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Topic: Good, inexpensive solid state combo |
John Rosett
From: Missoula, MT
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Posted 23 Nov 2015 4:24 pm
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I'm looking for recommendations for a small, solid state combo amp for small room gigs with lap steel. I think that something with 25-50 watts, reverb, and a 10" speaker would suit me. Something in the $200- range.
I'm currently using a Peavey Classic 20, but the tone is a little harsh for my taste. Thanks! _________________ "it's not in bad taste, if it's funny." - john waters |
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Dave Zirbel
From: Sebastopol, CA USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2015 4:42 pm
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I think people were raving about Roland amps
a while back....do a search.
Here's one for $200.
http://www.roland.com/products/cube-20gx/ _________________ Dave Zirbel-
Sierra S-10 (Built by Ross Shafer),ZB, Fender 400 guitars, various tube and SS amps |
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Paul Sutherland
From: Placerville, California
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Posted 23 Nov 2015 5:44 pm
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I've heard good things about Peavey Pacers, but I've never tried one. Same for the Peavey Special 130. Both have more power and I believe 12 inch speakers. Both come up on Craigslist from time to time, often well below $200. _________________ It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. |
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Tim Russell
From: Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 23 Nov 2015 6:51 pm
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I use a Roland CUBE-40GX. 40 watts, small, lightweight amp, and it has a beautiful tone; lots of adjustments possible with this amp. (It is a modeling amp). 10" speaker. Normally sells for around $249, you might find it on the net a bit cheaper if you search around a bit.
BTW, I have a hard time with Peaveys' as well. I can't get that harsh tone to go away either. I have a Peavey Bandit 112 (50 watt) and it is very particular about the settings. _________________ Sierra Crown D-10 |
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Mike Neer
From: NJ
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Posted 24 Nov 2015 6:34 am
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Try changing the speaker. Do you have any spares laying around? I have done this many times and it has completely changed the character of a few amps. _________________ Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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Bob Simons
From: Kansas City, Mo, USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2015 9:29 am
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Roland Cube 40 watt!!!!! Light, cheap, sounds great. _________________ Zumsteel U12 8-5, MSA M3 U12 9-7, MSA SS 10-string, 1930 National Resonophonic, Telonics Combo, Webb 614e, Fender Steel King, Mesa Boogie T-Verb. |
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John Rosett
From: Missoula, MT
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Posted 24 Nov 2015 3:39 pm
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Thanks for the suggestions.
I have thought about changing the speaker in the Classic 20. Any suggestions on a speaker that will warm it up a little bit? _________________ "it's not in bad taste, if it's funny." - john waters |
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Adam Tracksler
From: Maine, USA
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Posted 24 Nov 2015 5:34 pm
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I have this Drive CD200B that I bought from musicians friend for $29. Its pretty astounding, I keep on wanting to buy a new amp, but can't really find anything wrong with this one..... |
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Mike Neer
From: NJ
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Posted 25 Nov 2015 5:29 am
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John Rosett wrote: |
Thanks for the suggestions.
I have thought about changing the speaker in the Classic 20. Any suggestions on a speaker that will warm it up a little bit? |
Try a Celestion or maybe a Jensen, they might warm and darken things up a bit. I'm usually looking to add more sparkle and definition when I change a speaker, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt. _________________ Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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Joe Kaufman
From: Lewiston, Idaho
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Posted 25 Nov 2015 8:05 pm
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Small light 10 inch speaker with real reverb and about 35 solid state watts? It sounds like you want to find a Peavey Backstage Plus. I have played through one and thought it sounded good. Double the power is a Bandit 65, double it again and you have a Special 130. I love my Special 130, but it sounds like more power and weight then you need.
For whatever reason, the Backstage Plus is usually really cheap, as in your budget could buy you 3 or 4 of them. You will have to try it out to know if it has the sound you want. |
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Bruce Derr
From: Lee, New Hampshire, USA
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Posted 25 Nov 2015 8:50 pm
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Peavey Envoy 110 is in that category. 40W, single 10, lightweight, decent-sounding, cheap on the used market. I picked up a USA-made one (from early 2000s) at Guitar Center recently for $90. It's not a "mini" amp; it has what I'd consider a "normal-size" 1x10 cab, but it's still light, only 22 lbs. The bigger Studio Pro 112 is nice as well, not too heavy at 34 lbs, also cheap used, and pretty gig-worthy.
As for smooth-sounding speakers, a hemp cone such as an Eminence Lil' Buddy may do the trick. I put an Eminence Cannabis Rex in a very bright-sounding Blues Jr recently and it tamed the high end nicely. |
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