Light up the Sky

I've been looking to buy an amp for about a year now, but I'm not really sure what to get..

Here's what I want..

-Good range of tone, (from EVH, to Beach Boys, to heavy metal)

-I really don't need a big amp, right now I just want to improve over my 5 watt practice amp, I'm not really going to gigging, I just want something that sounds good, and something that I can hear over the band..

-Cheap, I'd prolly be looking for something on eBay..or if Guitar Center has something cheap enough, I can look into it..

I know you guys are pretty knowledgeable about guitar amps, so I'd thought I'd just ask you guys..

Thanks,

zozo

I know a thing or two, about amps.

I have 2 questions and a couple suggestions.
(1)Solid state or tube?
(2)Whats your price range?

My suggestions are the Peavey Valveking 30W $499, the Mesa Boogie XXX Jr. $?, Line 6 Spider Series 15W-175W $99-350, and the Line 6/Bogner Spider Valve series $699 for a 30W.

Do not pay over $500 for a solid state when you can get the Valveking. If you want someone else's opinion, ask Slashrox.

To be honest, I really don't know what a Solid State or a Tube amp is...I do know that Tube amps are usually more expesive, and I have heard that they have better tone..My price rance is prolly nothing over $350..I'd prolly just be looking for something between 15W-30W. I really don't need the power right now..

If that is the case, then Line 6 is your best bet.

A friend of mine owns the 75W version of the Line 6 Spider III, and I like it..but I also liked the Marshall AVP of something like that..they come in 15, 30, and 75 Watt versions..I think, they also have built in effects..do you have any experience with those amps?

I used to own a Line 6 Spider III but I was forced to sell it to buy the VK. God I loved that amp! Yes the Spider does have the built-in-FX but they really suck. I suggest getting a Zoom multi-fx pedal to go with the Line 6.

As far as the Marshall goes, I think I have heard of them, but I personally don't like the Marshall solid state amps. I have had cash in hand getting ready to pay $700 bucks for a Marshall solid state under the issumption that "it's a Marshall so it must kick ass", well, not all of them do.

Get the Line 6 and the Zoom!

Yeah, I'll prolly just get the 30W Line 6, then if I need to upgrade, I'll look into a Marshall..

Nevermind Line 6 crap or anything solid state. Don't waste your money on solid state amps. You can spend your $350.00 on a Peavey Classic 30 and it's all tube. You can play EVERYTHING with that amp. It's a small tube amp with balls and it sounds great loud, and at bedroom levels. I had a solid state Marshall that just sucked major dong! Good Luck!!

Do they still sell those at Guitar shops? That's a little high for me, but if it's that much better of an amp, I might need to get it!

They are very popular amps. I would say between 300-350 and you can get one on Ebay or a regular guitar store. I frequent the Peavey forums quite a bit and a lot of the forumites there RAVE about it as well. You could go with a Fender Hot rod also, they're a bit more expensive, but if you can save a few extra bones and be patient you can get either Zoso!!

I've heard great things about tube amps..not so much about Solid State ones though..I think I'll save up some money and search on eBay..

I have one question though, can you still plug in different pedals?

Yes you can use pedals!! It has an effects loop which you can run your pedals through, then just plug your guitar into the input. It also has an external speaker jack that allows you to hook up another cabinet with the amp itself.

Go here and read up on it. Music 123 has them NEW for 600.00, but you can get a very nice used one for close to half that.

http://www.blueshawk.info/peavey_classic_30.htm

Looks like a nice amp, I'm not too crazy about the whole vintage look, but it doesn't really matter..plus this thing goes up to 12..2 more then 10! But seriously, this amp looks awesome...thanks for the links and info!

If you're not crazy about the vintage look, they have older models (say 3-5 years) that have the modern look. You may be able to get one of those if you so desire. Ebay has both models for sale as we speak. The vintage design you speak of is the newest style model. Just FYI!!! Happy hunting!

I've also been looking at the Roland Cube 30x..It looks like an awesome amp. I heard it even has a model imitating the Peavey EVH 5150. Have you guys ever had any expirence with the Rolands?

That is what i might get it is $300 the most i am willing to pay. Does anyone else have it and like it? There is also a 320w line 6 spider for the same price but i dont know if i need that much power.

I've heard both good and bad from the Spiders..mostly bad..I dunno, your prolly better off just going and testing em' out at guitar center.