smaller amp, suggestions?

[vaporpark]

I have had my Marshall MKII Lead 50w head and Marshall 4/12 cab new since 1979. As much as it pains me to think of getting rid of it I have to think practical as to my use of it. I don't gig anymore and if I did I just don't think I would want to lug the Marshall. In my home studio the Marshall has to have volume to get that classic sound. Of course the neighbors are getting that classic sound too and I don't think they care for it. So, with that said, what smaller combo amps out there deliver punch, versatility, and quality sound. I play anything from classic rock, blues, and jazz. I would also want to incorporate the use of the amp in my home studio setting as well (micing and direct). Budget will be around $500-$800. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Peace,
vaporpark

 

[dirtythermos]

Mesa/Boogie

 

[Sonic Misfit]

Check out the Fender Blues Jr. I've had one since December and have used it a lot. Good for practice. I paid about $375 new for it.

 

[kid klash]

Roland Cube 30!!!

I'm in the same boat with my JCM 900 2500 half stack and my '64 Tremolux - more power and weight than I need, even for the gigs I'm doing. I bought a Roland Cube 30, and I can dial in the same tones (along with a Vox AC 30, and others) with this 30 watt mini brute. At $230, it's been my favorite amp for over a year. Besides amp modeling and built-in effects, it can be very loud when needed. Try one out, and if you love it as much as I do, buy one and keep your Marshall for the memories!

 

[whattaguy]

The Roland Cube 30 and even the 15 look very interesting. I currently have a Fender Custom Vibrolux Reverb, and love the sound but hate lugging the thing around. I was looking into the Blues Jr for the small gigs. But the Roland might give me more flavors since I already have a pretty nice tube amp. Both Rolands are also a lot cheaper than the Blues Jr.

What do you guys think?

I've heard the Fender in action before and liked it, but haven't heard the Roland. Thanks.

 

[minofifa]

I have a line 6 Felxtone II, to be honest i don't really like it. Quality i felt was not good. The foot pedal does wierd ass shit when i turn the wah on and the buutons don't work sometimes. The power stich also fell out. I wish i would've spent less and got the spider.

Has anybody tried the smaller carvin amps? they look enticing.

 

[kid klash]

The Roland Cube 30 and even the 15 look very interesting. I currently have a Fender Custom Vibrolux Reverb, and love the sound but hate lugging the thing around. I was looking into the Blues Jr for the small gigs. But the Roland might give me more flavors since I already have a pretty nice tube amp. Both Rolands are also a lot cheaper than the Blues Jr.

What do you guys think?

I've heard the Fender in action before and liked it, but haven't heard the Roland. Thanks.

As my post above shows, I really like my Cube 30. If you can find one at a local shop (I heard they sell out as fast as they come in), try it out and see if you like it.

 

[foo]

The Marshall has tubes and the Roland does not - that may be a problem for you as it just won't sound the same.

The smaller Fenders with cascaded channels will work for you very nicely - and in your price range.

If you want to spend more, a Boogie will definately do ti for you - but they are expensive.

 

[vaporpark]

Thanks guys for the suggestions. Since my playing is more geared towards recording these days plus a fair amount of acoustic playing, I look at the Marshall and think that I should move it on. Then I listen to an old tape and think, you will never buy another. So, that got me thinking of getting something smaller and more useable for my situation but still leaving the door open in case I gig again. Of course with the price of the Roland I could afford keeping the Marshall.

foo, what smaller Boogie would you suggest I look at?

I am going to go out soon and spend the day looking and playing through a few amps and the suggestions made gives me a good start.

Thanks again,
vp

 

[Tadpui]

I've heard good things about the Gibson Goldtone, and I'll have to put in yet another plug for a Traynor Custom Valve for a lower-priced alternative.

 

[Garry Sharp]

Ashdown Low Wattage Tube Amps