Affordable, clean tube-amp?

GangstaBean · #1 07-04-2011, 10:16 PM

I am finally looking to upgrade from my 1978 peavey combo. I play a Spector and I want an amp that matches its tone. So I always thought that tube amps have a gritty, distorted sound. Which sounds awesome on a pbass, but just not my type. So I'm looking for a clean tube amp that's not made china and has a clean, warm, deep tone. Any suggestions? Hybrids are nice too.

SurferJoe46 · #2 07-04-2011, 10:26 PM

Hmmm - with the China exemption you may have a problem. Is Taiwan OK though? It's kinda NOT China mainland - but pretty close.

If you can find a modern amp that's NOT made with Chinese parts at least, then let me know and I'll tell the company how to save a lot of money on components and wires and little electricallic thing-a-ma-bobs.

If you don't overdrive an amp - it will stay pretty clean, but surprise! ALL amps color sound reproduction somehow - somewhere, even the non-Chinese ones. But you can get your Wayback Machine and get one in the good ol' US of A. While you're there bring me one too. !

**B-string** · #3 07-04-2011, 10:30 PM

Tube amps gritty....dirty sound????? Only if they are overdriven or in need of repair!

recreate.me · #4 07-04-2011, 10:32 PM

Cheapest tube you'll find is a Traynor yba200-2. It's clean up until it breaks up. So, youll be loosing some of it's power since you won't be turning it past 5. I'd invest in an 8x10 for maximum power and clean. I think they are made in Canada..out of Chinese parts.

SurferJoe46 · #5 07-04-2011, 10:35 PM

Gawd! Canadians now? What is it all coming to?

Curse people who live in igloos!

GangstaBean · #6 07-04-2011, 10:37 PM

It's just that Chinese things bother me, I dont know why. They just do.
And I'd like to run through a 210. And power doesn't matter: like 100-300 watts at 8ohms.

GangstaBean · #7 07-04-2011, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Tube amps gritty....dirty sound????? Only if they are overdriven or in need of repair!

Maybe I'm mistaken. I just always thought tube amps had a warm, gritty tone.

SurferJoe46 · #8 07-04-2011, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GangstaBean

It's just that Chinese things bother me, I dont know why. They just do.
And I'd like to run through a 210. And power doesn't matter: like 100-300 watts at 8ohms.

Look - you're eating Chinese peanut butter; your dog and cat are eating Chinese pet food (don't ask) and your electronics are all either made there or their parts are assembled here - wherever 'here' is anyway.

This is all part of the Grand Conspiracy of the Tri-Lateral Commission and you should not fight it.

Look at the swinging watch - you're getting sleepy ---- sleepier ---- you're sleeping ---- Now - say this: "Buy Chinese - it's good for everyone"

When I snap my fingers ----------------

scotch · #9 07-04-2011, 10:56 PM

Clean, warm & deep tube bass amp? There are others, but a Mesa Buster 200 definitely fits the bill! It's really hard to get any 'grind' out of them, the interactive eq makes it easy to dial in warm round tones & for whatever reason my Busters' just seem to have an extra amount of low-end oomph.

**B-string** · #10 07-04-2011, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GangstaBean

Maybe I'm mistaken. I just always thought tube amps had a warm, gritty tone.

Warm yes but not gritty by nature

bassfreakah · #11 07-04-2011, 11:24 PM

You can find a gk rb800 american made all day long and cheep. That will give you the sound you and your spector need. Mate it with a 410 and you are done.

JimmyM · #12 07-05-2011, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-string

Warm yes but not gritty by nature

+1. The cleanest amp I ever played is my SVT. Just don't run it into distortion and it's super clean.

SurferJoe46 · #13 07-05-2011, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

+1. The cleanest amp I ever played is my SVT. Just don't run it into distortion and it's super clean.

That's why I don't care for SVT - too bright and processed-sounding for me.

Almost like total digital verses the cozy easy chair and brandy in front of the fireplace of a more old school amp.

cataract · #14 07-05-2011, 12:19 AM

When I think of an SVT, I don't think of the word "bright".
(Ultra Hi doesn't count)

JimmyM · #15 07-05-2011, 12:32 AM

Ya, to get an SVT sounding bright, you really have to jump through hoops. Or turn the treble knob

mmuellenberg · #16 07-05-2011, 12:33 AM

I have one of the Mesa Boogie Buster Bass 200 heads mentioned above.
I use a Mesa 1516BE cab with it. the cab has 1-15", 1-10" and 2-6".
this is the most versatile rig I've ever owned and I've been playing for over 35 years.
I can get crazy deep and clean or brite and dirty all I want. Mesa Kicks ass. Spend the time and the money. Look hard and be good with your money. I got the head for $650 and the cab for $350. Patience pays off.

mmuellenberg · #17 07-05-2011, 12:40 AM

One other thing. I sometimes use a 78 Fender Bassman Cab that has the original CTS 15's in it at an extension cab. Makes mucho noise!!

**DosiYanarchy** · #18 07-05-2011, 01:08 AM

Hiwatt custom 200/400 meant to be really clean, even when cranked

gillento · #19 07-05-2011, 04:02 AM

Genz Benz Streamliner !

coreyfyfe · #20 07-05-2011, 05:46 AM

What's your budget? There are plenty of amps in all price ranges. If you're looking under $1K then you'll want to go used or vintage, but if you've got the cheddar there are some real boutique amps out there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Almost like total digital verses the cozy easy chair and brandy in front of the fireplace of a more old school amp.

I'd consider an amp that had it's beginnings in 1969 to be fairly old school...