Title says it all. I'm looking for the best tube amp for under $600. I am looking for an amp that will sound good with a very heavy driven tone.
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Best tupe amp for under $600?
- Thread starter Kazz3lrath
- Start date
You can pick up an Ampeg V4B for that. They're only 100W though... A loud 100W, but still.
Traynor YBA200 would probably be my first choice if I had to make one. Peavey VB2 is alright.
If you can settle on a tube pre, the Orange TB500 is pretty awesome sounding.
Traynor YBA200 would probably be my first choice if I had to make one. Peavey VB2 is alright.
If you can settle on a tube pre, the Orange TB500 is pretty awesome sounding.
Probably a used one. I've seen some pretty good ones on CL for "close" to $600. If you know the product well enough, and can spot cheap replacement tubes or overused tubes you may even have some wiggle room during negotiation. There are a lot of bassists going to the lighter heads. Many get rid of the old tube heads during this time.
There are also several hybrid tube amps that are affordable as well. I'm guessing you are wanting an all tube head though. Otherwise, you'd go with Zachoff's suggestion of finding a tube pre.
There are also several hybrid tube amps that are affordable as well. I'm guessing you are wanting an all tube head though. Otherwise, you'd go with Zachoff's suggestion of finding a tube pre.
VB2 doesn't really do "driven" that well on its own. The distorted channel is only useful for very specific uses and the clean channel stays clean. Takes distortion well but doesn't really do it so well on its own.
What style of bass are you using? In my limited experience, that can have a big effect on how the distortion works. For example, what might be brutal and fuzzy for a P-bass, might sound like fart and clank with a stingray.
However, I say Bugera 1960.
However, I say Bugera 1960.
M. Owen Santy
Inactive
- Aug 10, 2011
- 274
- 6
- Disclosures
- Michael Tobias Designs Kingston Series & Traynor Amps Artist
Traynor YBA200-2 is fantastic choice, and you can find them used for withing your price range. Easy too mod & hot-rod as well. LOVE mine.
A second hand P.A head and a good dirt/fuzz pedal will do what you're after.
I myself use a 230 watt P.A head with a couple of dirt pedals and it works great
I myself use a 230 watt P.A head with a couple of dirt pedals and it works great
