Small Tube Amp Opinions?

[bing4sons]

I currently have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with a Web F150 speaker, that I play through. I predominately play in a fairly small room, maybe 100-150 folks. The acoustic drums pretty much dictate the volume levels, which a lot of folks consider loud for the room size. We normally mic my amp, to get the overall level consistent.

The HRD is very loud and has to really be cranked up to drive the tubes, which I can't do because of the room size.

I'm considering getting a nice, small tube amp. Hopefully, it will not only have better tone, but will be easier to carry every week. Does anyone have experience/opinions on the following amps?:

Orange AD15
Reverend Goblin
Bad Cat Cub 15
Carvin Vintage 16
Vox AC15

Of course, I would be playing my Axis SS h/h. I send the piezo through my LR Baggs Para DI and into the PA, so I'd only be running the humbuckers output through this amp.

Thanks,

Bing

 

[fsmith]

Hey Bing,

How's it going? I wish I could help you out with personal info about those amps, but I've seen some discussion about a few of those over on the Gear Page Forums. You might want to check in and do a search.

I'm still loving my Mesa Boogie Studio .22, that thing is just bad ass. My Petrucci's HB's really sound huge and the piezo is incredible on the clean channel. It can crank when you want to but it's also the perfect bedroom amp when you want to rip without bothering the family. I'd be hard pressed to want to switch to something else.

I don't know if you'd be intersted in trying to track something like that down, but it does everything I need.

take care,
fred

 

[bing4sons]

Fred,

Thanks, I'll check into the Mesa Boogie. Sounds like it may do the trick. With my HRD, I just use the clean channel and use pedals for OD, delay, etc.

I'll also check out the gear page. BTW, it's been a year since we were counting down the days.

Anyone else have any opinions?

 

[hbucker]

The Peavey Delta Blues and Classic 30 are both worth having a look at. Both are 30 watt amps. The big difference is the speaker configuration. DB has 210's and the 20 has 112.

 

[Axis Sport]

Bing,

Im with Fred on the Mesa Boogie Studio 22. I used to use one when I played clubs and it always had plenty of power. I just purchased another one and wonder why I ever sold the first one? I also have a Traynor YCV20 that is a nice little tube amp that would be worth trying. If I had to choose between the two for gigging, I would probably use the Boogie.

Good luck,

Kevin

 

[dfrady]

Have you considered a Mesa Boggie Lone Star Special ?? It has power ratings of 5, 15 or 30 watts.
http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Lonestar/LonestarSpecial.htm

Hope this helps, alot of your choices just depends on how much cash you're willing to part with, but being a Boogie owner i have to say they're Top Notch.

 

[jongitarz]

I have a Mesa DC3...I love it, and you can still find them for around $500

 

[fsmith]

Fred,

BTW, it's been a year since we were counting down the days.

Yeah, I remember those days... That was the *longest* 3 months I can ever remember. I just have to laugh when I see the posts of all the guys waiting now. Definitely worth the wait though. At least when I order my next one it won't feel quite as bad having the Petrucci to play until it arrives.

Good luck on your quest. I really lucked into my Mesa, my niece's fiance had it and couldn't afford to get it fixed. He said I could have it if I wanted to get it repaired. $70 later, that baby sings like a bird, when I get someone who can really play to plug into it that is...

take care,
fred

 

[bing4sons]

$70? That's what I call a deal!

 

[ned911]

Another vote for the Lone Star Special. I got to play one at NAMM and it was incredible. The wattage selection is by channel so you can set the clean for 15watts and the distortion for 5 to get the cranked sound.

I usually don't come home from NAMM with GAS but the Rosewood Axis and the LSS have got a hole burning through my wallet.

Ned

 

[ned911]

Another vote for the Lone Star Special. I got to play one at NAMM and it was incredible. The wattage selection is by channel so you can set the clean for 15watts and the distortion for 5 to get the cranked sound.

I usually don't come home from NAMM with GAS but the Rosewood Axis and the LSS have got a hole burning through my wallet.

Lately I've been playing through my SF Champ with a Weber Economy MiniMass to keep the wife from yelling at me.

Ned

 

[slukather]

The Peavey Delta Blues and Classic 30 are both worth having a look at. Both are 30 watt amps. The big difference is the speaker configuration. DB has 210's and the 20 has 112.

I was gonna suggest the same thing, the Peavey Classic 30 has some major balls, and you can get the thing loud for a 30 watt amp. I was very impressed with it when l tried it.

Scott.

 

[bing4sons]

Just an update...

I'm leaning toward the Reverend Goblin. The reviews on HC are excellent. PLUS it now comes with a Jensen Neo 10-100. I've heard great things about this speaker. Some folks on HC replaced the stock speakers on Bad Cats and other high end amps with the Neo 10-100, and reported excellent results.

The ability to switch between 15 & 5 watts is also appealing to me. I have never played one, but from the reviews it sounds like a good compromise between tone & price.

BTW, what does the Lone Star Special retail for?

 

[spkirby]

Waving the Cornford flag again...they have one called the Harlequin which is only 6 watts so you can even drive the tubes hard at "bedroom" levels. If you are mic'ing the amp for gigs it'll work great. Check out the reviews on Harmony Central.

I have a 20w Cornford Hurricane which is great and gets into that sweet spot at acoustic drummer levels! This ones a bit more pricey though.

Steve

 

[tommyindelaware]

i played reverend tube amps alot at some guitar shows....they sound REALLY great...they are well built.....the customer service is the best !!!!.....and they are really light....and well priced.....
tommy in delaware


[QUOTE

I'm leaning toward the Reverend Goblin. The reviews on HC are excellent. PLUS it now comes with a Jensen Neo 10-100. I've heard great things about this speaker. Some folks on HC replaced the stock speakers on Bad Cats and other high end amps with the Neo 10-100, and reported excellent results.

 

[ned911]

The LS Special head is $1499 and the 1x12 is $1599. These are the actual prices you will pay as Mesa doesn't allow retailers to alter the price - keeps the retailers from competing with each other.

Also, you can custom order from MB to get the covering you want.

Ned

 

[bing4sons]

The LS Special head is $1499 and the 1x12 is $1599

That's definitely out of my price range. I'm trying to stay below $800.

 

[francric]

The Fender Hot Rod is not loud enough?

 

[bing4sons]

The Fender Hot Rod is not loud enough?

It's too loud for the room we play in. I lead worship for the kids at our church. The drums dictate the volume level for the room. In order to get a good mix, we mic the amp I use. So I'm wanting a smaller tube amp, where I can drive the tubes, without blowing the little kiddies eardrums.

 

[francric]

Oh, I guess I didn't get it. Need to read better. Then your on the right track.