amp recommendations anyone?

[whatismae]

so im looking to upgrade to a better amp, as of right now i just have the little one i got when i started. it will most be used for practice and probably playing with a band a bit. i'm looking to keep it under $300 if possible.

i mostly play punk and alternative stuff. ex. the used, all-american rejects, fall out boy, green day, alkaline trio ect. as well as some other random stuff.

a friend of mine has the line 6 spider II w/ the shortboard, which seemed like a nice setup (i know, more than $300 but i'd probably buy em in stages) but it seemed like it was sorta geared towards metal. just wondering what recommendations people had.

[followedformat]

Look for something used on Ebay. If you're lucky, you could find a small tube combo.

[whatismae]

any specific recommendations?

[cllvt]

Well, there are a number of solid state amps below $300 that are pretty good. For $200 to $250 amps VOX valvetronics series, Roland Cubes, etc.

If you really want tube though, I personally would wait until I had a few more $ and get a Peavey valveking new. A 112 VK is $350 w/free shipping. Or a lot of local shops will match on-line pricing if you ask. A $300 used amp on eBay, you will most likely pay shipping that will bring the cost close to $350 anyway. Then you have no warantee, and even if it's in pretty good shape, the tubes have been used somewhat and you will have to replace them sooner, etc. One repair to a used amp will push you over the cost of a new one.

The EPI's - Valve special/standard are $220/$400 and they sound nice (tubes). Not sure exactly what you are playing, or what you are looking for but ther's a start.

If possible, play the amp you are going to buy! Even within a given model there seems to be significant variation between individual amps, I think more so with tubes, esp since many are now built in China or somewhere.

Chris

[smoss]

ValveKing

If you can find one.