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Best brand amps for reliability / dependability?

M.R. Ogle

M.R. Ogle

Supporting Member
Commercial User
Nov 5, 2004
6,680
8,840
70
Mount Vernon, Illinois
Disclosures
Backstage Guitar Lab owner
#1
I'll probably upgrade my amp next year, I've downsized to using a Nemesis 4-10 combo for about five years, I like the sound of it, but I'll probably go for something 500 watts or more this time.

So... question is... there are a ton of brand name amps (newer ones) that I have no experience with. I've owned Ampegs, Acoustics, Fenders, Sunns and a few other old-school brands over the years. But no Genz or Markbass or Aguilar or any of those.

But what brand or brands are noted for good reliability?

Tone is more subjective, but breakdowns are not. I want to know what anyone would recommend as the most DEPENDABLE brand amps.

(I did a search, it didn't give me much.)
 
#4
The three 'new' brands you mention are rock solid. Very few problem posts on these three brands.

One thing I would STRONGLY recommend though is to not buy an amp right after it is released. While products are MUCH more reliable than back in the day, there do seem to be more glitches in the first few production runs with amps today (probably due to the very competitive market which pushes amp companies to have 'something new' every year).

As long as you wait 6 months or so after a new product is introduced, the reliablity rates (as measured by the number and consistency of problem posts on TB) seems consistently good on most of these manufacturers.

IMO and IME.
 
#5
baileyboy said:
Mesa Boogie would rank near the top, I would think.
Click to expand...

Interestingly, I would rank them at the close to the bottom. Of course, close to the bottom these days is still pretty good, but they seem to have issues in many of their amps that carries well past the initial production stages. However, their service and support is quite good, and they eventually seem to get things right.
 
#6
I have owned several pieces of Ashdown gear, never had a single problem.

Also, I haven't heard of anyone having issues with the TC RH heads either.

A +1 though to how you treat it. That and customer service if anything happens is key. So you would have to consider Hartke and Genz Benz as well IMO, based on customer service.
 
#8
Brands I have used, GK RB series, Carvin DCM power amps with Tech 21 pre-amps, and old Peaveys. I also han an older Carver PM-1.5 that was bulletproof as well. I have never had a problem with any of these brands. I heard great things about Mesa, Genz Benz, USA Ampeg, Hartke,and the Aggy's. My 2 cents.
 
#10
Good info, thanks!

I have a Genz-Benz dealer nearby, I was surely going to go try a few of those out.

Ampegs were next on my list, but there are (seemingly) a dozen or so models wearing the SVT badge, so I have no idea where to start there, LOL!

Of, course, how you treat it is important. Obviously.
 
#11
Ampegs? Start with the SVT 7-PRO :)

Some folks still have their GK 1001-ii RBs for a decade or more so I think they are quite reliable.

Haven't had much time with my Genz Benz rig but the amp/cab are very solidly built.

While Markbass may be reliable, I don't think it's easy to do DIY fixes. At least their LM Tube amps need you to send the unit back to the factory to replace the pre-amp tube.
 
#12
M.R. Ogle said:
Good info, thanks!

I have a Genz-Benz dealer nearby, I was surely going to go try a few of those out.

Ampegs were next on my list, but there are (seemingly) a dozen or so models wearing the SVT badge, so I have no idea where to start there, LOL!

Of, course, how you treat it is important. Obviously.
Click to expand...

SVT does not mean what it used to in the 60's early/mid 70's ;)
An easier list would be the not reliable gear these days?

Just about everyone has a good handle on it these days :) US based: GenzBenz, G-K, Ampeg, Carvin, Peavey, Hartke..... It is harder to find unreliable gear than reliable. :D
 
#13
M.R. Ogle said:
Good info, thanks!

I have a Genz-Benz dealer nearby, I was surely going to go try a few of those out.

Ampegs were next on my list, but there are (seemingly) a dozen or so models wearing the SVT badge, so I have no idea where to start there, LOL!

Of, course, how you treat it is important. Obviously.
Click to expand...

I suggest that you hit the classifieds here.. GB heads go up all the time here.. and that doesnt mean that thye are not good .. just that folsk either want to upgrade or change brands because they may just not like the head.. but I find that I can get pretty much any kind of tone I want from my 9.0. I have owned two GB amps .. a 6.0 & a 9.0 .. and I have had no issues with either ... I think they are great.. I am considering checking out a Streamliner down the road when I can save up some $$ ..
 
#15
B-string said:
SVT does not mean what it used to in the 60's early/mid 70's ;)
Click to expand...
If that were true, then Ampeg wouldn't have several different amps with the SVT designation ;) True that all of them aren't all-tube amps, but they still make the all-tube amps. Some people have a problem with them putting SVT on their hybrids, but if I owned Ampeg, EVERY amp would be an SVT something or other, and I'd milk that SVT trademark for all it's worth ;)
 
#19
KJung said:
Interestingly, I would rank them at the close to the bottom. Of course, close to the bottom these days is still pretty good, but they seem to have issues in many of their amps that carries well past the initial production stages. However, their service and support is quite good, and they eventually seem to get things right.
Click to expand...

Agreed.

As an owner (until recently) of one of the early Mesa M9 Carbine heads, I have nothing but bad things to say about Mesa reliability. One of their amps completely ruined a recent gig of mine. in any case, Mesa has great Customer service and their new 'upgraded' M9 is much better.

IME, GK and Ampeg are rock solid. I have owned many amps from both companies and have never had a problem. My TC RH450 has been perfect as well, but I have only had it 2-3 years.....
 
#20
For me, as a working musician, I know that the stresses put on gigging equipment, will eventually lead to required repairs. It's inevitable. That means a quality customer service policy and reputation is extremely important when making a product decision. Most equipment manufacturers today build pretty decent stuff, but a great customer service, and how a vendor deals with you after the sale is paramount. Keep that in mind...
 

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