Need some amp suggestions

[MechaGodzilla]

I'm after a new amp, but I don't know what the most practical option for me would be. I want:

-30-50 watts so it doesn't piss its pants when I hit it with a heavy fuzz
-relatively portable (can carry in one hand, so realistically 1x10 1x12 or 2x10 max)
-cheap/easy to maintain (as in it doesn't run on an extended family of EL84s and have a PCB that will melt itself)
-easily and (fairly) cheaply available in UK

I've been thinking a WEM Dominator but the most common ones run around the 18-20 watt sort of range, the bigger EL34 versions are less common. I think the ideal would be a Vibrolux or similar, but they don't come up cheap very often. I'll probably end up with a tweedy Peavey but they tend to go for more than I think they should, I don't like how much amps seem to hold their value here, even the crappy Fender hot rod/blues series. Ideally, I don't want to spend more then £300-500 but if it was THE amp, I'd maybe stretch to 700.

I'm not after a particular sound from an amp, just something that meets my practical needs. Does anyone have any good ideas?

[CyaNitrate]

I think the ideal would be a Vibrolux or similar, but they don't come up cheap very often.

I was actually going to suggest this, before I got to the "cheap and readily available" part. It's what I play through, and at 40watts fits the bill, it loves fuzz. But its not terribly light...lighter than a Twin perhaps, but I still roll it on it's casters, not that I move it much.

[MechaGodzilla]

I was afraid someone with more experience would give me a reality check and say that a Vibrolux isn't exactly "light". I can't find any of the new 68 customs to even demo, but I think they're as close as I'm gonna get to what I want. Maybe what I want doesn't exist exactly, but I'm flexible with the criteria.

[tremolo3]

If you are not a toob snob, Fender 85/Eighty-Five.

65w, 1x12 and will last for decades without messing with the guts.

Not sure if it's easily available over there, but there must be plenty of radiohead fans willing to sell it.

[frigid midget]

I agree, outside the US, the PV Classic series isn't such an incredible bargain.

Just wondering, since I've never tried one myself and always been curious: What's wrong with Fender's HR series and blues dlx? Based on just the specs, I would think HR Deluxe should be a solid option for you...

[CyaNitrate]

Just wondering, since I've never tried one myself and always been curious: What's wrong with Fender the HR series and blues dlx? Based on just the specs, I would think HR Deluxe should be a solid option for you...

The gain channel isn't great and they developed a stigma because for a while they were notorious for crapping out, mostly due to cold solder joints. If you've got the skill, they apparently aren't terribly hard to fix by reflowing the bad joints, but I've never tried, because before I started tinkering inside amps I drank the kool-aid and avoided them like the plague...I actually had one for a hot minute, but flipped it almost immediately.

Rfurtkamp loves them, and if you can get one in working order, its not a bad way to go. I'm just a sucker for hand-wired vintage gear

[frigid midget]

Yeah, that's sorta what I read/heard. Though the newer ones are supposedly more reliable and consistant. The meh gain channel isn't a huge concern to me personally cause I'm mainly interested in the clean channel, which might make a good platform for my pedals.

I'm more into hand wired ptp vintage amps too, but since you asked about cheap amps easily available in the uk, I figured stuff like that isn't really an option for you:idk:

[rfurtkamp]

Hand-wired vintage and your requirements isn't going to happen.

It's just a basic fact of life.

It'll be a compromise regardless.

The clean channel is stupid good, ignore the existence of the gain channel as a go-to.

[MechaGodzilla]

I had an early 90s Blues DeVille and when it was good, it was great. But I was spending too much on keeping it good (not hissy or buzzy) and it was too big. I nearly moved in on a HRDlx listed locally today, till I remembered how glad I was to be rid of the old tweed DeVille.

I know the are options that would suit me out there, I've seen them sell on eBay when I haven't had need/funds for them, I think I just need to wait for the right thing to find me.

Still open to any wisdom people might have for me.

[rfurtkamp]

The Deville is just too damn big for what it is.

And the original run were fine amps generally from what I saw, the killer was the lack of decent tube options back when they were released IMO.

[doommeow]

Laney AOR 30w combo?
Fender Super 60/112/210 from the Red Knob series?

[grindonomicon]

Laney AOR 30w combo?
Fender Super 60/112/210 from the Red Knob series?

These. Don't recall a lot of Laney combos, but I've never looked for one beyond the old solid state Linebacker I used to have. Great headroom for massive fuzz and fx w/ my Laney GH50L fifty watt tube head. That thing is not light weight though, even among 50 watt tube amps.

[CyaNitrate]

A 68 pro reverb just came up by me that looks like it was made yesterday. 2x12, so bigger than you want..but damn. $800! But I bet shipping would kill you..

http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/msg/5244782640.html

[MechaGodzilla]

I might try an AOR 30 because at the price they sell, no one seems to want them at all. Price of entry is very reasonable. At least I'll be able to gig while saving the pennies for the eventual Amp For Life purchase.

[The Mad Titan]

Well, if you're pretty buff you could tote a Sound City Concord with one hand.