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Amp on a Budget

TylerDurdenPSSC

TylerDurdenPSSC

Jul 28, 2008
365
3
Waco, Texas
www.facebook.com
#1
I'm returning to the bass world after almost a one-year hiatus, and am seeking a little direction amp-wise...

I've always been in bands in the past, mainly hard rock and heavy metal, so ultimate power was always the goal.

(Formerly; SVP1600 and T21 RBI atop US Made 410he and 115en)

However, when the band broke up, I traded to a late 70's Ampeg V4B, and discovered that I am a fan of that 70's Ampeg tubey goodness.

Returning to the bass world a year later, I am gear less, and building from a budget since I have no band, and aim to new this a hobby this time around.

I'm picking up a SX Jazz this Friday.

Looking at the Avatar TB153 as my cab.

Really want another V4B but I cannot seem to locate one...

Any other suggestions as far as affordable tube amps go?

I've been trying to read on Smarvo/Ashton/Fame amps and realise they're cheap Chinese amps, but am guessing build quality is about as to be expected?

Are there any other 100 Watt or less bass amps I could look out for that's in the sub $500 range?

I'm definitely on the look out for my holy grail V4B, but am also not holding my breath either.

Thanks,
-Ryan.
 
#2
Used Ampeg V4B right here on TB Classifieds:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/fs-ampeg-v-4bh-v-4b-tube-100w-4-8-ohm-819559/
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/...lemax-cash-sale-updated-conus-ontario-836537/

It's no Ampeg, but Peavey's usually has great durability and no slouch in the tone department. The seller says he's out of town right now. Might be able to cut a deal later.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/fs-ft-peavey-vb2-all-tube-goodness-only-0-835844/

If you want the Ampeg tone, maybe the PF-350 can suit your needs:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f127/ampeg-pf350-f-s-816888/

Good luck!
 
#3
Saw those two Ampegs while cruising the classifieds... I'm looking for one with a little more age on her.

Nothing against the newer ones, as I have zero experience with them... I just don't know, nor think they'll achieve the same tone I got from my 70's puppy.

Appreciate the info on the PF too, but I'm really looking for a tube amp to pick up.
 
#5
Old Traynor yba-1 are commonly found up here in Canada and rarely more than $450. Traynor custom specials are a little harder to find but I've ran across at least 3 of them in the past year on Kijiji in the Toronto area. You might find one and get it shipped. They're supposed to be good sounding amps based on an old Marshall design.
 
#10
TylerDurdenPSSC said:
Saw those two Ampegs while cruising the classifieds... I'm looking for one with a little more age on her.

Nothing against the newer ones, as I have zero experience with them... I just don't know, nor think they'll achieve the same tone I got from my 70's puppy.
Click to expand...

I think the new Ampegs are quite good and shouldn't be ruled out just because they're new.
 
#13
The pf series sounds marvelous. Best amp per dollar period. And, I think it was jimmy who suggested using a pedal for distortion in the loop? Cuz man, putting a tech 21 oxford (with added blend control courtesy of putnam) in the fx loop of a pf500 would be like so far out :D I can't even begin to explain how enticing I find the PF series. Loud buggers, too. Even the wee 350 into a single 12 gave me a pleasant surprise.
 
#14
JxBass said:
I think the new Ampegs are quite good and shouldn't be ruled out just because they're new.
Click to expand...

I think my qualm with the early-mid 90's VB4H is the absence of the 7027 tubes that my late 70's amp had... Not that I know what exactly the difference that holds (tech impaired here) but its a bit disconcerting.

Since coming back to the community a week ago, I've read nothing but positives about the PF series, and am intrigued...

My issue with that being; for the price of a new PF micro amp, I could swing a used VB-2, VB4(H), Traynor, etc.

I owned a Tech21 RBI, and loved the valve emulation, but when I finally got my hands on the real deal... No contest.

Just from what I read... If i was actively playing out, having the 350 in a padded bag as a backup would be my M.O. for sure...

However, being that I'm just going to be playing by myself, possibly recording, at the most doing the jam band scene; I'm really looking for a ~100W tube amp to sit atop a TB153 to get'r done.
 

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