case. Having carried 2X12 combos for gigs etc. too, I can safely say that it's never been an "easier" load in with a 2X12 combo vs. my 1/2 stack in my experience. Comparable, sure. I can roll my whole 1/2stack with head, rack case and carrying two guitars in one trip. With a combo that HAS casters that's still more of a pain in the ass because you're leaning over to push it. If it does NOT have casters then there's no way you're loading everything in in one trip w/o a handcart and your back will not find carrying a heavy 2X12 combo easier than pushing a 1/2 stack. Which brings us to using a hand cart, which works fine but at that point it's not really any easier or less gear than moving my main rig in the first place. YMMV.

That said, if OP found the VH4 through a 2X12 wasn't working at low volumes then sure, try and find something that does, but a 50 watt head/combo isn't going to be a whole lot different than a 100 watt in my experience. A better master volume is more what's needed, but I was under the impression that diezels had pretty good master volumes anyways?

The only "rig" I think you're going to be able to move easily without a handcart is a small 1X12 combo like a deluxe reverb with a gig bag on your back and carrying your pedalboard in the other hand, if you find a lower wattage 1X12 combo you like then that could work. Even then, walking longer distances with a 1X12 combo will still feel heavy. I agree the DC-5's are pretty cool for that, but probably heavier than a deluxe reverb A shiva 1X12 combo isn't light either

When you drive a Honda Civic...a combo is the only wy to go. I don't want to bring my girlfriend's gas guzzling mini van to every gig to haul a large 4x12. Glad I'm not a drummer for that reason.

I've fit my rig in a civic before

But I agree given the OP was saying that his VH4 into a 2X12 didn't sound right at the volume he was at, and that he didn't like that he needed to have a handcart to move it. That all points to a 1X12 low wattage combo IMO.

How do you do that? Put down the back seats and load it in from the trunk laying the 4x12 on it's back?
How can I lift a 4x12 by myself at home and place it in the car like that? Are you kidding me? Are you fucking crazy!!!?

 

[marshallmel]

The Budda Superdrive 30 is your answer. They sound great, are not that heavy, and are very reliable.

 

[snowdog]

Not much of a combo fan here, mainly because I like closed back cabinets...which always sound better to me. Maybe you could go with a Mesa Thiele or an oversized Port City 1x12 with a EV or something similar. Weight is another consideration if you are thinking the 2x12 route...a friend of mine has a Mesa Dual Rec 2x12 that you need a tow motor to haul around. Happy Hunting.

 

['63-Strat]

But one thing to think about, does a combo really take up that much less floor space than a 4x12?

Exactly. For whatever reason a lot of guys have this thing about thinking a 2X12 combo is going to be a lot quieter/take up less space than a 1/2 stack when really, that's not the case. Having carried 2X12 combos for gigs etc. too, I can safely say that it's never been an "easier" load in with a 2X12 combo vs. my 1/2 stack in my experience. Comparable, sure. I can roll my whole 1/2stack with head, rack case and carrying two guitars in one trip. With a combo that HAS casters that's still more of a pain in the ass because you're leaning over to push it. If it does NOT have casters then there's no way you're loading everything in in one trip w/o a handcart and your back will not find carrying a heavy 2X12 combo easier than pushing a 1/2 stack. Which brings us to using a hand cart, which works fine but at that point it's not really any easier or less gear than moving my main rig in the first place. YMMV.

That said, if OP found the VH4 through a 2X12 wasn't working at low volumes then sure, try and find something that does, but a 50 watt head/combo isn't going to be a whole lot different than a 100 watt in my experience. A better master volume is more what's needed, but I was under the impression that diezels had pretty good master volumes anyways?

The only "rig" I think you're going to be able to move easily without a handcart is a small 1X12 combo like a deluxe reverb with a gig bag on your back and carrying your pedalboard in the other hand, if you find a lower wattage 1X12 combo you like then that could work. Even then, walking longer distances with a 1X12 combo will still feel heavy. I agree the DC-5's are pretty cool for that, but probably heavier than a deluxe reverb A shiva 1X12 combo isn't light either

When you drive a Honda Civic...a combo is the only wy to go. I don't want to bring my girlfriend's gas guzzling mini van to every gig to haul a large 4x12. Glad I'm not a drummer for that reason.

I've fit my rig in a civic before

But I agree given the OP was saying that his VH4 into a 2X12 didn't sound right at the volume he was at, and that he didn't like that he needed to have a handcart to move it. That all points to a 1X12 low wattage combo IMO.

How do you do that? Put down the back seats and load it in from the trunk laying the 4x12 on it's back?
How can I lift a 4x12 by myself at home and place it in the car like that? Are you kidding me? Are you fucking crazy!!!?

First question(s Yes, just like that.
Second question: Use your legs to lift.
Third question: No.
Fourth question: Probably, but it's sorta been working for me.