Looking for recommendations for an amp

[Bob Metzger]

Hi All,
I'm seeking recommendations for a small, light rehearsal amp for pedal steel. I would think about 30 to 50 watts, most probably solid state, 12 inch speaker with a very good sounding built-in reverb (no, I don't need any multi-effects) and at least a 3-band EQ. I'm looking for a clean sound, not a distortion generating device.
Cheaper would be more desirable than expensive (It's for rehearsals).
Thanks,
Bob M.

[Stew Crookes]

Depending on how loud you rehearse, a Quilter SuperBlock US with a cabinet might fit the bill - that's what I use and frequently rehearse with drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitar and typically use the Quilter through whatever cabinet is at the rehearsal space. It's at the very top of what that amp can keep up with volume-wise, but it's been workable for me in those scenarios!

The biggest plus is that it weighs nearly nothing when you don't need to lug a cab.

For live it's always through the PA with a small cab (a TOOB 8GP) on stage for additional monitoring unless it's a VERY small gig.

[Larry Dering]

Consider the Boss Katana. The 100 watt which i use can sound very good and has built in effects of Boss quality. I never used the 50 watt version so can't say how well it works for steel.

[Chris Brooks]

For your purposes, I'd get a used Roland Cube. These are available right now at Guitar Center and have 12" speakers:

Roland 60 watt Cubes: $165; $200
Roland 80 watt Cubes: $225; $260

[Ryan Bramlett]

Not to ask a dumb question Chris because you're recommending them, but have you put the Roland Cube through its paces with a Steel? I ask because everyone I know who's ever used/owned a cube has only used them with a standard electric guitar. They're small and light, but just not sure how they sound with steel.

[Chris Brooks]

Hey Ryan. Not a dumb question at all!

My guitar is a Carter SD 12, with a George L pickup. I have used the Cube 80 (I also have a Cube 30, a great little carry-able practice amp) on a couple of gigs. Normally I play through a Peavey 112. Put through its paces in every respect? I dunno; but it certainly was loud enough; there is a mid range control, which we steelers like, so I was able to tweak the tone to my liking.

I am not a tone fanatic or as expert as many on the Forum are; the reverb was sufficient. I mean, on a gig, in the midst of other musicians, can a listener really tell the difference between this reverb or that reverb?

Idea: get a used one from GC; take it home and play it. You can always return it.

Caveat: I have only been playing for 50 years so I'm still learning about this stuff, ha ha.

[Ryan Bramlett]

Ha! Great response. I'll try to find a used one around here and give it a shot. I just want to have the clean, clear tone that steel needs without having to lug my Session 400 everywhere. Because first of all, that thing is absurdly heavy, but secondly, I'm playing with an acoustic guitar player who never lets me put the master volume on the Session 400 any higher than 1!

[Lee Baucum]

I rarely use my Evans or Fender amps anymore. My Cube 80XL amps work great. Speaker only in quiet gigs and direct out to the p.a. on loud gigs at large venues.

My skinny arms and weak back love those Cubes!