Help me choose... — The Watering Hole

10 posts

Johnny #1 · Jan 04, 2009 02:11 UTC

I'm going to grab a 30 watt or so amp head to haul to practices. The 2 that are not too expensive that I've heard good things about are the Classic 30 and the (Crate) Palamino V32H. And maybe the Crate V30.

I've owned 2 Classic 50's, and have played a couple of Classic 30's, so I know what they sound like. But these Crate heads are a tad less expensive. I plan to also grab a Satchurator pedal to go in front of whatever I choose....so the clean channel is mostly what I'm looking at. And it must be loud enough to play with a full band (through my 2x12 Vox cab).

Anybody spend any time on these Crate amps? I know I can't go wrong with the Classic 30. But if the Crate is close, the $ savings might make it the better choice. Thoughts?

desertbluesman #2 · Jan 04, 2009 03:07 UTC

Can't help with the Crate items, but you ought to be able to read reviews on the web.

Johnny #3 · Jan 04, 2009 03:39 UTC

The reviews are actually what have me interested in the Crate amps. But I know yooz guys....and yooz guys have pretty straightforward thoughts about whatever you have tried. Plus I don't want reviews from some 16 year old. Other than TTBB, I don't think we have any of those here ;)

Fenderbender #4 · Jan 04, 2009 05:42 UTC

I'll say this.....Rev. Billy G. Gibbons plays Crates.....now I know they ain't popular with the snobs.....but those Palominos are FINE amps for the money. I go for the Crate.

dearthian #5 · Jan 04, 2009 15:52 UTC

The Crates are ok IF you get those shitty tubes out of them (especially the pre-amp tubes). Mullard reissues work GREAT in the preamp of these. Makes it very usable.

Personally, I'd snag a Classic 30 between the 2. I've owned one before and dig them.

You might also look at the Egnater that Howie got. He's pretty keen on it.

desertbluesman #6 · Jan 04, 2009 21:35 UTC

Dearthian: — Jan 04, 2009You might also look at the Egnater that Howie got. He's pretty keen on it.

The Egnater is only 20 watts (he wants 30), but I am thinking on getting one soon.

CraigB #7 · Jan 04, 2009 23:23 UTC

But does he really need 30? Maybe he could get by with 29 or less... :D

desertbluesman #8 · Jan 05, 2009 02:47 UTC

CraigBert — Jan 04, 2009But does he really need 30? Maybe he could get by with 29 or less... :D

A 30 watter will put out approximately 1.5 db more than a 20. Not a real significant volume difference.

DreamTheaterRules #9 · Jan 05, 2009 05:43 UTC

And the Rebel is not a combo. But Johnny has cabs. ;)

triantobebrian #10 · Jan 13, 2009 11:01 UTC

Heu johnny I played one of the crates the other day in guitar world they are gnarley man you can shred to slipknot and my chemical romance like you wouldn't believe i'm gonna buy one when i get the $$$$ my mum sad she'd match me $ for $ if i work weekends cool hey you should get one

( ;))