Have the 810E but can't Afford the SVT-CL. What's a Less Expensive Tube Amp Option?

Brondle · #1 01-01-2011, 09:40 PM

Any suggestions?

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 01-01-2011, 09:44 PM

Mesa 400(+) is a solid choice, and I hear Peavey makes some decent tube heads. You can also buy CLs used for around a grand in really good condition.

If you want a cheap but good option, you can also try a Markbass LMII/III plus a Tech-21 VT pedal.

big evil robot · #3 01-01-2011, 09:46 PM

Traynor YBA200, 200watts, decent tone, really takes off with a good re-tubing.

JimmyM · #4 01-01-2011, 09:48 PM

used cl.

LiquidMidnight · #5 01-01-2011, 09:49 PM

Buy used! The SVT-CL isn't a rare head, so I'm sure if you look hard enough, you should be able to find one for a grand or less.

Edit: Jimmy beat me to the suggestion!

Classickbass · #6 01-01-2011, 09:55 PM

Used V4B, 100 watts of Ampeg tube tone. Looks nice sitting on top of an 810. If you want 300 watts, get a used CL.

meatwad · #7 01-01-2011, 10:37 PM

GK.

I personally would want to try a VT Bass Deluxe into a power amp.

If at all possible, hold out for a deal on a CL... and broaden your choices to include the 2-PRO or non-PRO.

shizoz · #8 01-01-2011, 10:47 PM

I have an old MusicMan HD 130 and love it through the 810e, and I used to own an SVT CL. You can find these for less than $400 usually. Not sure why, I think they are a great head and a steal for the price...

JimmyM · #9 01-01-2011, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatwad

GK.

I personally would want to try a VT Bass Deluxe into a power amp.

If at all possible, hold out for a deal on a CL... and broaden your choices to include the 2-PRO or non-PRO.

good point about the 2 pro and 2 non pro. they can be had a little cheaper because they're rackmounted. but i wasn't aware gk made tube amps

Selta · #10 01-02-2011, 12:19 AM

Buy mine

Or go with a 2-Pro/non-pro.

mustbampeg · #11 01-02-2011, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brondle

Any suggestions?

I'm a former II Pro owner. Also, an 810 cab. Currently, I have a Peavey VB2 and a 412 cab. A VERY solid contender in the tube amp market. Plus, you can pick them up relatively cheap. I got mine for less than $600 shipped here on TB. At this point, I'm diggin Peavey gear more than I did the Ampeg gear, but it's all subjective, man. I think that you would probably like any of the tube heads listed in this thread. They are all solid, reliable amps. PLUS, you only have to save up to buy one of them. If you dont like it, they almost all will retain their value. So, that means you can re sell or trade for one of the other ones. If you dont have a place where you can personally go and play on any of them, then just start with one you've never played before and buy it. If it's not your cup o' tea, then trade it off for a different one.
my .02

Randy

christw · #12 01-02-2011, 08:08 AM

Peavey AlphaBass are going cheap these days. 160w for under $300. I'm selling mine plus an SVT810E to a fellow TBer for $400 total. Killer deal for him.

mcm · #13 01-02-2011, 08:11 AM

400rb, 700rb, or 800rb would kill

sammyfallen · #14 01-02-2011, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christw

Peavey AlphaBass are going cheap these days. 160w for under $300. I'm selling mine plus an SVT810E to a fellow TBer for $400 total. Killer deal for him.

and I couldn't be happier...

christw · #15 01-02-2011, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyfallen

and I couldn't be happier...

Well hi there stranger!

I'll be pretty happy when I pick up that Bag End 410 I've been watching for a month later this week. Everybody wins!

fenderhutz · #16 01-02-2011, 08:15 AM

Guitar Center has $600 used CL's that pop up about every couple weeks on their used site. If it arrives trashed you can just exercise the return policy. I got a US one a few years back in almost mint shape for a little over 500 shipped.

Brondle · #17 01-02-2011, 08:40 AM

Well fellers, those are many great suggestions so I guess I have to keep my eyes peeled for a good deal on one of those and just go for it. Thanks again!

D.M.N. · #18 01-02-2011, 10:32 AM

Bassman 300pro?

meatwad · #19 01-06-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

good point about the 2 pro and 2 non pro. they can be had a little cheaper because they're rackmounted. but i wasn't aware gk made tube amps

True, the tube-only thing went over my head. Still, if I couldn't do an SVT anymore, my suggestions would stand as my personal alternatives. I've heard lots of tube amps that couldn't do what even the 400RB does.

lazyone2 · #20 01-06-2011, 12:14 PM

An old V4B would sound great.