Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

[toejam]

I'm looking for a small, 1x12 combo tube amp. I mostly play at home by myself, but sometimes jam over at my cousin's house with someone on drums, sometimes another guitar player. I want something that's low wattage that breaks up easier at lower volumes like the EL84s, but I also want a nice clean channel. Something that's got two or three channels would be nice, something that's loud enough for a band but good for living room/bedroom levels at times.
So far, I've got my eye on a Mesa/Boogie F-30 since it's got 2 EL84s with 4 12AX7s. The first channel is clean, the second channel is dirty with a contour boost that cuts the mids and boosts the gain, treble and bass. This sounds like it would be just about perfect for what I'm looking for. I also love the fact that it's got separate reverb controls for each channel that can also be footswitched out, as I like a little reverb on the clean channel, but I use less to no reverb on the lead channel. Anyone have opinions on this amp, or something with similar features? Thanks! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Chuckracer]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

Mesa Studio .22+. Be sure to get the one with a graphic.
'Nuff Said! (I love using that... [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] )

[Venomboy]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

Mesa DC5 has a 5 band eq and reverb. But it runs 6L6 tubes. 2 Channel too. I'm not sure if the DC3 has an eq or not.

Here's some info/pics on the head version, which I'm selling here:

http://home.comcast.net/~cookiejarvis/boogie/dc5.html

[toejam]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

Thanks, guys! I'll look into those as well.

[Twisteramps]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

What Chuck said. Another option is a Budda Superdrive 18 combo... no reverb, but man they are sweet. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Pete

[P I K A]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

VHT has a new amp out called the pitbull 30. It has el84's and 1 12 speaker with 2 channels and I think an fx loop. Sounds like the perfect little amp.And if you get 1 let me know how it sounds cause I'm tempted to buy 1 [img]graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[toejam]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

I've read about the Budda and VHT combos, but they seem a little pricey for me right now. Though, I'd love to have them! [img]graemlins/drool2.gif[/img]

[Venomboy]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

I dunno what your price range is but I got my VHT Pittbull Fiftry/Two Twelve for $825 used and its in mint condition. Check out the Pittbull 45 as well. Run an eq thru the loop and BAM! You gots tone!

[toejam]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

I'm trying to keep the price range between $400- $800.

[blindmuddy]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

The mesa DC3 is really nice and they can be had for around 500. It has 2 totally separate channels and a 5 b and eq. Its 35 watts and loud as hell, awesome amp for home, or clubs.
Chris

[blindmuddy]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

I just saw where someone has a dc-3 on ebay for 499 with less than 2 days left and no bids. item #2562946725 and for what its worth from my experience with mesas I'd stay away from one without the eq.
Chris

[Dreamland_Rebel]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

he doesn't want the dc-3. he wants either the studio .22 w/ eq or the .50 cal with silver toggles (not the .50cal +) but the el84 version.
-or if price is an issue he could look into the peavey classic 30. but i don't know if it would pull off the distortion he's looking for. i have the .50 cal el84 and love it to death. it sounds so sweet and can be so loud if needed.

[slayer]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

I like Joe am looking for the same type thing. which of these amps either used or new has the highest gain plus reverb, that`s what I am looking for as I play speed metal and I normally play thru a VHT Pittbull CLX-100? Also at around $500. Thanks-Jack.

[Jerry From Ghana]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

get a peavey classic 30, get the $25 mod from teefus on the HFC, slam the front end with a boost pedal, and perhaps replace the speaker with a g12t75 and you're in business.

[slayer]

Re: Opinions on small EL84 combo amp

That`s a good idea, now I wish I never sold my old Carvin X-60 combo amp, but I put that money towards my Pittbull, now I nead a light travel tube amp again [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] Jack.