Would 300 watts smoke

That amp is probably amazing.

If it's in your budget let Ben give it the once over and do the retube. Then I think you'll be very happy for a long time.

 

Note that Ben has retired.

 

Seems expensive considering it needs a retube and service on day 1.

 

Given there are basically two of these and they won't get made again, not surprised by the premium price. Verellens weren't cheap to begin with.

 

I think I'd prefer a Meatsmoke. Is this a 6 string or bass amp, or both/neither? Maybe only two were made because it wasn't the best idea?

 

FWIW, Ben has only retired from taking new orders, he is still servicing existing amps.

This is a tough one, though. That's close to what the Meatsmoke cost new and more than double what the Loucks cost new. If you absolutely have to have that specific tone then sure. But by the time you buy this, ship it to Ben for service, pay him for the service, and get it shipped back, you'll have probably spent significantly more than you would have on a used Meatsmoke.

 

I had not heard this, that's a good stand-up position to take post retirement and I'm glad to see customer service/support continuing.

 

and don't forget the cost of a sextet of new KT88 tubes! ($300+)

 

I've seen other Sleep gear being sold on my local SF CL for absurd prices...I guess if you want pedigree gear, then go for it, otherwise, there are so many great amps out there that will do this trick and more.

 

Have you looked into the cost of re-tubing? That is why I sold my SVT head all those years ago in the early 90's. Even then, the cost of a set of tubes, both pre- and power together, approached what I paid for the head used. Instead, I took the money, purchased a Carvin PB300 head, and I am still using the head with no repairs or adjustments, albeit in the rehearsal hall rather than gigging due to the DI output starting to get a little noisy. Yes, almost 30 years of use for a solid state head and still going strong.

 

And from the bass community at large we all should be extremely greatful and glad guys like you are still around.

 

I have a 200 watt Meatsmoke and it's killer... I gotta push the clean channel at 200 with a 3 piece band, though we're generally loud. I haven't heard the Loucks and have never seen a 300 watt version before.

That's an ok price, since they are not being made any more. Ben will still service amps - but you need to pay to have it shipped to / and shipped back from him, so that's a pretty pretty hefty cost. And as mentioned above, the cost of new tubes.

6 years of road is a lot. I think $1700-1800 would be a good price for this, if you can talk the seller down, but since there are only so many Verellen amps out there, I think that's gonna be tough.

 

Pic related

 

You're probably looking at $400 in glass before service since that what it cost me for my Ampeg SVT-CL with KT88s.

 

I'm still kicking myself for passing on the 100w Loucks that was in the Talkbass store for $1200 a few years ago. The one that got away...

 

I love my Meatsmoke, but I shudder to think about

1. Paying for a new sextet of power tubes
2. Shipping it to Seattle anywhere for servicing by Ben any reason

I'm sure that amp rules, but it's definitely on the expensive-side of what I'd consider reasonable.
I would also assume that a Loucks Smoke would also be more suitably voiced for guitar.

 

Get a new Reeves 225 & live happily ever after

 

Question might be what cab pairs well enough with this head to make it worth it?

 

You can buy some nice brand new solid states for 2 Gs or less!