Combo amp for beginner

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EyesOfTheSouth!

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After, 15 years of being around my gear, my stepson has finally developed an interest in guitar at age 18. He's been banging away on my acoustic for a few weeks and has already learned basic chords and starting to play stuff like Foo Fighters, Green Day, etc. Surprises the hell out of me to be honest.

Instead of getting him a shitty starter guitar, I'm going to give him my H/S American Strat with a ToneNerd Sunset Strip and Dimarzio Injector tonight. Just looking for a small 10" or 12" combo with reverb that can do cleans and modern gain tones. I want to stick to SS, but I just don't know what's out there these days. I want him to concentrate on playing instead of fiddling with a bunch of digital models and useless effects.

First thought is the Orange Crush series, but up for any suggestions. Are the Marshall MG's decent?
 
EyesOfTheSouth! said:
After, 15 years of being around my gear, my stepson has finally developed an interest in guitar at age 18. He's been banging away on my acoustic for a few weeks and has already learned basic chords and starting to play stuff like Foo Fighters, Green Day, etc. Surprises the hell out of me to be honest.

Instead of getting him a shitty starter guitar, I'm going to give him my H/S American Strat with a ToneNerd Sunset Strip and Dimarzio Injector tonight. Just looking for a small 10" or 12" combo with reverb that can do cleans and modern gain tones. I want to stick to SS, but I just don't know what's out there these days. I want him to concentrate on playing instead of fiddling with a bunch of digital models and useless effects.

First thought is the Orange Crush series, but up for any suggestions. Are the Marshall MG's decent?
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Boss Katana. I know you said not worrying about digital models and useless FX but if he wants to get into different tones and effects eventually (he will) the Katana and it's editing software will grow with him until he decides to join here and buy a $3500 guitar amp.
 
Marshall DSL40. Can’t say enough good things about them. Replace the speaker and boost OD1. I have two of ‘em. I even use them for small gigs. You can get them all day long on GC used in the $400-$500 range and there’s no need to upgrade if he sticks with it.
 
I realize you said SS but the Blues Jr would make a great first amp. Like the DSL combos too.
 
I agree about the DSL........but this thing is going to be dragged around to all his friend's places I'm guessing. Plus I forgot to mention that a headphone out is a must. I want to make sure this isn't just a "phase" before stepping up the gear. The Blues Jr isn't going to work because he is going to want more gain. He's big into pirate metal like Alestorm. And I don't want to have to set him up with pedals.........yet.
 
Versatility: Katana or Catalyst (I have a Catalyst 100)


What sounds will determine what Tube amp: e.g., Marshall Origin, or similar from other brands...
 
Yeah. Considering the requirements, Boss Katana. Edit - also Blackstar ID Core is actually really nice sounding.
 
Triple Rectifier, just kidding! All of the suggestions are great. I would also add looking into a Joyo BanTamp type amp on Amazon. I know this may be frowned upon but for the price (150 -180) they are really good. Match that up with an Orange PPC 1x8 for $100 and it makes a decent combo.
 
Went with the Orange Crush 20RT based on that vs Katana videos.

Plus I plugged him into my rig with a Boss Space Echo set for a barely audible slap back and a touch of verb………he wanted it turned off. Good for him! I think the Orange is basic enough to keep him concentrated on technique for awhile.
 
EyesOfTheSouth! said:
After, 15 years of being around my gear, my stepson has finally developed an interest in guitar at age 18. He's been banging away on my acoustic for a few weeks and has already learned basic chords and starting to play stuff like Foo Fighters, Green Day, etc. Surprises the hell out of me to be honest.

Instead of getting him a shitty starter guitar, I'm going to give him my H/S American Strat with a ToneNerd Sunset Strip and Dimarzio Injector tonight. Just looking for a small 10" or 12" combo with reverb that can do cleans and modern gain tones. I want to stick to SS, but I just don't know what's out there these days. I want him to concentrate on playing instead of fiddling with a bunch of digital models and useless effects.

First thought is the Orange Crush series, but up for any suggestions. Are the Marshall MG's decent?
Click to expand...
Boss katana or spark
 
I had a little peavey vyper….it was a dandy little amp. Gave it to a buddy and he just loves it. Glad he likes the orange…
 
EyesOfTheSouth! said:
After, 15 years of being around my gear, my stepson has finally developed an interest in guitar at age 18. He's been banging away on my acoustic for a few weeks and has already learned basic chords and starting to play stuff like Foo Fighters, Green Day, etc. Surprises the hell out of me to be honest.

Instead of getting him a shitty starter guitar, I'm going to give him my H/S American Strat with a ToneNerd Sunset Strip and Dimarzio Injector tonight. Just looking for a small 10" or 12" combo with reverb that can do cleans and modern gain tones. I want to stick to SS, but I just don't know what's out there these days. I want him to concentrate on playing instead of fiddling with a bunch of digital models and useless effects.

First thought is the Orange Crush series, but up for any suggestions. Are the Marshall MG's decent?
Click to expand...
EVH Iconic 40
 
jchrisf said:
EVH Iconic 40
Click to expand...
+1
Heard a guy playing one yesterday. Sounded really good.
Played an Orange Crush the other day that sounded pretty good.
Just listed a Mesa .50+ that would work great, if you're open to tubes. Covers just about anything.
 
Another vote for the iconic.

Katana is good, but if you don’t want effects…..

Crush ain’t gonna cut it bro. Even boosted they are weak.
 
Peavey 5150 2x12 combo.
It has a bunch of handles on top so its easy ( :hys: ) to haul around.
:LOL:
 
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