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Suggested Tube amp......

slap5string

slap5string

Jul 19, 2010
373
3
Cleveland, Ohio
#1
Hey all, I just joined a 70's band doing Doobies, Rush, America, Hall & Oates, etc.. and would like to try a tube amp but I don't have the $ to get the complete Ampeg SVT / 810 wall crusher right now. I was looking for a used SVT-CL or Mesa 400+ to pair with either my (2) GK SBX-410's or my Mesa PH-610 or PH410. I know it's best to pair the amp with the cabinets from the same manufacturer but the $ is tight right now. Any ideas which tube amp would give me that classic 70's sound with the cabs I currently own? I'm using a Fender Precision USA and an EB Musicman Sterling.
Thanks!
 
#2
slap5string said:
Hey all, I just joined a 70's band doing Doobies, Rush, America, Hall & Oates, etc.. and would like to try a tube amp but I don't have the $ to get the complete Ampeg SVT / 810 wall crusher right now. I was looking for a used SVT-CL or Mesa 400+ to pair with either my (2) GK SBX-410's or my Mesa PH-610 or PH410. I know it's best to pair the amp with the cabinets from the same manufacturer but the $ is tight right now. Any ideas which tube amp would give me that classic 70's sound with the cabs I currently own? I'm using a Fender Precision USA and an EB Musicman Sterling.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

Who said it was "Best" to match heads and cabs?

That said for the sound you are looking for I would pair a Genz Streamliner 600 with your PH610.
 
#6
There's a ampeg SVT cl for sale in the classifieds right now. Whoever sold you on the head must match the cabinet company is feeding you jive. I use a mesa boogie on an avatar 2x12 or an swr 4x12. Voice of god either way. The 8x10 is overdone and wAy too much for 90% of all gigs that happen on planet earth.
 
#7
Wow, if I am supposed to match my head to cabinets I have been doing it wrong for years... I suppose I currently have one cab that matches my head but it is my number 2 cab...

Pair what you like the most, for the tone you like the most, if you don't have much experience with tube heads do not assume they are for you. I loved the tone out of my SVT but I found a SS replacement that I am far happier with, not to say one is better than the other, just my Markbass head is more me right now, and unless tubes heads drop 50lbs I'll probably stay the SS route, I have no roadies.

Contrary to what Jimmy says there is more to life than tubes. :D
 
#8
DiabolusInMusic said:
Wow, if I am supposed to match my head to cabinets I have been doing it wrong for years... I suppose I currently have one cab that matches my head but it is my number 2 cab...

Pair what you like the most, for the tone you like the most, if you don't have much experience with tube heads do not assume they are for you. I loved the tone out of my SVT but I found a SS replacement that I am far happier with, not to say one is better than the other, just my Markbass head is more me right now, and unless tubes heads drop 50lbs I'll probably stay the SS route, I have no roadies.

Contrary to what Jimmy says there is more to life than tubes. :D
Click to expand...

Thanks guys - The only reason I mention staying with the same manufacturer is strickly based on my experience with my current GK setup - Bi-amp head with cabs and cables wired specifically for this head. I'm not familiar with other manufacturers pairings to know if they are similar to this scenario. On the other hand...I did try my 700rbII w/ the Mesa cabs and was WAY impressed with it, though not enough to make it my everyday rig. I would like to try my Mesa cabs with a tube amp though to see if they are worth keeping - I don't use them at all right now. I'm leaning towards an all tube head because it was the standard when this 70's stuff was recorded and while we aren't pretending to be anything more than a club / party band, I would like to get my sound as close to "vintage" as possible.
 
#9
slap5string said:
Thanks guys - The only reason I mention staying with the same manufacturer is strickly based on my experience with my current GK setup - Bi-amp head with cabs and cables wired specifically for this head. I'm not familiar with other manufacturers pairings to know if they are similar to this scenario. On the other hand...I did try my 700rbII w/ the Mesa cabs and was WAY impressed with it, though not enough to make it my everyday rig. I would like to try my Mesa cabs with a tube amp though to see if they are worth keeping - I don't use them at all right now. I'm leaning towards an all tube head because it was the standard when this 70's stuff was recorded and while we aren't pretending to be anything more than a club / party band, I would like to get my sound as close to "vintage" as possible.
Click to expand...

A Streamliner or SVT-7 Pro will get you the sound you want. They are readily available, and will offer a lot of tonal possibilities. All tube heads are great, I have one, but I waited a long time for the right one to come up. If you need something right now that wont break the bank look into the hybrid heads. They will pair up really well with your PH cabs.
 
#11
DiabolusInMusic said:
Wow, if I am supposed to match my head to cabinets I have been doing it wrong for years... I suppose I currently have one cab that matches my head but it is my number 2 cab...

Pair what you like the most, for the tone you like the most, if you don't have much experience with tube heads do not assume they are for you. I loved the tone out of my SVT but I found a SS replacement that I am far happier with, not to say one is better than the other, just my Markbass head is more me right now, and unless tubes heads drop 50lbs I'll probably stay the SS route, I have no roadies.

Contrary to what Jimmy says there is more to life than tubes. :D
Click to expand...
Oh stop, you! Of course there is. I used my Micro VR on my gig yesterday. Of course it was outdoors and we've been getting hammered with a tropical storm the past couple days. So as long as there's outdoor gigs in my future, there will always be a need for solid state ;)


















OK everyone, calm down now...just making a funny.
 
#12
slap5string said:
Hey all, I just joined a 70's band doing Doobies, Rush, America, Hall & Oates, etc.. and would like to try a tube amp but I don't have the $ to get the complete Ampeg SVT / 810 wall crusher right now. I was looking for a used SVT-CL or Mesa 400+ to pair with either my (2) GK SBX-410's or my Mesa PH-610 or PH410. I know it's best to pair the amp with the cabinets from the same manufacturer but the $ is tight right now. Any ideas which tube amp would give me that classic 70's sound with the cabs I currently own? I'm using a Fender Precision USA and an EB Musicman Sterling.
Thanks!
Click to expand...

I've had my Fender Bassman 100T for a month now, played 3 gigs with no mains help (with single Fender 410 Neo cab) and I have never had a rig that I enjoy as much, dating back to '65. As vintage sounding as it gets, as modern sounding as you need with switchable passive vintage and active overdrive channels. I was worried about 'only' 100 watts when I got it. If you're interested here's my review after my first gig with it. http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f15/review-fender-bassman-100t-410-neo-cab-action-884153/
 

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