Help with tube amp selection

[TinyE]

A buddy of mine wants to by a tube head. His budget is $1000. I play GK and know nothing of the dark side. My guess is ampeg svt, but even then which model? Doesn't need to be new. The 300W area is where he's aiming for.

Thanks in advance!

 

[waltdogg]

What kind of music does he play and what kind of cab does he have? If he needs a new cab, does his budget include a cab? Because that will slim options for Ampeg SVTs right down.

 

[TinyE]

Rock. He has a 410. Not sure what type. So head only

 

[Jim Carr]

Used SVT = ~$750. Check evilbay.

EDIT: more like ~$1000!

 

[waltdogg]

If he goes used, he can just about any type of all-tube SVT he can find locally or shipped for a fair price. Two more questions, what basses does he play and does he play clean or with distortion? Specifically amp or pedal distortion? That will tell us what Ampeg models to look at (as some are master volume and some are non-master volume) and an idea of other makes to look at.

Used SVT = ~$750. Check evilbay.

This is very true.

 

[Jim Carr]

If he goes used, he can just about any type of all-tube SVT he can find locally or shipped for a fair price. Two more questions, what basses does he play and does he play clean or with distortion? Specifically amp or pedal distortion? That will tell us what Ampeg models to look at (as some are master volume and some are non-master volume) and an idea of other makes to look at.


This is very true.

I just looked, and there is nothing under ~$1000. What gives?

 

[B-string]

SVT, SVT II/II Pro, SVT-VR, SVT-CL, Fender Bassman 300 or 300PS, Sunn 300T all 300 watts of all tube. Mesa 400 and 400+ need to go on the list over 300.

 

[TinyE]

Forgot about the bassman. Would you compare that to the svt? There are so many models of svt how do you choose which? I.e. svt4, svt 4pro, cl, etc.

He plays a g&l 4 string, clean no pedals. He's an ex guitar player that's come to his senses.

 

[TinyE]

We have this local. Anywhere close?
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[waltdogg]

Easy. If you want the absolute most classic SVT tone, pickup a vintage SVT, an SVT-II, Skunkworks SVT, MTI SVT or an SVT-VR. All are non master volume and when you turn them up they have *that* tone. If you buddy is more fond of the modern Ampeg tone, the SVT-CL or it's earlier rendition; the SVT-Classic, SVT-AV, SVT-II Pro and Heritage SVT-CL (but that one's definitely out of your friend's budget).All of those amps are master volume, should let your buddy keep is really clean and if he needs dirt he can get it by cranking his pre-amp gain. The non-MVs will distort after a certain point and only get more distorted.

As for that 4Pro there, it's got a tube pre-amp but a big solid state power section. Not too experienced with it.

 

[B-string]

We have this local. Anywhere close?
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NOT all tube. The "SVT" 3 and 3-Pro started the SS output sections.
The Bassmans/ Sunn are just another flavor as is the Mesas.

 

[cfsporn]

Not tube.

We have this local. Anywhere close?
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[JimmyM]

SVT-CL, SVT-VR, SVT 2 Pro, SVT 2, vintage SVT's...all excellent choices. The SVT-CL will likely be the cheapest used, though.

 

[Pod1]

I was in the same boat. I just picked up a Fender Bassman 300 for $900 and was my BEST buy of the year. AMPEG SVT, Fender Bassman 300, Sunn 300T, Mesa Boogie 400 were my options. The Bassman/300T have good sculpting controls to achieve whatever sound you want. Going Tube is like becoming a man!! IYou wont be sorry with a tube amp!!!!! My 2cents

Look at the classifieds here on TB. I just got mine yesterday from a fella here. I am stoked with my new acquisition!!!!