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  • Tube combo recommendations

    Howdy everyone.

    Current gear: RedBear MK60, Bugera G5, POD HD500, 4x12 cab, Mr. Black Doomstick

    My days of carrying two 4x12's and two heads to gigs are over.

    I've recently found myself in a situation where I need a gig-able 15-30w tube combo.

    I'm considering:

    Bugera V22

    Jet City JCA2112

    Orange AD30R


    Another option is to get a small head and one or two 1x12 cabs, or one 2x12 cab, which opens up way more possibilities, but also costs considerably more.
    Top contenders there would be the OR15 or Brent Hinds Terror.


    My main stuff I jam to at home is stoner/sludge/grunge shenanigans: Sleep, High on Fire, Mastodon, The Sword, Down, CoC, EYEHATEGOD, Kyuss, Kylesa, Baroness, Soundgarden, AIC, etc.


    That said, I need something that can nail some classic rock, Hendrix, Skynyrd, AC/DC, VH, Def Leppard, Journey -- for a cover band.
    So yeah, need it for small-ish gigs.


    Yeah, gobs of headroom is nice, but cranking a 60W tube amp is just too loud for the neighbors, and they ain't even that close
    So, sure I guess I could also consider 50W combos. 6505 Combo, Mesa .50 Cal combo, but I'm leaning lower watt.


    I would LIKE to get something for $700 or less...


    Any other recommendations?



    edit: or..........get a good attenuator for my RedBear and get a 2x12 cab.
    Last edited by Frogman; 06-01-2019, 11:17 PM.

  • #2
    Re: Tube combo recommendations

    AD30 is cool but definitely better suited for a 70s vibe than a modern HoF kinda sound.

    I use an Orange Rocker 30 for the situations you're describing. Natural channel is like a Plexi, Dirty channel is like a JCM800 with a gain and lows mod. Maybe get the newer Rocker 15 or 32 if that's easier?
    green globe burned black by sunn

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    • #3
      Re: Tube combo recommendations

      Used Mesa 5:25 are in your price range and would cover what you need.


      Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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      • #4
        Re: Tube combo recommendations

        Is Marshall DSL40C an option?
        Oh no.....


        Oh Yeah!

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        • #5
          Re: Tube combo recommendations

          Originally posted by PFDarkside View Post
          Is Marshall DSL40C an option?
          This would be my recommendation as well. They sound great, they are portable, & they are relatively easy to service/bias when you change your tubes. If your comfortable with that sort of thing that is?
          I live in Northern New Hampshire, we shoot the things we don't understand here???

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          • #6
            Re: Tube combo recommendations

            Congrats, You've reached that "not pushing stacks or shouldering monster heads age" we all eventually get there my friend.

            The AD30 will get you there for sure. -I'm doubly biased because Orange is really the only company out there actively supporting artists and all forms rock and roll. they are easily the most artist friendly and give back the most. And I think that's worth supporting.

            I have a BH Terror too -it's awesome. use it with a Vintage 30 speaker and your there for way less weight and hassle than the AD30 -but less volume of course. -I just used it on a club tour and it did fine for onstage. even playing a giant room like the Cannery Ballroom in Nashville.
            “For me, when everything goes wrong – that’s when adventure starts.” Yvonne Chouinard

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            • #7
              Re: Tube combo recommendations

              Orange does seem like it would be an great starting point. Would you be getting all of your dirt from the amp? Or running pedals in front?

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              • #8
                Re: Tube combo recommendations

                Depends on the number of channels.
                I certainly prefer amp dirt (especially power tube distortion).

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                • #9
                  Re: Tube combo recommendations

                  There’s a modded JCA20 for sale that i’m thinking about getting.
                  Price is great.
                  Only problem is......single channel.


                  Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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                  • #10
                    Re: Tube combo recommendations

                    First of all - lets use the proper description: You WANT a tube head. You don't NEED one. That HD500 will do everything you need straight into the board period. No one in the audience cares.

                    The people who listen to the Heart/Journey thing are too old and it just doesn't matter as they get their drunk on. They just want to remember being 20. The Kyuss/CoC crowd, well, it's just noise with thundering drums to get their anger out background sound.

                    I'm 52 and bring a Mesa head and a Marshall 2x12 to shows. Why? Mostly just for the look...but I do love the sound. But again, I don't need it.

                    If you are older than me and too weak to take a head and a 2x12....may want to re-evaluate why you are doing this and get a fitness program, not a smaller amp!


                    All of that said - I really dig the Jet City from that lineup.
                    Last edited by Aceman; 06-01-2019, 08:18 AM.
                    Originally posted by Bad City
                    He's got the crowd on his side and the blue jean lights in his eyes...

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                    • #11
                      Tube combo recommendations

                      Originally posted by Aceman View Post
                      First of all - lets use the proper description: You WANT a tube head. You don't NEED one. That HD500 will do everything you need straight into the board period. No one in the audience cares.

                      The people who listen to the Heart/Journey thing are too old and it just doesn't matter as they get their drunk on. They just want to remember being 20. The Kyuss/CoC crowd, well, it's just noise with thundering drums to get their anger out background sound.

                      I'm 52 and bring a Mesa head and a Marshall 2x12 to shows. Why? Mostly just for the look...but I do love the sound. But again, I don't need it.

                      If you are older than me and too weak to take a head and a 2x12....may want to re-evaluate why you are doing this and get a fitness program, not a smaller amp!


                      All of that said - I really dig the Jet City from that lineup.

                      Lol certainly not weak.
                      I’m a power lifter — But it’s still a pain loading up and carrying around an awkward-to-carry 110lb 4x12.
                      And it takes up lot of room.
                      A small (dimension) head and a 1x12 or 2x12 is much more reasonable. And I can crank the power section without making everyone’s ears bleed.


                      Right now I’m leaning toward the Rocker 30 combo or Jet City and a Son Set Beach 1x12 or 2x12 (Only a $50 difference between cab sizes).
                      Last edited by Frogman; 06-01-2019, 09:46 AM.

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                      • #12
                        Tube combo recommendations

                        I’d go with OR15 and a 2x12. Swap out the stock tubes with Mullards to add a little clean headroom and eliminate fizz. Currently use mine to play Vol. 4 Sabbath style jams (Soundgarden tones come easily with this amp). Also easy to get a good Angus or 70’s style rock tone. Add a Phase 90 and get a perfect Zep “Rover” tone.

                        Some folks say the OR15 is a one trick wonder. I disagree. Roll Mullards and roll back on guitar volume to clean up. It has an effects loop and takes pedals well.


                        Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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                        • #13
                          Re: Tube combo recommendations

                          Originally posted by BenPerkins View Post
                          I’d go with OR15 and a 2x12. Swap out the stock tubes with Mullards to add a little clean headroom and eliminate fizz. Currently use mine to play Vol. 4 Sabbath style jams (Soundgarden tones come easily with this amp). Also easy to get a good Angus or 70’s style rock tone.

                          Some folks say the OR15 is a one trick wonder. I disagree. Roll Mullards and roll back on guitar volume to clean up. It has an effects loop and takes pedals well.


                          Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
                          Tube rolling can make a big difference with some of these amps. I've never played an OR15, but it's definitely the case with the Marshall Mini/Studio Jubilee (2525). I've seen a bunch of forum posts where someone bought one, didn't like it, and returned it within a few days. These amps are EXTREMELY sensitive to different tube types and the stock tubes really aren't a good fit IMO. Mine originally came with a JJ in V1, Shuguangs in V2 & V3, and Tung-Sol EL-34s. With this complement the rhythm channel is clean, glassy, and almost Fender-like, but it's hard to control the bright/harsh on the lead channel. I swapped to a Tung-Sol in V1, a Sovtek 12AX7LPS in V3, and JJ EL-34s and it sounds almost identical to my 2555 now. V2 doesn't seem to influence how the 2555 or 2525 sound, so the Shuguangs are fine there
                          Originally posted by crusty philtrum
                          And that's probably because most people with electric guitars seem more interested in their own performance rather than the effect on the listener ... in fact i don't think many people who own electric guitars even give a poop about the effect on a listener. Which is why many people play electric guitars but very very few of them are actually musicians.

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                          • #14
                            Re: Tube combo recommendations

                            JCA 22 1x12 combo, or the head with a Harley Benton V30 cab from Thomann might be worth consideration?

                            I've seen Leon Todd on YouTube compare his JCA 50 with his Soldano head, pretty impressive.

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                            • #15
                              Re: Tube combo recommendations

                              Originally posted by Frogman View Post
                              And I can crank the power section without making everyone’s ears bleed.

                              Now THIS is a reason I can get behind!
                              Originally posted by Bad City
                              He's got the crowd on his side and the blue jean lights in his eyes...

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