Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

[Aceman]

I've been playing my Pro Jr. a lot lately (and goosing w/ TS-9), and really been in a pedal sort of mood. This got me thinking (never a good thing).

What might I consider in a mid wattage, lower cost tube amp? Some of my criteria:

- I play rock; Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Metal, Heavy Metal. I enjoy other styles, but that's 80% of it
- I'd like something 20 watts min, to 40. Don't gig, but don't have anything at the moment to play if I did.
- Price? Don't know. Let's keep it UNDER 500. Not opposed to used.
- Features: fx loop, at least two channels
- Good distoriton major plus, takes pedals well definitely.
- Could care less about brand. Reverb preferred, but not necessary.

Let's discuss.

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

You want something new just because or is the PJ not working for you??

I ask because I gig with a 62 deluxe 95% of the time and even at 18 watts I never get it up too loud...I can't imagine trying to gig with a "big" amp again!

All that said if I wanted a 40ish watt under 5 bills I'd be looking at the Egnater Tweaker 40...the combo version can be had under $500 if you look hard if if you can go a tad higher you can just get one w/o looking too much or there is a head and cab but but under 5.

[JeffB]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Im not a big fan of their less expensive stuff,but the ht20 fromblackstar sounds like it would fit your bill, though the cheaper blackstars are picky about pedals.

Finding a loop and two channels is very difficult at that price point.

Used fender hot rod deluxe with pedals.

Ampeg has some single channel amps with loop close to ypur price.


Most likely you will have to settle in one or more areas, or up your budget.

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Used Budda Superdrive will cost a bit more but worth the wait for saving ...

[Aceman]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

The requirements are not hard and fast - just some general considerations/guidelines.

And I'm just looking for something with a little more power and tone control than the Pro Jr. The Pro Jr. is absolutely awesome. Mostly more juice and felxibility.

[youngthrasher9]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Blackstar HT-20 fits your bill. You would love it.

[Franknfilms]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Your amp requirements/preferences sound identical to mine. 2 channel, loop, high gain. I recommend the peavey xxx, you can get them used for $500, made in the USA! Blackstar ht20 is awful tempting, a little overpriced for what it is and where its made (china? korea?). The Carvin V3M is also worthy of consideration, 50 watts, light as a feather, and knobs and channels that will keep you busy tweaking for the rest of your life.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/products/V3M

[The Tone Ranger]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Dude, based on your preferred genres of music and your pricepoint, this is a no-brainer (IMO) ...

Jet City JCA22h is $400 brand new...and tomorrow is last day for 15% off at MF.com. 2 channels (including the Soldano SLO circuit on ch 2), effects loop, 20 watts.
Now that's just a head though. I'm thinking you have a cab already? If not, you could get one on the cheap I'm sure.

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

A second-hand Laney VC15 or VC30 maybe ? They have reverb and effects loops, great tone and overdrive facilities.

(sorry, I'm not familiar with US s/h gear prices but i suspect you could get these amps inside your budget limit).

[Zentar]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

I just got a Vox VT40 Valvetronix for $265 at Guitarcenter on sale. It's a mix of solid state electronics with a tube also so it's low maintenence. You have to wait for it to heat up the tube a few secs when you turn it on.

It's 40W with presets that sound like Brown Sugar or Tie Your Mother Down or Cocaine etc etc etc.

[aleclee]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Slightly more powerful (50W) than your spec but you might look out for a Yamaha T-50. Designed by Mike Soldano, it's similar in design to the SLO, but with separate tone and reverb controls for each channel.

The FX loop isn't the greatest (like most Soldano designed amps) but if you can find one, it's a great amp for the $$$.

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Ironically, if you asked this question 2 years ago you would have been told to buy a Bugera or laughed at completely.

My vote is, save/spend a little more cash and go fore a Fender SuperSonic 22.

[twebb0716]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

I'll also rec the blackstar ht20. I own one personally and I love it. I think it fits all your requirements and I found mine on ebay for $450 w/free shipping. It handles pedals really well both in the loop and in front of the amp. I loop my delay and chorus and have my OD and other distortion in front. I mainly use the gain channel for heavier stuff and it sounds awesome. I would absolutely get another if mine stopped working or was stolen.

[Agileguy_101]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Ironically, if you asked this question 2 years ago you would have been told to buy a Bugera or laughed at completely.

My vote is, save/spend a little more cash and go fore a Fender SuperSonic 22.

+1

That amp kicks all kinds of ass.

Either that, or a Jet City JCA22H

[Powdered Toast Man]

Re: Thinking about a tube amp...suggesitons?

Used Traynor YCV20