Decent tube amp 40Lbs or under?

[beatlenut]

Is there such a thing? I have a Traynor YCV80 tube amp 2x12 (65 Lbs) which sounds great, but with my newly acquired bulging disk in my neck I need to downsize.

I need it to sound good both clean and with good crunch. Also must sound good with single coil and humbuckers. Is there such a beast?

[dreamsinger]

The beast lives! Dr. Z in either the Maz 38 or Maz 18 weigh 47 pounds with a single 12 or 2 x 10. I guarantee either will do the trick for you in spades. Not cheap but well worth it.

[dreamsinger]

Oops! You said under *40* pounds. Oh well, the head only is 22 pounds.

[beatlenut]

I suppose 45 LBs would be OK. That would save me 20Lbs.

[Deadduck]

Originally Posted by beatlenut

I suppose 45 LBs would be OK. That would save me 20Lbs.

I've used the following all with good results. There are a ton of other options, but these are the ones I've used and would recommend. These are all relatively inexpensive amps. Each has it's own characteristics and sound. With any regular production tube amp you will probably want to change out tubes and maybe speakers to get the sound you want, as the stock tubes are usually not great. Many players like to tinker with and mod tube amps to get a certain sound, though it isn't always necessary.

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe - 1x12, 40 loud watts, 2-6L6 power tubes, 45 lbs, Big Clean sound!
Peavy Classic 30 - 1x12, 30 watts, 4-EL84 power tubes. 40 lbs. Nice Crunch!
Fender Blues Jr. - 1x12 15 watts, 2-EL84 power tubes, 25 lbs. Versitile little amp, pretty loud for it's size.

Good luck!

[Taylor Poor]

Alessandro Working Dogs should fit the bill. Hand made amps at a decent price. They should meet all your expectation. Light with great tone.

Working Dog Amps

[Doc]

The Dr. Z Carmen Ghia is about the nicest thing I've tried lately. It's a quantum leap, tone and quality-wise, beyond the Hot Rod Deluxe/Classic 30 breed. Add the cabinet of choice and you're there.

[trpullen]

My Rivera Chubster 40 is only 45lbs and sounds killer with my ESP LP copy (Duncan pups) and all my Strats.

[Robby Grossman]

Check out Fender's "Pro Junior." It weighs only 25 pounds or so and costs a modest $300 new. Only 15 watts, but they're the loudest 15 watts you'll ever hear. All-tube circuitry gives great tone, and you can crank it into natural overdrive, too!

[Sprinter]

70's silver face Fender, Deluxe Reverb. You, can buy the real deal, for less than a black face reissue. The silver face in my opinion, is a better amp, than the reissues. The Deluxe has 22 watts of power, and a single 12" speaker.

Sprinter

[Nigel Tufnel]

Beatlenut,
Sorry about you disk problem in your neck. Please find some good care and a reasonable maintainence program. I am going through some steps to care of a chronic neck problem that I have had. Right now I am starting some very intense chiropractic care. Important note, I really trust the guy that will be taking care of me. I would also like to know your opinion of the Traynor. I am trying to get to the local dealer and try out the 40 watt 2x10 combo.

[beatlenut]

They say mine is a minor bulging disk so that is good. It's taking 4 weeks to see the neurosurgeon so I have a very good friend that is a chiro and he has given me 4 treatements so far. I might be healing on my own but it's REALLY slow. Something about being over 40 I guess It's been 6 weeks since I could sleep on my back.

I absolutely love my Traynor YCV80. Awesome clean tone and the distortion is pretty close to Marshall. The direct out is handy to go right to the PA. I just need a smaller version.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Thanks for the input on the traynor. That sounds like the kind of amp I am looking for. Go easy on the time frame with your neck. 4 treatments so far is not a lot. How many per week? Are you doing any therapy at home? I also know what you are taking about as to the 40 thing. I will be turning 43 in Feb. A lot of abuse is catching up fast, broke windshield with head(accident) broke bleacher with head(on purpose), broke two opposite side windows(accident), many fist fights(young and stupid) etc, etc. I have a lot of compression in my neck. I am starting a 3x a week program starting Jan 4th. Have already seen some improvement. I guess that I got used to the chronic pain that I have dealt with for far too long. Just give yourself some time and try not to get frustrated over the lack of results too much. These things often take longer than we are willing to wait. Keep us posted on your recovery.

[DrewM]

Originally Posted by beatlenut

They say mine is a minor bulging disk so that is good. It's taking 4 weeks to see the neurosurgeon so I have a very good friend that is a chiro and he has given me 4 treatements so far. I might be healing on my own but it's REALLY slow. Something about being over 40 I guess It's been 6 weeks since I could sleep on my back.

Good luck with this...I had a similar injury many years back after being rear ended by a truck on the 405 freeway. Using conservative treatment as you are, full recovery took almost 9 months for me, with 90% of the improvement coming in the last month or two....just be patient. And be a good patient :-).

[drksd21]

fender deluxe, its a 1x12 and u can crank it, get the tubes hot and really get her nice, i love my deville 2x12, fender has one of the best clean channels. thats my vote.