Sure. But not everyone is in position. It's also very personal. I don't want to get overly ideological about it. Lots of people make great music without boutique amps, or prioritize budgets differently. There's a case to be made, but I respect other judgments as well.

Peavey Classic 20!

You've almost described a Genz-Benz Black Pearl 112 to a "T". They've been discontinued, so you may be able to find a good deal on a new, close-out somewhere.

The Black Pearl is based upon a Vox AC-30 and is switchable from 30 to 15 to 7.5 watts (or, somewhere thereabouts). It has on board reverb (good, but not "Fender" good). It had built in EQ, with five different settling from "dark", to "deep" to "bright" to "normal" and another that I can't remember . Also has a "boost" footswitch to add just the right amount of extra "grit" when you want it. Also, it is not too big or heavy. Comes with a Red Fang 12" speaker. There are other models with other speaker arrays available, too.

In case it isn't obvious, I own one, and I think it is one heck of an amplifier.

At $1600, you can get a hand-wired amp, no PCB, boutique tone, American made components, direct relationship with the builder for the same money. It won't have all the features, but I'll bet it wins on tone and durability, not to mention usability. But that's my personal bias of course.

I don't doubt this amp sounds great and likely has a bit more versatility. But at that price...

For mass produced amps, the only thing I'd pay that money for is the VOX AC15HW1, which can be had for $999. Doesn't have on board reverb. But a sole-mate outboard tube verb unit is under $300, so it's still less.

The Marshall "Studio 15" (Model 4001) 12" combo. This baby comes stock with a pair of 6V6 tubes, has a line out and can also use headphones. No reverb though, but it takes pedals very well. Even though it's only a 15+ watter, it's a bit on the loud side, but the speaker can be run through the headphone jack for around 1 watt of power. It's a perfect Fender-meets-Marshall type of sound. Does clean well, and can get nice and crunchy, or distortion if needed. They were made in the mid to late '80s, and are somewhat rare. Should have the special "Marshall G12 Vintage" speaker made by Celestion. There's usually one or two up on eBay. Got mine in a pawnshop years ago for a song!

Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister 18W head — drives big cabs or little cabs.

Check the spec here:

www.hughes-and-kettner.com/...

new ampeg gvt15 combo or head matches almost all your criteria

heres link to combo info...

Link...

plus baxandall eq circuit...very nice

cheers

A Carvin Vintage 16 is on sale right now.

Carvin Vintage 16

If a Carvin, do this one in blue with the mods: http://gretschpages.com/for...

I almost bought it myself.

As usual TopHat Delisle and Allen are my standard recommendations. That won't change any but google Frenzel amps. For about 700 you can order a 40 watt amp head with reverb. Handwired point to point. It will take any 6v6,6l6, EL 34 kt 66 kt 88 and such without having to rebias. one 5e3 fender channel and a Marshall channel. for about 100 less you can get a 25 watt version. One man operation out of Texas.

Ampegs old or new , the ones I have owned over the years looking for a different sound to play with are just to full of chassis rattles and and underrated power trannies that would just get to hot and the volume would drop off after a couple of hours use. Those Marshall studios sound very good. Basic, simple no frills great all around tone. There not to many of them for sale 6V6 model anyways.

toddfan sez:

"You've almost described a Genz-Benz Black Pearl 112 to a "T". They've been discontinued, so you may be able to find a good deal on a new, close-out somewhere.

The Black Pearl is based upon a Vox AC-30 and is switchable from 30 to 15 to 7.5 watts (or, somewhere thereabouts). It has on board reverb (good, but not "Fender" good). It had built in EQ, with five different settling from "dark", to "deep" to "bright" to "normal" and another that I can't remember :P . Also has a "boost" footswitch to add just the right amount of extra "grit" when you want it. Also, it is not too big or heavy. Comes with a Red Fang 12" speaker. There are other models with other speaker arrays available, too.

In case it isn't obvious, I own one, and I think it is one heck of an amplifier."

This is often recommended to me as a good solution to the Vox Chime + Fender Low End Thump tone dragon I'm chasing... Do you think it fits that bill?

So many options...

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I'm leaning towards the Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister 18 Combo. It has most of the features I need, and the price is pretty reasonable.

I'm still considering going the DeLisle route, but it might be pushing my budget.

So many options...

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I'm leaning towards the Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister 18 Combo. It has most of the features I need, and the price is pretty reasonable.

I'm still considering going the DeLisle route, but it might be pushing my budget.

before you count anything out consider the Delisle Double Nickel. 10 watts 12 in speaker and if you want reverb and it's under your limit.

The tubemeister looks cool for sure, and not just because of those unique lights in the display. But if you are considering de Lisle at all, call Jer and tell him what you need and your budget. He may be able to make something work. I've played through H&K, and they sound cool. But my de Lisle is magic. Jer's not a high pressure guy at all. Very laid back and he'll be candid with you. Plus he knows a ton. Either way, you won't regret the conversation.

Jer is an absolute jem! Call him even if yoyr not sure, the prices are still reasonable for the one hellava amp you'll get!!

Masa Transatlantic 30 head, Very voxy and small, Excellent tone!

Maybe this is pushing your budget, but Tone King makes some cool amps, including the Metropolitan which goes from 1w to 40w and anywhere in between via a knob. Never played one, but they seems nice. Has reverb, no line out though

Not expensive and worth the little money to get them... Bugera V22 Johnson Loredo T25, which really is only about 15 watts, not 25.

...wisdom

Aww...just get this 'un!

http://www.thegearpage.net/...

DO NOT go for the Peavy Windsor Studio.It lacks bottom end. You can get a decent tone , put it take a lot of work. I went with the Peavy Delta Blues, picked it up used for $350. Sounds amazing, .

Peavey DB is a great amp at ANY price. If it was a Fender, it would be $1200. PCB construction, but stone-hammer dependable. Trem and 'verb are OK. Nothing to write home about.

I've had a Blues Jr III for about 8 months, and have been gigging with it. I replaced one of the preamp tubes with a Tungsol and I think that made it even better. My BJ III is the best sounding BJ I've heard. But, the best 15 watt amp I've ever heard is my new Gretsch Playboy.

hi carteida;

with regards to the ac15, if you can somehow somewhere find the vox AC15H1TV, you'd have your pentode/triode switch, which cuts the power output to 7.5 W, 2 channels (12ax7 channel, EF86 channel), and lots of blue goodness. no reverb onboard, but as you say, you have a pedal. replace the tubes.

in my area, the "sam as*" in brooklyn had one at closeout for 700. pretty heavy at about 50 lbs though. bring a friend.