"Classic" Alternative . . .
Perfect Stranger said:
All I'm really looking for is a nice combo tube amp with great cleans, possibly
reverb, and one or two 12" speakers. Doesn't have to be incredibly loud, or
modeling, or be a corksniffer boutique amp.
It sounds like you've already made up your mind on selling your SCXD. Having had one myself for about a year and a half, I can honestly say that it's an indispensible part of my amp arsenal. It does so many things well that I have no problem overlooking the things it can't do, or does moderately well, for the sake of its strong points. Most importantly, it flat-out has the umistakable feel and response of a genuine tube amp - which it is, though with the help of some digital accoutrements.
First - Ch. 1's pristine Blackface clean. Unless you want to parlay some major lettuce for a vintage Fender or a newer re-issue, you'll look long and hard to find a better version of that particular tone at the same price point. Another thing I did with my amp as far as mods go (*and I did the Ragin' Cajun' speaker change, too) was change out the pre-amp tube from the stock Fender unit to a New Sensor version Tung Sol. I think that change really made a big difference, as the clean tones really "pop" now - esp. with a Strat or a Tele.
Finally, to achieve a "larger" sound with the SCXD (*and for its diminutive size - it already sounds BIG), I purchased a nice 2x12 extension cabinet (8 ohm) to run off of the speaker out. As luck would have it, the cab came loaded with Jensen speakers (a C12N and a Mod) - which accentuate the classic Fender tones to a tee. I couldn't be happier. Pound-for-pound, the SCXD is unmatched in my book. It's easily the best-sounding small amp I've ever played - modeling or otherwise, and that's probably a given for anyone whose tastes run deeply in the Fender camp - like mine do. I am sure you've already deduced that my vote would be to keep it - because I think you may find yourself wishing you had later.
However, if you aren't satisfied with the SCXD, or just want something else, I'd suggest that you consider getting an all-tube amp - like a Peavey Classic 30. From your gear sig, it looks like you have plenty of effects pedals, so you'll have variety of tonal options with a capable two-channel / spring-reverb equipped rig like the Classic. Small enough to haul around, plenty of wattage for smaller gigs (*bigger if mic'ed), tasty tweed aesthetics, and made in the good ol' US of A down Mississippi way. It's also reasonably-priced, with used / well-cared-for versions going on Ebay for $350 - $400. And here's a tip - if you want to add some of that classic Fender "flavor" to the Classic's already excellent tone, all you need to do is score yourself one of Boss' new Legend Series FBM-1 or FDR-1 pedals, and trust me - that dog'll hunt.
Big time. Good luck on your search.
