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That classic tube sound.

#5
vtbass_deluxe.jpg


PLUS ONE OF THESE:


xls20002.jpg



FWIW, almost any power amp will do fine with the VT bass hooked up to it. Spring for the deluxe, it's like 6 amps in one pedal. You won't find a decent tube head for under $800, my friend...if you could, I would own one already :hmm:
 
#6
JonnyAngle said:
You can find low wattage tube amps or use a tube simulator pedal. A tube sim pedal SIMULATES the tube sound, but does not make your amp a tube amp. Epiphone Valve Jr. comes to mind as cheap. What gear do you have now?
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I'm currently using a K200 Kustom Bass head. I love it, but it's starting to become impractical with repairs.

I plan on keeping my JBL E140 cab.


sevdog said:
Which amp do you consider the "classic tube" amp? There is probably a thread or 2 a mile long discussing getting "that" tone without "that" amp.
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Of course, the SVT tone but I've fallen in love with the Sunn sound also... It's a toss-up.
 
#8
Exxcell said:
I'm currently using a K200 Kustom Bass head. I love it, but it's starting to become impractical with repairs.

I plan on keeping my JBL E140 cab.




Of course, the SVT tone but I've fallen in love with the Sunn sound also... It's a toss-up.
Click to expand...

How loud do you need to be? You could get a micro head and a Sansamp. I've got a Valve Jr and love it, but it's pretty much only good for coffee shops.
 
#11
used Peavey VB-2 can be had for under US$600 used.

If you're patient you can find the Peavey Classic 120 or 120/120 tube power amps for under US$300, then get a tube preamp like the PreSonus or ART or go with the VT pedal.

Otherwise +1 on the suggestions of the VT pedal and power amp if you're looking for realistic gig volume levels.
 
#12
Tube sound is not hard to find. Even solid state and digital preamps can do a convincing job. Tube feel on the other hand requires tubes. At your current price point you'll have to scour the used market and hope that you don't have to immediately replace the tubes.

All tube options: Peavey VB-2, Ampeg V4B, Traynor YBA200, Sunn 200S,

A cheaper alternative would be to try a tube preamp pedal in front of your existing amp. Check out the EBS ValveDrive, Electro Harmonix LPB 2ube, and AMT Electronics Capitalist Pig.

You could also check out the industry standard SansAmp pedals including the VT Bass.
 
#14
A '70s Ampeg V-4 or V-4B is a good choice, as long as you have enough speakers or your band isn't too loud or you don't mind a good bit of breakup. I think you can still find'em in good condition for around $600.
 
#15
I picked up a Fender Bassman 300 Pro locally for $450. It was in need of a phase inverter (I had a NOS spare on hand - $0) and a power tube was bad ($50 for a matched tube). Biased and balanced in a few minutes and it roars. My point is that you can find powerful tube amps for quite reasonable prices. That 300 Pro goes for $1700 new!

I've seen V4's and V4B's go for $250-$450 locally in Columbus and Dayton, Ohio.
 
#20
Ampeg B25, V4B, Traynor, Sound City are some vintage heads you might be able to score. As for new gear I really like the Orange Tinny Terror, it's a hybrid but delivers vintage tone in spades. I have one to back up my Hiwatts and Marshalls
 

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