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Peavey Alpha Bass (All tube)


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There's one or two reviews on HC but i still have a question about it and tube amps in general.

It say its 160 watt all tube head. What 210 cabinet can i use with it? With such a low power rating, yet tube amps seem to power more than the wattage would indicate I'm kinda confused.

 

Also, I will be receiving it with the tubes in a separate box. Is it hard to re attach them or is it just a matter of gently popping them back into place?

 

Thanks for the help!

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If you are unfamiliar with tube amps, let me tell you that this will be (assuming everything is working correctly) the LOUDEST 160 watts you have ever heard. You will swear that it must be wrong and must be closer to 400 watts.

 

I played a MusicMan HD150 for nearly two decades through a Peavey 2x15 cab, and it was loud enough for even outdoor festivals. In fact, at one festival, two other bassists asked if they could simply plug into my rig rather than set up their rigs (after listening to the rig first).

 

Are you locked in to a 2x10 only? Why not a 2x12 cab? Much, much louder and only a little bit bulkier than a 2x10.

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If you are unfamiliar with tube amps, let me tell you that this will be (assuming everything is working correctly) the
LOUDEST
160 watts you have ever heard. You will swear that it must be wrong and must be closer to 400 watts.


I played a MusicMan HD150 for nearly two decades through a Peavey 2x15 cab, and it was loud enough for even outdoor festivals. In fact, at one festival, two other bassists asked if they could simply plug into my rig rather than set up their rigs (after listening to the rig first).


Are you locked in to a 2x10 only? Why not a 2x12 cab? Much, much louder and only a little bit bulkier than a 2x10.

 

 

Thats what I'm banking on.

But, I will be practicing in my room with it as well as jamming/practicing with 1 guitar (25 watt tube combo) and 1 drummer (single bass pedal).

Also the 210 would be a 'lil cheaper.

I'm not opposed to the 212 and just stashing it at my friends house (where we practice).

I would like some direction as to a cab (either 210 or 212) under $350 used (i know not much, but this economy is killing, cant sell that dam bass).

 

Thanks

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Tubes are easy to pop back in. The power tubes will have a little guide that will only allow you to put them in one way. The preamp tubes aren't hard, but you may want to take a peek at the valve to be sure you're lining them up right. I say go for it, 160 tube watts should do you for any rock outfit. You may want to get a couple of cabs to get more volume, though.

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Tubes are easy to pop back in. The power tubes will have a little guide that will only allow you to put them in one way. The preamp tubes aren't hard, but you may want to take a peek at the valve to be sure you're lining them up right. I say go for it, 160 tube watts should do you for any rock outfit. You may want to get a couple of cabs to get more volume, though.

 

 

Would it be advisable to push it to 2 ohms?

It has a 4 ohm input and a 2 ohm input....I'm more comfortable just running 1 4 ohm cab, but would i get the full 160 "RMS" watts? Meh it should be loud enough.

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I owned this amp for about a year. I didn't find it very clean at all once you got to any level to be heard above a drummer. I was more than fine with that as I like some fuzz. I found it to be similar in volume to a SS 200 watt amp. I used it with an Avatar 2x12. SOLID build and tone.

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yes, I think so





tube amp... you get 160W from either output.

 

 

Yes to both. Mine was a steal, but it was from a local shop and in rough cosmetic shape. Shipping included, it would be a very tough deal to beat. There are tube amps I like better, but they are much moe expensive. The Alphabass is a fine amp, and it's hard to find any tube amp cheaper than that. Buy it!

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I had an Alpha Bass head years ago, I loved that thing, tone out the wazzoo and it got plenty loud. I miss it, actually. I should start to look around to see if there are any around here for sale, great head to have handy. any gig that might be 'too big' to use that head should have a full PA, and the DI was great on mine. Thought about getting the preamp version after I sold my head...

 

 

thanks, now I'm all gushy sentimental about that amp... *tears*....

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Running a 2x10" cab with that head would be ideal for practicing or accompanying acousitic players, recording, etc... But jamming with an electric guitard & a drummer, I'd recommend at LEAST a 2x12. Sure, 160W might be enough, but only when pushing enough air. You'll have no headroom when jamming. These days, you can order light affordable 2x12" & 2x10 cabs from people like AvatarSpeakers. Personally, I would start with a neo loaded(light) 2x12, with the plan being adding a 2x10" down the road. This will maximize your head, and still be very light yet flexible rig for you.

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Running a 2x10" cab with that head would be ideal for practicing or accompanying acousitic players, recording, etc... But jamming with an electric guitard & a drummer, I'd recommend at LEAST a 2x12. Sure, 160W might be enough, but only when pushing enough air. You'll have no headroom when jamming. These days, you can order light affordable 2x12" & 2x10 cabs from people like AvatarSpeakers. Personally, I would start with a neo loaded(light) 2x12, with the plan being adding a 2x10" down the road. This will maximize your head, and still be very light yet flexible rig for you.

 

 

What he said...............especially the part about maximizing your head!:D;):facepalm:

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Weird. I had an Alphabass back in the 90s and I hated it. I found it really mid scooped and not nearly loud enough for use in a rock band. I only had it for a year before I ditched it for an SWR. I'd like to try one now to see if it was maybe something I was doing wrong because everyone seems to rave about them these days. It was certainly built like a tank though.

 

Power-wise, 160W is a pretty optimistic number. My guess is that THD would be 4+ % at that power level with 6 6L6s.

 

No problem to replace the tubes, the power tubes are keyed so you can't put them in wrong and the preamp tubes have a break between pins 1 and 9 that's easy to match with the socket.

 

Unless you want overdrive, this amp isn't going to be very loud into any 210 cab, though now that I go back and read the thread, it will probably work just fine for the situation you're describing. :thu:

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