Small portable combo $800/£600/€700

[AngryGoldfish]

So I'm playing solo shows only at the moment and my current gear just isn't practical for it. My price range is pretty low considering how much I'll be using the amp out, but I just don't have any more cash to spare right now.

I need something around $700-800 in a small 1x12 format that is no heavier than 18kg and not too bulky. I'll be using public transport, carrying a guitar in one hand, the amp in the other and my pedalboard in a backpack. Ideally I'd like something in the 10-15 watt range, but a little lower is OK as long as it has enough clean headroom for a (relatively) quiet solo show. I want a really full and dry clean sound that only overdrives if you play it hard. I also really need reverb, and tremolo if possible.

On the pedalboard out front there will be a tuner, smallsound/bigsound F*ck Overdrive (or something else versatile like the Dr. Scientist The Elements), a tremolo (unless the amp has tremolo), and a delay. I'll be playing post-rock, but more precisely a style that crosses jazz and shoegaze. It's hard to describe it without sounding like a pompous prick, so apologies if I am.

I have the Ampeg GVT15 combo in mind, but it's a bit overpriced over here in Europe for what it is. It fits the bill well, but I'm wondering whether there is anything else out there that might be even better, ideally something that is either made in the EU or overseas, but still easily accessible here. Again, it has to be portable, full sounding (not thin and small) and take pedals well. Thoughts?

[sonidero]

Fender Excelsior, Mustang II, Peavey Classic 30, Vox AC15C1, Roland Cube???

[futuresailors]

Laney VC15 or VC30? Used of course.

[AngryGoldfish]

Yeah, I've considered the Laney LC and VC15 amps. They're easy to find over here as well. I'll also consider the Excelsior, but probably not the Mustang and Roland Cube as I'm going to try and keep it tube. I have a Vox Valvetronix 30 from years ago that sounds good enough as a solid state amp.

I'm not too keen on the Vox AC15 sound, and the Classic 30 is too big and heavy. Great sounding amp, though, for the money.

[sonidero]

Vox Nightrain and whatever cab???

[AngryGoldfish]

I need to carry the amp one hand. Unless I fastened the cabinet to the head somehow it just wouldn't work. I'd probably stick to my Fryette Memphis if I had to carry an external cabinet as well.

[Jeff-7]

VHT Special 12/20 possibly? Never tried them but I like a lot of the VHT/Fryette stuff.

[AngryGoldfish]

VHT Special 12/20 possibly? Never tried them but I like a lot of the VHT/Fryette stuff.

The VHT Special 12/20 and all the other amps with the VHT logo and black tolex don't have anything to do with Fryette. Fryette sold the logo to Axl guitars and they started using the brand VHT with their overseas amps. Good choice though.

[Jeff-7]

Didn't know that! Been toying with the idea of getting an old 2/90/2 and doing a stereo setup.

[AngryGoldfish]

Yeah, that's sfdamp.com. Stephen Fryette is the designer. Sometimes you still see an old VHT Deliverance, Sig:X or Pitbull, but mostly you'll see them with the new Fryette logo.

[Chankgeez]

I don't have any suggestions for you, AngryGoldfish, but what's that you say?

JAZZGAZE???

I am interested in hearing this type of music. Please post music when you got it.

[mathias]

It's not quite what you're describing, but if you want cleans, maybe a ZT Lunchbox? Certainly small, one-handed carry, and has enough clean headroom to play a small gig.

[snipelfritz]

AC15 is heavy as a bitch.

Dude, this is the kind of scenario where I'd recommend just checking out the used section of a bunch of stores. You never know when the perfect amp that you've never heard of will suddenly appear to you.

[AngryGoldfish]

I don't have any suggestions for you, AngryGoldfish, but what's that you say?

JAZZGAZE???

I am interested in hearing this type of music. Please post music when you got it.

Will do.

It's not quite what you're describing, but if you want cleans, maybe a ZT Lunchbox? Certainly small, one-handed carry, and has enough clean headroom to play a small gig.

This one has been suggested before and it is an interesting idea, but I'm determined to stay tube. If I can find one to try out then I'll give it a whirl, but I just don't trust buying without trying with something I'm not used to like transistor amps.

[AngryGoldfish]

AC15 is heavy as a bitch.

Dude, this is the kind of scenario where I'd recommend just checking out the used section of a bunch of stores. You never know when the perfect amp that you've never heard of will suddenly appear to you.

I'd love to do this, but sadly I'd have to fly over to the UK to see any of the fruits of my labour. Ireland really has a very limited array of options. Dublin isn't too bad, but I'd rather spend the €70 it takes me to get there on a better amp.