Best used tube head?

Ampeg V4B
Music Man HD 150
Traynor YB4-A (if you can find one)

 

Good choices Matthew. You left out Sunn. Either a 2000S or Model T. The Model T may be a little better on the wallet since it uses SS rectifier and common 12AX7 tubes. Some people like Fender Dual Showmans too for bass. I believe that the first Alembic preamp is based from the Fender circuit.

Tapp

 

I can't believe I forgot the British heads! Yeah, if you can find a 4-INPUT Hiwatt DR-103 Custom 100 that would be a great head. Some of the Sound City heads are good too (they have great Partridge Trannies) but you should definitely have them looked over by a competant tech before purchase. They can be noisy.

If you get a Hiwatt, have a tech install a variable bias supply (voltage doubler) and install 6550's; they sound great for bass.

Tapp

 

You may want to look for a Hiwatt DR103 (100 watt) or DR201 (200 watt). Both great heads, but getting a bit expensive here in the states. I'd love a DR201, but don't have $1000 ot spend on one. Hell, I'd love a DR103 too. I'd say stick with the EL34's. Just personal preference. Make sure you get one made before 1980.

You could also try a Sound City 120 or 150. The 120 is the guitar version with 6 EL34's, and the 150 is a bass head with 4 6550's. Either should be great for bass. Sound City also made a 200 watt head which are a little harder to find.

You could also look for a Sims-Watts 100 watt head. They work well for bass too.

 

Marshall SuperBass 100 Watt tube head. I've got one that needs a power transformer, and then it'll be rocking.

Chris

 

Matthew, is there a particular reason you would stay with EL34? The reason I'm asking is that I have an early 70's Hiwatt 100 and I've used both 34's and 6550's. The 6550's definitely have more thump to my ears. The EL34's are pretty sounding but didn't have the tight low end I like.

Also, the reason that the 4-input models work better is that they're cleaner than the 2-input Hiwatt's. The 2 inputs have a slightly different preamp design that gives a quicker breakup.

Tapp

 

MARSHALL MAJOR!!!!!!!!!!

 

Like I said, it's personal preference. Dave Reeves designed the Hiwatts to be all purpose amps, and I tend to think the amp designer knew best. However, I've never heard a Hiwatt equipped with 6550's, so they may sound better, and I just don't know. You could also mod one to take KT88's, which would sound even cooler...

 

I have an early DR-201 that has 4 Gold Lion KT-88's and sounds amazing! I also had a DR-201 with 6 EL-34's. Although it sounded great, it didn't have the HUMP of the KT-88's, so I sold it.