Considering new amps.

[Stevepage]

So I've got my JVM up for sale and I'm looking into what I could get.

I've got a small list of what I've been considering so far

Cornford Roadhouse
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
Mesa DC
Laney VC30
Mesa F30 or 50

I'm looking for something with a big warm clean tone, that's loud enough to be heard well in a band situation, can take distortion and modulation effects well and not cost me an arm and a leg.

I've tried a Mesa F30 before and I quite liked that. Today I tried out a Blackstar Artisan 15 combo, sounds very very nice but is 15 watts going to be loud enough? even if it is all valve?

At the moment I'm leaning towards getting a used Laney combo and a few good pedals, but would like to know your suggestions.

Must add that I'm not playing much 'brootz' any more I'm starting to play more blues and rock. Matt Schofields tone is a good reference for tone as well as Andy Timmons.

[Twinfan]

The Fender HRDs can be unreliable and the gain channel is awful.  Like a cheap gain pedal.  The clean is OK-ish though.

Of those, I'd plump for a Mesa or Laney - funds dependent of course!

[dave_mc]

^ agreed. or maybe the cornford- if it sounds like the cornfords I've tried (i've only tried the handwired ones), it should do timmons well.

[Stevepage]

^ agreed. or maybe the cornford- if it sounds like the cornfords I've tried (i've only tried the handwired ones), it should do timmons well.

Same, I used to own a Harlequin, but never had the chance with a roadhouse, but had heard good things.

Marshall didn't sell on Ebay again  :(

[sgmypod]

Borrowed a supersonic today....what a great amp fender cleans(2 of them) and drive that goes from mild crunch to whatever you like

[_tom_]

Another vote against the Hot Rod Deluxe, I had one and the clean was nice (although a bit stiff) but awful gain channels.

[DimeZakk]

I don't really see the point as the Marshall JVM slays all of the listed amps...

[Pete24v]

I loved my old VC30, did great cleans and a nice gritty blues tone. My local rehearsal place has a 2x12 version which is, for a want of a better word, Mega  :D

[Ian Price]

Another vote against the Hot Rod Deluxe, I had one and the clean was nice (although a bit stiff) but awful gain channels.

I had a Hot Rod Deville. Nice-ish cleans but not enough sparkle. Gain channel was terrible - I only used it once. The reliability also wasn't great - the PCB developed a hairline crack that resulted in intermittent crackle.

I'm watching this thread with interest as I'm on the lookout for a cheapish valve amp. The VC30 is on my list of affordables!

[Ian Price]

Borrowed a supersonic today....what a great amp fender cleans(2 of them) and drive that goes from mild crunch to whatever you like

I played a supersonic in a local guitar store a few weeks ago. Very nice indeed but i have heard that they are not the most reliable.

Also, is it just me but are most Fender amps insanely loud? The taper of volume on the Deville 212 that I once owned was ridiculous.

[Johnny Mac]

How about A Koch Twintone?

http://www.koch-amps.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92&Itemid=16

[Stevepage]

I don't really see the point as the Marshall JVM slays all of the listed amps...

It's a great amp but I'm also downsizing, it's a pain lugging around a huge and heavy half stack.

[tomjackson]

I've had 2 VC30's, both were great.  You can't beat them for the money, they are simple plug-and-play amps.
I had the 2x10 but I've also tried the 2x12.  The latter was a lot cleaner but I liked the easier crunch and portability of the 2x10. 

[Stevepage]

I used to own a VC50, which weighed a tonne. Didn't sound that great either, I think some one messed with the preamp  :?

[Pete24v]

i picked the 2x10 VC30 over the 1x12 in the shop, sounded fuller and tighter... the 2x12 is a different beast though