Best tube amp for playing with Piano

Muckaluck · #1 05-26-2010, 07:21 AM

Hi folks,

I'm looking to do a little bit more bass and piano work as my girlfriend is getting more and more into some piano Motown and rock. Of course this brings the always welcomed opportunity to buy more gear.

I have an 1X12 ampeg classic cab that I'd like to connect to a small tube head. I don't want to go over $200-$300. Following are some of my considerations:

- Epiphone Valve Junior: A guitar amp, I know, but some of the youtube reviews label it as pretty bassy.

- Some of the older ampegs: B15N

- Vintage Hammond, Silvertone stuff in the 10-30 watt range

I was wondering what you think might be a good solution?

MAMMOTHvolume · #2 05-26-2010, 07:28 AM

i think your second to considerations may well be out of your price range, i'd stick with the valve junior and use the left over cash to get it modded. you may struggle volume wise with it though

Rickett Customs · #3 05-26-2010, 07:34 AM

In most cases, unless you're lucky $200- $300 won't cut it and if you happen to find one for that, it may need repairs or be retubed, which can go beyond your budget, but then again you may luck out so, good luck to you.

Muckaluck · #4 05-26-2010, 08:37 AM

What would modding the Valve Junior do? More power???

nysbob · #5 05-26-2010, 09:09 AM

You might be able to find an old 50W bassman for $300. I'd look at some of the older higher powered guitar heads that have fallen from favor - Peavey Mace or Festival and the like.

Muckaluck · #6 05-26-2010, 09:48 AM

Yeah, those old Peaveys look like a great deal.

I just found my way to a custom builder who works under the name Bearpaw. His site is: http://bearpawamps.tech.officelive.com/default.aspx

These little amps look great and are pretty close to my budget. I might give Jim a call.

jokerjkny · #7 05-26-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nysbob

You might be able to find an old 50W bassman for $300. (...)

this is the correct answer. course a showman or bandmaster would do just fine as well.

Munjibunga · #8 05-27-2010, 02:07 AM

Alessandro Basset Hound.

dannster · #9 05-27-2010, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Alessandro Basset Hound

If you know where to buy those for $200-$300, would you mind ever so kindly sharing with the rest of the class?!

KramerBassFan · #10 05-27-2010, 08:20 AM

At first, i thought you wanted a Piano Tube amp!

Look on craigslist - that is your best bet. Just search AMP and every brand name you can think of.

MAMMOTHvolume · #11 05-27-2010, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muckaluck

What would modding the Valve Junior do? More power???

most likely less so the valve wont melt itself like it does in the stock design, Most of the mods about just turn it into a pretty decent head with great tone.

KramerBassFan · #12 05-27-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAMMOTHvolume

most likely less so the valve wont melt itself like it does in the stock design, Most of the mods about just turn it into a pretty decent head with great tone.

Or if you wanted a cheap 15w Class A amp look into the new KUSTOM Defender.

Munjibunga · #13 05-27-2010, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannster

If you know where to buy those for $200-$300, would you mind ever so kindly sharing with the rest of the class?!

There's always used.

megadan · #14 05-27-2010, 11:08 AM

The b-15 would be ideal, but for that budget you might be able to score a Traynor YBA1, or an older Guild all tube, which are amazing (Thunderbass, Quantum).

Muckaluck · #15 05-27-2010, 11:28 AM

Great suggestions!

Boy I'd never seen that Kustom amp before and Amazon has them for $100. I might just try that and if it doesn't work out I'm only $100 in the hole.

anonymous02282011 · #16 05-27-2010, 11:32 AM

I have a Guild Thunderbass from the 60s that I've been meaning to list on the classifieds. It's a smokin amp. If you give me a nudge maybe I'll list it there with some pics.

jokerjkny · #17 05-27-2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

Alessandro Basset Hound.

if you want the best...

and yea, i hug mine nightly.

Jim C · #18 05-27-2010, 11:56 AM

Used Ampeg B-25 or Bassman
Anthing less than 40 watts is not going to cut it IMO
Even if it required no immediate repairs it would be hard to buy for $300

You might find some oddball like and Eico hi-fi head or an old Bogen tube PA head for cheap (mine with 2 6L6's sounds killer and has powered some old VOT cabs for reherasals for years)and use a pre-amp pedal; again doubtful for that kind of $$

KramerBassFan · #19 05-27-2010, 12:04 PM

I sent the OP a few suggestions, VIA PM.

seamonkey · #20 05-27-2010, 02:44 PM

Have you actually tried your piano through a low powered tube amp?
If you're going for old Wurlitzer (Super Tramp) or rhodes sound, then most the keyboards already have modeled or real samples of sounds from these KB's, it include the amps on the Wurlitzer (stereo tremolo).
You want a clean as possible amp to get the modeled and sampled sounds out.
Piano's are percussion, and full range. Get a good full range amp and cabinet for you piano. It will work great for bass also.