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Recommend a good backup amp head (cheap)
- Thread starter Ron Johnson
- Start date
If you can find one the Kustom KXB500 or Carvin BX250 were both rather cost effective options, especially if you can find them used.
Another shout out the the MB200. I see them pop up for $150 from time to time.
That said you can get any old peavey for cheap. Most of them are pretty OK.
Also old SWR is cheap and most of it is good.
That said you can get any old peavey for cheap. Most of them are pretty OK.
Also old SWR is cheap and most of it is good.
I checked out the GC website. Tons of decent looking heads for under 150. And from what I understand they ship it to a store near you for free? I may get one here, but how do I know they actually put these to a real test and didn't just plug them in for five seconds and pluck one string?
I picked up a Rumble 500 head as a backup for my Rumble 500 head. It was used, 200 bucks. I can't remember which one is the backup head.
I was thinking that. Even if I got an old Peavey I'd expect it to sound better than my Behringer, so I probably would use whatever I'm going to get as a primary.
Used Hartke LH500. Not terribly heavy...not light either but sounds great pumping a 4x10. The newer Fender Rumble 200s and 500s are now cropping up on the used market. Should be pricing out right around the $150 neighborhood as well.
The fender rumbles are what are made to go with my cab; it has magnetic feet to fit them. But I've never tried the head. If they're fairly new and people are selling them a lot, then is that a sign people don't like them?
The Rumble V3 voicing is very nice and certainly distinct, but it's also not for everyone. On the other hand, I generally don't run through any amp without first running through a VT pedal/ pre.
Not for free. Same as shipping it to your house. Makes it easier to return on the spot when you find out it's broken, which in my experience you run about a 40% risk that it will be. You don't get shipping refunds, though.
They don't test them at all, period, not a one. So no worries there.
You'll still pay shipping, $15-$20 probably depending on the amp. They don't test them, but you have a window to return it, and if you get it shipped to a store you can try it right there and decide not to buy it if it isn't working, they'll refund you.
I say carvin. I have a bx 500 thats a great backup to my v4b and svt. I have never had the v4b or svt go down though...
I doubt they spend much more time than it takes to see if it powers up, has sound, and doesn't smoke. But I'll let a GC rep add their input if they would, I'd love to be wrong
I'd go peavey. I have a megabass head, which got retired to the backup role after 25 years (just because of the weight and size, works as good as new). I've liked the sound of peaveys, and they are reliable. I would think you could find one in your price range.
