+1 on the cubes

The only issue with the Cube's that I have is that I have found them to be quite 'metallic' (I'm not to sure how else to describe it.) and a little lacking in character. ? !!! ducks for cover !!! ?

Other than that...
I'm not expecting to get a tube amp, if it does happen I'll be transported to tone nirvana.

How would an Vox AC15 or AC30VR do? (I could try for second-hand.) Fender Mustang II? Just throwing ideas out.
Are there any other solid-state amps with good tone and value for money? Maybe I should just save a bit more and splurge...

Josh Hayes wrote: Maybe I should just save a bit more and splurge...

This depends on how much you currently have available. I would expect a Vox ac15 to be an excellent choice for your needs. To a lesser extent the Ibanez tsa15 (which I myself own).
I haven't shopped around much for amps, but would expect them both to be available under the 4k mark second hand.
Otherwise, as has been mentioned, the Cub12.

As far as nice solid state amps, well the Roland cube is right up there. I would even be inclined to say that if a cube didn't meet the grade, most ss amps will also fall short (except maybe a Roland JC...which is gonna cost you tube amp money).

So to summarize, I would expect the Cube 40 to be an excellent choice, but if it doesn't rock your boat, try some of the 15watt tube combos around.

I'm gonna say +1 on a Peavey Classic 30 or Roland Cube.

Got my C30 for R3000 (although no reverb) and it's absolutely fantastic. Gets you nice cleans and takes pedals very well. It also has an effects loop.

Can't say anything about the other amps though.

Joe Moore wrote:
If you are in Jhb , pop into Toms , they have the new Roland Cube GX series in stock to check out . I'm sure other stores have them too .

.... R7 odd K , for the Cube 80 GX (before discount) is rather hefty though . ?


http://www.roland.com/amp/guitar/

=

There's a couple of the previous Cube 80 XL series for about 3k on Gumtree right now. 8)

And TOMS will have the Ibanez TSA series as well.

My vote also goes to the Ibanez TSA 15 - great cleans and takes pedals really well.

I'm in Cape Town.
Gonna keep looking around, hopefully score a good second-hand deal.

Josh Hayes wrote: The only issue with the Cube's that I have is that I have found them to be quite 'metallic' (I'm not to sure how else to describe it.) and a little lacking in character

Metallic? If I'm not mistaken, the Cube has 3 clean channels... One of them is a Tweed channel! 8) (Which tube amp has a tweed channel?? ? )
As for lacking in character.... A valve amp will have more character a majority of the time. The TSA or Cub are great low priced amps with enough wattage for a gig (But no tweed channel!).

But remember the Cube - the destroyer of 1000 worlds - is a god among mortal amps. 8)

I'm not wild about that Roland tweed channel... I'd prefer a TSA with a Tweed style pedal. Or even a cranked Cub. The Roland is good, I use one from time to time and quite like the "Brit Combo" channel. But for this

I would need something with nice cleans, decent EQ and maybe some reverb. I prefer to use pedals for dirty sounds.
I don't do metal, if that is any help. Hard rock at most. Cool -

I'd pick up a TSA15 or second hand Cub 12R (not sure what the cleans are like though - only heard 'em cranked). The TSA has great cleans and although it doesn't have reverb, the Cube's reverb is a digital emulation anyway, so adding a reverb pedal to the TSA won't be that different (it could better depending on the pedal) but will obviously add to the price. You'll be able to get either of them for around Cube prices anyway if I'm not mistaken. I don't see any benefit to going with the Cube for Josh's requirements.

EDIT: A lot of the worship guys seem to use Tube Screamer style OD pedals, so the TSA's built one in is a bonus in this case.

A bit of an ask, but, do you guys know the current rough prices of (new and second-hand):

Vox AC15
Ibanez TSA 15
Laney Cub 12R
Peavey Classic 30
Roland Cubes

And any similar amps. :-\

Thanks everybody, I am getting nearer to real amp acquisition! ?

I know the TSA goes for 4-4.5K new, I think a new Cub is in that price range, the Roland is 7K for the new one (Cube 80GX) and 2nd hand the TSA goes for about 2K for just a head to 3.5K for the head and cab (Max... anything more and you may as well buy new), the Cube you can find for about the same. Cubs can be found for around R2000. I remember forumite Wirt got a Cub I was also looking at for around that price (if I'm not mistaken...)
Peavey 30 for just over 3k second hand but 30 watts is a lot of powaaaaaa!!!!! 8)

TL;DR - New amp around R4500
- Second hand R3000

AC 15?

Josh Hayes wrote: AC 15?

Sorry Broha... That one I don't know... Which probably means it costs more than 4K - AKA the most I'll ever spend on anything ever - new.

Josh Hayes wrote: AC 15?

2nd hand they go for around R5000. New...well phone up a VOX Dealer. In CT, try any of the Bothner or Marshall stores.

You may struggle to find an Ibanez TSA in CT to try. Your best bet is Thundercloud Music in Fish Hoek. Laney, go to any Bothner store.

I would suggest whether you are buying new or 2nd hand, make a trip with your own guitar out to the stores that stock the amps you have your eye on and give 'em all a try. That's the only way you're gonna know what you really like - regardless of what anyone is suggesting.

Mr T wrote:

Josh Hayes wrote: AC 15?

2nd hand they go for around R5000. New...well phone up a VOX Dealer. In CT, try any of the Bothner or Marshall stores.

You may struggle to find an Ibanez TSA in CT to try. Your best bet is Thundercloud Music in Fish Hoek. Laney, go to any Bothner store.

I would suggest whether you are buying new or 2nd hand, make a trip with your own guitar out to the stores that stock the amps you have your eye on and give 'em all a try. That's the only way you're gonna know what you really like - regardless of what anyone is suggesting.

Will do. Thanks.

Edit: Just phoned Bothner's. AC15 for R8300 and Cub12R for R5300.

I think I am going to have to just settle for solid state for now, there is a Fender Mustang II for R2000 on Gumtree. I may as well go have a look, since it is an amp that I have played with and quite like; even for a modelling amp.

Josh Hayes wrote:

I think I am going to have to just settle for solid state for now

You really should be able to pick up something in your price range if you scout out the second hand market for a while. You don't gain much by buying new. I'd say, for now you have your Pathfinder, so wait until something in your price bracket has turned up or you've saved enough to afford what you want. If you have no reason to rush, don't.

Mr T wrote:

Josh Hayes wrote: AC 15?

ores.

You may struggle to find an Ibanez TSA in CT to try. Your best bet is Thundercloud Music in Fish Hoek. Laney, go to any Bothner store.

There are a few at the constantia marshall music, and if that fails, you're welcome to come and try mine and then order it from TOMS as I did.

Thanks Shibbibilybob. I may take you up on that offer some time in the future. ?

For now I have decided to look out for an inexpensive, second-hand ss amp. Something like a Mustang or Cube.
(unless some miracle appears in the next few days/weeks)
As an intermediary 'stepping-stone' to a real tube amp.

Not sure if its still available, but there is a guy selling his ac30cc1 on fb for R4500, just saying...