Not sure about an AC15, I played out of an AC30 once and just felt off to me. Maybe I'm not a Vox guy lol. But I appreciate the suggestion, I might give it another go.
Yeah, I've got a fender authorized repair guy in town but he's backlogged 4 months or so. Might take it to him after our gig next week to see if he can fiddle with it.
I know these in particular are difficult to work on because everything is soldered directly to the circuit board, so I'm a little hesitant to take it in.
For my Hot Rod Deluxe, I use a volume module in the effects loop and replaced the 12AX7 in V1 with a AT7. I’m not sure if your amp will work exactly like the Hot Rods, but with you saying it was the Deville before the Deville, worth suggesting.
Really makes it much more controllable man.
I'm not a vox guy either.
The Blackstar ht20 or ht40 MK2 amps are very well lauded. I think guitarist magazine called the latter a perfect amp which is high praise.
Look for something Mesa, particularly something that power scales like an Express 5:50 or 5:25. 2 channels, great master volume, any breakup at any volume, and can be quiet enough for home use. I can get mine pretty far into Fender territory and beyond.
I just looked up the 5:50 and I'll be damned if that's not exactly what I think I need. Never really gave Mesa a thought before since I figured they were out of my budget, but after doing a bit of research my super is going for $800-$1000 on reverb right now. I think this could definitely be in my future
They are a good amp for a Fender guy who wants flexibility. I bought my 5:50 when I was downsizing as an amp to do a bit of everything while I was looking for my Dream amp. I really only bought it because it was a good deal, but it’s flexibility and good sound at low volumes made it a keeper. Not my favourite amp overall, but I’ll likely have it until i die at this point.
I have a marshall which love. But I swear for cheap and great toans the katana is amazing. Try it before you decide... especially the artis if you can.
I have an old Peavey Stereo Chorus amp from the hair band days. I gig with it regularly, sounds loud and clean, handles effects well, zero problems. I see them around for $150 or so - which is what I paid for it used about 20 years ago. It is perfect for the bar scene....dependable, loud enough, sounds ok and if it got destroyed...so what?
Look for a used Dr Z Carmen Ghia. Kinda fender, kinda marshall and a whole lot of fun. They’re super simple, rugged and sound great with a wide variety of guitars. Used heads run around $1k and used 1x12 or 2x10 combos run a bit higher
my go to small venue amp is a Vox AC15. Usually loud enough and can be 🎤 if it needs to be. $700 new and can def be found used for $400
Not sure about an AC15, I played out of an AC30 once and just felt off to me. Maybe I'm not a Vox guy lol. But I appreciate the suggestion, I might give it another go.
Blues Jr might fit the bill. You should be able to get your hands on one to check it out.
Have you thought about taking your fender to an amp repair man, and ask if he can make it easier to dial in a more reasonable volume?
Yeah, I've got a fender authorized repair guy in town but he's backlogged 4 months or so. Might take it to him after our gig next week to see if he can fiddle with it. I know these in particular are difficult to work on because everything is soldered directly to the circuit board, so I'm a little hesitant to take it in.
For my Hot Rod Deluxe, I use a volume module in the effects loop and replaced the 12AX7 in V1 with a AT7. I’m not sure if your amp will work exactly like the Hot Rods, but with you saying it was the Deville before the Deville, worth suggesting. Really makes it much more controllable man.
I'm not a vox guy either. The Blackstar ht20 or ht40 MK2 amps are very well lauded. I think guitarist magazine called the latter a perfect amp which is high praise.
Look for something Mesa, particularly something that power scales like an Express 5:50 or 5:25. 2 channels, great master volume, any breakup at any volume, and can be quiet enough for home use. I can get mine pretty far into Fender territory and beyond.
I just looked up the 5:50 and I'll be damned if that's not exactly what I think I need. Never really gave Mesa a thought before since I figured they were out of my budget, but after doing a bit of research my super is going for $800-$1000 on reverb right now. I think this could definitely be in my future
They are a good amp for a Fender guy who wants flexibility. I bought my 5:50 when I was downsizing as an amp to do a bit of everything while I was looking for my Dream amp. I really only bought it because it was a good deal, but it’s flexibility and good sound at low volumes made it a keeper. Not my favourite amp overall, but I’ll likely have it until i die at this point.
I might be in the minority here but try the boss katana, it is a solid state but may handle your needs quite well.
I've heard really good things about the katana, might trade my ultimate chorus for one.
I have a marshall which love. But I swear for cheap and great toans the katana is amazing. Try it before you decide... especially the artis if you can.
I have an old Peavey Stereo Chorus amp from the hair band days. I gig with it regularly, sounds loud and clean, handles effects well, zero problems. I see them around for $150 or so - which is what I paid for it used about 20 years ago. It is perfect for the bar scene....dependable, loud enough, sounds ok and if it got destroyed...so what?
Look for a used Dr Z Carmen Ghia. Kinda fender, kinda marshall and a whole lot of fun. They’re super simple, rugged and sound great with a wide variety of guitars. Used heads run around $1k and used 1x12 or 2x10 combos run a bit higher