Amp on a Budget

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

I'm returning to the bass world after almost a one-year hiatus, and am seeking a little direction amp-wise...

I've always been in bands in the past, mainly hard rock and heavy metal, so ultimate power was always the goal.

(Formerly; SVP1600 and T21 RBI atop US Made 410he and 115en)

However, when the band broke up, I traded to a late 70's Ampeg V4B, and discovered that I am a fan of that 70's Ampeg tubey goodness.

Returning to the bass world a year later, I am gear less, and building from a budget since I have no band, and aim to new this a hobby this time around.

I'm picking up a SX Jazz this Friday.

Looking at the Avatar TB153 as my cab.

Really want another V4B but I cannot seem to locate one...

Any other suggestions as far as affordable tube amps go?

I've been trying to read on Smarvo/Ashton/Fame amps and realise they're cheap Chinese amps, but am guessing build quality is about as to be expected?

Are there any other 100 Watt or less bass amps I could look out for that's in the sub $500 range?

I'm definitely on the look out for my holy grail V4B, but am also not holding my breath either.

Thanks,
-Ryan.

[sad_katz]

Used Ampeg V4B right here on TB Classifieds:
FS Ampeg V-4BH V-4B Tube 100W 4 or 8 ohm
Ampeg V4BH trade for ShuttleMAX or cash sale (updated!) - ConUS / Ontario

It's no Ampeg, but Peavey's usually has great durability and no slouch in the tone department. The seller says he's out of town right now. Might be able to cut a deal later.
FS/FT: Peavey VB2 - all tube goodness - only $600!

If you want the Ampeg tone, maybe the PF-350 can suit your needs:
Ampeg PF350 F/S

Good luck!

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

Saw those two Ampegs while cruising the classifieds... I'm looking for one with a little more age on her.

Nothing against the newer ones, as I have zero experience with them... I just don't know, nor think they'll achieve the same tone I got from my 70's puppy.

Appreciate the info on the PF too, but I'm really looking for a tube amp to pick up.

[sad_katz]

I have little knowledge about small vintage all-tube amps.


The newer all-tube amps, though, would include the Peavey VB-2 and Traynor YBA-200.
The two can be had under $1000 new, even less for used.

Might even try the pre/power amp setup using an Ampeg SVP-PRO and a budget power amp like a Peavey IPR-1600 or Crown XLS1000.
AMPEG SVP PRO HEAD___GREAT CONDITION!!

[MuthaFunk]

Old Traynor yba-1 are commonly found up here in Canada and rarely more than $450. Traynor custom specials are a little harder to find but I've ran across at least 3 of them in the past year on Kijiji in the Toronto area. You might find one and get it shipped. They're supposed to be good sounding amps based on an old Marshall design.

[Laurent]

For budget tubes Traynor YBA200-2 would be my recommendation.
I owned one and really loved that amp.

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

Any comment on the sound? Similar to SVT, Bassman, Marshall, etc?

Or do they have their own unique voice?

Had some good experiences with a few Yorkville combos, so I'm aware of quality and it is 'quite success!'

[sad_katz]

They have a unique sound, ime. Punchy-er mids and focused lows, compared to the warm lows and punchy mid-lows on the SVT. IMHO IME, YMMV.

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

Hmm... Im going to have to do some researchin' on that Traynor... I can dig punchy mids being a former Warwick-o-phile.

But I do love those signature smooth and warm Ampeg toneskies...

[JxBass]

Originally Posted by TylerDurdenPSSC

Saw those two Ampegs while cruising the classifieds... I'm looking for one with a little more age on her.

Nothing against the newer ones, as I have zero experience with them... I just don't know, nor think they'll achieve the same tone I got from my 70's puppy.

I think the new Ampegs are quite good and shouldn't be ruled out just because they're new.

[LowEndMan2112]

Originally Posted by JxBass

I think the new Ampegs are quite good and shouldn't be ruled out just because they're new.

+1! You'd be surprised just how well the PF series cops that classic Ampeg vibe, just ask JimmyM.

[JxBass]

Originally Posted by LowEndMan2112

+1! You'd be surprised just how well the PF series cops that classic Ampeg vibe, just ask JimmyM.

Same with the Micro-VR and the SVT.

[majortoby]

The pf series sounds marvelous. Best amp per dollar period. And, I think it was jimmy who suggested using a pedal for distortion in the loop? Cuz man, putting a tech 21 oxford (with added blend control courtesy of putnam) in the fx loop of a pf500 would be like so far out I can't even begin to explain how enticing I find the PF series. Loud buggers, too. Even the wee 350 into a single 12 gave me a pleasant surprise.

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

Originally Posted by JxBass

I think the new Ampegs are quite good and shouldn't be ruled out just because they're new.

I think my qualm with the early-mid 90's VB4H is the absence of the 7027 tubes that my late 70's amp had... Not that I know what exactly the difference that holds (tech impaired here) but its a bit disconcerting.

Since coming back to the community a week ago, I've read nothing but positives about the PF series, and am intrigued...

My issue with that being; for the price of a new PF micro amp, I could swing a used VB-2, VB4(H), Traynor, etc.

I owned a Tech21 RBI, and loved the valve emulation, but when I finally got my hands on the real deal... No contest.

Just from what I read... If i was actively playing out, having the 350 in a padded bag as a backup would be my M.O. for sure...

However, being that I'm just going to be playing by myself, possibly recording, at the most doing the jam band scene; I'm really looking for a ~100W tube amp to sit atop a TB153 to get'r done.

[Igotsoul4u]

Hartke LH500 is a great price and a great amp.

[TylerDurdenPSSC]

Originally Posted by Igotsoul4u

Hartke LH500 is a great price and a great amp.

I won't argue that...

...But not even close to what we've discussed here.