Im not familiar with the Express but I have the Peavey Studio 112 that I also bought used online from Guitar Center, the one with the rounded front and I love it. It has distortion reminiscent of the old classic chorus 212. And the cleans aren't bad either. Either one is a great amp for the price. And I'm with Spudman. They are built tough! The only con I have found is that they sound really loud when your practicing but when you get the other band members behind you the volume takes a noticeable drop. Of course mic-ing fixes that.