Advice on warm sounding amps

While I don't own one now (have in the past), I've always thought that Ampeg (or any tube amp) is the best for getting really nice warm tone.

From what I've seen Ampeg has some really nice, small combos that would give a nice warm tone.

At least look for a solid state amp that uses a tube in it's pre-amp. Tube amps need not sound like they are overdriven if set up properly. But the tube sound does seem to give it a much fuller sound right off the bat.

 

I'll be the first to chime in with the Ampeg B100-R. It's 100 loud watts and has a very warm sound. It's the warmest sounding solid state that i've heard. Sounds great, looks great, and is very affordable @ about $479.99 at most places i've seen. If you've got $800 to spend, I would go to the nearest Guitar Center or Mars, etc. and play around for a while. But definetly check out the B100-Rocket.

 

You should be able to get a Mesa/Boogie Buster combo used or NOS for $800 or less. 200 watts, all tube. The Buster has been discontinued, so prices should be reasonable (I got mine for $550 used). They are available in a 1x15 combo and a 2x10 wedge combo.

Genz Benz and Nemesis are both 100% solid state (IIRC), and will probably not deliver the tone you are looking for.

 

Tubes are probably your answer, and that sometimes can mean money. Ampeg won't let you down, and Mesa is good too. play them all. Don't forget the used market, as there is a lot out there.

jtbp

 

I've got a Nemesis and since you asked about them in particular, I thought I would give you my .02.

I think the thing rocks. With its enhance feature, rocks. May not be the warmest out there, but I've been able to get some pretty wicked tones out of it - it is plenty loud, too. I bought mine recently and tried out a bunch in the process. I was not able to find anything as good in the price range. I got a 4x10 for just under $700.

 

I second Matthew's suggestion about the Mesa Buster. Hard to beat.

 

Hey Mike J, I hope that my advice can live up to your expectations. Admittedly, I am not the most experienced gear head in this forum, far from it. But, when I was looking for an amp in the 100 watt, $500 price range, many satisfied users suggested that I give this amp a serious look. I did just that. I went to Guitar Center, Mars, and a few smaller guitar shops in the area and plucked away. I fell in love with the 'Rocket' immediately. It's loud, warm, and has vintage written all over it. The controls are easy to use and you can dial in quite a few pleasant tones out of this amp. If you want a more hi-fi sound, you may prefer something different; but, if a classic tube-like sound is what your looking for, this is it buddy. However, if possible, you should go play as many amps as you possibly can and choose the one that sings to you. Let me know what you decide and have fun with it.

 

Hey Mike, a couple other sites you may want to check out- http://www.bgra.net (stands for bass gear review archive). And bassplayer.com. Go to the gear section and they have a combo amp shoot-out. They test 12 and 15 inch combos. The Ampeg B-50R is reviewed and the BA-115 (don't know why they didn't include the B-100R). Worth a look.

 

Check this one out, Mikey:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1475794345

If I was in your shoes, I'd look long and hard at that Buster. Great combo.

 

Hey Mike, I think you'll be very pleased with your purchase. Make sure to let me know how you like it after you have a chance to play around with it a little bit.

 

you need to be a salesman.