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"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Our band (very loud Punk tribute band) has two guitarists and we currently don't mike up. The other guitarist has a Hayden Mofo 15w through an old Marshall 2x12cab - and he's pretty much on the limit of what the amp can deliver. I'm running a Sessionette 75 with a Line6 M13 taking care of drives - and I'm running normally on about 25%. Plus for solos I have acres of headroom, whilst the other guitarist struggles to be heard for his, depending on the venue.
However, in the new year the plan is to invest in a bigger, better PA and mike up. Therefore, I'm going 'down' to a similar 15w valve amp to match the other guitarist and keep on stage volumes down. This gives a better sound, more control and makes it easier when landlords need us to turn down due to residential complaints (it happens).
So to answer the question, it really depends on what you are playing, how your band's PA is set up and the sizes of venue.
Neil Young has played 'Enormodromes' for years using a 30w Deluxe! But then factor in it goes thru a massive PA type thing aptly called a Baldwin Exterminator and has 2 x 15's, 4 x 12's and 2 x 8's in it!!
Johnny Marr's main live amp is a 22w DRRI.
Many have used the AC30, which is a deafening 30w, and equally, I find 135w Ultra Linear twins to be relatively (!) quiet for their behemoth power.
Clapton gigs stadia with his 40w Twinolux, Gilmour would use 6 x DR103's, 16 12" speakers and 8 doppola speakers, with a deafening 600w total for the same gig.
Also, bear in mind that this is about 'moving air' and speaker config will be crucial. Generally 10" move less air, but are punchier. I'd always have 2 x 10" whereas you can get away with 1 x 12" (although 2 is always better). 8" are not really big enough, unless you've got maybe 2 x 8" and a 1 x 15" underneath. 15" are not to be used alone; too flabby and lack definition, great when mixed with 10's or 12's.
So the answer to your q would be down to other criteria, such as mic'ing, PA facilities and much more, and importantly, what you are competing with in your own band (eg another guit player, keys etc need more ooomph IMO, in a power trio you could get away with less.)
I would suggest that a nice modern gigging range is 20w-40w. I find the Blues Jr to be just lacking (prob down to speaker size and 'moving air'), the DRRI to be a good benchmark minimum (esp with an extn cab) and a 40w to be perfect.
Sorry if it's not a definitive answer, but my tuppence worth and hope it helps.
*An Official Foo-Approved guitarist since Sept 2023.
That doesn't mean it's the right amp for you, but if you are ever in trouble, as a reference, it's the go-to for tons of gigging bands out there in a variety of styles, and doubles as a home practice amp.
EVH5150III 50-watt is one of the lower wattage amps that I actually do really like.