Suggestions For Small Amp Under $500

**dmullen** · 04-16-2007, 02:16 PM

I know there have been a lot of threads similar to this one but I wanted to start another updated one if that's cool.

I need a first amp for my new Luke...budget is under $500...this is for home practice and maybe an occasional small club gig but practice amp is the primary need. I'd planned on getting the Hughes & Kettner Blue 60-R and just wanted to make sure I couldn't do better. I just noticed today it has been discontinued but I should still be able to find a new one online I would think. Anything else close or better in the same class and price range?

**Sub1 Zero** · 04-16-2007, 02:17 PM

Peavey Valveking 112

**GWDavis28** · 04-16-2007, 02:24 PM

Tech21 Trademark 10 or 30.

Glenn |B)

**Spudmurphy** · 04-16-2007, 02:48 PM

Vox Valvetronix or Peavey Valveking

**robelinda2** · 04-16-2007, 02:52 PM

have you tried the Roland Cube 60 or 30? kicks ass over the valvetronix.

**Spudmurphy** · 04-16-2007, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by robelinda2

have you tried the Roland Cube 60 or 30? kicks ass over the valvetronix.

Oh no it doesn't !!!

**dmullen** · 04-16-2007, 03:16 PM

Why in your opinions are these suggestions better than the H&K?

**GWDavis28** · 04-16-2007, 03:19 PM

Dude I can't day that I've tried the H&K amps, I've heard good things about them though. You asked for small amp suggestions under $500, so that's what your getting. I just got my Tech21 Trademark 10 and I really love it. The model has been discontinued, but the Trademark 30 will do the job.

Hope this helps, Glenn |B)

**robelinda2** · 04-16-2007, 03:22 PM

Just try the Cube and the Edition Blue 60, they are both pretty good, some people need more gain though, and the Cube does that better. I prefer cleaner tones though. The Valvetronix is a good amp too, but the cleans were better on the H&K to my ears.

**andynpeters** · 04-16-2007, 03:23 PM

I like Peavey Classic 30 & Delta Blues amps but not sure how much they are in the USA.
Great clean and drive tones, excellent build quality and reliability, a 5 year warranty,good tones at practice volumes and could handle any gig I'm ever likely to do. You might be a heavy metal man though.........
I assume you've read reviews of the H&K on Harmony Central etc. so if it suits your style of music, whatever that may be, go for it.........lots of good suggestions on here but you need to be happy with your choice, rather than someone elses.

**robelinda2** · 04-16-2007, 03:26 PM

Peavey Classic 30 is an awesome amp, are they over $500 in the USA? if you can find one to play do it, but i suspect they are a little over $500 new. here in Oz they are over $1000 new. Great warm tones.

**andynpeters** · 04-16-2007, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by robelinda2

Peavey Classic 30 is an awesome amp, are they over $500 in the USA? if you can find one to play do it, but i suspect they are a little over $500 new. here in Oz they are over $1000 new. Great warm tones.

Google search found me a new one in the USA for $599 so a little over budget I'm afraid.

**TylerDowBryant** · 04-16-2007, 03:35 PM

The Peavey Delta Blues is great. They are 30 watts and all tube. You can get them in 2x10, or 1x15. I used to carry two of them to gigs. I have had mine for 3 years now with no problems. I traded one of mine on a Marshall. You can pick one up for about $450. Also the Fender Blues Junior is really cool. It has a great earthy tone. The Roland Micro Cube is cool and fun to play with as well. That's just me though. I don't really know what sounds you are looking for. My Luke sounds great through my Delta Blues, but it sounds great through anything.

**dmullen** · 04-16-2007, 03:42 PM

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I'm a newbie and I know that I shouldn't ask someone to tell me what sounds the best as I realize everyone has an opinion and I should listen for myself. I'm just trying to learn about what I should be looking for in a small practice amp as far as features...would I wish I had tubes...should I get something that the speaker could be upgraded at some point, etc. I'm a new player so going to the local guitar shop and playing a bunch of amps doesn't really apply to me. I'm just going by the soundclips I find on the manufacturer's sites and the opinions of guys like yourselves who are good players and have real world experience with a lot of equipment.

I picked a Luke for my 1st guitar so I think I'm off to a pretty good start!

**GWDavis28** · 04-16-2007, 03:46 PM

dmullen's that's cool man. Even though your not crazy about it, that's the best way to really tell what amps gonna work best for what you need. We can recommend tons of amps, but until you plug that beautiful Luke in, you won't know which amps for you.

By the way, nice choice, the Luke is the best.

Feel free to ask ?'s newbie, there's a lot of information here.

Glenn |B)