Ok, I'll say it right now - SORRY!! Yep, sorry to all of my tube loving friends.

I'm a big tube amp lover as well, but I'm looking for some recommendations for peoples favorite solid state amp.

The reasons are pretty simple:

-Low maintenance when gigging and equipment is getting bumped, knocked, hit, etc. Don't want to "handle with care" just because of the tubes. I take pretty good care of my stuff, but this would definitely easy my nerves a bit to have something I don't have to worry quite as much about.

-Second would be weight. I know it sounds dumb, but the old I get the less I want to carry to a gig and the less I want things to weigh.

As far as needs go:

-2 or 3 channels would be great, but not required.

-Built in reverb.

-Just loud enough to carry over the drums when playing gigs that we're not micing the amps, but a lot gigs we'll be micing. So a TON of power is not nearly as important.

*Any and all suggestions would be welcomed.

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David Breckheimer

What about hybrids? How heavy are they-could be the best solution for you. something like this? http://www.voxamps.com/uk/valvetronixplus/vtplus/

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"reach for the sky and aim for the moon, for if you miss you will end up among the stars"

Zoom MS50G
72 tele dlx RI
2011 standard strat
Blackstar HT-5R
Taylor Big Baby

http://www.youtube.com/user/Almungo/videos?flow=grid&view=0

As far as solid state amps go the old Roland Jazz Chorus was a beauty for tube-like warmth.You can still pick up good examples on ebay.The Vox S/S amps also have a tube-like response.Have you considered Hybrid? Most of these have a lone 12AX7 tube running through the preamp in most cases or the power amp in the case of the Vox Valvetronix or VT series.Vox in particular the performance is very very realistically tube like and the effects of the Valvetronix series are second to none.

Acoustic makes superb solid state but they are so clean they sound sterile and clinical,they're great if you play totally clean and don't rely on them to give you any grunge or overdriven distortion.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

i have the carvin sx 200. great amp-2 channels-2x12-loud-easy to carry around.

you can search around and find a used one for a good price. got mine a month ago for 129.00, including cover and footswitch.

and....it is made in the usa!

Interesting suggestion. I always forget about Carvin simply because I rarely see anyone with them and obviously they're not going to be found in to many stores. I've run into a few used ones in the stores, but can't say I've given them a chance. I'll be sure to track one down though. I'd be real interested to see how they sound and respond.

Thanks.

And to the others, I have considered the Vox amps. I'm really going to go and play through a number of them a few times to see how I feel about them with MY gutiar rather than just using a guitar off the wall.

Any and ALL other suggestions welcomed!!!

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David Breckheimer

My fav solid state is an older Peavey Stereo Chorus 212 I have owned forever. If buying new, I own a Fender Mustang 1 amp, and it's great! So I'd say the Mustang 2 or 3 would be amazing!!!! And cheap!

I recently bought a Mustang 1 for traveling and I agree, the Mustang lineup is worth looking at.

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My tiny, red Roland Micro cube battery operated amp is my favorite SS amp. Here it is next to my tiniest tube amp, Vox AC4 mini.


By bluesguitar65 at 2011-12-29

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http://www.youtube.com/user/gmlasam

I have a Cyber Twin head into a Peavey 4x12 cabinet. Also use a Vox AC100CPH head into a Vox 4x12BK cabinet. I love the crystal clear, glass like quality of the Vox tubes, but it weighs 65 pounds, one of the last solid steel chassis tube amps in the Vox line. If I want versatility and effects, nothing beats the Twin IMHO. Pretty easy to switch between amps with an AB-Y box.

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Doing the work of three men. . . Larry, Moe & Curly

my favourite solid state amps must be the Marshall Valvestate

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http://www.youtube.com/user/eddytanhh

Marshall MG30FX - 4 Channels (Clean, Crunch, OD1 & OD2); Reverb + 4 Effects; MP3/Line In; and Headphone Out.

I've played through both the Mustang and Vox, but have not given the Marshall a run. Thanks to those that mentioned the Marshall. Will definately check that out.

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David Breckheimer

I have the vox valvetronix 40+ and really can't recommend it enough. It has a really nice sound and is one of the best hybrids I've heard. Coupled with Tue power attentuator, effects and optional footswitch and I think you'd really struggle to get q better hang for your buck. Never gigged it, but it goes pretty loud, I'm sure it would manage to cut through though.

I Just got a little VOX VT20+ for my granddaughter And it's a shameful little thing. Not my granddaughter, the AMP. If its affects your looking for this little amp has them all and then some. I also have A Peavey Vypyr & a Line 6 both a#$ kicker amps. The VT20+ has one lonesome little tube,and it's the pleasure out of the three. I like them all. But my favorite is my Reissue 65 Deluxe Reverb.
----Danny,

I am kinda partial to my baby Marshall 5005. It has a nice marshall tone, has been reliable, and is well built. Has a direct out for recording too!

T2

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