Best cheap amp head?

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

Hows the JSX working out for ya?

I'll let you know when it gets in, I just ordered it this weekend.


From trying it with my axe/pedals and cabinet, though... XXX + 5150 without the harsh high end, warmer, more responsive, WAY more versatile, 3 channels, killer cleans, ability to change powertubes.

It can be tweaked close enough to the 5150 that I won't miss it, but it does this thing of it's own that's even better than the 5150... and I fuggin LOVE that amp!

 

[DankStar]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

if I were 18 and looking for a kick arse reasonably priced head that I wouldn't have to mess around with too much, I'd consider a randall 300-watter hybrid and a nice 2-12". the footswitch options are great, it'd be loud, versatile, and portable.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

All those sound like awsome posibilities right now. I must admit tho after checking the net that the Peavey Windsor looks pretty fine. I guess I will have to try a few to really know. Thanks all for your suggestions!

Phil

 

[steelprostate]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

Try a Carvin V3...I haven't played one, but they're right in that price range and I've heard nothing but awesome things.

 

[wixedmords]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

Figure in the price of a cab also. The heads are pretty, but hard to hear on their own.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

Indeed, they are quite quiet alone. Thats why right now im thinking about that peavey windsor. It looks awsome on paper and is right in my price range, while being an amp i would be happy with for a long time.

Phil

 

[Wattage]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

**** $1500 you can hook yourself up fine.

I've been slumming and scored my Windsor 1/2 stack new for $600, it kicks ass so far.

Crazy.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

**** $1500 you can hook yourself up fine.

I've been slumming and scored my Windsor 1/2 stack new for $600, it kicks ass so far.

Crazy.

Nice!

 

[itbepopples]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

How much power do you need? You gigging?

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

I really like the Sovtek Mig 50...especially used...and especially after putting some GREAT tubes in it.

They're going for about $350 - 450. used on Ebay...if you're patient, you can score one for about $350. I'm surprised...I thought they were less than that.

But they're basically the 5F6-A '59 tweed Bassman circuit (which Marshall copied to create the JTM-45 and Plexi models) with a solid state rectifier instead of a 5AR4 tube like the tweed Bassman used.

Lew

Funny, I was just looking at one of thoce today. Sounds right down my alley...

 

[phil_104]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

As far as power goes, I'm gigging but I aint that big yet:laughing: ! I think that if I go for something like the windsor, 100w should be plenty! I really like the idea behind that amp being that its a simple tube amp, strait up. That sounds awsome right now since im looking for the old school rock vibe. I could totally see myself ripping out hendrix's machine gun on that thing!

With that being said, is there another all tube amp that would be better?

Phil

 

[phil_104]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

OMG! Dudes, I have good news. I just finished having breakfest with my dad, during wich I was talking to him about my plans to upgrade my amp. Let me explain the situation : I am a university student, and I pay for everything, thus, I do not cost my parents a cent, because I work alot.

This being said, my dad just informed me that my younger brother ( who does not work) is going to europe because he wants 2, lol. So my dad said that what ever amp head I get, he would get me the FULL stack to go with it! My parents have always been awsome supporting me with guitar, be it with lessons when I was younger, and stuff of the nature. But I have always bought my own guitars.

When I told him about the windsor, my dad got as exited as I am. Being the old rock fan that he is, I think he finds the idea of an old school vintage tube amp almost romantic. So I'm going to try one out today.

I can't wait to hear how that is going to sound with the guitar I am dropping emg sa's in!

I'll keep you updated, and thanks for all the advice,

Phil

 

[DankStar]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

OMG! Dudes, I have good news. I just finished having breakfest with my dad, during wich I was talking to him about my plans to upgrade my amp. Let me explain the situation : I am a university student, and I pay for everything, thus, I do not cost my parents a cent, because I work alot.

This being said, my dad just informed me that my younger brother ( who does not work) is going to europe because he wants 2, lol. So my dad said that what ever amp head I get, he would get me the FULL stack to go with it! My parents have always been awsome supporting me with guitar, be it with lessons when I was younger, and stuff of the nature. But I have always bought my own guitars.

When I told him about the windsor, my dad got as exited as I am. Being the old rock fan that he is, I think he finds the idea of an old school vintage tube amp almost romantic. So I'm going to try one out today.

I can't wait to hear how that is going to sound with the guitar I am dropping emg sa's in!

I'll keep you updated, and thanks for all the advice,

Phil

two 4-12s might be a bit exessive. but it does rock bells and look pretty cool. not fun to lug around though, and in a club, they'll mic ONE speaker and tell you to turn down to a level that is absurdly quiet compared to what a full stack can do.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

Good point...Perhaps I should start with a single cab and then check out where that leads me. Thanks for the advice!

Phil

 

[DankStar]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

Good point...Perhaps I should start with a single cab and then check out where that leads me. Thanks for the advice!

Phil

It's a tough one, but a nice dilemma to have! I remember when my dad used to buy me gear....ah, the good ole' days. He got me my first Marshall head (a valvestate) and first major axe (ESP). I was in hog heaven, and played the crap outta both of em.

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

While a fullstack might be excessive, the convenience of being able to leave 1 cab at your practice space and 1 at home should not be underestimated.

 

[JfromHouston]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

I'm going to go against the grain -

Orange Tiny Terror - $550
Avatar 2x12 or 4x12- $300-500 depending on size and options
Add some pedals for verb, chorus, delay and possibly OD or distortion

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

+1 on the Tiny Terror.

Avatar's great bang for the buck, but an Earcandy Buzzbomb might be cool as an upgrade.

We Houstonites are in agreement on the power issue. As much as I like the Windsor, I wish it came in a 22-watt 6V6 version. For classic rock, you need to make the power tubes sweat, and you're not going to do that with a 50- or especially a 100-watt head, unless you're playing BIG clubs.

If your Dad wants to help out, make it TWO Buzzbombs.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

While a fullstack might be excessive, the convenience of being able to leave 1 cab at your practice space and 1 at home should not be underestimated.

Very good point.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Best cheap amp head?

Alright, this is what is probably going to happen. I talked to my dad and its going to be a full stack. If I only need 1 cab, I shall leave the other one at home. As for the amp head, I'm thinking over what you said about the ammount of power. I would like to get more opinions : should I get the 100w and have power to spare and in the event that I play big clubs....or....do I go for something smaller to make those tubes work?

Phil