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Hey guys, I am really looking into getting a high gain amp. My problem is though is that I don't need 100W or even 50W. At the most, I would need 30W.

Do you guys know of some high gain-low wattage amps that would work well? I'm talking tube, not SS/modeling.

Thanks for the help!

Budda makes great 18 and 30 watt amps.

Bad Cat makes some, not that I've ever played on them.

Petersamps.com, Laney AOR30, Bedrock 600 series, Mesa DC3, or a Marshall 2204 with THD yellowjackets or cool biased 6V6's (but check the operating conditions before you do that and/or have a tech do it for you).

The Soldano Astroverb is always a good little amp to look at.

plus1 for the soldano Astroverb, or it's predecessor, the Atomic. Mucho Soldano tone at very reasonable volumes.

Mucho Soldano tone at very reasonable volumes.

And at a pretty reasonable price.

Orange AD30 30Watts. Class A

Not metal but gets to hard rock.

How bout a mesa triaxis running into a mesa 20:20 power amp = 20 watts


Originally Posted by vinterlandHow bout a mesa triaxis running into a mesa 20:20 power amp = 20 watts40, actually.

I don't know what your definition of high gain is, but the Mesa Maverick throws down, as does the Laney 30 watt class A amp.

orange rocker 30


Originally Posted by Benjy_2640, actually.

I don't know what your definition of high gain is, but the Mesa Maverick throws down, as does the Laney 30 watt class A amp.

right right sorry bout that


Originally Posted by Archer_of_FishThe Soldano Astroverb is always a good little amp to look at.

1000. Find one used... I believe they've got a lifetime transferrable warranty.

Crate Palomino or V series.

Well I've been on the same quest. By experience, tube amps do not sound any better than SS amps at low volume for high gain. You need to play louder. Not crank them necessarily, but louder than room level.
You say you'll need at the most 30 watts of tube power. That's enough for a small gig. You never plan on doing anything bigger?
Also what's your definition of high gain?
The Laney 30 watts AOR Pro tube is indeed great. I have one. Amazing amp for the price. But don't count on doing modern metal from it. The Marshall DSL1 may have enough gain, but I'd still boost it.

Deluxe Reverb with Matchless HotBox in front.

I play my Engl Screamer at room level volume. It can still play like a cranked up 50W bit*h.

Marin- I am quite a fan of yours, I enjoy all of your clips and that Engl sounds amazing. I have definitely considered the Screamer 50, but I can't find one to try out for myself. My definition of high gain is the Dual Recto/Soldano SLO100.
Perhaps I should just stick with my PODxt and get the metal pack, but I really am dying to get real tube tone. I don't gig that often so I know all I would ever need at most is 50W.

Thanks for all the input guys1

Try what Vinterland said. Use the Mesa 20:20 along with your POD.

I use a Mesa 50:50 along with my Boss GT8 into two 2x12 cabs and can get pretty much any tone under the sun.


Originally Posted by BluesGuyJMarin- I am quite a fan of yours, I enjoy all of your clips and that Engl sounds amazing. I have definitely considered the Screamer 50, but I can't find one to try out for myself. My definition of high gain is the Dual Recto/Soldano SLO100.
Perhaps I should just stick with my PODxt and get the metal pack, but I really am dying to get real tube tone. I don't gig that often so I know all I would ever need at most is 50W.

Thanks for all the input guys1

You can always take baby steps toward your ultimate tube amp. I've heard the PODs and although they offer tons of tones there is no replacing tubes. I'd personally start with the Crate V58, it's a 5 watt Class A tube amp w/ an 8quot; Celestion. Brand new these are under $300. The only knock I've heard was trying to get a crystal clean sound from them. But if high gain at low volume is what you want then this is the amp for you!

Then after about 6 months to a year you'll sell your POD and your Crate and buy the Soldano