Best guitar Amp under $700 (U.S.) Suggestions???

[iamnotafraid]

Come on you guitar playing peeps, what do you think?

Right now I'm looking at a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, still I'm not sure.
Haven't had a tube amp before.

[mylittledemon]

Haven't had a tube amp!?? Go with a Mesa Boogie if you can get one. Otherwise stick with Fender. I had the Blues Jr and it was a good little workhorse.

[iamnotafraid]

Yep, Mr. Sound never had a tube guitar amp, ain't that a shame?

Do you think the MB has good reliability?
That's one of the reasons I've stayed away
from tubes.

[mylittledemon]

Boogies are awesome. My faves on the market... and the tubes always treated me well. I've heard some random horror stories, but Mesa backs up their gear and the customer service is awesome too. Can't go wrong with Fender, either though.

[iamnotafraid]

I'll have to see if any dealers carry the Boogies around here.
I have two Fender amps, and they've been great. I was just
looking for better sound, so that's why I'm considering tubes
(as both my Fenders are SS).

[mylittledemon]

In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. I prefer Boogie & Fenders.

I think you could get a good Fender for that price. For $700 though, you'd probably have to get a used Boogie.

Here's some I would suggest:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/-Hot-Rod-Series-Blues-Junior-NOS-15W-1x12-Tube-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=483711

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/-Hot-Rod-Deluxe-Amp?sku=480510

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Hot-Rod-Series-Blues-Junior-15W-1x12-Tube-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=481861

http://cgi.ebay.com/MESA-BOOGIE-MAVERICK-DUAL-RECTIFIER_W0QQitemZ120547267670QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c112d5456

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Rocket-4Forty-4-Forty-Four-40-440-Tube-Amp_W0QQitemZ370354003467QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item563ad19e0b

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Subway-Rocket-w-tags-No-Reverb-Excellent_W0QQitemZ350330167702QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item51914e2196

[chiliD]

Come on you guitar playing peeps, what do you think?

Right now I'm looking at a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, still I'm not sure.
Haven't had a tube amp before.

What type of sound are you going for? (that would have a whole lot to do with the type of amp you should get)

How are you going to use the amp? (with a band? rehearsal or live gigs? practice alone?)


If you're going for a crunchy, bluesy sound (think Clapton or Keith Richards), then an open-back Fender combo amp is the way to go.

If you want a more ballsy sound (think Jimmy Page or David Gilmour) then a 50-100W head with a closed-back 2x12 or 4x12 cabinet would be your choice.

[iamnotafraid]

I think you could get a good Fender for that price. For $700 though, you'd probably have to get a used Boogie.

Here's some I would suggest:

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/-Hot-Rod-Deluxe-Amp?sku=480510


That's the very one I've had my eye on. I like the way that one sounds.
But I just measured my stand (and the surroundings) and it's too
wide!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RATS! It's bigger than my Fender Champion 110.

I'll have to figure something out. Thanks for the info LittleD.

_____________________________________________
ChiliD,
It's pretty much just used for my practicing, so I don't need a
monster amp. I play mostly classic rock, blues and country.
I hate metal!

Basically I just want something that sounds better than what I
have (in the $700 and under price range). And something that's
very reliable.

Who knows? I might have to make a move this weekend.

[mylittledemon]

Yeah go play them and see what you like. ChiliD made an excellent point about WHERE you will be using the amp. That's a good factor to consider. ;)

[iamnotafraid]

I really need to build my own studio.

A place safe for guitars, amps and cables
to roam free without the worry of getting
smashed and knocked around.

One day.................

[iamnotafraid]

Decided to wait a little bit on the amp.
That didn't stop me from buying a
Boss ME-25.

Now we will see who's boss (get it?).

[mylittledemon]

It's always best to wait just a wee bit longer and get what you actually want. ;)