What Amp Should I Buy?

[Rooster]

Basically i am thinking of buying a new amp in the next couple of weeks and i suppose i could use some input.

I am thinking of spending about 500 pounds whicu is probably the equivelent of $700 (taking into account that things are usually cheaper in the US) but i could probably go a bit higher.

So far i am thinking of getting a Marshall VS2000 AVT100w combo but that has some multi effects features that I’m not really interested in. Basically I’m not that bothered about distorsion since i have a Big Muff for fuzz and a Marshall Guv’nor 2 for overdrive the most important thing i want is a good clean channel and decent reverb. I don’t need anything really loud so a hundred watts would probably do the job.

I’m like alternative rock and indie such as Pavement, Yo La Tengo, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and of course Dino Jr and i like the harsh feedback and stuff and at the moment I am using 67 Jazzmaster.

If anyone could give me any advice i would be grateful.

[Rooster]

I forgot to mention, I’m no problem with buying used gear so if anyone knows any good amps that sell in my price range let me know

[Mattman]

I don’t know if you’re set on a Mashall or not, but I highly recomend an old Fender Deluxe Reverb if you can find one. They’re often priced at around what you’re willing to spend.

They’re pretty light compared to other amps. Not as loud, but loud enough for a small club. And they sound soooo sweet! [img]images/smiles/converted/cool.gif[/img]

I have one from ’68. and I’m never gonna give it up. [img]images/smiles/converted/wink.gif[/img]

I wouldn’t buy one made any later than ’69 though, Fender started making some changes. They’re louder, but don’t sound as good… [img]images/smiles/converted/wink.gif[/img]

[Rooster]

I suppose a 60s Deluxe reverb would be ideal but i think i would have a tough time finding one at a good price. What are the 60’s reissues like cause i don’t think i have the money to buy vintage.

Basically i want to know what would be the best amp to buy new. My current amp is a low end Marshall which wont be hard to beat.

[Mattman]

The reissues are supposedly identical to the vintage until something goes wrong. Then they’re more difficult/expensive to repair. The difference is that they use the same circuit design, but the reissues use a printed circuit board, which has to be completely replaced if any of the components on it fail. The vintage ones used direct point-to-point wiring (with real wires [img]images/smiles/converted/biggrin.gif[/img] ) and if something fail, it could just be popped out and a new one soldered in.

I haven’t really tried out any reissues myself. The best thing to do would be to read up on people’s accounts with the amps your looking at. The reissues may be harder to repair, but that doesn’t mean anything’s gonna go wrong. It could last for years with no trouble at all.

I recommend you browse the user reviews at Harmony-Central I’ve found them to be very helpful in the past. [img]images/smiles/converted/wink.gif[/img]

And, of course, keep an eye out for that perfect deal in that small pawn shop on the other side of town… You never know… [img]images/smiles/converted/cool.gif[/img]

[malcom]

You know, there are some Twins going for around $600/700.

And I’ve heard many good things about the recent Fender Hot Rod amps.

[THE BOSS]

I would highly recommend not getting a deluxe reverb. I had a ’71 and while they are one of the best sounding amps around, they don’t do too good with a fuzz pedal, espcecially if you want a good volume jump. You will eventually find out that you need something louder. I would go with a twin reverb, they have plenty of power and they sound great. I got a silverface model for $600. search around for deals. good luck

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