Blues amp choices

[jgcable]

Looking for a 1 x 12 or 1 x 15 combo to do strictly blues at the local open mic nights. I have a full pedal board to plug into it.
Looking for something portable and preferably all tube and it must have reverb. I was looking at the Fender Blues Jr, the Crate Vintage series, the Crate Palamino, The Peavey Delta Blues etc...
Any other suggestions? I don't want to spend a ton on a small combo for open mic nights and its a pain in the but dragging my heavy 2 x 12 combo around.

[DonP]

Blue Do Do?

I'm 100% Marshall, so for me (if I ever got into blues) it would be a JTM45 combo.

[horns666]

Dr Z...Best blues amps in the world IMO!


All the blues guys around here use 'em. I also met Joe Walsh at the factory trying some out. He's better than I ever gave hime credit for..respect!

[Larz]

D. Z's are fantastic.......far from cheap though and not as many models come with reverb.

But the newer Maz 8 has it.....

[lhrocker]

Peavey Classic 30 maybe?

[tonemonster]

If size and cost is an issue...... have a look at the VHT Special 6 ultra combo. damn nice package for $330. but it has no reverb. It will do clean, blues, rock, and snarling nasty gain. the odd part is, it has a 3D type feel, even with no reverb. its strange. it dont even need reverb. my friends were quit dumbfounded when they played it too. it has something going on that gives it a feel like it almost has reverb.

I dont know what your looking to spend, but what about a used Mesa Lone Star?

[markD]

i was in nashville last week and saw TONS of awesome blues players. just about ALL of them were using either a blues jr. or a hot rod deluxe. they all had killer tone also.

[roodyrocker]

I have a Dr. Z Maz 18 jr. with reverb. Mine is a 1x12 combo and sounds nice but it's heavy. I bought mine used but in mint condition. These days you're looking at $1200-1400 for one used. If that's within your budget I can second the Dr. Z recommendations above.

[Cygnus X1]

Hmmm.
I just built a Matchless Spitfire (2xEL84) and am waiting for a chance to get it tuned up and done.
Busy with other amps at the moment.
Might be a good choice?
It's just a chassis at the moment, no head cab, nor a combo just yet.

[Sinistas]

Carvin Vintage 16? I know you dig their other stuff.

[Hellbat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6EkeRStPxA


Even this chucklehead can make it sound great...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utIaHcO3Hy4

Oops, sorry. Missed the part about the reverb on first read and I don't think this has a loop for your pedalboard. Suggestion fail. It does have some nice blues tones on tap though.

[jgcable]

Hmmm.
I just built a Matchless Spitfire (2xEL84) and am waiting for a chance to get it tuned up and done.
Busy with other amps at the moment.
Might be a good choice?
It's just a chassis at the moment, no head cab, nor a combo just yet.

Let me know Cig what you have. We talked about that Matchless Spitfire clone a while back. I would like to get my hands on one of your amps and do a nice demo of it online. Thanks bro. jG

[jgcable]

Carvin Vintage 16? I know you dig their other stuff.

Its one I am looking at.

[jgcable]

I have a Dr. Z Maz 18 jr. with reverb. Mine is a 1x12 combo and sounds nice but it's heavy. I bought mine used but in mint condition. These days you're looking at $1200-1400 for one used. If that's within your budget I can second the Dr. Z recommendations above.

Great amps but WAY out of my budget. I am looking to spend around $300.00

[tonemonster]

I am looking to spend around $300.00

VHT special 6 Ultra.

[markD]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FENDER-BLUES...item20c1b0ca80

[Cygnus X1]

Let me know Cig what you have. We talked about that Matchless Spitfire clone a while back. I would like to get my hands on one of your amps and do a nice demo of it online. Thanks bro. jG

Thanks again!
I should have paid more attention.
Only way I could meet your pricepoint is as-is, no cab, just the chassis running with a line out installed.
It's built, just needs tuning.

As for Reverb, I know there were a few Spitfires built with reverb but I really don't think it needs it.
Very similar to a tweed Bassman or Deluxe, reverb and slight phase is a natural part of the sound of the circuit.
I found a great clip to demonstrate.
Let me find the link.

I've built and heard similar from Tweed Deluxe...and the Spitfire at much less volume.
Another edit, hang on for the middle of the clip, then the end.
Great stuff.




Given my inability to satisfy those requirements (price and effects)
I can easily recommend two of the amps already posted,
The Fender Blues Deluxe or the Peavey Delta.
Production amps, they offer more bling than my own, but good reports overall.
I can't say much for the others, no experience with them and no good to report from the tech side either.
I've come to the conclusion to avoid anything related to Crate though...from experience.
Truly Yugo stuff.
When it works, fine...when it doesn't, throw it away.
And Carvin still suffers from resale problems.

[axmann]

I use my buddies Fender Princeton for similar stuff.. Its a bit beat up looking but really sings. He payed squat for it used.

[Cygnus X1]

I use my buddies Fender Princeton for similar stuff.. Its a bit beat up looking but really sings. He payed squat for it used.

What year (ish)?
Princetons are getting as much or more money than Deluxe Reverbs if you're in the market.
Both Reissue and 60's-early 70's range.
Late Silverface can still go cheap but $300 is way too low to shop for quality for those.
IMO, o' course.

[jgcable]

Thanks again!
I should have paid more attention.
Only way I could meet your pricepoint is as-is, no cab, just the chassis running with a line out installed.
It's built, just needs tuning.

As for Reverb, I know there were a few Spitfires built with reverb but I really don't think it needs it.
Very similar to a tweed Bassman or Deluxe, reverb and slight phase is a natural part of the sound of the circuit.
I found a great clip to demonstrate.
Let me find the link.

I've built and heard similar from Tweed Deluxe...and the Spitfire at much less volume.
Another edit, hang on for the middle of the clip, then the end.
Great stuff.




Given my inability to satisfy those requirements (price and effects)
I can easily recommend two of the amps already posted,
The Fender Blues Deluxe or the Peavey Delta.
Production amps, they offer more bling than my own, but good reports overall.
I can't say much for the others, no experience with them and no good to report from the tech side either.
I've come to the conclusion to avoid anything related to Crate though...from experience.
Truly Yugo stuff.
When it works, fine...when it doesn't, throw it away.
And Carvin still suffers from resale problems.

Thanks Cyg, yea I am looking for something on the cheap side because its only being used for open mic night blues jams.
Let me know how much it would cost for that Spitfire clone tuned and in a cabinet. I doesn't have to be in a combo. I can pickup a small 1 x 12 or 1 x 15 cab. I don't want to overstep the JCF rules regarding buying or selling so PM or email me. Thanks bro. JG