Best Budget Amp

[slabboard]

What's your pick for best-sounding budget combo amp (new or used) for $500?

I'm gonna' say Rivera R30.

 

[r9player]

Carvin Bel Air (though I wish they put better speakers in)
Madison Divinity 100W Head

 

[tms13pin]

All the tube purists are gonna hate me, but:

Roland VGA7. They can be had for a song now.

On the tube side I'd have to go for the Mesa DC2 or 3.

--Tom

 

[Kappy]

I've heard good things about the Peavey Classic 30 and the Fender Champ 12. The Champ's out of prod, but you can find them on ebay for up to $350. (don't pay more than that though). The Classic 30's pretty abundant on ebay too.

 

[mprvise]

My favorite "budget" amp in my (small) collection is the Mesa Subway Blues. I bought it about 10 years ago for rehearsals and small sit in situations. I've also done some recording with it. Good reverb and responds well to OD pedals up front. I've A/B'd it with a similar Victoria amp and the Mesa sounded better to everyone in the room (all other players). Great little amp. It's a keeper!

 

[slabboard]

I've heard good and bad about the Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue; might just be better to go the Silverface route.

Maybe swapping out the speaker would do it?

 

[beachwail]

Laney LC-30
Peavey DeltaBlues

 

[Blueser]

Based on recent descriptions, I would have to say a Valvetech falls into this category.

 

[AshlandBump]

Originally posted by Blueser
Based on recent descriptions, I would have to say a Valvetech falls into this category.

Not sure those are $500 or less, but certainly a good bargain even at the price for a new one.

I agree with the Delta Blues suggestion -- I've owned two, neither had a problem.

A Reverend Hellhound (out of production) should be under $500 on ebay. Well built, flexible, great speaker. A cheaper version of that would be the Pignose G60RV -- can usually be found for around $200-$300 -- great bang for the buck amp. I use one now as a backup and for practice.

 

[king-albert]

They might be a hair over $500 but the Ampeg Jet and Super-Jet reissues are excellent amps.

 

[James Allen]

Get your self a Crate Vintage 30 for about 300. Not the new one, but they are very good as well, but the first run. Nice channel switcher for the price.

Oh, make sure its blonde.

 

[riverastoasters]

Originally posted by slabboard
What's your pick for best-sounding budget combo amp (new or used) for $500?

I'm gonna' say Rivera R30.

You're right if you can find them for that. Used to be you could get them used around $400. Recently the price seems to have gone up. Maybe only temporary though.

 

[lanesmat]

Peavey Classic 50 4x10

Vintage Traynor head if you have a cab. Easily modded.

Some silverface Fenders (late 60's - early 70s). If you do your homework, good buys are still to be had for SFs.

Scott

 

[SouthernShred]

Peavey Delta Blues w/1x15"

 

[Colt]

my blonde mesa studio w eminence legend 12 and all new JJ tubes.....for 400 bucks total...go me, I'm the ****...hehe