I know this is probably totally cliche but...

[SFT]

I've realized in the last few years I've gone through amps that haven't quite been what I've been looking for. I've gotten amps that do one thing extremely well, but never combined what I really want:

A relatively light, low wattage tube amp (1x12; 15-25 or so watts) that nails fender blackface cleans (not gets "close," but really nails it), that can also produce a fat mid range tweed-like overdrive, responds well to pedals, AND has reverb.

I've got 3 great amps that do certain things well, but none that does what I want in one package. A vintage Vibroclone (beautiful cleans, but big, heavy, overpowered, and doesn't get dirty at all); a Top Hat (great Vox tones, but low headroom, lacks reverb and fender chime); and a Richter 5E3 (lacks reverb).

That said....is there an amp out there that does what I'm looking for? And no, I don't feel like bringing two amps to a gig... The only thing that gets close in my mind is a blackface or early silverface Fender Deluxe Reverb, but there's gotta be some other options to consider.

[MagicNelson]

Somebody's gonna a mention a Tone King Imperial or Metropolitan soon, so I'll just get it over with...

Never played one personally but your description matches theirs almost exactly....

[EADGBE]

Originally Posted by SFT

That said....is there an amp out there that does what I'm looking for?

Well what you are describing is sort of like some asking for a car that can do it all. They might say I want a car that's as fast as a Corvette stingray. But yet can haul five kids and two adults. And carry a whole lot of groceries and get great gas milage all at the same time. I.e. I don't think something like this exists. Myself I like an amp that has a great distortion sound. I can live with the "cleans" that it will offer. Sometimes amps that have "everything?" don't really sound that good.

[stratzrus]

Originally Posted by SFT

A relatively light, low wattage tube amp (1x12; 15-25 or so watts) that nails fender blackface cleans (not gets "close," but really nails it), that can also produce a fat mid range tweed-like overdrive, responds well to pedals, AND has reverb...The only thing that gets close in my mind is a blackface or early silverface Fender Deluxe Reverb.

When I read your description the Deluxe Reverb is exactly what came to mind.

Great cleans and wonderful overdrive when pushed. You owe it to yourself.

[Boytbpc]

How about a Princeton Reverb and Les Luis pedal?

[diagrammatiks]

Originally Posted by EADGBE

Well what you are describing is sort of like some asking for a car that can do it all. They might say I want a car that's as fast as a Corvette stingray. But yet can haul five kids and two adults. And carry a whole lot of groceries and get great gas milage all at the same time. I.e. I don't think something like this exists. Myself I like an amp that has a great distortion sound. I can live with the "cleans" that it will offer. Sometimes amps that have "everything?" don't really sound that good.

porsche panarama?

also tone king or doctor z-ezg 50. 50 watts ain't much louder then 25.

[C-4]

The OP is describing a Diezel Schmidt, which I have been happily using for some time now.
I haven't heard another 30 watt Class A amp do all the things that amp does easily, and more organically then any other amp in it's class.
However, as with all good things, it ain't cheap.

[Crash-VR]

Divided by 13 EDT 13/29. It is exactly what you described.

[riffmeister]

Originally Posted by MagicNelson

Somebody's gonna a mention a Tone King Imperial or Metropolitan soon, so I'll just get it over with...

Yes, this was my first thought, too. I've owned them both.

[riffmeister]

Originally Posted by diagrammatiks

also tone king or doctor z-ezg 50. 50 watts ain't much louder then 25.

Not consistent with my experience.....the EZG50 is one loud, clean mofo.......and it's a great amp if that's what you're after.

[Cirrus]

Originally Posted by EADGBE

Well what you are describing is sort of like some asking for a car that can do it all. They might say I want a car that's as fast as a Corvette stingray. But yet can haul five kids and two adults. And carry a whole lot of groceries and get great gas milage all at the same time. I.e. I don't think something like this exists. Myself I like an amp that has a great distortion sound. I can live with the "cleans" that it will offer. Sometimes amps that have "everything?" don't really sound that good.

Such a car does exist: a Ford Focus 2.0l TDCi estate.

SO the actual question we should be asking is, what is the amp equivalent of that?

[The Kid]

Originally Posted by Crash-VR

Divided by 13 EDT 13/29. It is exactly what you described.

Exactly.

13W Class A Mode: Tweed
29W Class A/B Mode: Blackface

[germs]

so why NOT a Fender?

that seems to be what you're describing...

i get that you don't want to take multiple amps to gigs, BUT short of grabbing a high-end modeler - just get a Fender and be done with it.

[cram]

OP doesn't mention the speakers in these amps. Take a stroll to the edge of that pool and dive in bro!

I swear, if you swap cabs/speakers with amps it's a game changer for headroom or grit you may be after in your sound.

[LavaMan]

Get an Eganater Mod 50 with the modules that have the tone you are looking for.