Want a nice tube amp!

bikeplate · #1 10-21-2012, 12:54 PM

Hi

Over the last couple years I've sold a couple amps I loved. SA 200 Sadowsky and an Aguilar. If I'm patient, I'll be able to find another Aguilar. The SA200 is another story. Only 100 were made.

What else is available that players would recommend? I notice Orange, Mesa, etc. who's got what and why do you like it? I have a solid state Aguilar amp I'm keeping. I want a real tube amp for rock gigs. Don't mind the weight, etc. love the big blooming tone of tubes

Comments?

Rob

**garmenteros** · #2 10-21-2012, 12:57 PM

The mesa400+ is pretty neat but a bit clean sounding for a tube amp. I gigged mine for a while but sold it because it was too much power for my needs most of the time. I'm going to end up with a v4b ampeg but who knows if I go ahead and get an svt classic. Those are the amps to look for if I were you.

SactoBass · #3 10-21-2012, 01:04 PM

Bikeplate: you might keep your eye out for an Ampeg SVT-II non-pro. That's a four-space rackmount amp (made in the late 80's and early 90's I believe). I have read nothing but rave reviews about those. 300 watts of all tube power, and they supposedly sound alot like the original early 70's blueline and blackline SVT's.

I owned a USA SVT-VR that also has that sound, and if an SVT-II non-pro sounds like that, it is tone heaven!

mpdd · #4 10-21-2012, 02:21 PM

i'm really happy with my mesa d180 for my needs, and i really liked my old sunn 2000s too, i'm playing art shows, art studios, and parties, so i don't need two 810s or a 300 or 400 tube watts head

James Hart · #5 10-21-2012, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeplate

Comments?

I don't own one, but if making your choice I'd go with a Reeves
http://www.reevesamps.com/custom225.htm

Currently I'm playing an Egnater Tweaker-40 (2x 6L6) into a 2x12 Bagend cab. I'm real happy with the tone and volume, but I'm sure it's too weak for most rock gigs.

SactoBass · #6 10-21-2012, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Hart

I don't own one, but if making your choice I'd go with a Reeves
http://www.reevesamps.com/custom225.htm

I had a Reeves 225. As Paul McCartney sang in Penny Lane, "it's a clean machine." (I'm referring to the tone)

**CL400Peavey** · #7 10-21-2012, 02:53 PM

Peavey classic 400 is king.

NOVAX · #8 10-21-2012, 02:59 PM

+1 on SVT II no pro. The tone is delicious and the graphic adds so much to what it can do with enclosures beyond the standard sealed 8x10

Joelc73 · #9 10-21-2012, 03:21 PM

There is a DB 359 in the classifieds.

RickenBoogie · #10 10-21-2012, 04:45 PM

Mesa will have 2 new all tube bass heads out soon. Maybe winter NAMM?. I hope so, I want the smaller of the 2 with a single 15 as a studio rig.

Baird6869 · #11 10-21-2012, 04:50 PM

I own a Mesa D180 and a Hiwatt DR103 (100w '70's) and both sound great.

Personally, I think my Jule Monique tube preamp sounds better than these 2 and other tube amps I have owned including a Orange Thunderverb 200, Ampeg SVT-CL, Ampeg SVT-II. Also better than a Mesa M9, various GKs (including Fusions), Aggie 500SC, etc.

Better than a DB751 or SA200? I really think so. This pre is just killer. Best live sound I have had in 25 years of playing

I pair mine with a $359 Crest poweramp and Berg 210 cabs. That's it.

Seriously worth checking out.

bikeplate · #12 10-21-2012, 05:46 PM

Hi

Cool suggestions. Interested in Orange, also. Yea, I've heard about the Mesa amps coming out. Don't know much about Ampeg so thanks for the info. Interesting on the info about the pre, Baird

Rob

rpsands · #13 10-21-2012, 05:50 PM

It doesn't get a lot of press but I'm a huge fan of the Sunn 300t / Fender Bassman 300 pro.

If I were buying a new one these days though I would unquestionably go with a Peavey VB-3.

VanillaThundah · #14 10-21-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeplate

Hi

Cool suggestions. Interested in Orange, also. Yea, I've heard about the Mesa amps coming out. Don't know much about Ampeg so thanks for the info. Interesting on the info about the pre, Baird

Rob

The oranges are quite pricey and don't have a lot of knobs, but they sound freakin amazing out of the box. Don't get me wrong, I love Ampegs, Traynors, Mesas, and all the others...but the best rig I've played through was an Orange AD200B through an Orange 4x10 bass cab. Although it's pretty hard to find something that fits a rock gig better than an SVT classic. Plenty of volume, plenty of grit, and tone that leaves everybody smiling. Pair it up with an ampeg heritage 810 and you'll be swimming in amazing tube tone

bigsnaketex · #15 10-21-2012, 06:06 PM

The Fender Bassman 100T is the best tube amp for "normal" gigs (IMHO). But if you're rocking stadiums you'll need more. It'll drive a 410, 215, a stack or whatever you have and make you sound like a pro.

Plus, you can flip the switch on the back for the 25 watt setting and rock your garage or a coffee house - and that is a wonderful real world option to have. It makes the 100T an amazingly versatile rig to have.

I would also advise you to be careful with the 300 watt big boys because they really are way too much for normal bar-type gigs.

I'm a huge Aguilar fan as well and some of the hybrids are good too.....but it's hard to beat the all-tube-goodness of the 100T!

Kmonk · #16 10-21-2012, 06:09 PM

I've been very happy with Ampeg.

christw · #17 10-21-2012, 06:13 PM

Top three head picks in no particular order:

Mesa 400, SVT-II, and Fender Bassman 300 Pro

Top three combos in no particular order:

Ampeg B-15N, Mesa Buster, Fender Studio Bass

Bassmec · #18 10-21-2012, 06:42 PM

? what's awesome in a tube bass amp you can get hand built today at reasonable cost.

There is a report on its build if you search.

Muziekschuur · #19 10-21-2012, 06:51 PM

Fender Super bassman I'd say... Or maybe you'd like less watts for grind at low volume? The Marshall VBA400 is special. And pretty easy to get lightly used..

Fretless5verfan · #20 10-21-2012, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baird6869

I own a Mesa D180 and a Hiwatt DR103 (100w '70's) and both sound great.

Personally, I think my Jule Monique tube preamp sounds better than these 2 and other tube amps I have owned including a Orange Thunderverb 200, Ampeg SVT-CL, Ampeg SVT-II. Also better than a Mesa M9, various GKs (including Fusions), Aggie 500SC, etc.

Better than a DB751 or SA200? I really think so. This pre is just killer. Best live sound I have had in 25 years of playing

I pair mine with a $359 Crest poweramp and Berg 210 cabs. That's it.

Seriously worth checking out.

This.

I'd take my Monique and a good powered cab/power amp over any tube amp any day (even for "tube" sound). I've played Eden, Reeves, Ampeg, and Mesa...Monique is the endgame for me. You're in NYC right Bikeplate? I'm in philly. I'd be glad to work out a test drive if you want. It plays REALLY well with Sadowskys...