I am considering options for a new amp. I currently own a Fender DRRI which I like, but am moving into an apartment and need to downsize - but I don't want to give up tone.
At this point, most little tube amps I have played don't excite me at all, from the Champ 600 to the Orange AD5 even to the 5W Victoria. They all sound too small. An amp can be full sounding without being loud, you know what I mean?
Great clean tones (Fenderish), reverb, and pedal friendliness are a must. I play blues, jazz, and some rock on a G&L Legacy and Heritage 535. The amp does not have to be teeny tiny but I would like a smaller footprint and more controllable quiet volume than the DRRI. For the most part I do not like raw and gritty sounds (HATE fuzz pedals), I like smooth overdrive, and I often find pedals suit me better than powertube OD. So far I have identified 3 amps that might fit me well:
-Headstrong Lil' King 1x12"
-Swart Space Tone Reverb
-Carr Mercury
Any I have left off my list? I hope to be giving the Lil' King a test run this weekend. How do the others compare and fit my needs? I worry the Space Tones are more for dirtier tones. The Carr is the most expensive of the bunch. The Lil King has the most watts, which might be good (clean) or might be bad (too loud!).
All suggestions welcome - it is tough, even though I live in a major metro area tracking down these boutique amps in person is hard.
Thanks!
At this point, most little tube amps I have played don't excite me at all, from the Champ 600 to the Orange AD5 even to the 5W Victoria. They all sound too small. An amp can be full sounding without being loud, you know what I mean?
Great clean tones (Fenderish), reverb, and pedal friendliness are a must. I play blues, jazz, and some rock on a G&L Legacy and Heritage 535. The amp does not have to be teeny tiny but I would like a smaller footprint and more controllable quiet volume than the DRRI. For the most part I do not like raw and gritty sounds (HATE fuzz pedals), I like smooth overdrive, and I often find pedals suit me better than powertube OD. So far I have identified 3 amps that might fit me well:
-Headstrong Lil' King 1x12"
-Swart Space Tone Reverb
-Carr Mercury
Any I have left off my list? I hope to be giving the Lil' King a test run this weekend. How do the others compare and fit my needs? I worry the Space Tones are more for dirtier tones. The Carr is the most expensive of the bunch. The Lil King has the most watts, which might be good (clean) or might be bad (too loud!).
All suggestions welcome - it is tough, even though I live in a major metro area tracking down these boutique amps in person is hard.
Thanks!