The Best 15-25 watt boutique amp

[gpro34]

I am wanting some of your thoughts and suggestions. I know there are many out there, which ones do you like?

[Big Bob]

The Best one is the one you don't have.:Devil

Seriously I like my Alessandro English in the 20watt range. Haven't played it much these days tho. I also played a new 18 watt Marshall that was sweet. I don't know if thats considered Booteek tho.:rolleyes:

Bob

[slowburn]

I don't know if you'd consider Rivera boutique or not, but I've played through a Clubster 25 and I found it was quite nice sounding considering how small it was. The tone controls were very responsive, (ie. not subtle changes). Cleans had surprisingly nice low end with the bass control turned up a bit. I'll leave it at that since you may be looking for a smaller builder.

[Lution]

Bogner Metropolis
Fargen 6V6 Blackbird

[skiraly017]

Bought a Carr Rambler a few months ago. Haven't looked at/for anything since.

[michael patrick]

Define "best."

[ChazMania]

/13 SJT 10-20 - simply marvelous......

[T.Wesley]

Moved to the proper section

-and-

65Amps London, my preference is for the 2x10 combo but the 2x12 and the head are excellent as well :)

18 watts of awesome, amazing, phenomenal, stupendous sound - yeah, that's more like it.

--chiba

[tthompso7]

I am wanting some of your thoughts and suggestions. I know there are many out there, which ones do you like?


I'm using the Bad Cat Cub IIR (15 watts) and Top Hat Club Royale (20 watts). They're both EL84's but have their own distinct tone. The Cub is a 1 x 12, it's Vox like with plenty of sparkle. You can bypass the master which is what I do. The CR is a 2 x12 which gives it more bottom end, not that the cub doesn't have plenty...but the sparkle is more subdued. Again it's Vox like with some Marshall crunch.

You couldn't go wrong with either. Both sound awesome cranked. The Natural breakup is sweet! I've only used them in small clubs but I'm sure they'd be fine in a moderately sized place mic'd. These are great studio amps.

[Doodad]

I get my Goodsell Superseventeen tomorrow! More then, but this is a seriously hot amp.

[LSchefman]

It's an impossible question to answer without narrowing down your tastes, style, associated gear, and what you want to hear out of an amp.

Example: Do you need more than one channel, or an amp with switching options to get more than one basic sound? Do you play metal, punk, classic rock, jazz, blues....well, you get the point.

There are lots of great amps, and when you reach a certain point, it's less a matter of "better-best" than it is a matter of personal taste.

[Leonc]

Well really, Les, if you check out the other answers you already know how to answer this question. Same way most people answer any other question re: what's the best _______: It's the one that I own. Always.

This is a very utilitarian answer. It is often successfully used even when the answer isn't quite relevant. For example:

Q: What's the best strat replacment pickup?
A: Strats sonund thin and weak. You should be using humbuckers. I highly recommend a good Holmes pickup. Like the one I use in my Ernie Small Weenie Crusher.

or

Q: What's the very absolute best-ever 10" speaker for playing thrash-polka-noise music?
A: That's very easy to answer - 10" speakers don't work for thrash-polka-noise music. You can only use horns. I suggest getting some good JBL 15 inchers with the 30lb magnets...like the ones I use.

See, there's always an appropriate answer no matter how meaningless the question. :)

[stratovarius]

Define "best."

Don't be silly. They're the ones that are played by the best guitar players.

[Garygtr]

Well really, Les, if you check out the other answers you already know how to answer this question. Same way most people answer any other question re: what's the best _______: It's the one that I own. Always.

This is a very utilitarian answer. It is often successfully used even when the answer isn't quite relevant. For example:

Q: What's the best strat replacment pickup?
A: Strats sonund thin and weak. You should be using humbuckers. I highly recommend a good Holmes pickup. Like the one I use in my Ernie Small Weenie Crusher.

or

Q: What's the very absolute best-ever 10" speaker for playing thrash-polka-noise music?
A: That's very easy to answer - 10" speakers don't work for thrash-polka-noise music. You can only use horns. I suggest getting some good JBL 15 inchers with the 30lb magnets...like the ones I use.

See, there's always an appropriate answer no matter how meaningless the question. :)

Preach it Bro'!

Oh, Top Hat Club Royale-I love mine! :p

[MarkWorth]

I'm using the Bad Cat Cub IIR (15 watts) and Top Hat Club Royale (20 watts). They're both EL84's but have their own distinct tone. The Cub is a 1 x 12, it's Vox like with plenty of sparkle. You can bypass the master which is what I do. The CR is a 2 x12 which gives it more bottom end, not that the cub doesn't have plenty...but the sparkle is more subdued. Again it's Vox like with some Marshall crunch.

You couldn't go wrong with either. Both sound awesome cranked. The Natural breakup is sweet! I've only used them in small clubs but I'm sure they'd be fine in a moderately sized place mic'd. These are great studio amps.


i want your amps...:Devil

[eric102673]

Yup yup. You're likely to get a completly different answer with every reply. There are a TON of great amps in that range. A TON.
The reason everyone says buy a "______" it's what I use, is cause people buy what they like. They want to share their good taste with others. Unfortunately the tastes on this board run as deep, as far and as wide as the different locations we all live in.

I could recommend a Screwno Sheepbanger, but you may actually despise that tone.

Very subjective. Very subjective.

-e.

[michael patrick]

Don't be silly. They're the ones that are played by the best guitar players.

Using stratovarius' definition....

I use a Clark Beaufort 5E3 clone chassis in an Amardillo Ampworks 1x15 cab... ;)

[gkoelling]

I don't like to talk about my equipment in public but I will say it plays real nice.

[Fireball XL5]

Obviously lot's of great choices in the 15-25 watt "boutique amp" market. But IMO....you'd be hard pressed to currently find a better deal on a brand new small boutique amp than the Clark "Beaufort Special". At $800 for a completely hand built, hand wired, Tweed Deluxe amp that uses only top notch components... I couldn't resist! :eek: Placed my order with Bob at The Perfect Note yesterday :dude

Check it out! www.clarkamplification.com (http://www.clarkamplification.com)

[riffmeister]

I don't know how everyone else is defining "best", but here are my favorites:

TopHat Club Royale/Deluxe (Vox meets Marshall meets Tweed Fender)

Tone King Imperial (scooped Fender BF and Fender Tweed on steroids)

Dr. Z Z28 (cross between Fender BF & Tweed)

Soldano Astroverb (baby SLO with the right cab)

[riffmeister]

Obviously lot's of great choices in the 15-25 watt "boutique amp" market. But IMO....you'd be hard pressed to currently find a better deal on a brand new small boutique amp than the Clark "Beaufort Special". At $800 for a completely hand built, hand wired, Tweed Deluxe amp that uses only top notch components... I couldn't resist! :eek: Placed my order with Bob at The Perfect Note yesterday :dude

Check it out! www.clarkamplification.com (http://www.clarkamplification.com)

I came this close --> <--- to ordering one of those a few weeks ago!

I decided on an Allen Accomplice instead (more in the BF Tone Camp).

[Scumback Speakers]

I own (and make) amps in this power range...too bad I like so many different tones, otherwise I'd offer up the definitive "answer". The problem with the thread starter's question is he doesn't really define what tone he's looking for, what guitar he's using, what style he plays, and all of the other myriad of tone changing possibilities that the options of all of those ingredients entail.

gpro34, can you define some of the above so you can get a better answer from the membership?

[Fireball XL5]

;) I came this close --> <--- to ordering one of those a few weeks ago!

I decided on an Allen Accomplice instead (more in the BF Tone Camp).

Yeah riff...I wasn't even in the market :o ....but you know, a Tweed Deluxe is such a classic amp and it's no secret that Michael Clark builds one of the best. At that price it was a no-brainer for me!

Congratulations on the Accomplice!

[GuitarsFromMars]

I own (and make) amps in this power range...too bad I like so many different tones, otherwise I'd offer up the definitive "answer". The problem with the thread starter's question is he doesn't really define what tone he's looking for, what guitar he's using, what style he plays, and all of the other myriad of tone changing possibilities that the options of all of those ingredients entail.

gpro34, can you define some of the above so you can get a better answer from the membership?

How did I know you'd be in this thread,Dr Pure Evil Incarnate? ROFLMAOWPM:eek:

[PHLOW]

Would have to put in another vote for the /13 SJT 10-20-YIKES! Recently got mine and my other amps are starting to feel like step-children!

[hawkeyeinexile]

firm believer in there being no "best", my favorite is the Heritage Victory (http://www.heritageamplifiers.com/victory.html).
one i'd consider is a Juke 112 or 210 running 6V6s (http://www.jukeamps.com/models).
another, but discontinued: Aiken Invader w/2 EL84s.
three very different amps.

:cool:

[gpro34]

To anwser some of your questions defining "the best" I know this is very subjective I should have said your favorite--I apologize
I am surprised no one has mentioned cornford? Any love outthere for cornford amps?

[AJ Love]

Bruno CT 22

[George H]

Don't know if you would consider these boutique (or even best for that
matter) but.....Here's my current favorite pair of 18watters in tandem.....


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/57GLDTP/2ndAB1.jpg

GH:)

[Sharkey]

If you can find one, 18wt Aiken Invader
Take one for a Test Spin
Me looooooves mine:dude

[LSchefman]

>>Well really, Les, if you check out the other answers you already know how to answer this question. Same way most people answer any other question re: what's the best _______: It's the one that I own. Always.<<

Heh. ;)

Then the correct answer is, "The best amp for you only a little higher than that power rating is the Two-Rock Onyx Signature switched to 1/2 power."

That work for ya, Leon, my bro? :)

[aleclee]

Well really, Les, if you check out the other answers you already know how to answer this question. Same way most people answer any other question re: what's the best _______: It's the one that I own. Always.Then the answer is "none" :jo

[riverastoasters]

I am wanting some of your thoughts and suggestions. I know there are many out there, which ones do you like?

Bogner Metropolis
Rivera Jake (run it in 25 Watt mode)
Stephenson Reverb (30 Watts but it has power scaling)

[Dave Orban]

Alessandro Beagle.

Awesome, and a giggably-loud 12 watts...!

[Leonc]

>>Well really, Les, if you check out the other answers you already know how to answer this question. Same way most people answer any other question re: what's the best _______: It's the one that I own. Always.<<

Heh. ;)

Then the correct answer is, "The best amp for you only a little higher than that power rating is the Two-Rock Onyx Signature switched to 1/2 power."

That work for ya, Leon, my bro? :)
hahahhahha, you gots it Les! Poifehkt!

Two weeks ago I would have suggested the Aiken Tomcat, but as I sold it, I no longer find it an appropriate choice. And I have to agree--15-25Ws is not really enough for anyone I know anymore. But I believe our friend doesn't really need a boutique amp even though he thinks he does. I would suggest either an 50W Orange Rockerverb or the 60W Ampeg VT-40. These are, after all, the best amps out there.
:horse
:D

[GuitarBrent]

Mojave Sidewinder. Yeah, I know, it's 30 watts, but with Power Dampening, it can go down to 2 watts. Pretty dang versatile if you ask me. Loves every guitar I own (Fender Strat w/Fralins, Suhr Swamp Ash Classic w/V54s, PRS McCarty, and Hamer Monaco Elite w/p90s). The mid cut and emphasis switch and low and high inputs are amazingly versatile. Great cleans and nice grind. Built and wired as good as my original DR-504 Hiwatt (why did I let that one go?). I can't believe this amp doesn't get more love here. :RoCkIn

[brianf]

Mesa Lonestar Classic.

brianf

[Teleplayer]

gpro34, what type of music do you play?

[gpro34]

Tha is a difficult question to anwser but I will try. I play so many styles I have a hard time commiting to one but right know i've been playing a Rock/fusion style. I was into classical. Then I got into the whole 80's rock guitar (technical stuff). Then I was into jazz. Recently I have been getting into some coutry shredders,banjo rolls, chickin pickin ect. About the only style I never got into personally was blues. I like listening to it though.

[Rod]

Check out a Valvetech VAC,,,It's 22 watts, 6V6's , amazing old school type Marshall sound OR a 2 Channel switcher amp, Good Reverb, the 1/12 combo with a Weber Blue Dog new is $859!!! these amps are amazing, and I've owned EVERTHING from Bad Cat's to Two Rocks,,,,Rob's VAC's just speak to me...The best of modern and vintage, and they're handmade!!!

[Troubleman]

Budda Twinmaster and SuperDrive
I'm not exactly hatin' this Fuchs Blackjack 21 either...:AOK

Peace,

jb

[jsped]

If you don't mind an open amp head (exposed chassis), your might want to consider a Frenzel Deluxe Plus. It sounds wonderful, has very useful features, and at only $400 for a handbuilt PTP amp, it's a tremously deal.

[nik]

Obviously lot's of great choices in the 15-25 watt "boutique amp" market. But IMO....you'd be hard pressed to currently find a better deal on a brand new small boutique amp than the Clark "Beaufort Special". At $800 for a completely hand built, hand wired, Tweed Deluxe amp that uses only top notch components... I couldn't resist! :eek: Placed my order with Bob at The Perfect Note yesterday :dude

Check it out! www.clarkamplification.com (http://www.clarkamplification.com)

I agree 100%. Mike Clark's amps are built like a tank and sound great. I bought a Beaufort Special 5 years ago and its still my main amp. Many, many hours of playing and never one problem!

[DodsonLP]

It always depends on what you are looking for from an amp, but I like my Fargen Mini-Verb and My Goodsell Super 17. The Budda Superdrives are nice too!

[michael patrick]

The Fargen Mini-Plex clocks in at 12 watts, but it's a LOUD 12 watts. Very Marshally tones to be had there.

Gee whiz, what a coincidence, there's one for sale in the emporium... (http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=134308)

[vgm]

I have an 18 watt Reinhardt that I love to play through. It has great cleans and a great overdriven tone for 18 watts.

[Fuchsaudio]

Ya-know, since we started making single channel non master volume amps, I've developed a newfound enjoyment of simple amps. [mod edit.]

Again, not good or bad, but what works for you !

[Tag]

Define "best."


Here you go...


"Best"..... Beyond compare, finest, greatest, incomparable, number one, peerless,superlative, unequaled, unparalleled, unrivaled.

Your welcome. :D

[Tag]

BRUNO UG 15.


And no, I do not own one. :p

[robbieboyette]

The GREATEST 15-25 watt boutique amp of ALL times is the Bogner Duende that I have never played or heard personally :o . I just know I have one pre-ordered and will have it in March!:D
~crosses fingers~

[Tag]

The GREATEST 15-25 watt boutique amp of ALL times is the Bogner Duende that I have never played or heard personally :o . I just know I have one pre-ordered and will have it in March!:D
~crosses fingers~


LOL!!! That was great!
:BEER :AOK

[Stratclaw]

Forget "best".....enter the realm of "what works best for my ability to express my soul through my music", and I think we can work on more subjective terms. Now, if you essentially regurgitate what you hear, this would not be a good analogy. If you truly express yourself creatively, it applies. With that said, this point in my life has a Goodsell Super 17 helping me express myself on a wonderful sonic level, with a Suhr Classic, a Masterbuilt Tele, and a Marchione SolidNeckBody (Holy S***, what a guitar) equipped with Dimarzio buckers to coax the music from the amp. It is a very subtle amp, with plenty of nuances to be gotten from it. These three guitars have three very distinct voices, and the Goodsell brings out the best in all three guitars. I have played all styles of music through it, in soft and loud gigging applications, and it has been rather impressive in how she responds. Very articulate and soulful. I'm getting ready to try her out in the studio, but I have a feeling the amp will really shine. The Goodsell Super Seventeen embodies simplicity and depth of character. Its up to the player to draw it out. :AOK

[Boogie92801]

Matchless Lightning -

Of course this is my answer to alot of questions on this board.:horse

[vanborgen]

Get a Germino Club 40 and run 6V6's in it!! You won't be sorry!!

[cnardone]

Where are you coming from? From a really low level are you a Fender / Marshall or Vox guy? Do you need verb? Do you need mutliple channels? Are you more traditional in your gain/crunch/distortion or modern?

[r9player]

It all really depends on what sound you want.
Love the Sommatone Roaring 20s and Maven Peal Zeeta 1-20
(Oh and I own both .. but am looking to sell LOL! - I have a Zeeta 1-50 I am sticking with and gassing for something else)

[m3g]

I suggest the Goodsell super 17. If you get the combo, get the Celestian Heritage G12H speaker upgrade. If you get the head, it matches great with a Tone Tubby cab with 12" hempcone alnicos.