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I'm looking for a tube combo, somewhere in the $400-600 range. Speaker wise, I'm cool with a single 12quot;. Power wise, I'm more focused on tone than volume, so I'm pretty open there. I'm considering something like a Mesa DC-3 or DC-5, or a Mark III if I can find a deal. Anybody have a better idea?

The Mesa dc series would be more versatile than the MK series, but the MK III gets that old Boogie lead sound. You might also look at the newer Fender Hotrod series amps, although I feel that the Mesa's you mentioned are more reliable.

Also, consider that new Traynor Blue YCV50. Kind of a Fender clean meets a Marshall OD in one package. Right at $600 new...with a warranty. I'm not a big fan of Mesa Combo's really....I feel they sound somewhat constricted, at least until you get up to a 2x12. Others will disagree, but that's what I hear.

DC-5 ...my all time favorite...dont you buy the next one on ebay...its mine!


Originally Posted by DocrockDC-5 ...my all time favorite...dont you buy the next one on ebay...its mine!

Tonally, it's the same as the DC-3, correct? Just a little more powerful, right?

The DC3 uses EL84's I believe which give it more air and sparkle, but not as much bass. The DC5 uses 6L6's which give it more low end muscle. They are about the same loudness, but slightly different tonality.
I also wouldn't over look the later DC2 Studio Calibers. They also use EL84's but with the lower watt rating, you can push the power section a little more, for a fatter sound at lower volumes. They don't have the graphic EQ, but I don't think it's a must have on those amps.

The DC2 was my first amp. I paid $750 for it new, gigged twice a week on average for 5 years, and sold it for $500 with the tolex completely trashed. I only had to retube it once in that time. That was one amp, I would never hesitate to recomend.

Traynor Blue YCV50.....in so many words, is a great investment . Just picked my up the other day,and it is just as Jeff says, Fender clean meets Marshall OD. And the Celestion V30 is a freakin beautiful speaker.


Originally Posted by JB_From_HellTonally, it's the same as the DC-3, correct? Just a little more powerful, right?

I fell in love with a DC-5 years ago that belonged to a a friend...I didnt know what tubes they were at the time, but this amp was everything I wanted...and he wanted to trade for my LP studio and I said no. I have since tried the 22 , rocket 44 , subways, dc2 , heartbreaker, MKs, cant find that sound......I found a dc-3 a few months back...mint condition....in a hole in the wall music store in a podunk town....the were asking 375 for it and he had already told me hed makee me a quot;killerquot; deal on anything I wanted...but that amp didnt have it....it may have been that one only, or tubes...whatever but I couldnt find any gain in it....I really wanted it, but it was sh1t to play....maybe it was tubed for low gain? I have been told the 3 dont have the gain of the others but Im not sure if I buy that....I guess Im saying dont buy a three without hearing it (ebay) but good luck dude....

Thanks everybody... looks like I've now gotta track down a Peavey XXL, Traynor amp; Mesa DC5... this should be fun

Here's a question about the Traynor... how gainy does it get? If the tone is the sh!t, and I need a booster to get the gain, I'm willing to do that, but I'd really rather get something I can just plug straight in and go. I use really hot pickups with active mid-boosters, so I'd imagine anything in the Marshall category will get me where I wanna go.

It has plenty of gain. I usually keep my gain on 6 and one could argue that's too much - except for WITH FULL DISTORTION HAHAHAHAHAHAAHH!

the gain is off the chain! (goes to kill self for such a lame statement.) But yeah, the gain really holds its own and dosnt really need any boosters. Ill record a few clips for you.