Non-Ampeg Tube Amps

[primusfan1989]

Seeing a couple of threads on here lately that are a back and forth about class d phasing out tube amps and so on....
I don't feel like getting into that can of worms but it got me thinking how I wanted to start a thread on here for discussing tube bass amps, particularly makes other than Ampeg because I think there is more than enough threads on here dedicated to SVTs V4Bs B-15s B-25s PF-50s etc... Its almost like people act like Ampeg is the end all be all tube bass amps (not saying they're not good but definitely not my cup of tea) and Im looking create a space where we can focus on the all tube monsters of the past and those of us foolish enough to use them.

So here are the rules:
1) No Ampegs, their are already hundreds of threads discussion Ampegs on here already, not saying they're bad but they already have the most exposure on this forum so lets avoid them

2) Any amp mentioned on here must atlas have a tube power section (So a musician HD-130 with a SS pre and tube power and other hybrids will be accepted)

3) Post pics, share your experiences

 

[blubass]

I tried a Selmer Treble n Bass I found on CL one time. It was full tube, and had a pretty unique tone through the unknown cab the guy had. In the end I didn't pick it up because it just wasn't a tone I was looking for. It should have been called a Treble n Treble, though the man swore it was a bass amp!

I think it was a guitar amp.

 

[Jeff Bonny]

An early Alessandro Basset Hound that in a perfect world would be the only amp I'd play through and a '78 Fender Studio Bass that mostly lives in a rehearsal studio.

 

[mpdd]

mesa boogie d180 - around 200 watts, unique gain structure for od, can be used for guitar also, weighs in at 46 pounds, loud enough to keep up with a loud drummer, can still get parts from mesa quite easily

 

[Kevan Campbell]

I currently own (among other amps) an Aguilar DB659 preamp & Aguilar DB728 power amp, played into an Aguilar GS410...does this count? Two 12ax7 and eight 6550 tubes, sounds amazing but since it's my "dream rig" it only goes out to shows I know it'll be safe at.

I also used to own a Mesa/Boogie 400+. Man, that thing was a monster...two channels into 12 6L6 tubes. Wish I still had it but times got hard.

 

[morgan138]

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Plus one for Mesa D-180. I'm using it with an Ampeg flatback 8x10 now but this old picture seemed more in the spirit of the thread.

 

[primusfan1989]

An early Alessandro Basset Hound that in a perfect world would be the only amp I'd play through and a '78 Fender Studio Bass that mostly lives in a rehearsal studio.
View attachment 980823

Love the studio bass, have a 79 myself, ill post some pics when i get home

 

[bassboysam]

my non Ampeg rig is a Matamp GT200 with 2 sealed matamp style 215s.

i've been whittling down the herd over the years but i have owned all of these in the past as well:
YBA200
YBA-3
400+
SC Bass 150
300 PRO
PV classic 120
and i still own a 300 and 50 watt amp from the company that can't be named.

random pics over the years.

 

[coreyfyfe]

I've mostly been using my Science Mother lately. Hiwatt DR201-inspired with an overdrive and FAC control.

I typically run a variety of Ampeg amps, I like the baxandall/active mid circuits. Not big on scoopy amps for bass, had plenty of Fender, MM, Traynor, etc, type amps and was never wowed. After trying out a few Sound City amps I wanted to try a Hiwatt of some kind. Ended up building a little 20 watt clone from a Trinity kit. I tweaked the normal input cap values to open it up a little more for low wattage bass, and it was pretty nifty, use it mostly for recording and home practice now. That was what set me off on wanting to find a DR201. For the prices the old DR201s command it was cheaper to buy the Science.

 

[JFOC]

Trace Elliot V-Types are pretty fun. Big transformers. AFAIK the pre section is lifted from an RCA manual (Equivalant to the Fender dual showman reverb or alembic F1X. Power section is similar to an SVT but with KT88s. LOUD. Heavy. Can distort if you really crank the pre, but not what I use it for. Has a nice big round sound with proper gain staging. Takes pedals well. A couple of different models, one of which even has a built in compressor.

V6

 

[primusfan1989]

My god keep the pics coming

 

[primusfan1989]

I've mostly been using my Science Mother lately. Hiwatt DR201-inspired with an overdrive and FAC control.

I typically run a variety of Ampeg amps, I like the baxandall/active mid circuits. Not big on scoopy amps for bass, had plenty of Fender, MM, Traynor, etc, type amps and was never wowed. After trying out a few Sound City amps I wanted to try a Hiwatt of some kind. Ended up building a little 20 watt clone from a Trinity kit. I tweaked the normal input cap values to open it up a little more for low wattage bass, and it was pretty nifty, use it mostly for recording and home practice now. That was what set me off on wanting to find a DR201. For the prices the old DR201s command it was cheaper to buy the Science.

Never seen a "Science" head before, is it based off a Hiwatt?

 

[coreyfyfe]

Never seen a "Science" head before, is it based off a Hiwatt?

They have a variety of models but the Mother is indeed, listed as "DR201-Inspired"

12AX7 preamp, 12AT7 PI, KT88 power amp. Big iron with I believe Heyboer-made transformers. Beautiful construction.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

In the early 90s, I had an Alamo Fury tube amp. It was a 50 watt combo with 1 15. It really sounded good and I even used it on some smaller gigs. I traded it for some else, but now I wish I still had it. I can't seem to find much info on them and have seen none for sale. It looked like this.

 

[robd]

Peavey Classic 400 - a monster

 

[spiritbass]

The two I use are not "old monsters", but based on them. When I decided to go all-tube again, I didn't want to rehab an old amp and preferred a new build. The first I invested in bears the name of Mister HiWatt, the Reeves Custom 225. I don't 'love' objects, but I never tire of how good this amp sounds. I requested a NOS 12AX7, and it came equipped with a JAN/Phillips. I got curious about the legendary Mullard bottles and ended up trying one. Beauty.

I wanted to have a second all-tube amp in case one went down for whatever reason. Mike Arnopol hipped me to Kevin Shaw's 150 watt version (four KT-88's) of the venerable Ampeg B15. Nothing not to like! The eq is more flexible than the original B-15 in that it has a six-position mid-emphasis switch (my favorites are 5 & 6) and a "shift" setting on the bass knob which cuts bass response and opens up the overall tone.

 

[Ender_rpm]

I wanted to have a second all-tube amp in case one went down for whatever reason. Mike Arnopol hipped me to Kevin Shaw's 150 watt version (four KT-88's) of the venerable Ampeg B15. Nothing not to like! The eq is more flexible than the original B-15 in that it has a six-position mid-emphasis switch (my favorites are 5 & 6) and a "shift" setting on the bass knob which cuts bass response and opens up the overall tone.

I may have to look this one up!! I have an EBS Classic t90, which is basically just a B15 scaled to use 2x6550 tubes for about 90 watts. Bought in 2011, been a valued part of my arsenal live and studio. Great amp.

 

[spiritbass]

I may have to look this one up!! I have an EBS Classic t90, which is basically just a B15 scaled to use 2x6550 tubes for about 90 watts. Bought in 2011, been a valued part of my arsenal live and studio. Great amp.

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[Ender_rpm]

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Thanks!! Am on the website already

 

[chaosMK]

Mesa D180 / 400 / 400+ are a great clan of amps used on numerous famous recordings and stages.

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