choosing a versatile combo

[dg-silhouette]

to put it simply, I need some warm and smooth cleans for styles like world or jazz or fusion or whatever close to them, which must be heard over an appropriate drum section (so I need a late breakup and/or a cab output as well). I'd also be glad to hear some decent OD in there (I use pedals and digital multi-effects which could solve that problem, but if found something versatile, why not). I would use it both at home and rehearsals or gigs. the budget is around $500-600. I can go used if found a sound to die for.

suggestions? maybe Bugera V22 or Laney LV200?

[JazzyJim]

From what I know of US prices, that's quite a nice spot for a price range - lots of options.
Personally, I would go for a Peavey Classic 30. It's a great amp and can do what you're asking, and I believe you can get them for around $350 used. Quite a high volume breakup on the clean channel, you can use a cab if needed and the overdrive channel is very nice sounding to my ears. I like the reverb on it, too. It also has an FX loop which can be useful if you use a lot of delay etc. The loop isn't the most technologically advanced, but it's definitely gig-worthy if you're not running 5 + effects through it.

You could also look at the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, although I don't particularly dig the Drive channel myself. It's also pretty loud - if I played one at home I doubt my wife would stay for very long!

[dg-silhouette]

well, from what I've read and heard of Peavey C30, it starts to break up at about 40-50% of volume. is it enough to practise with the band and gig unmiced?
fender, eh... I dont like fenders for some private reasons
what would you think about Phil Jones AG100 if using with pedals?

[mangotango]

Originally Posted by dg-silhouette

well, from what I've read and heard of Peavey C30, it starts to break up at about 40-50% of volume. is it enough to practise with the band and gig unmiced?
fender, eh... I dont like fenders for some private reasons
what would you think about Phil Jones AG100 if using with pedals?

Phil Jones AG-100 is ultra clean and too quiet - IMHO you couldn't use it with a band. Fine for coffe-shop gigs with maybe one other musician, but as soon as drums enter the equation, it's not going to cope.

Sorry, but that's not the 'droid you're looking for.

[burchyk]

Laney LV200 - had to use one at rehearsal place for a while, the cleans were not something I refer to as "jazzy". It might have something to do with the speaker and/or power amp since I went as far as plugging into outboard eq and reverb and then bypass the Laney's preamp but it did not help to shift the amp's character into "dark round smooth high-headroom jazzy" territory

[JazzyJim]

Originally Posted by dg-silhouette

well, from what I've read and heard of Peavey C30, it starts to break up at about 40-50% of volume. is it enough to practise with the band and gig unmiced?
fender, eh... I dont like fenders for some private reasons

What guitar/pickups are you using? They start breaking up at around 5 with humbuckers, 6 or 7 with singlecoils - approximately, of course. You can always dial down your giutars volume knob for a bit of extra headroom, too.

I would say that on the clean channel with the volume at 5 you would be loud enough to play clean, with a moderately powerful drummer backing. You'd have to shout to be heard over the guitar, if that gives you any indication?

It's ok, we all have our reasons for things!

[thenoviceguitarist]

If you can come up a few bucks, I would consider a used Fender Twin. That would certainly provide all the headroom you need along with plenty of versatility. The main drawback is the weight. They have wheels, but lugging it up stairs and in/out of the car is brutal. I found mine used for $850. I also play a Deluxe because of the weight issue with the twin.

[thenoviceguitarist]

Oops sorry I missed where you said you don't dig the Fenders.

[dg-silhouette]

Originally Posted by JazzyJim

What guitar/pickups are you using? They start breaking up at around 5 with humbuckers, 6 or 7 with singlecoils - approximately, of course. You can always dial down your giutars volume knob for a bit of extra headroom, too.

I would say that on the clean channel with the volume at 5 you would be loud enough to play clean, with a moderately powerful drummer backing. You'd have to shout to be heard over the guitar, if that gives you any indication?

It's ok, we all have our reasons for things!

yeah I do play with humbuckers, and I know about the guitar volume knob
a better indication will be a comparison to a SS amp which volume I do know better than the tube one.

[dg-silhouette]

http://www.thomann.de/pl/hugheskett...anniversary.htm - what would you think about this one?