A good amp for a Stratocaster under $800?

[Elpelotero]

My buddy just picked up a stratocaster and is looking for something around $800. He came to me for advice, and while I have some ideas, strats are not in my bag of tricks.

He's looking for a stellar clean channel, and a warm, thick overdrive. No high gain, although if the amp can handle it while doing the others well it'll be a plus.


I was thinking of amps in the line of Heartbreaker, Blue Angel, Maverick, F-Series, Nomad, DC series...Though I'm not entirely familiar with these. Which would be best for the tone he's after? A Lonestar would be best I feel, but I don't think I can find one for <$800.

He's open to any brand, not just Mesa.

Thanks!

 

[zebpedersen]

The Mark IV is the ultimate Strat amp as far as I'm concerned, I'm not sure what they run to in the States though.

I played a Fender Supersonic once that was very nice, decent drive (I'm not that hi-gain a guy either) but also the delightful Fender clean. Alternatively, maybe just getting something like a Deluxe Reverb and a preamp of some sort for drive?

Basically, Mark IV notwithstanding I would go for a Fender

 

[bartchamdoh]

i play strats and use mark 3,s great clean,channel 2 is like using a good modded tube screamer.

 

[BENNY]

strats are the secret to success. you may be able to get a mark 3 for 800. seems like all the mark series prices went up when the V came out.

 

[droptrd]

The Mark IV is the ultimate Strat amp as far as I'm concerned, I'm not sure what they run to in the States though.

I played a Fender Supersonic once that was very nice, decent drive (I'm not that hi-gain a guy either) but also the delightful Fender clean. Alternatively, maybe just getting something like a Deluxe Reverb and a preamp of some sort for drive?

Basically, Mark IV notwithstanding I would go for a Fender

I was going to say Supersonic too. Its a pretty cool amp. Not your average Fender

 

[stokes]

Since high gain is not what he's after and he is more interested in good cleans,it can only be Fender.Almost every amp made that touts good cleans is likened to a Fender,so its best to go with what everyone emulates.The Silver Face Pro,Bandmaster and Bassman are good in the 50 watt range.The last 2 being heads may bring him over the $800 number,with a cab,although I have seen many SF Bassman and Bandmaster heads going 350 to 450 bucks.A BF mod can be done for not a lot of $$ if you find the right tech.In fact,the early AA165 Bassman is very close,if not exactly the same as the BF.There were quite a few "crossovers" that had a mix of BF and SF circuitry,some of these should be no more than $50 to mod,or if you are capable,you can DIY.The SF Deluxe is a great choice,it is only 22 watts,which should be loud enough clean for most non-metal rock cleans,and it will break up real nice and not get ear splitting when cranked.You cant go wrong with a genuine Fender amp with a genuine Fender Strat,they really did focus on designing their amps to go with their guitars,everybody afterwards just copied them,Boogie included,when it comes to cleans,anyway.

 

[ripit007]

Fender Blues Jr. I have one modded my BillM. 15 watts of pure tone. Cleans are bliss and this thing cranks. Dont let the 15 watts fool you.