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03-28-2011, 06:15 PM
| | | | Tube amp advice - What are the options?
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Hi all. First post here.
I'm looking for an all tube head, and I'm not finding many things out there under $1000.
Not interested in Ampeg, Orange, EBS, Aguilar, Eden or any other high end amp.
Vintage Fender's aren't powerful enough. I tried a Bassman 100 the other day and it's pretty weak. Distorted at low volume.
Right now I'm considering the Traynor YBA200-2 because of the price, reviews, moderate power, etc.
What else should I look for? I'm in the $500-700 used range.
Thanks! |
03-28-2011, 06:18 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Seweracuse, NY | | | I would guess since you've ruled out about 95% of the viable tube amps that are readily available, you should consider the Mesa Boogie 400+. If you shop carefully and patiently, you should be able to find one in the 700-800 range.
__________________ fEARful: for those who want something better: http://greenboy.us/fEARful/ For Sale (locally only): Bergantino HT115 with Cover: $500.00. PM me about it.
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03-28-2011, 06:21 PM
|  | www.brandonmichael.info | | Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Northern California | | | "Hey guys, looking for a versitile electric bass that is recognized by all the top producers and performers...just nothing by Fender" |
03-28-2011, 06:21 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nesconset, N.Y. | | | I would check out the Peavey VB2, heard alot of good things about that one. I had one of the first year Traynor YBA200's & sold it pretty quick, I thought it was under powered for 200 tube watts & the eq didn't work for me. |
03-28-2011, 06:35 PM
| | | | Thanks Burning and Glen. I'll check out the Mesa 400 and Peavey.
I'm replacing a GK700 RB, and my cabinet is an Aguilar 4x10.
brndn, I think you're in the wrong thread. lol
Last edited by Tenoken1 : 03-28-2011 at 06:38 PM.
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03-28-2011, 06:46 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, KY | | | Try out a Bugera 1960. It's a guitar head that sounds fantastic with bass. Had mine over a year, had absolutely no problems, and it got used a lot... |
03-28-2011, 07:08 PM
|  | Johnny and Joe | | Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chicago | | | The Ampeg V-4B is very much in your price range. It's 100 watts, but it's a pretty loud 100 watts--especially with efficient speakers and/or sufficient cone area. (The Bassman 100s and 135s are known for being a bit underpowered.)
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03-28-2011, 07:20 PM
|  | Registered User | | | | | i'm using a 200 watt mesa d180, which i love, because it gets this amazing overdrive tone with a p and a 115, it might not be practical for somebody who likes a really clean tone at show type volumes though, i bought the head on tb for 750 shipped, so i guess it would fall in your price range |
03-28-2011, 07:20 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: South Florida | | I have the Ampeg CL and new its $1600 or so. I tried to get the Heritage but the back-order time and the $2000 price tag turned me away. If you can try one out do so, IMO the peace of mind that you get with a new head warranty is worth the money, no matter what make you get......  |
03-28-2011, 07:29 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Right Behind You | | Quote:
Originally Posted by brndn123 "Hey guys, looking for a versitile electric bass that is recognized by all the top producers and performers...just nothing by Fender" | The OP asked a question. He expected some answers. Not some bu*****t about how stupid you think his question is.
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Originally Posted by dalkowski Send it back. For that kind of coin, I'd want perfection. I'd also want it to sound like a pink unicorn farting out moondust. | |
03-28-2011, 07:40 PM
| | Registered User
Endorsing: Ampeg | | Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Apopka, FL | | Quote:
Originally Posted by ckitz The OP asked a question. He expected some answers. Not some bu*****t about how stupid you think his question is. | it was funny, though.
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03-28-2011, 07:40 PM
|  | double parked
Endorsing Artist: Dark Horse strings | | Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Verde Valley, AZ | | Peavey Tour VB-2 is also in your price range, used. 6xEL34 and 225 W claimed.
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Chuck
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03-28-2011, 07:51 PM
| | Banned | | Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maine/Vermont | | | So, if you're not interested in power-tube distortion, why are you going for all tube? |
03-28-2011, 07:55 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: May 2004 Location: Peoria, IL | | Looks like the Tour is your best bet in your price range, unless you go hybrid...My site picked up mostly hybrids in the $400 - $1k range: bass tube head : Musical Instrument Amplifiers |
03-28-2011, 08:01 PM
|  | Registered User | | Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kansas City | | | Since you've ruled out the majority of the tube amp market, the Genz Benz Streamliner series may be something worth checking out. 900W at 4 ohms and a very tubey, old-school vibe... at 6 pounds. Many favorable comparisons to clean tube tones with a surprisingly versatile EQ.
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03-28-2011, 08:03 PM
|  | I hate. | | Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: The state of denial. | | Quote:
Originally Posted by Deluge Of Sound So, if you're not interested in power-tube distortion, why are you going for all tube? | I second the motion.
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03-28-2011, 08:04 PM
| | | | Haha, thanks ckitz.
Some good responses so far...
I'm not against tube distortion. I enjoy it! I just want enough clean headroom to not always be distorted when playing live in a full band. A bassman breaks up too soon for me, so I'm guessing I need something like 200+ watts.
I'm curious about lesser known heads too. In other words, we're going beyond what Musician's Friend and Guitar Center have.
EDIT:
Wow, that link was helpful roundwound! Good directory there.
@KsPin, my friend got the Genz Benz Shuttle recently and he loves it.
Last edited by Tenoken1 : 03-28-2011 at 08:14 PM.
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03-28-2011, 08:09 PM
| | Banned | | Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maine/Vermont | | | Sovtek, Orange/Matamp, Ampeg (V4's and their ilk), Vintage Sunns, etc.
There are plenty of heads to be had under $1000, but I wouldn't write off something based on brand or (perceived) price.
More importantly, what kind of cab are you going to be running this through? |
03-28-2011, 08:30 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Friday Harbor, WA | | Shhhhhhh! Don't tell him about the Sunn's! We don't need any more people jumping on them and taking away more of the preciouses! 
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03-28-2011, 08:33 PM
| | Registered User | | Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Empty Hills | | | maybe an old Traynor YBA-3.
in that price range, I'd go for a V4-B, but I'm not too worried about squeaky clean tone. | | Thread Tools | Search this Thread | | | | 
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