Recommend a multi-tasking tube amp?

[Michael Schreiber]

I'm seriously thinking about going with a Portaflex PF-50t. I really dig the feature-set: the accessible tube bias control, a 12au7 for the phase inverter (easily found), a DI from the output transformer, the ability to run the head without a cabinet, much lighter weight, etc. It seems like the right kind of amp for me.

If it's true that the PF-50T is tone-wise similar to a V-4B, then I can only recommend the PF-50T.
Great sound, and the tubes are easily found, true.
The DI (of the V-4B) is great; though, personally I find the DI alone too "thin" sounding, so I rather use it in combination with a mic'ed signal for recording. Still, the DI very cleanly presents the mid and high range of the signal. I don't know if the DI is the same on the PF-50T. Just mentioning, so you can consider that point when making a decision.
Anyway, good luck! \m/

 

[keyofnight]

If it's true that the PF-50T is tone-wise similar to a V-4B, then I can only recommend the PF-50T.
Great sound, and the tubes are easily found, true.
The DI (of the V-4B) is great; though, personally I find the DI alone too "thin" sounding, so I rather use it in combination with a mic'ed signal for recording. Still, the DI very cleanly presents the mid and high range of the signal. I don't know if the DI is the same on the PF-50T. Just mentioning, so you can consider that point when making a decision.
Anyway, good luck! \m/

Yeah, the PF-50T is a little different. It has the same pre/post EQ DI, but it also has a second DI that comes after the output transformer. It sounds a bit fuller, but not as full as micing a good cab. At least, however, you can DI your power tubes too if you want.

 

[el murdoque]

While looking for something quite similar, I stumbled over the Frenzel Amps.
frenzeltubeamps.com - Mini Bassman

They do a mini Bassman with 40W and basically everything you want.
Can't comment on the amp, though - never seen one in person.

 

[Jefenator]

I'm seriously thinking about going with a Portaflex PF-50t. I really dig the feature-set: the accessible tube bias control, a 12au7 for the phase inverter (easily found), a DI from the output transformer, the ability to run the head without a cabinet, much lighter weight, etc. It seems like the right kind of amp for me.

This is what I was going to recommend, for reasons you have already touched on. (I also like the way all the components inside aren't over 40 years old.)
Can't speak to home/studio usability, though - I always play mine out.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm seriously thinking about going with a Portaflex PF-50t. I really dig the feature-set: the accessible tube bias control, a 12au7 for the phase inverter (easily found), a DI from the output transformer, the ability to run the head without a cabinet, much lighter weight, etc. It seems like the right kind of amp for me.

I very much love mine

 

[keyofnight]

I very much love mine

We know.

So: how do you carry yours to gigs? Do you have a carrying case?

 

[JimmyM]

We know.

So: how do you carry yours to gigs? Do you have a carrying case?

Yes. I bought a $50 MCM plastic case that has foam in it. It isn't my favorite case in the world and I probably wouldn't use it if I was toting it in a trailer with a bunch of other gear, but in this case it works out pretty well.

 

[BassmanPaul]

…aaaaand I crapped out. I ordered a Sunn 200s, and UPS destroyed it in shipping. They dropped it so hard that they bent the output transformer lugs. We've got a claim opened up, I'm getting my money back, and now I'm on the hunt for another amp again. :/

The damage to that amp is fairly easily remedied. it’s not a complete loss. I’ve repaired worse,

 

[keyofnight]

The damage to that amp is fairly easily remedied. it’s not a complete loss. I’ve repaired worse,

Sure. The output transformer was knocked out of place in a way where one of the leads were cut against the routing hole in the chassis. It was the ground lead! So, I definitely could've straightened the lugs on the transformer and soldered the lead back together again. I was a bit nervous, though: I didn't know if the output transformer was damaged enough to shorten its life.

Also, I was feeling a few misgivings about it. It's pretty heavy, leaves my hand smelling like the 60s every time I touch it, and requires an inverter tube that no one makes anymore. It's enough to make me want something new. But… we'll see.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Also, I was feeling a few misgivings about it. It's pretty heavy, leaves my hand smelling like the 60s every time I touch it, and requires an inverter tube that no one makes anymore. It's enough to make me want something new. But… we'll see.

Let us know what you decide to do.

 

[deathness]

What's that smell? (flower power decade edition) is a good game

 

[Jefenator]

Sure. The output transformer was knocked out of place in a way where one of the leads were cut against the routing hole in the chassis. It was the ground lead! So, I definitely could've straightened the lugs on the transformer and soldered the lead back together again. I was a bit nervous, though: I didn't know if the output transformer was damaged enough to shorten its life.

Also, I was feeling a few misgivings about it. It's pretty heavy, leaves my hand smelling like the 60s every time I touch it, and requires an inverter tube that no one makes anymore. It's enough to make me want something new. But… we'll see.

Just so happens I also have a 200s. I got my only ever bass-specific police noise complaint, the first night I played it out. (How about that for 50 watts!)
IME it has bass and treble response like nothing else, but not in that sometimes annoying way like with a Fender-style tone stack.
With a new Ampeg with the biasing aid you might be able to go for quite some time without seeing a tech. If you're going to be using gear coming up on half a century old, you're probably going to want to establish a relationship with a tech, shipping calamity or no. A good tech would be preferable (my 200s crapped out on me a couple of times, then my latest guy found a grounding issue two previous repairmen had missed).
If I were a betting man, my money would be on that old Sunn being perfectly salvageable. A solid state inverter might be an option. (Blasphemy to some perhaps but I wouldn't be above it.)

 

[keyofnight]

Let us know what you decide to do.

I went with the PF-50T. It's great! I especially like the frequency selector. I know I always want to boost mids, and having some well-curated click settings helps me find sounds quickly. Also, with a clean boost pedal, the preamp distorts very well.

I miss the Sunn… but it's nice having a brand new amp for a change. Here's a pic (excuse the year old Chrome XLs):

 

[DavidEdenAria]

You may also want to consider a MusicMan HD-130. It's got a half power switch for 65 watts. I gigged mine for years with no problems at all and still have it.

I own a Music Man HD-150.....brutal power even on the half power switch!

 

[Energy]

• I want the amp to sound good with a few different instruments: bass, guitar, and synthesizer.

• I crave treble in my bass sound—I've gotta hear those overtones.

HIWATT.

 

[Michael Schreiber]

I went with the PF-50T. It's great! I especially like the frequency selector. I know I always want to boost mids, and having some well-curated click settings helps me find sounds quickly. Also, with a clean boost pedal, the preamp distorts very well.

I miss the Sunn… but it's nice having a brand new amp for a change. Here's a pic (excuse the year old Chrome XLs):

View attachment 2917204

Cool, congrats!
Glad you like it - happy playing! \m/
Btw.: Nice bass!

 

[keyofnight]

Cool, congrats!
Glad you like it - happy playing! \m/
Btw.: Nice bass!

Thanks! \m/ I always wonder if this bass is "good enough," but I shouldn't be thinking about that kind of thing.