Great low gain amps?

[ledvedder]

So, now that I've finally found my perfect higher gain amp with my Streetrod, I'd now like to tackle a great, blues to classic rock, low gain tone. Also have great cleans.

What amps should I check out? This would be mostly for playing at home, so I'd like to look into something lower wattage.

 

[ledvedder]

Perhaps I should've said I'd like to stay under $400.

 

[marshallmel]

Check out a Vox AC-10. I got one for around the house noodling.

 

[Beyond Black]

What are these "low gain amps" that you speak of?

 

[andross182]

Why not use a clean channel and some OD pedals?

 

[lol]

H&K statesman if you can find one. they can be had for about 400. awesome cleans, great low gain tones and made in germany unlike the newer h&k stuff.

 

[ledvedder]

Is anyone familiar with any of the amps listed here? http://middle8reviews.com/top-12-low-wa ... -amps-500/

 

[HerbieBoogie]

I bet you can find a used vox ac15 for about $400.

 

[metalmaniac93]

The Peavy Classic 30 combo is a very good option.

 

[ledvedder]

I bet you can find a used vox ac15 for about $400.

The Vox really interests me, but can it get a good blues tone? And how is it with a Les Paul? It seems to be focused towards strats and teles.

 

[marshallmel]

I bet you can find a used vox ac15 for about $400.

The Vox really interests me, but can it get a good blues tone? And how is it with a Les Paul? It seems to be focused towards strats and teles.

Fantastic with Les Pauls. I chose the AC-10 over the AC-15 for tone. Do yourself a favor and check em out.

 

[ledvedder]

I bet you can find a used vox ac15 for about $400.

The Vox really interests me, but can it get a good blues tone? And how is it with a Les Paul? It seems to be focused towards strats and teles.

Fantastic with Les Pauls. I chose the AC-10 over the AC-15 for tone. Do yourself a favor and check em out.

What's the difference tone wise? Does the 10 have reverb?

 

[marshallmel]

AC-10 has reverb. I liked the tone, size, and portability of the AC-10.

 

[marshallmel]

 

[AmpliFIRE]

Peavey Classic series
Crate Vintage Club 30
Laney VC30
Carvin Vintage 33

 

[cecilbag]

Peavey Classic series
Crate Vintage Club 30
Laney VC30
Carvin Vintage 33

I would say this list is pretty good. I would ad the Orange tiny terror. It can get higher gain but it does low and medium gain very well. I used to have the combo and it had great classic rock tone and took pedals really well. They can be had pretty cheap.

 

[ledvedder]

Wow, that sounds good! I wish they would've demo'd more clean and blues tones.

 

[blackba]

Its a little more than $400 used, but the Mesa TA-15 is great. It does only come as a head, but you should be able to pick up for ~$600. Also check out the Egnator Tweaker (which does come as a head and combo).

Hard to go wrong with a Peavey Classic 30 or 20 too. Nice set of features and tone for the money.

 

[CaseyCor]

Mesa Transatlantic, Vox AC-4/10/15 (the 10 would be in your price range), Fender Hot Rod, Fender Blues Deville, few more I can't recall at the moment...I'll post some more later.


I'm a big fan of the Mesa Express series for this kind of stuff, but it would be overkill (and over budget) for your needs. Worth looking into just for fun though. Very underrated amps.

 

[HerbieBoogie]

I think all of the $400 and under amps have pretty much been listed in this thread. If you ever decide to throw more money at an amp, I would suggest a fender super reverb. You can purchase an original for the same cost as a reissue surprisingly. Just food for thought.

I used to have one off these and I'm sure it has the best blues tone of all if cranked. It sounds great with humbuckers too