I actually want to buy a huge tube amp!

JoshuaTSP · #1 02-10-2011, 02:58 PM

go figure.....I can't find a good deal on one anywhere!!

godofthunder59 · #2 02-10-2011, 03:01 PM

Tube amps are by nature pricey! Traynor makes a new 300 watter that is pretty reasonable.

Hellbastard · #3 02-10-2011, 03:03 PM

How much is a good deal?

JoshuaTSP · #4 02-10-2011, 03:06 PM

depends on the amp, right?

JoshuaTSP · #5 02-10-2011, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by godofthunder59

Tube amps are by nature pricey! Traynor makes a new 300 watter that is pretty reasonable.

Can you get that anywhere yet?
What's reasonable?

Will it be reliable?

worxforme · #6 02-10-2011, 03:07 PM

I'm going to be selling a V8. As far as they go it's a good deal.

JoshuaTSP · #7 02-10-2011, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by worxforme

I'm going to be selling a V8. As far as they go it's a good deal.

Well, that would rule!

Might be a touch on the overkill side for me though.

Huge as in 300w......400w is massive.

How much?

AwkwardLoudness · #8 02-10-2011, 03:10 PM

Are you seeking any advice?

Let us know your budget, cab(s) you have or plan to use (if any), location, desired wattage or headroom, etc.

The most affordable options are generally used amps. Keep an eye on the emporium and your local classifieds like CraigsList or other sources.

FWIW, I think vintage Silverface Fender Bassman 135 heads are often a great deal for the price, but you may want more power than that.

i_got_a_mohawk · #9 02-10-2011, 03:10 PM

Depends where you are too.

Used Ampegs are going to be pretty cheap in the US.
In the UK you'd get Marshall, Orange and Trace Elliots for cheaper/about the same price etc etc

The Ampeg SVT-II is a nice one that usually doesn't get tooooo expensive. Damned nice amp too!

tekhedd · #10 02-10-2011, 03:16 PM

I'm sort of shopping for an all-tube head (300W plus) myself. The worst part is figuring out what my options are. Unsurprisingly, the good stuff doesn't turn up used as often.

(I'm sort of an Ampeg anti-endorser these days, which makes it interesting here in the US.)

Hellbastard · #11 02-10-2011, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

depends on the amp, right?

No,it depends on your budget. So, how much do you have for a Tube Amp!?

JoshuaTSP · #12 02-10-2011, 03:18 PM

I've had a few tube amps already.....

Currently, the Ampeg V4B Classic.......it's a nice sounding amp, but kind of soft and not very aggressive. I choose my 800RB over it hands down.
(I've got a few other amps but they're more guitar driven Matamp GT1 & Traynor YBA-1 & YGL-3A Mk III)

I'm playing in a stoner rock/doom/metal type band.
We're not ungodly loud.....but we're up there.
I use a lot of dirt pedals.....fuzz pedals.
With the Ampeg, the low end just gets loose and undefined that way.
I probably had the gain at 2-3pm and the master over half.

I've also had a vintage V-4, OR120, SUNN 2000S & 200S......
The OR120 was cool...but ended up flipping it.

The V4, OR, SUNNs didn't work for me.

JoshuaTSP · #13 02-10-2011, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tekhedd

I'm sort of shopping for an all-tube head (300W plus) myself. The worst part is figuring out what my options are. Unsurprisingly, the good stuff doesn't turn up used as often.

(I'm sort of an Ampeg anti-endorser these days, which makes it interesting here in the US.)

That.

I've been watching for a very long time now.

JoshuaTSP · #14 02-10-2011, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellbastard

No,it depends on your budget. So, how much do you have for a Tube Amp!?

A good deal is a good deal.....whether it be a Mesa 400+, SVT, 70s SVT, Traynor YBA-3A, Orange AD200, etc...

I have a sliding scale based on "deal"....

Hellbastard · #15 02-10-2011, 03:22 PM

So you don't know what you want, and have unlimited budget.

JoshuaTSP · #16 02-10-2011, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellbastard

So you don't know what you want, and have unlimited budget.

Pretty much.

Since I've never played any of those amps mentioned above.....and don't really have any way to try them.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #17 02-10-2011, 03:24 PM

I see modern SVTs go up on craigslist for $700-$800 all the time. Bought mine scuffed up but in perfect working condition for $800. Done and done.

JoshuaTSP · #18 02-10-2011, 03:29 PM

My CL has a flute, a Peavey Mark III, no name strat and amp, and a free piano.

Calaverasgrande · #19 02-10-2011, 03:30 PM

SVT's and Mesa Bass 400/400+ will show up on CL for under a grand quite often. I see TRaynor YBA1a and YBA3 about once a month for $400-500. Marshall and Soundcity Bass heads are unfortunately also desired by some guitarists so they go for quite a bit.

AwkwardLoudness · #20 02-10-2011, 03:37 PM

I've seen these heads sell used for under $1000:

Used SVT, Mesa 400 (or 400+ for 12 power tubes instead of 6), Marshall VBA 400, Peavey Classic 400, Sound City 200, maybe others