Members slodge Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 I put this up in "Amps," but I thought I'd see what folks over here have to say: I hope to be in the market for a small, relatively inexpensive tube amp in the not too distant future, and am looking to educate myself. Currently, I'm playing through a mid 80's Yorkville Bloc50GS, using a digitech RP300 as an amp modeler. I also use a Microcube sometimes, and I have a Fender Gdec that's essentially a fun toy. The Yorkville gives me a decent clean tone, and the OD channel isn't horrible if used sparingly. I also have several OD pedals, including the Bad Monkey and the Blues Driver. On the modelers, I spend most of my time on "Tweed-like" settings, "Brit/Vox" settings and "Crunch," and these are the types of tones I'm looking for in an amp. What I'm looking for is a tube amp that'll give me good tone in the bedroom without shaking the house apart, and that can also be taken to a buddy's garage/basement on occasion. I'm looking to put together a list of amps to start trying - Right now the list consists of the Peavey Valve King and Windsor, The Fender Blues Jr. and the less expensive Epiphones. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members schiz Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 There are several 5 watters that you can do all that with.As another thread said the other day on here... "5 watt amps are still bloody loud!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dlxrev Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 I have a Carvin Vintage 16. Its 16 watts, but can be switched to 5 watts. I think it is a good amp. I recommend them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members catsandstrats Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Super Champ XD seems like what you are looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members golias Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Most of the little 5-Watt rigs lack separate "Gain" and "Master" channels, which means you'll have wimpy-clean only (volume at 2) in the bedroom, and way-overdriven only (volume at 8-10) in the garage with a drummer and bassist. Still, if you are dirt poor you can still get the Crate V5 at some Best Buy's on clearance for $99. At that price, you could always afford to put a Tube Screamer in front of it in the bedroom, and mic it to the PA with the band. It seems like it's been a while since those Pignose G40V's were being blown out online, but you can occasionally score one for $200 on Craigslist or the Spam thread here. Good sound for a 1x10, and VERY easy to tote around. From the stuff you play, I'm betting you would be happiest with the 1x12" Peavey Classic or Fender Blues Jr. (The Peavey is basically a Fender clone with less "sparkly" cleans. I actually prefer the sound of the Peavey, even though it's slightly cheaper.) Good luck getting a used model of either for less than $350, though. They are very popular with certain kinds of players, and used listings for them never last long. If you're considering the Windsor Studio combo, look at the used market first. There are A LOT of people who bought them who were unhappy with the "boxiness" of the sound coming out of the speaker, especially with the attenuator in use. It really shines when you use the D.I., either live or for recording, but if you mostly care about the sound coming out of the combo itself, it is a tricky one to dial in. I occasionally see them on Craigslist in my town for as little as $250. Oh, and don't dismiss Traynor combos out of hand. The closer you live to Canada, the easier (and cheaper) they are to find. Boutique quality, usually at a reasonable price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members slodge Posted March 1, 2009 Author Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Super Champ XD seems like what you are looking for. Those are nice, and I've tried and liked them. My issue is that I have a few modelling devices, and I'm sorta looking to put money into something basic that I can use straight up or run an OD pedal through. But they are still on my list, which gets longer by the minute. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DavidMgT Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 I like my Gibson GA-5. Very clear, warm sound with great breakup. They can be found on ebay for about $300. here is some info form guitar player http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/gibson-ga-5/jun-04/1268 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Saturn Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 For low volume maybe a Blackheart Killer Ant. 1w no frills tube amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members xxtinyterrified Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 orange tiny terror... 15 watt head, if that's what your looking for. probably the best small tube amp there is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mortkort Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 this looks interesting [YOUTUBE][/YOUTUBE] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members moctzal Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Budget? Used Peavey Classic 30 ($400)Used Vox AC 15 ($450)Used Fender DRRI ($650) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members slodge Posted March 1, 2009 Author Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Budget?Used Peavey Classic 30 ($400)Used Vox AC 15 ($450)Used Fender DRRI ($650) I'm gonna say below $500, and the further below I can get, the happier I'll be. I'm perfectly willing to be a little patient and shop the used market for a bargain, but I know I'm not gonna get something that's gonna make me happy for $50. (without some phenomenal stroke of luck) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jtr654 Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Fender pro jr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members oryan Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 You should buy my Epiphone Valve Jr. head with the bitmo mod. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members peavey_impact Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Blackstar HT-5 2 switchable channels, proper EQ controls, an effects loop, and a sweet ISF control. It simply blows away everything else in its price range Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jkeeney1 Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 orange tiny terror? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members golias Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 I'm gonna say below $500, and the further below I can get, the happier I'll be.I'm perfectly willing to be a little patient and shop the used market for a bargain, but I know I'm not gonna get something that's gonna make me happy for $50. (without some phenomenal stroke of luck) 1x12 Peavey Classic 304x10 Peavey Classic 50Fender Blues Jr. Snap up the first used one of these you see on Craigslist for $300 or so, and you'll be set for life, as far as a combo goes. Nicely voiced to cut through everything on stage, a decent Accutronic reverb built in, good cleans, great crunch, and rather versatile controls. Personally, I have zero intention to buy another combo until a sensational deal on one of these falls into my lap. (Preferably the Classic, so I can use the same footswitch from my 50W head.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Edward Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Nice! I liked the look of these in the NAMM reports; certainly sounds great. I fancy maybe during the next 18 months treating myself to a nice little tube amp, I've been looking at the Blackhearts, though if ever I was to think about gigging, one of those with a tweedy 4x10" would be a real barrel of fun.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members mtnb1kr Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Peavey Bravo Just picked one up. 2 channels. Gain channel preamp is more of a high gain channel with a push/pull knob for even more gain. 2 EL84 power section so 15-20 watts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Orange Jackson Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 +1 Super Champ XD. Channel 1 is a fender clean channel. Channel 2 is all of the models. There is a very good marshal channel in there too, and it has a speaker out and footswitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Ancient Mariner Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 I'm going to suggest you'll need at least 10 watts if you want to play with a drummer and have any kind of semi-clean sound. 5W just won't give you clean at that level. I'd quite seriously look at thw Tiny Terror that was suggested, likewise that night train. You might also have a look at Ceriatone to see if hey had a design you fancied. It's probably out of your range, but I'd look for an 18 watt clone - you might find one used for a decent price, and they can be utterly fabulous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members chiro972 Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Superchamp XD has a great clean channel that you can run your pedals into and use them for effects, but it is also nice when you don't want to mess with the pedals and just dial a nice tone in on the amp itself. It sounds better than anything I have owned and I have owned several amps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MorganB Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 Get one of the Crate v series heads MF is blowing out for around 150. and put it on a small Cab.Best bang for the buck and a small good speaker will keep it quiet and nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitarman Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 I like my Gibson GA-5. Very clear, warm sound with great breakup. They can be found on ebay for about $300.here is some info form guitar player http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/gibson-ga-5/jun-04/1268 + 1 for the Gibson GA-5. I run a 'Holy Grail' reverb in front of it and all I can say is 'WOW!'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members darkwaters Posted March 1, 2009 Members Share Posted March 1, 2009 If you can find one, a vintage Supro Super 108. Volume increases up to the halfway mark, but after that it's just the thick sweet stuff. I picked up a '59 on Ebay a couple of years ago for $260 (US) with all the work done on her, just plug and play. Classic Champ tube lineup: 12Ax7, 5Y3 and 6V6, but, IMO, better tone. Also thumbs up for the Gibson GA5........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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