Lightweight, low-power combo amps

[MrSpud]

I'm looking for a small, lightweight (under 30 pound), low power (~15W) combo amp (1x12) to tote around for jams and practice sessions.

I prefer tubes over SS and lean towards a Fender or Vox vibe rather than a Marshall/Mesa high-gain sound. Onboard spring reverb would be nice-to-have. Musically, I play classic rock and blues.

Reading the TGP forums, I've looked at some of the boutique brands, but their 15W amps are heavy at about 45-50 pounds (Vox hand-wired AC15, Matchless Lightning/Spitfire 1x12, etc).

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[phoghat]

Look at the Valvetrain stuff. Lots of models that fit your criteria.

 

[GA20T]

https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/1013110&highlight=princeton

and stick a 12" in it.

 

[Mattbedrock]

I'd go Vibro Champ or Princeton. I have both and love 'em.

 

[Rockyrollercat]

Laney LC15 king of the grab and go.

RRC

 

[spayne99]

Really digging my Princeton Reverb reissue. Can be found used for $600.

 

[dshobe]

Really digging my Princeton Reverb reissue. Can be found used for $600.

Yes. Can't go wrong witha PRRI. Lush verb and an awesome trem to boot! Love mine!

 

[dinglehopper]

If you're looking for the clean side of fender, the PR's great. If you're looking more for the gritty/dirty side of fender, a 5e3 is super light and sounds great (esp. for classic rock and blues). no reverb, so you'll need a pedal - but the PR is going to need a distortion/overdrive for dirt.

 

[Rick360]

Howdy,

Mattbedrock said it: SF Champ/Vibro Champ or Princeton.

I must say that I was disappointed with a '65 Princeton I owned a few years ago. It's clean tones weren't inspiring, it's trem rather bland compared to my Vibro Champ and it just didn't want to overdrive, even with my 335. It was a 12 watt, 10-inch speaker grab & go combo amp, though and there is something to be said for that.

 

[tele_jas]

Stulce SA-10c

Very AC15 voiced, 8-10wts, 1x12 combo and very light.

Great amps

 

[BEACHBUM]

Your search has ended.

 

[ElDiabloAmps]

Dinglehopper's right. 5E3's (Tweed Deluxe circuit) are often quite light and sound great! Have you considered a Louis Electric Buster. It's 20W and 25 lbs. If you're looking for built-in reverb, Swart sells the STR-Tweed which is 5 W and 29 lbs.

Good luck with your search!!

 

[guitarjazz]

Mesa Subway Rocket. It has a ten but I've been gigging with one for ten years. Great great amp.

 

[stratus]

Crema Wheat will get you there, but in the tweed mode.

 

[Crash-VR]

You described the Nolatone Rotten Johnny to a T. It'll do marshal but I'm loving it for Fender to Voxy overdriven tones all at 28 lbs

 

[ᴵᴹVintage]

Samamp VAC23 super lightweight, great tones, loves pedals, can be as loud or as quiet as you want.

 

[strat56]

Egnater Tweaker 15

 

[uptheoctave]

Princeton Reissue sounds great.

 

[GEN DAWG]

Check out the Goodsell Unibox. 10-watt tube amp and very, very lightweight. Can be purchased with reverb.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blbTansm6Is&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[MrSpud]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the great suggestions... I'm going to track these down and give a serious listen.

Much appreciated!