Amps

[73h Nils]

^I've tried one on 2 occasions. On first attempt, it didn't click with me. Seemed lifeless. The second time, however, it was really nice. It doesn't have enough of a gainy sound, like the F-50 which I adore, so that's why I wouldn't take it. The Express series is really good, though. The 5 watt option is a nice touch, too.

Great crunch sound (Not OMG Dual Rec levels, though)
Sweet cleans. Really chimey.
Reliability will be top notch, because it's Mesa. 5 year warranty etc.

I'd still recommend trying one though, if you get the chance.

 

[Volt]

Fender "Hot Rod Deville 212" tube combo amp. 60 watts RMS, 2-12 inch speakers. Two built-in stages of footswitch controllable tube overdrive.
I bought one yesterday. Great amp for under $1000.

 

[GoD_X]

you might want to try the new line6 amps.. the spider valve mkii, Line 6 - Spider Valve MkII - Amp and Effects Models in a Tube Amplifier
or maybe a used flextone XL on ebay or craigs list.. they are good amps, good effects built in. and u get plenty of tones from jazz blues to rock, metal, shred and anything in between.

 

[skerwo]

Fender "Hot Rod Deville 212" tube combo amp. 60 watts RMS, 2-12 inch speakers. Two built-in stages of footswitch controllable tube overdrive.
I bought one yesterday. Great amp for under $1000.

Sorry, but I can´t imagine the Fender Deville Amp doing metal/shred. Otherwise a nice amp, especially the cleans, but OD is a little bit on the "special side", not for everyone´s ears.


Rainer

 

[k.gormley]

i played a mesa 5-25 with the 10inch speaker today and for metal you will need a pedal , the same for the fender hot rod. You can get a black star ht distortion pedal and put that infront of the amp that fits you budget and wattage needs. I am in the same place ,,,thinking of peavey classic 30+ blackstar pedal......or a spiderIV 75

 

[marantz1300]

Shame your not in the UK.I have a 76 Marshall Super Lead thats in your buget.Instant Classic Rock tone and all the volume you could ask for. Try one if you can.

 

[petruccirocks02]

Another vote for the Mesa Mark series. I was using an Axe Fx, but just sold it to buy back my old Boogie IIC+! You can't go wrong with a Boogie. Just my .02 though.

-Phil

 

[roburado]

I love the Mark IV. I'll put in a vote for the F-50. The F-Series was great. Not as big a fan of my F-30 as I am the F-50 or F-100. I only got it, because I just felt like I didn't need/want to spend the extra money for an F-50. Bad decision in some ways. The only possible decision at the time, however.

Not a fan of the Express Series. Not even close. They sound like an emasculated F-Series.

 

[NewLukeGuy]

Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 combo has a really nice range of tones and its small enough for your bedroom but big enough for small gigs (you might need to add an extension cab depending on the gig). you can get the 2x12 for around $1300

Another suggestion is look into one of the Line 6 Spider Combos those will easily be within your budget (some even below it)

I just bought one this week used and shipped to me for $1000. The thing is in perfect condition. I get it tomorrow and cannot wait to run my morse and luke through it and check out the wide range of tone coming out of that bad boy.

 

[batyak]

Don't know how much they cost in the States, but you can't go wrong with a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier!

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

Don't know how much they cost in the States, but you can't go wrong with a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier!

They cost under half what they cost in the UK!