Smaller lighter tube amp?

PinkFloydDan · Dec 31, 2009

My SVT-CL is just getting heavier as I get older. I love her, and I am not sure I will make a change, but:

What are some comparable lighter tube amps? Are there any bass tube amp combos I am not aware of?

I like the growl of the tubes, but sometimes the SVT doesn't get to be itself in a smaller club.

KramerBassFan · Dec 31, 2009

Smaller Tube amps?

Sure.

BUT, are you willing to take the smaller power?

If so, you have a few options.
Ampeg V4, Sunn 200s and 2000s, the list goes on.

You might also want to try a All Tube Guitar Head, such as a Superlead. Or Superbass.

LaklandBass · Dec 31, 2009

I played the markbass sd800 yesterday. it gets a pretty good ampeg sound and only weighs a couple of pounds. my local GC has it on clearance for $500

Stumbo · Dec 31, 2009

From what I read, your Ampeg weighs in at 80lbs. Here are few that weigh quite a bit less:

Eden WTB300V 41bls 320w [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Sunn 2000 65lbs. 120w
Markbass Classic 300 48lbs. 300w@2/4ohms 175w@8ohms [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Traynor YBA 200-2 41lbs. 200w 2/4/8 ohmshttp://www.traynoramps.com/products.asp?type=5&cat=40&id=399
Reeves Custom 225 59lbs Invalid Link Removed
Orange 200B/Mk3 59lbs http://www.orangeamps.com/products.asp?Action=View&ID=79
Peavey VB-3 37 lbs 300w Invalid Link Removed Invalid Link Removed

Here's more to look at: http://www.bassplayer.com/article/all-tube-bass/jun-08/85595

Or maybe a SS amp with a tube pre-amp will work for you (there are a bunch out there). Here's one:
Aguilar db 751 42lbs (975watts@2ohms) [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Jefenator · Dec 31, 2009

Add Mesa Bass 400 to the list. I tote that thing with one hand!

If your SVT doesn't "get to be itself" in smaller clubs and the weight is bumming you out, sounds like it's definitely time to check out some stuff around 200 watts.

PinkFloydDan · Dec 31, 2009

Not tube and I had one and sold it to get the SVT-CL

They don't make tube bass combos, do they? I cannot recall seeing one.

LaklandBass said:
I played the markbass sd800 yesterday. it gets a pretty good ampeg sound and only weighs a couple of pounds. my local GC has it on clearance for $500

Stumbo · Jan 1, 2010

PinkFloydDan said:
They don't make tube bass combos, do they? I cannot recall seeing one.

Low Down Sound will make you a combo cab designed the way you want it: http://www.lowdownsound.com/
TB LDS club pt.1 http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=452230

father of fires · Jan 1, 2010

PinkFloydDan said:
Not tube and I had one and sold it to get the SVT-CL

They don't make tube bass combos, do they? I cannot recall seeing one.

Mesa made the Buster 200 watt tube bass combo. You may be able to find them used.

heath_r_91 · Jan 1, 2010

The Orange AD200B is a tone machine!

It's also light for a tube head.

FighttheSilence · Jan 1, 2010

Though its not truely a tube amp, Iver heard the GK Fussion 550 is really warm and tubey and loud

JimmyM · Jan 2, 2010

i'd go v4b. used to have one and it's a cross between the b-15 and svt.

Turock · Jan 2, 2010

PinkFloydDan said:
I like the growl of the tubes, but sometimes the SVT doesn't get to be itself in a smaller club.

I own a SVT 2 Pro and a couple of V4BH heads. I mainly use the V4BH for clubs and the 2Pro for larger stages, for the exact reason you state.

greenboy · Jan 2, 2010

Link Removed

PinkFloydDan · Jan 2, 2010

What in the world is that Greenboy?

I should have said I was looking for an option under $1000.

Most peeps are suggesting non-tube....and I understand that some people think non-tubes have that tube warmth, but I have tried a lot of these amps, and none do what I like tubes to do.

With that said, I have never tried a walkabout or V4BH.

greenboy said:
Link Removed

Turock · Jan 2, 2010

PinkFloydDan said:
Most peeps are suggesting non-tube....and I understand that some people think non-tubes have that tube warmth, but I have tried a lot of these amps, and none do what I like tubes to do.

With that said, I have never tried a walkabout or V4BH.

V4BH is tube.

PinkFloydDan · Jan 2, 2010

I know. Sort of meshed my thoughts.

Why isn't that as heavy as the SVT CL?

Turock said:
V4BH is tube.

cripula · Jan 2, 2010

PFDan, how much power do you need?

There are lots of great sounding vintage tube heads out there, but will do you no good if 80-120W isn't going to cut it in your situation.
Average is around 60 lbs give or take. Much easier to deal with than an SVT.

JimmyM · Jan 2, 2010

PinkFloydDan said:
I know. Sort of meshed my thoughts.

Why isn't that as heavy as the SVT CL?

it's only 100w and uses smaller transformers.

seamonkey · Jan 2, 2010

Only 50w, but small/light also not in your price range, and not a combo
http://www.milbert.com/guitar

You might want to try many of the pedals out there with a cheaper/lighter SS amp.

twinfallsbass · Jan 2, 2010

Not as available as other amps, but the Trace Elliot Quatra-Valve comes in at under 40lbs. There is also the Peavey Delta Bass, I think that amp comes in under 40lbs as well.

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