Guitar people
I am on the lookout for a small boutique combo or head+single-speaker cab that can be heard above a drummer in small, mostly pub venues.
I currently have a Divided By 13 JRT 9/15 which is incredible at lower volumes but gets all Vox AC30/gritty when being pushed...lovely sound though.
I'm thinking that a 30-40 watter might do the trick, something like a Carr Impala?
Wish list
- Modest size.
- A single speaker, no 2x12s or large cabinets.
- Single channel - I don't need two or more channels as I use pedals for dirt.
- Simple controls - I don't want every switch to be push-pull like the Boogie MkIV I once owned.
- I'd really like a master volume.
- Reverb and tremolo not required, but I wouldn't avoid amps that have them.
- I like Blackface-type cleans with plenty of sparkle but also with effective EQ, i.e. tone controls that actually do something.
- High build quality - I'll consider Carr, Tone King, DB13, Swart, Two Rock and similar 'boutique' hand-made stuff.
Thank you in advance for your suggestions.
Steve
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Amazing amps.
Two Rock Studio Pro 35
Already a couple of suggestions that I hadn't considered which is great.
How are you using the 2 gains as I have the cleaner, higher headroom one (? 1st one) higher up and only introduce a bit of the second one to thicken things out but it's that one that adds the grit.
Does this happen on both 6V6 an EL84 mode?
If this isn't of interest, I'd check out the Morgan Amp range. Despite low wattages, they are designed to deliver loud, clean headroom. Tried a couple in Guitar Guitar on a late closing night with no one around and turned it up and they sound plenty loud to me. Andertons have them, too.
Apparently, Hamstead amp can do this but they might be "over spec'd" for you. Seems like GAK stock them now.
My band, Red For Dissent
Your requirements echo mine a year and a half ago. I've not even looked at other amps since buying the Carol Ann.
http://www.rivera.com/product/combos/venus-deux/
Loud as sin, too.