I just bought my first new guitar amp in a long, long time. I had just a few criteria for making my choice: it could not be too big or heavy; it had to be loud enough to do typical club gigs and small hall gigs; it had to have a good clean sound (I seldom use distortion), and it had to be economical ($3-500) because I just don't gig often enough to justify an expensive amp.

I auditioned a buttload of amps, and decided on a Line 6 Flextone. I'm loving it, although I am not using even 5% of the features on it. As I said, I just want a good clean sound with presence and a little reverb. The Flex fills the bill. It is WAY lighter than any tube amp. It is small enough to carry with one hand and toss in the back seat of the car. It is more than loud enough, and I like the sound as much as any amp I played (more than most). And I paid a shade under $400 for it.

I know a lot of guys have scorn for solid state amps, but I have had success with them, starting with an Acoustic amp back in the 70's.

The amp models available on the Flextone are amazing, but I really don't use a variety of them. I just found a model of a Fender Bassman, tweaked it up to satisfy my ears, and I'm ready to go.

After all these years, I still love to move air with a Strat and a nice amp.