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Let's say you have set a budget of $600 for a small tube combo. Would you get a 10-15 year old boutique (I should probably say used higher end amp) like a Rivera Thirty Twelve or Clubster or even one of those Soldano Yamaha's or would you get something new like a Peavey Classic 30, Crate V Series,Traynor, etc.

How long should an amp with a good reputation like Rivera last? Appreciate your input.

I wouldn't buy new if I could help it...more bang for the buck.

Used boutique all the way, although I wouldn't call Rivera boutique, just well made products.

DEFINITELY used. Some people say that buying new is better for reliability. To be honest, I think used is a safer bet. If an amp has held up for a year or two under regular use and proper maintainance, chances are it'll stand up for at least 10 more with proper maintainance. I usually the Yamaha Soldano and Rivera are both excellent amps for that price range.

or you could buy a used Peavey classic 30, I see them for around $300 all the time, pop in a vintage 30 speaker, jensen or a weber and you have one nice sounding little combo at well below $600. I'm not sure you'll find much in the boutique market for around $600.

I'm in the market for a good single twelve comba as well - there's a guy on ebay with a VHT pitbull 45 single 12 combo up for sale, he's in huntington beach, I'm going to see what he will take to close the auction and sell it to me. I used a pitbull 45 head for a couple of years and loved it, but I got tired of lugging the head and cabinets around - I've played this model combo at Tone Merchants and dug it, so hopefully I'll be able to work something out. Or, I'm thinking of a custom built marshall 18 watt clone - not very versatile but they sound awesome!

good luck!

Good points, all 4 of you. I actually have an Eminence V12 in a box in the garage I keep forgetting about - took it out of my Traynor 2x12 when I sold it. Hmm..........

I'd suggest spending a week or so hitting every Southern Ca. music store, trying out every amp you can.....pretending to be a serious buyer to the salesman, of course.
Then, spend a few days searching the used market for the one that interested you most. If the guy tells you the tubes are over a year old, replace them all for about $50, and you'll essentially have a new amp for 2/3 the price of a new one.

Anyone who buys new stuff (unless it's custom or one off or something like that) is throwing money away IMO. Mrid sums it up nicely

I wouldn't buy new if I could help it...more bang for the buck.