Peavey's are also made in the USA and easily serviced. Like I said, the Cubes just don't do it for me. I like my Pignose better. If you're new to electric guitar I'd steer clear of lower end tube amps. Especially all the problems with the HRD series amp. It can be really frustrating for a newer player. If your new, I doubt you'll be gigging so a solid state amp would be great. Most are really reliable and once you get into the 30 watt range and 12" speakers, they sound suprising good in the $200-300 range. Effects are fun, but learning all the basics without them for me anyway is more important. Effects IMO just get in the way of a new player.

I'm sorry, if I keep calling you a new player if your not. From your description of your experience at the music shop with tuning and not playing loud, I just assumed you were new. Don't worry about it. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask them to tune the guitar for you. My advise is to bring your own guitar to the shop to test amps. You'll be way more comfortable with it.