Best NON-BASS SPECIFIC all tube amp [ smaller ]

jibreel · #1 12-29-2010, 02:29 PM

I am pretty set with my rig. Hughes and Kettner BATT tube preamp into a TC 450 head [ using both preamps ].

I would like to buy a smaller all tube head.

I would like this for clean, fat tube sound only, no grit, overdrive or distortion desired. So obviously, I would want enough head room to do this with a tube amp.

However, this is mostly for my living room or coffee house sized venues. This would allow me to have a fairly low wattage amp and still get the clearer tube tone.

My best freind is a bass player with a vintage SVT and a Walter woods and he suggested a Fender Dual Showman head.

Open to suggestions from current to vintage. Any suggestions?

This amp sounds pretty nice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIn2a..._order&list=UL

Thanks !!

JimmyM · #2 12-29-2010, 02:32 PM

b-15 is king daddy.

the problem with most low watt guitar heads is the transformers are too small to have clean bass at any reasonable volume. this is why the b-15 is the king daddy of low watt tube bass amps.

Alex1984 · #3 12-29-2010, 02:38 PM

B-12N? I think 12s might handle guitar a little better.

JimmyM · #4 12-29-2010, 02:41 PM

the b-15n sounds great with guitar but does require some low end rolloff unless you're a jazz player who worships wes montgomery's tone. never played a b-12n but i've heard lots of great recordings with a b-12n or sb-12.

coreyfyfe · #5 12-29-2010, 03:01 PM

There is a ton of stuff out there. Like Jimmy said, guitar amps tend to have smaller transformers and can be kind of lacking in the low end if used for bass so if you want something that is flexible enough to do both and still be clean I'd look at a bass amp. Ampeg B-15N is king to me as well, but they also have the SB-12, B-15S, V2/B25, and V4 that could be worth taking a look at. The fender heads aren't bad either - bassman 50/70 or 100/135, as well as the showman and bandmaster, etc. For coffee house type gigs with a good cab you can definitely keep it under 50 watts which would eliminate a lot of amps. Do you have a cab in mind? Were you looking for a combo? Were you just planning to use the head with whatever cabs would fit the gig?

Jim C · #6 12-29-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jibreel

I would like to buy a smaller all tube head.

I would like this for clean, fat tube sound only, no grit, overdrive or distortion desired. So obviously, I would want enough head room to do this with a tube amp.

However, this is mostly for my living room or coffee house sized venues. This would allow me to have a fairly low wattage amp and still get the clearer tube tone.

Thanks !!

You would have to define how loud and what speaker for a decent recomendation. The B15 and it's variants are very good (albeit expesnive) choices. 50-100 watt Fender or Ampeg heads would also be good; I would think you could find something in the $300-$600 range.
One things is for sure: clean tone + a single speaker; played at a medium to loud volume = watts

bobcruz · #7 12-29-2010, 04:36 PM

Carvin TS100 stereo tube power amp for $600: http://www.carvinguitars.com/product...t=TS100&cid=61. Weighs about 25 pounds. I have an early 90's version of this amp and it has plenty beefy transformers for bass use. Stays clean right up to 90% or more of its output. You'd need to use a preamp but you already have a nice one.

jibreel · #8 12-29-2010, 07:49 PM

Thanks all for your replies.

I had a B15 6 or 7 years ago and sold it like a FOOL

Reading up on the Ampeg V4 BH also.

Guess I will have to find and try.

coreyfyfe · #9 12-29-2010, 09:05 PM

V4BH would probably suit you well. It's 100 watts into 4 or 8 ohms, runs four 6L6s. Through a smaller cab, a 2x10 or a 1x15 you'd probably be perfect for small gigs. You'd have enough volume on tap to be able handle any smaller situation and the flexibility to play larger gigs with a bigger cab. Plus the newer models have the DI out and such so it would work well if you wanted to record direct from the head instead of from the bass or micing the cab. Plus with the master volume on that amp you'd be able to dial in the right amount of pre or power amp drive for your situation to get a little more warmth in there.

BillyB_from_LZ · #10 12-29-2010, 09:39 PM

I have a Bugera 1960 head and it sounds wonderful... It's not small per se, but it's warm and very musical. Guitar Center has quite a few in the used gear section of their site. You could buy one, have it shipped to you and if you didn't like it, return it to your local GC for a full refund.