Well, I'm finally making the switch not only from solid state to tube but from combo to head and cab. I'm 15 and I've been playing for about 6 years, but no gigging yet so I've kept just a 350 combo that serves me just fine for jamming by myself and with a guitarist. I've recently started playing with drummer(s), and I've found that a single 210 combo just doesn't push what I need it to, so I've decided to move up to something I can use now but also something I won't need to upsize for a long, long time. I've played through tubes around the city and have found that I really do love the sound (although I mean really who doesn't), and with a budget of around $1,300 I decided I'd go with a Carvin BX500 and an Avatar B410. Recently perusing TB, I've seen a lot of people saying that the BX500 only really has a tube for the sake of having a tube, and that it really doesn't do much for the tone. I was ready to pick it up because of good reviews and a sweet price, but that little fact has come to somewhat scare me. I'm not sure now whether I go for it or not, I mean I love tube sound but at the same time I have heard that it's a great head anyway, so I'm torn. I hereby call on the wisdom of the TB pros and researchers for help on the matter. Do I go with the Carvin or head in a different direction? I'd like a $500 max but if it's worth it it's worth it, so I could consider something more. As for the details you may need to know before helping me, I play a Carvin B40 (active jazz setup), and I'd like something with some tonal range, however I like to stick to boosted mids, slightly boosted treble and flat bass for the most part. Thanks all! This is an exciting decision.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Mid-Powered/Mid-Priced Tube Heads?
- Thread starter Definitely
- Start date
Used Peavey VB-2, maybe.
Or perhaps an old Ampeg V4 or V4B, though they might betting expensive now.
Sovtek stuff might be affordable, too.
Or perhaps an old Ampeg V4 or V4B, though they might betting expensive now.
Sovtek stuff might be affordable, too.
Living where you do, with any Carvin purchase you have to factor in shipping, brokerage fee and duties as Carvin no longer takes care of them. The brokerage fees that UPS charges are huge. $62 on an under $300 purchase!!!!
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,348
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
You're sort of looking at or for 'hybrid' heads...tube preamp/SS power amp. Some sound more tube-like than others. But expand your search to include 'hybrid amps' and see what you come up with.
Yeah, I would say that if you have a relatively low budget, you should be looking mainly at used gear.
The question, all tube or you okay with a hybrid tube pre/SS output (like the Carvin only fully functional)?
I think I'd prefer hybrid to all-tube, I like having the option, but you're all right I think I need to check out the used stuff around here. I've played through a couple Ampegs at the local L&M and my teacher's Genz (loved it, was looking at the Shuttle 6.2 but favoured Carvin for price).
@BassmanPaul: As it's made in USA I was under the impression there wasn't any duty. I know the shipping fee is ridiculous but I have a connection to get it shipped to the states then picked up by a relative at the border and sent to me for just the US shipping cost ($19 vs. $76).
@BassmanPaul: As it's made in USA I was under the impression there wasn't any duty. I know the shipping fee is ridiculous but I have a connection to get it shipped to the states then picked up by a relative at the border and sent to me for just the US shipping cost ($19 vs. $76).
If you are ultimately looking for all tube, and $500 is your general budget, you will have to go used. In that range there are a few cool options IME/IMO.
Peavey VB2 is close but maybe a bit over $500
Traynor (Canadian brand) YBA200 will be close
Traynor YBA300 can be found used in the 599-699 range
Mesa Buster will also be a bit more, but close to $500 depeding on condition.
Fender Bassman 135 is in that range but maybe a bit on the low power side
Fender Studio Bass - harder to find, but can be had used in the $4-500 range - amazing 180-200w bass amp.
Fender Super Twin - same basic amp as the Studio Bass
Ampeg V4B - a bit higher than $500 and only 100w, but a classic all tube amp.
lots of possibilities.
enjoy the search
Peavey VB2 is close but maybe a bit over $500
Traynor (Canadian brand) YBA200 will be close
Traynor YBA300 can be found used in the 599-699 range
Mesa Buster will also be a bit more, but close to $500 depeding on condition.
Fender Bassman 135 is in that range but maybe a bit on the low power side
Fender Studio Bass - harder to find, but can be had used in the $4-500 range - amazing 180-200w bass amp.
Fender Super Twin - same basic amp as the Studio Bass
Ampeg V4B - a bit higher than $500 and only 100w, but a classic all tube amp.
lots of possibilities.
enjoy the search
@pfschim: Hahaha, I appreciate the effort, and I may check some of those out anyway. Who knows, I may like all-tube.
Used Mesa Walkabout. You will love the tone. It has one preamp tube and another tube to drive the output (MOSFET) section and a nice parametric EQ.
I definitely like all tube, myself.
Definitely check out Traynor gear, especially since you're in Canada.
Definitely check out Traynor gear, especially since you're in Canada.
Alright I'll hit up the local shops and see what I can play through as well as looking used stuff, thanks guys!
The duty comprises of GST and your PST. Here in Ontario we have what is termed HST that is a meld of both, 13% currently.
The beauty of what Carvin used to do is that all the charges were levied on their price not the customers. I'm betting that the folks at UPS are behind the change. They have more money passing through their hands in duties, you can bet they get a percentage. Also they can charge a larger brokerage fee. It's a win/win for UPS.
Canada/USA free trade, NAFTA, does not seem to make any difference that I've noticed.
If you can get the item shipped within the USA and then brought up to you, it's the way to get Carvin stuff.
I would also like to point out that this post is not bashing Carvin per se. I've been dealing with the company for close to twenty years. Every bit of equipment that I use involves Carvin stuff. Three six string basses and a five. I still have six Carvin power amps.
I was starting the process of changing out the lead sled power amps for the newer light weight units. The change to the shipping will make that too expensive for me to justify. :scowl:
Do you have experience with the BX series? If so could you share your thoughts on them please, because the only two negatives I've heard so far are the ribbon cable issue and the lack of real tube sound. All I really want to do at this point is be able to try one out, but it doesn't look like there are any even remotely within my vicinity.
To update this thread...I went with Carvin. The BX700 came in and sounds great, I love it! First actual head/cab rig I've ever had, BX700>Avatar B410, it's fantastic.
A bit late so my apologies. I own a BX1500. It's a very nice amp that I use as my backup.
I own an SVT but prefer a small head for weekly gigs. Closest I've got tone wise is the Genz Benz Streamliner 900. They go really cheap 500-600 range here. 3 preamp tubes and reacts and sounds very much like an all tube amp. Highly recommend trying one or reading up on it in its massive threads here at TB
