alright guys i need your help

[Nairbr]

+1 on the Ceriatone, I've had 2 Ceriatones great amps and build quality for the price
+1 on WGS ET-65's Killer Speakers I got a 4x12 loaded with them

Have a look on EBay sometimes a few pop up, but they seem to hold their value.

 

[Wilko]

I use the JTM-RI in a vintage style 1 x12. I love it.

the chassis from that small box head is now in the red cabinet.

 

[Mr. Papa]

Classic 30s are the workhorse, but what about a used Mesa .50 Caliber? I've seen two recently for $500.

 

[madryan]

Classic 30s are the workhorse, but what about a used Mesa .50 Caliber? I've seen two recently for $500.

Those are great little amps. If you get the .50+ they've got 6L6's which IMO that amp really needs.

They're basically a stripped down Mark III.

 

[DucDriver]

Before you buy anything, play an Egnater Tweaker 40....

 

[MattD1960]

Update on the amp sitch, well i found my dream amp (pics to follow tomorrow) JTM 45 and an Orange CAB its amazing i love my tone and i love finally having the amp i always dreamed about

 

[mike1100r]

You may take the Ceriatone 36W EF86 into consideration too.
Brilliant clean sounds, 18 Watt Marshall Sound on Steroids in the one Channel and a Voxish one in the other.
Perfect match for Strat and Lester

 

[Triburst]

Glad to hear you found something you like! The next time you're really looking for something different, try a Trainwreck or a Dumble clone.

With your budget, you can easily afford some of the finished amps that the guys at The Amp Garage (link) put in the "For Sale" area of that forum. I've seen some real bargains on some very nice point-to-point wired amps with some very high quality components and great build tech.