Here we go again..

epictring

Yeah I'm a gear freak, I've been through a couple of amps. But this time I think I have a valid reasons for switching amps.

I currently have a Mesa Boogie Rect-O-Verb 50 watt combo monster with flight case. This thing is huge, I mean, impossible to carry alone, let alone fit in a small car.
Now I'm really starting to think IF I start gigging this year again how will I transport this thing, my transport has been downgraded from a SUV last year to a small car now. I am also moving into a more clean/blues direction tonewise, and find myself using the distortion less and less - and thats what these rectifiers are made for no?

So I am looking at the Vox AC15's, they are relatively small(er) than the mesa, at least as skinny as I am I should be able to carry it alone. Other options are obviously the new extra-small portable tube amps hitting the market. I love fenders, mesa's and vox mostly - but am open to opinions.

Honestly if I could keep the Mesa for the tone, I would fully. But its portability is starting to play a big role.
I am not rushed, hence why I am making this topic for discussion.. I know I've made a lot of these types, but I know you guys love talking gear ?

Budget is about as much as I can get for the amp if I were to take the pledge to sell it, say +-9k but would go less to spend cash on other gear.

edit: also note that the place I live in and play the mesa is up one of those twisting stairs, even with 2 people its hard carrying it around the curve.

Manfred-Klose

get the AC - 15 they are priced good and sound kief

aja

Why go from Mesa to Vox?

Are those not completely different tones?

AlanRatcliffe

epictring wrote: I love fenders, mesa's and vox mostly - but am open to opinions.

Settle on the brand (or type of sound rather) first - before you go further. ^ Them's all completely different animals. Yeah, they are all good sounds, but all very, very different. Bluesy/clean, Vox or Fender would probably be your first choices. For dirtier blues, Vox or Fender Tweed-types, for cleaner stuff, the BF/SF Fenders. But it's also going to depend on the guitars you are going to be using...

Once you have settled on the type of sound, then you start looking for models in your price range that check the size/ weight boxes. Fortunately, most 15-20W 1 X 12" amps are pretty compact.

epictring

aja wrote: Why go from Mesa to Vox?

Are those not completely different tones?

Like I said I'm finding myself using the dirty channel less and less on the mesa, and thats where the mesa really screams. My taste in the music I play has changed in the past few months to more blues type playing.

I LOVE the mesa distortion tone, but I'm not using it so much, and I'd much rather have a amp with an exceptional clean. The mesa's clean is good and usable, but I can get better from other amps in that element.

I want an amp that can do really nice cleans and some dirty blues. I don't really need the metal tones the mesa delivers.

ezietsman

epictring wrote:
aja wrote: Why go from Mesa to Vox?

Are those not completely different tones?

Like I said I'm finding myself using the dirty channel less and less on the mesa, and thats where the mesa really screams. My taste in the music I play has changed in the past few months to more blues type playing.

I LOVE the mesa distortion tone, but I'm not using it so much, and I'd much rather have a amp with an exceptional clean. The mesa's clean is good and usable, but I can get better from other amps in that element.

I want an amp that can do really nice cleans and some dirty blues. I don't really need the metal tones the mesa delivers.

If I was in your position I would look at a trade for a Mesa Transatlantic 15 watt and a 1x12 cab, or something similar. I've never been a fan of classic Vox amps for blues (maybe thats just me), they only sound good cranked to 10 (Flamesuit on, don't bother ?) That said, The 15 watt Vox Nightrain would be nice for that stuff, small too.

You'd be better off taking your big ol Mesa along to the city and see what you can trade it for, then decide when you have access to a wide range of amps to try.

AlanRatcliffe

I suppose a Mesa Transatlantic would cover all the bases, plus have some of the tones you are used to. Problem being that it's a little bit of a tradeoff on some of the tones - a jack of all trades kind of thing. [EDIT: EZ beat me to it]

Clean to bluesy drive, I like the Fenders - Deluxe Reverb Reissue being top of the pile, but expensive and hard to find second hand. The Hotrod Deluxe is a 40W, easy to find and affordable and still a very giggable size and weight. There are quite a few limited edition variations around that pop up from time to time too.

The AC15 is an option worth looking at, but it can't get as clean as a Fender, it's always got a bit of an edge to it. It can work, but it depends on what you want.

epictring

I'll make a trip to music connection next week sometime to check out a few amps..

I'll check out the mesa transatlantic, vox night train and ac15, fender hotrod - anything else?

Would it be best to sell the amp online? Or will I get more out of a trade in? I'm thinking online selling

ZarK

Hot Rods are very loud compared to the 15 watters you're considering. Do you need that much volume? Nice to have the clean headroom -if that's what you're after. If you're looking for good crunch tones at lower volumes, the 15 watters would be better suited imo. Volume and portability-wise, I'd probably look at a Blues Junior over a Hot Rod...

Norman86

What IS the going rate for a Mesa TA 15 or 30 combo nowadays anyway??

ezietsman

Norman86 wrote: What IS the going rate for a Mesa TA 15 or 30 combo nowadays anyway??

Prob more than what he'll get for his Mesa, although, you never know. I was thinking second hand. I really like the TA15, great sounding thing, also pretty loud through A vintage 30, I'll recommend a Nighttrain cab or something 1x12 with a greenback, to bring the volumes down a tad.

aja

ez wrote:
Norman86 wrote: What IS the going rate for a Mesa TA 15 or 30 combo nowadays anyway??
Prob more than what he'll get for his Mesa, although, you never know. I was thinking second hand. I really like the TA15, great sounding thing, also pretty loud through A vintage 30, I'll recommend a Nighttrain cab or something 1x12 with a greenback, to bring the volumes down a tad.

I am not so sure if the G12M greenbacks (98dB) are that much softer than the V30 (100dB) speakers. The reason I say this is that I have compared a V30 to a G12H 55 (100dB) and the V30 still sounds louder even though they both have the same sensitivity. I wonder if the perceived loudness of the V30 is not due to the extra high end it has? A bright amp sounds very loud with the V30, even piercing at times. I found the same with the greenbacks vs the V30 - less top end on the greenbacks making them less piercing.

Either way, I get what you are saying, just an interesting thought.

epictring

ZarK wrote: Hot Rods are very loud compared to the 15 watters you're considering. Do you need that much volume? Nice to have the clean headroom -if that's what you're after. If you're looking for good crunch tones at lower volumes, the 15 watters would be better suited imo. Volume and portability-wise, I'd probably look at a Blues Junior over a Hot Rod...

Yes as I was typing Hot Rod I thought of that as well, I played one a long while back.

Blues Junior I'll check

ez wrote:
Norman86 wrote: What IS the going rate for a Mesa TA 15 or 30 combo nowadays anyway??
Prob more than what he'll get for his Mesa, although, you never know. I was thinking second hand. I really like the TA15, great sounding thing, also pretty loud through A vintage 30, I'll recommend a Nighttrain cab or something 1x12 with a greenback, to bring the volumes down a tad.

Yeah new they are over 10k. I'll be on the lookout for second hand units to see, but the fact that I'm gonna need to get a cab as well pushes the costs up a little out of my reach I think.

What is the main differences between the vox night train and vox ac 15's?
If I recall the night train doesn't have an effects loop? Or was it the lil night train...

I've got a few pedals to run as well.

Norman86

the blues junior is an acquired taste though...
i didnt like it at all..

epictring

OK I checked the Mesa transatlantic ta-15 also doesn't have an effects loop... I think I really need one for my delay

Warren

epictring wrote:
Yeah new they are over 10k. I'll be on the lookout for second hand units to see, but the fact that I'm gonna need to get a cab as well pushes the costs up a little out of my reach I think.

What is the main differences between the vox night train and vox ac 15's?
If I recall the night train doesn't have an effects loop? Or was it the lil night train...

I've got a few pedals to run as well.

The Night Train has no effects loop or reverb, and no foot-switchability. The Mesa TA-15 also has no loop or reverb, but does have a foot switch. The TA-30 has all of the afore-mentioned stuff, but it is considerably more expensive.

Tokai-SA

Have you checked the Classifieds lately?

Yikes, guys, it's sitting right there, just grab it.

I thought you guys with GAS were on the ball? ?

Norman86

That the rivera by any chance?!

Tokai-SA

Norman86 wrote: That the rivera by any chance?!

Just buy it, don't ask any questions. ?

Norman86

Fortunately, i have no amp GAS ?

im asking about the TA15/30 for a friend..
I know Alan said there are trade offs, but i have only read good things about the TA series!

as for the Rivera.. Epictring, go check it out! ?