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are there small tube amps?

E

edgaroviz

Aug 8, 2011
237
6
Israel
#1
Are there small full tube amps, like around 50-100W for a reasonable price, even combos?

I see myself really leaning toward the tube amps lately, but I don't really need a 70lb Ampeg head that can blow my windows out, as much as I want one, I don't need it.
I live in an apartment with the worst acoustics in the world, and anything above 9 o'clock on my small MB112 combo hums really bad, mostly I play through my interface with headphones.
 
#3
There are. Ampeg has had several Portaflexes between 50-100, a couple different 100w heads, and couple different 50-60w heads...at the moment they don't have anything new, but you can find used Ampeg tube amps between 50 and 100w pretty often. They're not the only ones who make them, but they are really hot.
 
#4
If you need it for bedroom use then keep in mind you cannot use headphones on a full tube amp.
Believe it or not the Fender reissues are pretty good. Keep in mind I'm a guitar player & that's the tonal world I live in.
I just built a homebrew 100w bass head with Ampeg B25b preamp, that is unbelievably loud, and clean. For home use a 50w tube bass amp would probably suffice.
 
#6
Epiphone Valve Junior. Change the output transformer a d some good tubes and it makes the perfect practice amp. You can find them used for $80-100 add in the transformer & tubes and you are well under $200. Add a nice 115 cab and you have a nice "Poor mans" Ampeg
 
#7
I suppose I could search this, but since we are already in this thread, can anyone recommend specific brands and models of 50 watt tube amps? Been considering an ampeg V4B, but maybe a 50 watter would suit my needs too.

A related question that I have researched, but not received a clear answer: will any tube head (guitar or otherwise) work for bass if you have a good bass cabinet?
Thanks.
 
#8
sonicblue62 said:
I suppose I could search this, but since we are already in this thread, can anyone recommend specific brands and models of 50 watt tube amps? Been considering an ampeg V4B, but maybe a 50 watter would suit my needs too.

A related question that I have researched, but not received a clear answer: will any tube head (guitar or otherwise) work for bass if you have a good bass cabinet?
Thanks.
Click to expand...

I can answer your second question: the short answer is yes. The long answer is, it might not sound as good as something purpose built because it is designed for different frequencies. If you find a totally flat setting then use an EQ pedal, I don't see how you couldn't get good tone. Remember that many vintage bass tube heads are just guitar heads with some component swaps, so you could buy a less-desired old amp and have a tech make it more bass friendly.

One thing to look into is old tube PA amps. You should be able to find one in that wattage, and then (depending on the amp) it's pretty simple for a tech to make it all good for instrument use.
 
#10
I've been on the hunt for something similar. If you're on the same page I'm on, I'm looking for micro-powered all tube bass amp. Something on the order of 2 to 15 watts. I would even like to find one that's open-air like some of those audiophile tube amps. Chrome chassis, wood base, slutty looking transformers. Frenzel comes pretty close and would probably build to order. Real reasonable prices too.

I'm considering using something like a Juleamp Monique and a mono block tube amp, but I'd rather not use separates if I don't have to.

If anyone has any ideas, I'd sure like to know.
 
#11
I have a 18 watt/1x15 closed back combo that you can do small gigs with. In addition, bass travels through walls even at a very low volume. So getting a small tube amp won't necessarily solve your problem.

I suggest you save your cash and possibly buy some higher end headphones.

Possibly get your combo checked out to see why it's humming so loudly might be a way to go. If you get the hum fixed, then playing at low volume wouldn't be a problem.
 
#14
I have a Pignose B100V. Great little all tube combo! 100w 1 15".

The only limitation is the speaker and cab. I ran the head thru Avatar 2 12" neo cab, it pumped!

I may yank out the head And build a cab for it.

Great amp!!!!!
 

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