recommend a relatively inexpensive tube amp head/cab combo please

clegg · #1 07-04-2011, 05:50 AM

I don't have the $$ to buy an ampeg, but I'm fedup of using my transistor amp. Can anyone recommend something in the below 1000$ pricetag (probably used)?

I was looking at a Traynor YBA-3, but I think an 8X10 cab would be a little too large.

I'm looking for something I can use to play live, and something that breaks up nicely.

I was told that heads should always be used with the cabs they were paired with, which is why I don't think I should be purchasing a different cab with that traynor head.

Are there any other amps I should be looking at??

Thank you

Downunderwonder · #2 07-04-2011, 06:09 AM

yba200 has a good rep, cheap too. If it wasn't for the shipping I'd have to try one out.
Whatever cab spins your wheels.

denton57 · #3 07-07-2011, 07:22 AM

I have about 1K in my amp set up: Vintage V4B and a custom matching LDS 1x15. I have no amp gas, although I'd like to try one of johnk's 4x12 ampeg cabs..

AwkwardLoudness · #4 07-07-2011, 07:31 AM

Above all, check your local used market.

An old used Mesa D180 amp + well used Peavey 2x15 cab might be found under $1000 total

mpdd · #5 07-07-2011, 09:05 AM

i agree with awkward loudness

d180 plus a banged up old cab

**TRichardsbass** · #6 07-07-2011, 09:31 AM

There are a lot of choices in the tube pre-amp heads, from my Hartkes to Orange to Kustom to just about anyone. All can be had for very good prices.

If you want all tube, then its gonna be a lot more expensive. I wouldn't worry about pairing the same manufacturers cabs as long as you don't screw with mismatched impedance. Yes, most manufacturers equipment performance is optimized with their products and usually you get the most out of that. I will say though, that in most situations you can get a better, personalized sound for you by mixing and matching manufacturers. I put my LH500 through the Orange 2X12 the other day and was pleasantly surprised at how it actually out performed the Orange Tiny Terror head. I actually was cleaner at higher power then the Orange was. I thought that was really interesting.

Now, if I could only get Larry to make one of those Isobaric design cabs so I could have the power of ThOR in a tiny package....

**TRichardsbass** · #7 07-07-2011, 09:33 AM

I will also suggest looking for a Silvertone 1483 amp. Its low power but is really sweet tubey. If you are playing a gig, well, they will just have to mic it and you might not hear yourself onstage, but in small settings and rehearsals, or just sitting in your basement, its heaven....

Barisaxman · #8 07-07-2011, 10:06 AM

One of the more surprising bass rigs I've been around lately was a Fender Bassman 100, through a custom built 15" cabinet. Most of the reading I've done made me believe this rig wouldn't be all that loud, but as sound engineer that night it was plenty loud to pull the bass out of FOH completely at some points. My guess is the 15 was pretty efficient, but nonetheless I was impressed by the tone and loudness of the rig. Depending on music style, this may be the ticket for you!