help choosing an amp

[wagn]

I'm looking to pick up a new practice and very small gig amp. I want to keep it under $300 and even under $200 if possible.

I play primarily metal, but really mess around in all styles.

The problem I keep finding is that all of the smaller practice amps seem to have a ton of built in effects. I have all the pedals and sounds I need. I'd rather pay for a better amp then pay for all the effects.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[guitarkid]

Hmmmm.....

Quality amp, Not many built in effects, small amp  for $300?

Let me decide.....

MARSHALL

                  -gk

[wagn]

Any particular model on the Marshall?

I know their tube Amps are great but are out of my price range,

and from what I've heard the MG series are really not all that good.

[bass or bass ?]

Why not go with a nice used Fender Twin Reverb?

[guitarkid]

I have an MG I like it, although I can see why people don't like them. I think it is because they are not really like a tube Marshall.

                      -gk

[J Francho]

Crate Vintage Club.  I had a 30 watt model.  All tubes.  Loaded it with Sovteks, and with the clean channel blasting, the absolute best distortion ever.

[guitarkid]

Let me re-phrase that, I think it is not well liked because it is solid state as opposed to tubes. I would rather have tubes too, but I had to settle.

                -gk

[wagn]

The crate looks intersting. They seem to have really good reviews. I can't seem to find them for sale, are they a discontinued model?

The twin reverb looks to be out of my price range. The only one I can seem to find is the 65 reissue, which is somewhere around $1300.00

Thanks for the help guys. At least I'm finding a place to start

[bass or bass ?]

The crate looks intersting. They seem to have really good reviews. I can't seem to find them for sale, are they a discontinued model?

The twin reverb looks to be out of my price range. The only one I can seem to find is the 65 reissue, which is somewhere around $1300.00

Thanks for the help guys. At least I'm finding a place to start

I said USED twin!! I see them around here occasionally for @ $400 for older models. Try looking on Craig's list. Good luck.

[J Francho]

A used Twin in usable condition will be $500 to $700. If its cheaper, its gonna need help.

The Crates are from the mid 90s, so you'll have to search for a used one. Mine was used, about $275 + whatever my guy charged for biasing and new tubes. I added casters to it as well, heavy as hell for such a little amp. Awesome little amp. Probably a lot cheaper now.

In my short 5 year stint as a guitarist (I'm primarily a drummer, but play everything) it served me well, and always got great comments about tone. I used a Les Paul gold top reissue, a Godin LGX, and a Mexican Tele. The only effects I had was a Tsunami chorus and Big Muff.

[Big Mike in Fl]

I like my Peavey Bandit 112, i would recommend finding one of those, no idea if they are still made, or what they run(I know they used to be in the $300-$400 range), but its a great little amp with a good sound