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looking for a combo

bratpack7

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2003
Messages
246
I want to buy a tube combo 20w or less. The 18w shootout thread made really made me want a bluesbreaker, but that is out of my price range. I would like some suggestions on amps that come close to this sound without the use of pedals. Anybody here have experience with Traynor?

Also, can anybody recommend a link that has various amp demos or reviews?
 

WBailey

Active member
Joined
Apr 23, 2015
Messages
1,131
I want to buy a tube combo 20w or less. The 18w shootout thread made really made me want a bluesbreaker, but that is out of my price range. I would like some suggestions on amps that come close to this sound without the use of pedals. Anybody here have experience with Traynor?

Also, can anybody recommend a link that has various amp demos or reviews?

A used Blues Junior w/ Celestion and a stomp box ! $250.00 out the door !

NOTHING EVEN COMES CLOSE TO A BLUESBREAKER IF YOU'VE EVER PLAYED ONE DIMED !

Forget the demos and reviews. Hell, they all sound good online. But, get that amp in a live band situation, NOT SO MUCH.

Traynors sound like Traynors. Nice, but, not a Bluesbreaker.

Try a Class 5 if you get a chance. YMMV

Peace.

 

bratpack7

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2003
Messages
246
A used Blues Junior w/ Celestion and a stomp box ! $250.00 out the door !

NOTHING EVEN COMES CLOSE TO A BLUESBREAKER IF YOU'VE EVER PLAYED ONE DIMED !

Forget the demos and reviews. Hell, they all sound good online. But, get that amp in a live band situation, NOT SO MUCH.

Traynors sound like Traynors. Nice, but, not a Bluesbreaker.

Try a Class 5 if you get a chance. YMMV

Peace.


Thanks for the reply, this is the kind of info I am after. The reason I wanted an online review was just to get an idea of the general sound of various amps. For example I have no idea what the difference is between a Fender Blues Junior compared to say a Deluxe, or a Vox as opposed to a Blackstar etc. Just a starting point that demonstrates the basic differences.
 

Big Al

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
14,537
I used a Blues Junior on an East Coast Tour. Festival stages to smaller Club dates. I find them to be better than every other similarly priced amp. I like 'em even better than some $$ types. Why the aversion to pedals? :hank
 

WBailey

Active member
Joined
Apr 23, 2015
Messages
1,131
Thanks for the reply, this is the kind of info I am after. The reason I wanted an online review was just to get an idea of the general sound of various amps. For example I have no idea what the difference is between a Fender Blues Junior compared to say a Deluxe, or a Vox as opposed to a Blackstar etc. Just a starting point that demonstrates the basic differences.

Okay, gotcha. So here's some advice I got from Keith Richards 40 years ago;

Buy an old Gibson guitar, buy an old Fender amp, play what you know, forget the rest. But, play.

You have the rest of your life to obsess over gear ! LOL :hee

Seriously, the Blues Junior has some solid elements most combos lack, kinda like a firm foundation to build on. Know what I mean ?

I had an original 1962 in the studio for years, so I had ample opportunity to A/B it with many amps and pedals.

Ever hear a Marshall Gov'ner through a Blues Junior ? :hmm $15,000.00 cheaper ! :hee

Peace
 

bratpack7

Member
Joined
Nov 28, 2003
Messages
246
Why the aversion to pedals? :hank

Probably not a good reason.

Besides the 2204 in my avatar, the only other amp I own is a solid state Yamaha that I bought new in 1981. Very bright and clean, and back in the day I bought Boss distortion and compression pedals in an effort to get some crunch out of it. I always thought it sounded "fake" and when I hear a tube amp start to break up naturally it just sounds so much more authentic to me. Of course my Marshall is simply too loud for home and I've thought of selling it, but it does have some sentimental value to me. I might pass it along to my son some day.

I am open to advice certainly. I really like that point where a tube amp goes from clean to crunch simply with attack.
 

Lenny

Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2002
Messages
967
I was just looking at Class 5 videos after watching lots of handwired Marshall ones. I gotta say I like the Class 5 quite a lot and would grab one. Those with the Plexi mod are even better.
 

Pat Boyack

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Messages
4,510
They are pricey but if you REALLY want that Bluesbreaker tone I would suggest a Cornel 18/20 Plexi combo. :salude
 

Triburst

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 12, 2006
Messages
4,353
I own several vintage (and vintage clone) combos. But lately, I'm really enjoying playing through a Fender Supersonic 60.

I can't believe how versatile it is, with "Vibrolux" and "Bassman" switchable tone stacks, cascading gain, and an effects loop that works great as a boost (just use a jumper). My dirt pedals are going to collect dust, because that amp is able to do so many great overdrive tones, and you can clearly hear the nuances of your guitar through it in ways I've never been able to achieve with a pedal.

I haven't played the 22 Watt version, but the 60 doesn't have to burn the house down to shine. I really think these Supersonics are a great value if you play a wide variety of music.:salude
 

Skydogfan81

Member
Joined
Dec 13, 2006
Messages
910
I would suggest watching ebay for used Louis Electric Amps. I picked up a KR12 for about half the price of a new one. You can also send them to Louis to update the circuit to current specs if its older. He makes some great sounding amps. For what you mentioned, I would look for a Buster, Tornado, Tremolux, or KR12.
 

duaneflowers

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
2,522
You might also want to take a look at a Marshall 1974x with a Marshall Bluesbreaker Pedal... it is a really sweet combination. If that doesn't float your boat I would second the BJ... with a few mods, new glass and a Cannabis Rex speaker they are amazing amps for the money.
 

Wilko

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Mar 11, 2002
Messages
20,854
If Marshall 18 watt sound is what you want, then get a clone off ebay. It'll sound the same as a Marshall and will cost between 500-1000 bucks.

I built my own 18 watt clone from a kit and got it all done for 1100.00 with a cab and Celestion speaker.
 
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