30 Watt Amp (head or combo) recommendations ($500>)

[Neanderthal Head]

Hi all -

I'm currently running a Blues Jr, and I like it, but I'm after something with a little more juice - 30 watts should be about right. Anyway, I'm open to suggestions as to what to look for, used preferably. The Peavey 30 is definitely near the top of the list, as is the Egnater Rebel 30.

Are there others I should be looking at, in your experience? I'd rather spend around $500 or less, and certainly interested in used. The amp would also need to take pedals well. I play mostly in small contexts at relatively low volumes.

Thanks!

NH

[PeteeBee]

I've been looking at the ibanez tsa 30 heads. I've never played one but it gets great reviews and is really affordable. I'd at least try it out if you are somewhere and see one

[CyaNitrate]

You should be able to find a Classic 50 for that, if you don't mind a 2-12(or 4-10). I've had two and they're awesome for what you describe. But you could do worse than a classic 30 or Delta Blues also.

For a more Marshall-y flavor, I had the Jet City 20 watt combo with reverb. After a return it was a great amp for crunch, but the clean always had a hair of dirt to it. Still a good amp.

[frigid midget]

Depends on what kinda style/tone you're after, but the 30ish watt I owned:

AC30C1X: Picky with pedals imo, but others don't seem to have problems using dirt pedals, so maybe it's just me
Fender DRRR: Bitchin, but it still lacked clean headroom for me. I was using it for really loud fuzzy shit though, I'm sure the DRRR could hold its own in less extreme situations.
I like how it handles pedals, but the highs and high mids were a bit spickey and unforgiving for my un-technical messy playing

I've only briefly messed with a PV C30. Here in Europe they're not the best bang for the buck though, otherwhise I wouls've bought one ages ago. So if you're in the US, I'd definitely take a closer look at the Classic 30 if I were you. Those specs, that tone, from an amp made in the US...I just can't think of any competition in that price range

[oldangelmidnight]

Fender DRRR

Do you mean DRRI? If so, where are you finding them under $500? Because I want one now.

[waltdogg]

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe? Not the best amp but it sure gets the job done for a 40 watt 1x12.

[rfurtkamp]

Yea, I'd go with a Hot Rod Deluxe (older model before the Celestions). Enough left ovre used in your budget to buy a decent set of glass for it as well.

[daseb]

what do Laney VC30s go for over there? They're solid as.

[bigchiefbc]

The Marshall JTM30s from the 90s are awesome and can take pedals no sweat on the clean channel.

[Neanderthal Head]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. A friend might sell me his Randall RM50. It's more wattage than I need, but it sounds so good...

[xrleroyx]

Used AC30

[tuj]

Fender Prosonic. Totally underrated amps that sound clean like a Fender crossed with a Top Boost when run in Class-A mode, and like a Mesa on the drive side.