software

My friend is looking to get back into playing and needs a practice amp for home. He is not interested in a processor (ala Digitech GNX3 or POD).
Effects on board preferrably. Needs clean and dirty capabilites....tube or solid state. And he doesn't need it to be loud enough to jam with others.

Looking to spend $500 or less. Suggestions?

Tech 21 TradeMark 10 for $249 from Black Rose Customs. Does Fender, Marshall and Mesa quite well, has headphone amp; direct XLR out for recording, effects loop, great reverb, and some special Mojo IMHO.

This amp has a nice analog feel to it, and amazing tone for it's small size amp; cost. The major drawback is that none of the controls are foot-switchable.

Chip

i would recommend either the vox ad30vt or the roland cube 30. either one will give your friend what they are looking for. they both go for less than $250 without a footswitch.

Vox Valvetronix or the Tech 21.

Roland Micro Cubes can be had for less than $130. Draw back is effects. One of Chorus, Flanger, Phaseror Tremolo and one of Delay or Reverb.

I use mine to keep the rest of the family happy.

He's got to look at the Valvetronix line, even if he buys something else what you get for the price is ridiculous.

I'd go with the Vox Valvetronix 60 watt model. they can be had for less than $500, have good sims, decent effects, and acan be played at acceptable bedroom levels while still having enough muscle to play out if need be.

I'd try these 3 in the following order:

Vox Valvetronix
Tech 21 TM10
Roland Cube 30

All 3 are great amps. You'll be pleased with anyone of these. For effects and versatility go with the Vox. For the better tone, go with the Tech21. If you don't mind ugly and wanna save a few $$$ go with the Cube.

Line 6 Spider. 50 watts, 112 or 210 configuration. And they're loud enough to jam with others if he decides he wants to later. I paid $350 for mine new.

1 for the Line 6 Spider II Series. I Just own the 30W combo but it's not too expensive and you get something worth the money. The upper models should be cool too

I'm a fan of the Roland Cube 30.

You can find a used Line 6 Flextone III 1x12. I can't say enough about this amp. Should be able to get one around 500 used.

The FBV Floorboard sold separate makes this amp over the top. Best Home combo I have ever played hands down. If he decides to go MIDI to the computer with it you can download thousands of presets! I haven't even brought the sucker to the halfway point too loud for home that high.

I have the Roland Micro Cube for home use, and my performance partner has the Cube-30. They are both incredible sounding amps for reasonable money. The 30 can be used for medium sized halls, and practicing with a band, and it's not too heavy. The micro looks like a toy, but sounds great for its size. So, between the two it depends on how much volume you want to push through it. I have tried the Vox AD15VT and AD30VT. They are great amps as well, with the AD30VT very comparable to the Roland Cube-30. If you really need great sound at any volume, I would guess that stepping up to the AD50VT would cover just about any situation you might encounter, but I haven't tried that amp yet. Good luck.

Well i would almost say if hes lucky and is interested he might be able to find a XXX combo w/the on board effects for around that (used of course).