Tube amp recommendation


Logan826
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Logan826
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04/04/2007 7:44 pm
Evening all,
I need to ditch this Line 6 amp I have and get a tube amp. I've tried my guitar in a couple of different ones and with out a doubt the tube amps have the sound I'm looking for. The solid state amps seem to have a twangy sound on the higher notes and for what I'm playing it sounds like crap. Please keep in mind I don't what to refinace the house to do this.
Dan
# 1
EE shabutie
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EE shabutie
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04/04/2007 9:28 pm
i just moved up to a tube about a month ago and i went with the peavy vaule king its relativly cheap and plays ultra nice my guitar teacher actually just bought one. all around there awsome the only one thing i find annyiong is that the reverb tank shakes but im goign to see what i can do about it i probally just got a lemon. but the actually amp is beutiful it has glimmering clean to a squeally distorstion,

well i hope this helps trust me its really nice :)
# 2
strat-man
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strat-man
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04/04/2007 9:39 pm
Really ya gotta go with your ear and your pocket dude, try out some tube amps that are within your budget and see what you like best.
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I met my maker, i made him cry, and on my shoulder he asked me why, his people won't fly thru the storm, i said, listen here man they don't even know your born.

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# 3
Logan826
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Logan826
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04/04/2007 10:03 pm
Thanks for the replies. The true tube amps that I've looked at are a little out of what I want to spend. They're in the price of $600+ - . I looked at a crate CDT15R that is a solid state amp, but crate claims it sounds like a tube amp. I can't find one in my area to plug into it. Guitar Center has one, but they are out of stock in the store, which may or may not be a good sign. Any thoughts on this one ? EE, I'll check out that Peavy.
Dan
# 4
aschleman
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aschleman
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04/04/2007 10:38 pm
The key to effectively buying gear is to view everything as a long term investment... Never buy a piece of gear if it's not absolutely what you want. Never look for a quick fix.... If you want a tube amp and can't afford the one you want right now, save your money till you can afford the one you want. If you go grab a cheaper tube amp you're not going to be getting your moneys worth either way. Tube amps are a little more demanding as far as maintenance goes... Things break or go wrong with tube amps more often than with solid state amps. So make sure you get something with decent quality.

You should probably be looking at 1x12 combo tube amps. They're louder than what you'll need it for and more cost effective for someone looking at getting a nice tube amp.
# 5
Logan826
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Logan826
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04/04/2007 11:34 pm
Makes sense ash. I've listened to and played on the 1x8s and the 1x12s and with out a doubt, the 1x12s do sound a lot better. Your right about waiting though. I'm just in that stage of learning guitar where that if it doesn't sound right I get discouraged and uninterested in what i'm trying achieve. I did the same thing with my first guitar. I bought an epi les paul and have since traded it in for a '98 strat, which I should have bought in the first place.
Dan
# 6
z0s0_jp
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z0s0_jp
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04/04/2007 11:53 pm
go to for example http://cleveland.craigslist.org/msg/ ...or here www.craigslist.org then find a city close to you, go to musical instruments and then go try the sucker out..that is what is great about this site, you can go to it and try it and then buy right from the person..I don't think I will buy anything new again :rolleyes: you might find a deal like this amp...regularly $1,250
sweet deal
"Dammit Jim!! I'm a guitarist not a roadie...so haul my gear"
# 7
Logan826
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Logan826
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04/05/2007 2:13 am
Great site bro, Thanks. I've never heard of that site.
Thanks again,
Dan
# 8
Weslaba
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Weslaba
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04/05/2007 2:36 am
I'm not 100% sure on all the prices and whatnot, but if you can find a nice fender tube amp for cheap, then it'd be a wise choice in my mind, but it all depends on what you like. Granted they can be pricey, but i think its worth it. Other than changing the tubes and doing other routine things, they'll probably last a lifetime. Definitely get a smaller size amp though. I myself have a fender deville 2x12 and its EXTREMELY loud. I usually practice at about 2 (out of 12) and that's a reasonably loud level too.
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# 9
PRSplaya
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PRSplaya
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04/05/2007 10:55 am
What style music do you plan on using the amp for? If you haven't already, why don't you read >THIS TUTORIAL< that I wrote on finding the right amp. It might help you narrow down your search.

I will go on and suggest two companies to check into though. Peavey and Traynor. I've had several Peavey amps over the years, and have loved them all. I currently have a Peavey 5150 2x12 combo, and a Peavey Rock Master preamp. I also have a Traynor YCV50 1x12 combo that I love to bits as well. Both companies make some very versatile amps, and with very fair price tags.
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# 10
ren
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ren
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04/05/2007 11:11 am
Laney.... I love them.

I've played more or less every model I think (they are made locally to me)... and every one from the 15w baby to the VH100R is sweet. Worth a try if they're available near you.... :cool:

Check out my music, video, lessons & backing tracks here![br]https://www.renhimself.com

# 11
Logan826
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Logan826
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04/05/2007 8:43 pm
PRS, great write up on the amps. From reading that, i see that a tube amp is what i'm needing. I'll have to check out some different ones. I wrote earlier that Crate is claiming that their GTD series "have a tube amp tone." Any experience with this amp ? I was also looking at the Peavey Transtube series. These also claim to have that "tube amp tone" any thoughts here. The only reason I'm beating around the bush with this is that from my travels around I'm seeing that a "good" tube amp is going to cost me more that what I really wanted to spend. After all, I don't gig, really don't ever plan on it. I play some lite jam sessions, nothing serious so I really didn't want to drop the "hard cash" I've been watching some "ebay" sites and other sites, thanks to one form member for the hit, and even these used tube amps are pretty pricey. Plus the fact of not being able to hear it, I don't like the idea of buying an amp off ebay.
Thanks,
Dan
# 12
strat-man
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strat-man
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04/05/2007 9:48 pm
If you want tube tone without the cost have a look at Vox, they do the Valvtronix range (15-100watt) of hybrid solid state/tube, modelling amps, the tube is in the power amp section, (where it needs to be) or if you don't want a modelling amp, the VR (valve reactor) range (15 or 30 watt) these are basically a Valvetronix without the modelling, and again have a tube in the power amp section, the VR range actually went out of production last year, but a few places still have old stock, i bought one last month, plus there's usually some knockin about on eBay. you can get more info from www.voxamps.co.uk
or check out the reviews at
www.harmony-central.com
Strat totin
Six string slingin
Son of a gun

I met my maker, i made him cry, and on my shoulder he asked me why, his people won't fly thru the storm, i said, listen here man they don't even know your born.

strat-man rocks with vox
# 13
Homebrew1709
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Homebrew1709
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04/09/2007 7:46 am
To elaborate on ZoSo's recommendation about Craigslist, I bought a Carvin MTS 2x12 combo (2 channels, reverb, presence control and such...basic features) in good condition for $450 a couple months back on craigslist. I put some new higher quality tubes in it, raised the bias a bit and it is a beast. Point is, that it was a great find and I dare you find a better deal for $450. Good deals can be found.
# 14
jeffhx
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jeffhx
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04/09/2007 1:55 pm
try out hughes and kettner! they screaaaaaamm!!! they're well known for their tubes as well...just my 2 cents
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# 15
da_ardvark
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da_ardvark
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04/09/2007 4:44 pm
My next amp WILL be the H&K Triamp. Pricey, but it will be my last amp I ever need. I'm buying a Pickup truck 1st, and in 10 months my WRX will be paid off. Then it should be a matter of 4 months after and I shall own it MUHAAAAAAAAAAAAA :D
# 16
Andrew Sa
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Andrew Sa
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04/09/2007 8:26 pm
Every amp company has a solid state model that they claim sounds like a tube amp...whilst these are usually pretty close, you can not get a tube sound without a tube amp...as close as you may get, you just cant do it.
Thats not to say that a solid state amp wont sound good, but it wont sound like a tube amp.

As for H and K...they make some awesome amps! but they are hellishly expensive, for what you are looking at spending, the peavey Valve King may well be your best option...they are great amps.
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# 17
Tevis Maloney
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Tevis Maloney
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04/10/2007 2:33 am
I'm partial to Marshall, but Peavey makes some good tube amps. I have a Classic 4x10 that's pretty cool. Portable and nasty.
# 18
PRSplaya
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PRSplaya
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04/10/2007 2:37 am
Originally Posted by: Tevis MaloneyI'm partial to Marshall, but Peavey makes some good tube amps. I have a Classic 4x10 that's pretty cool. Portable and nasty.

Peavey definitely makes some killer gear. I've been through an old ass 80's 1x8 practice amp, Classic 50, Valveking 1x12, Triple XXX head, 5150 combo, and Rock Master preamp. Still have the 5150 and RM preamp, and am dying to get my hands on one of the Windsors!
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# 19
tehplatypus
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tehplatypus
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04/10/2007 3:54 am
if you can put out the change for a fender twin or a 59 bassman, go for one of those. vintage fender line = awesome tube tone.
okay...my post is done...goodbye.
# 20

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