Looking for a low wattage amp

[Woodsie]

I'm finally ready to admit that my 50 watt Rockerverb is too much. Last weekends gig was the final straw. I just about destroyed my back carrying that and my PPC412. It still hurts. I've always known it was too much anyway, I've never been able to turn the master past 3. We mic our amps and only play bars and small clubs so, wattage isn't important. Now, what I'm looking for is around 20watts or a little higher, if it has the ability to switch to lower power. i.e. Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister 36/18/5/1/0. I also something versatile, able to cover as many different styles as possible. Multiple channels. Either 3 or more channels or 2 channels with switchable modes. Something that isn't designed for just metal. I don't want something strictly modern voiced. I'm going tomorrow to check out the Engl Ironball 20. Seems like a great head. 2 channels but has a gain boost for each channel. FX loop, foot switchable reverb and master volume boost. My only fear on this one is that it's too modern voiced and compressed. I want a much "chimy-er" clean channel than the RV has and a mid-gain overdrive that's tight and focused. the ability to venture into hard rock territory when needed and a lead tone. I've always found the RV to be very good at what it was but not much else. At times, it can be too warm, thick and spongy. That's not always the tone I wanted and I'm getting tired of trying to find a pedal that will give that to me.

Here's the Engle Ironball
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gftbglwYF2g

2 channels, gain boost for each channel, reverb, master boost, fx loop, switchable from 20/5/1 but, only on the 8 ohm output. Con: Might be too modern sounding, expensive. $1299 new

H&K Tubemeister 36
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ket_5LzuitA

The most versatile I've seen. 3 channels. switchable from 36/18/9, I think, 1 and zero. Redbox direct out. Midi switchable and programmable. Can set different patches to run with different eq settings, even different output power. Only con, if it even is one, is it's MIC. $8-900 new

This one is intriguing. Jet City JCA20H. Made by Soldano. $400 new
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C4vcBinczA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elcgJwIaaVI

Only two channels but seems to take OD pedals quite well, as per second video. Inexpensive and easily modded to make it even better.

[msmith4432]

Ever considered an Attenuater... And maybe going to a 2x12 cab. I went thru this a while back and eventually bought an or15. While it was ok, I ended up going back to the or50 because even at lower volume venues the bass response and overall sound was so much thinner with the lower wattage amp

[Woodsie]

I did. and, honestly, if I was 100% happy with the RVs tone, I would have. I play in a "radio rock" cover band. I need to be able to cover anything or at least come close. I know no amp will do this but the ability to play nicely with pedals would help. I found my RV to not really do that.

[Jondog]

Honestly, go check out a blackstar ID series amp. Available in 15,30,60,100 and 2x60 watts stereo. I'd stay away from the H&K tubemeister myself. Haven't played a good one yet. ID series cover a huge range of amp tones and sound awesome. No tubes either, but act just like a tube amp with the TVP.

[Woodsie]

I'll check it out. Honestly, the TM was last on my list. I like the extreme versatility but they seem a little cheaply made.

[Jondog]

I'll check it out. Honestly, the TM was last on my list. I like the extreme versatility but they seem a little cheaply made.

They sound cheap to me too. Every one I've played sounds dull and lifeless. It's a cool package but just not up there tone wise for me.

[Woodsie]

I'm honestly seriously leaning toward that Jet City. I can get that new for $400 or used, under $300. I can either use an OD with it for a boost or I was thinking about a GT-100 for effects and channel switching. That should cover a lot of ground for me. It seems to have a nice OD tone and a good clean tone and seems to take pedals well.

[Jondog]

I've heard good things about the Jet City. I think Joe Perry even uses one.
Edit: think=does

[Jondog]

I really like the looks of the Vintage version

[Woodsie]

I've heard good things about the Jet City. I think Joe Perry even uses one.
Edit: think=does

cool

[Woodsie]

I really like the looks of the Vintage version

I think that's a mod.

[Jondog]

http://www.jetcityamplification.com/#!20hv/c1s1p
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifie ... -amplifier

[indianDYsummer]

Just going to throw this out there, but this is what I would do if I were in your shoes. Instead of looking for an amp with 4 good channels, have you considered purchasing something like a Fender Deluxe Reverb and a few drive/OD pedals to achieve your sounds? That'd be quite portable and sound great!d

[Woodsie]

I have actually. I haven't ruled that possibility out.

[Randy Bass]

I'd be thinking about something like a Pod HD500 for a cover band where you have to have virtually every sound and effect available. Then you just need a clean pedal platform I guess, unless you can always run direct to the PA.