Les, Try this:
Line6 Helix
Hughes & Kettner 36
Hughes & Kettner 1x12
Compact and using 4CM you still have the tubes adding lots of warmth and grungy crunch when you want it.
Thanks for the reccomendations...I'd rock a Helix as an effects processor, but not a substitute for an amp. I like that unit very much as a pedalboard alternative.
As to amps, I'm set. Really, I can leave mine where they are, and I have some fantastic ones in the HXDA 30. DG 30, and Lone Star. I'm good.
The only amp I'd consider adding to the arsenal if my hand improves is the DG50 with a matching 2x12...I've already got another DG 2x12 on hold at a dealer pending a few things. Ultimately the rig I'd like to have is the HXDA 30, the DG 30, the DG 50, each with its own DG cab, and the Lone Star combo. But that's only if the hand improves or at least, stops wasting away.
If the upcoming surgery doesn't stop the decline of the muscles, I'll probably just transition back to keys and synths, because I can still play them, even if not as well, and I'll be giving my guitars and amps to my son. I suppose if he doesn't want them, I'll sell them off.
The H&K amps are fine amps, but not my style. They're much more "modern" sounding than my vintage style PRS single channel amps, and single channel, vintage style amps are the only direction I'm interested in heading from here on out. I can use a pedal and turn any amp into a metal amp, but it's awfully hard to do the reverse.
The 2 Channel Lone Star was an unnecessary buy for me, it's more of a backup than a main amp in my lineup; sort of an alternative sounding thing for when I need that. And even it is far more vintage in tone than the H-K stuff. Since my son uses one for touring, it's a natural for him if the hand deteriorates. So that one's at least a possibility for him.