Originally Posted by
Simon Barden
I'd suggest a used Blackstar HT-5R 5W combo. You can pick them up reasonably cheaply used, but they are not over-expensive new. The MkII versions have a 12" speaker which puts out a bit more volume than the 10" version and has a touch more bass end. It also has a decent digital reverb built-in. It's also very quiet with minimal noise (partly because the first gain stage is solid state), with a valve after that and a single power valve. The other guitarist in my old band now uses 2 for a stereo gig rig.
They sound good on their own without pedals, but also do take pedals well. It's got a serial effects loop so you can place your delays and modulations after the preamp if you want. Sound good at low volume and when turned up (which is pretty loud). Also has a mini jack input for an MP3 player etc. for playing along to, which won't give you great fidelity but is better than nothing.
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