Amp for pedals 20w

mfin · October 2021

I'm considering buying another amp, preferably a small head, mainly to use in the house, but with potential for gigging.

An ideal scenario would be something that works well at lower vols (maybe a 5w mode?). Gotta be a tube amp.

I want it to take pedals really well, mainly for Strat blues type things, the usual kinds arrays of drive pedals pedals, Kingtone Duellist, Nobels, etc. I'd also like it to work to get my fix for rock too, using a Plexi pedal and humbucker equipped guitar, so for that think ac/dc, guns, randy rhoads etc.

I already have a really nice 1 x 12 cab so I am thinking a head so I can just swap heads when I fancy it. If a combo is a better idea that's fine too though.

Thinking £500 - £1000 and don't mind if that goes in a new or s/h direction.

I had thought a Victory Duchess might have been a candidate but it seems too powerful

Jonathanthomas83 · October 2021

Laney Lionheart is what I've bought...again, for the umpteenth time.

Jonathangus · October 2021

For those bands you mention, I'd be looking at one of the Marshall Studio heads.

mfin · October 2021

Jonathanthomas83 said:

Laney Lionheart is what I've bought...again, for the umpteenth time.

Thanks, |'ll look

jellybelly · October 2021

Very impressed with my Orange Rocker 15 for taking pedals, great FX Loop too. Crunch channel will take boosts and overdrives well too and the clean channel takes anything. Low power modes as well.

mfin · October 2021

Jonathangus said:

For those bands you mention, I'd be looking at one of the Marshall Studio heads.

Has got me thinking. I'll have a nose.

enjo · October 2021

Duchess can be run in low power mode and the master volume works wonders.
Try one if you can.

kossofffan · October 2021

Easy answer this one as I brought one in June.
go out & buy an Origin OR120H
Fab pedal amp.

kossofffan · October 2021

Set the output switch to the centre position & enjoy

JohnPerry · October 2021

kossofffan said:

Easy answer this one as I brought one in June.
go out & buy an Origin OR120H
Fab pedal amp.

Yep, in fact I reckon the Origin 20 might be a better pedal platform than the Studio series. That's all I use mine for, after years of various much fancier amps, and it works great, especially if you want a vaguely Marshally flavour

ICBM · October 2021

mfin said:

I had thought a Victory Duchess might have been a candidate but it seems too powerful

Does it not have a volume control?

monquixote · October 2021

The Marshall Origin is a great pedal platform though the base tone is not all that special.

The 20 watt Plexi would be my pick

merlin · October 2021

I have a Hamstead Artist 20+RT but it's a combo and I'd be looking for £1500 plus shipping, if you decide to throw more cash at it. Perfect for home as it has a superb master volume, runs at 2 watts,7 watts or 20 Watts and is an excellent pedal platform.

Great for gigging too. Really versatile..

kennedydream1980 · October 2021

Revv D20

lysander · October 2021

+1 on origin 20.
Or for a bit more, but also more portable : PRS MT15. Way more clean headroom but can also get crunchy with the bright switch.
Ignore the gain channel - it’s pants anyway ( IMO )

mfin · October 2021

ICBM said:

mfin said:

I had thought a Victory Duchess might have been a candidate but it seems too powerful

Does it not have a volume control?

Yes. I've only just realised it has several power modes. As you know, getting low volume when required out of some amps, even 20 watters can be difficult depending on the vol pot behaviour. Now I know it has several power modes its gone up my list again.

mfin · October 2021

kennedydream1980 said:

Revv D20

Not sure with this one, I wonder about long term ownership and fixability.

soma1975 · October 2021

I love my Marshall SV20.

Impossible to get its sound in a pedal in my opinion. What you can do is get one and get other pedals to augment it sound.

Sounds great clean and breaking up too for strat blues.

My drive section is a Fuzz Face and a TS.

ICBM · October 2021

mfin said:

As you know, getting low volume when required out of some amps, even 20 watters can be difficult depending on the vol pot behaviour. Now I know it has several power modes its gone up my list again.

True up to a point, but I’ve never yet found one that can’t be played quietly if you’re careful with the volume control.

In any case, it’s not related to power - you can easily have a 20W amp that’s difficult to get down to low volume and a 100W one that’s easy. Power modes are more about getting power amp overdrive when it’s turned up loud.

mfin · October 2021

ICBM said:

mfin said:

As you know, getting low volume when required out of some amps, even 20 watters can be difficult depending on the vol pot behaviour. Now I know it has several power modes its gone up my list again.

True up to a point, but I’ve never yet found one that can’t be played quietly if you’re careful with the volume control.

In any case, it’s not related to power - you can easily have a 20W amp that’s difficult to get down to low volume and a 100W one that’s easy. Power modes are more about getting power amp overdrive when it’s turned up loud.

I have found that problem, hence why it was on my radar you see to not want to fall foul of it.

JCA2550 · October 2021

Combo not a head and a loud 10 watts (2×EL84s) but, Vox AC10 is great, has a decent master volume and takes pedals nicely.

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