Best Guitar Amp for $400USD?

Str8Axe · #1 January 13th, 2006

I'd like some imput from folks on the best amp for $400.

I need some wattage to keep up with a drum kit. Some effects would be nice too.

What do you think?

allthumbs · #2 January 13th, 2006

What kind of wattage?

Str8Axe · #3 January 13th, 2006

I'm looking at a Fender FM 212R right now. I think it's at the top of my list as of yet.

allthumbs · #4 January 13th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Str8Axe

I'm looking at a Fender FM 212R right now. I think it's at the top of my list as of yet.

seen this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Amps-2006...QQcmdZViewItem

Str8Axe · #5 January 13th, 2006

That's the one my friend! I'm in Canada and I think I can get it for about the same here. I'm going in an hour to test that baby out.

allthumbs · #6 January 13th, 2006

cool. give us a report.

guitarstrummin63 · #7 January 13th, 2006

you may also want to check out peavey's amps

they're relatively inexpensive and pretty reliable, oh and very very loud

jasoncohen · #8 January 14th, 2006

u could also check out the vox valvetronix amps....i bought a 50 watt for around the same price as that fender...ull have less wattage...but it has a tube preamp and u get more effects.

Ultimate Garage Band · #9 January 14th, 2006

To compete with a drum set, you'll need about 100 watts solid state if you want to do anything clean, 65 watts if you do all overdriven/distorted stuff. For a tube amp 30 watts is plenty for clean and about 15 watts would do you for overdriven stuff.

If it were me, I'd put more $ into the amp and add fx via pedals later. When I play electric gigs I use a Laney VC30-210. It's only 22 watts but it'll make your ears bleed it's that loud.

After price, the most important question though is what style/type of music do you play?

Str8Axe · #10 January 16th, 2006

Well, I decided to go with the Fender FM 2-12 amp and I couldn't be happier. For effects I picked up a Zoom GFX-1 effects processor. The amp was only $375 Canadian funds, which is cheaper than I've seen anywhere else. I got the pedal for $135. So, with taxes it was just shy of $600 for the package. There goes my entertainment fund for the rest of the month, so needless to say, I'll be playing a lot over the next couple of weeks...

allthumbs · #11 January 16th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Str8Axe

Well, I decided to go with the Fender FM 2-12 amp and I couldn't be happier. For effects I picked up a Zoom GFX-1 effects processor. The amp was only $375 Canadian funds, which is cheaper than I've seen anywhere else. I got the pedal for $135. So, with taxes it was just shy of $600 for the package. There goes my entertainment fund for the rest of the month, so needless to say, I'll be playing a lot over the next couple of weeks...

Congrats. Sounds like a good dea;.

RockaBilly · #12 January 20th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Str8Axe

Well, I decided to go with the Fender FM 2-12 amp and I couldn't be happier. For effects I picked up a Zoom GFX-1 effects processor. The amp was only $375 Canadian funds, which is cheaper than I've seen anywhere else. I got the pedal for $135. So, with taxes it was just shy of $600 for the package. There goes my entertainment fund for the rest of the month, so needless to say, I'll be playing a lot over the next couple of weeks...

I don't hear you complaining though.

I almost bought that amp. When I went to my local family run store to get some picks I found this amp (kustom quad100dfx) for $250. Someone had it in layaway with the price of $360 but I guess they dropped it because it's back on the floor (for $250). It's also 2x12 and damn, it's loud. Those celestion speakers must be pretty good. I only wish I have a switch to cut the power to 1/3 so I can have plenty drive without the volume. I like this amp though as it sounds real good. The dfx is a joke as it only got 1 parameter adjustment for all but the reverbs is terrific and the overdrive's pretty good.

Str8Axe · #13 January 20th, 2006

Well, it's been one week since I bought the Fender and I couldn't be happier. Well, I could if I spend over $1k, but don't burst my bubble!

Great tone, overdrive is great and I like the ability to have the Drive/More Drive channels via the footswitch. I think I'll keep that amp for years to come. Yours sounds like a nice one too RockaBilly.

RockaBilly · #14 January 20th, 2006

Thanks and it's not bad for a digital amp. Did you get a footswitch with it? I didn't even though there's a jack for it.

Congrats on yours now pick a riff!.

Str8Axe · #15 January 22nd, 2006

Yea, it comes with a 2 button foot switch. Clean/Drive and Drive/More Drive.

Here comes the Jamz!