Tube amp...

[higain617]

I would definitely look at a Traynor YBA200 (or 300) if I were in Canada. They're a better deal than the 'Murican brands.

 

[Coolhandjjl]

If you have to re-tube, it is no longer cheap.

 

[GBassNorth]

The best bang for the buck on a tube amp that I've found is a used Musicman HD150. It is a SS pre and Tube Power amp that sounds fantastic and runs around $500 used.

 

[coreyfyfe]

The best bang for the buck on a tube amp that I've found is a used Musicman HD150. It is a SS pre and Tube Power amp that sounds fantastic and runs around $500 used.

I had an HD130, not my favorite amp by any means. Super clean fender sound, very stiff power section. Combined everything bad about solid state with everything bad about tube amps IMO.

 

[GBassNorth]

I had an HD130, not my favorite amp by any means. Super clean fender sound, very stiff power section. Combined everything bad about solid state with everything bad about tube amps IMO.

Interesting. IIRC the 130 had a different preamp wiring than the 150 so that might account for the difference. Mine can go from as clean as I want it to super dirty and overdriven at any volume by adjusting the gain and master volumes correctly. To me it combines the crispness of a SS with the warmth, power and punch of a Tube amp, how you set your knobs determines which side of the beast you'll unleash.

 

[higain617]

I have an HD150. It's kinda punchy but I think my Ashdown ABM is moreso. They get very loud but still pretty SS sounding. It takes OD/fuzz pedals much better than any SS amp I've tried, though.

 

[GBassNorth]

I have an HD150. It's kinda punchy but I think my Ashdown ABM is moreso. They get very loud but still pretty SS sounding. It takes OD/fuzz pedals much better than any SS amp I've tried, though.

Agree, the Ashdown would be on my short list as well, very nice very warm amps!

 

[Mr. Foxen]

Bugera 1960 infinium will do fine if you have a sensible cab. As in a big cab.