Best tube amp for under $500

[marty_the_westie]

I'm thinking about unloading my Cyber Deluxe for a tube amp to play classic rock and blues. I figure I can get around $500 used on ebay for my cyber. I need help picking out a tube amp for about the same amount of money. I was thinking about a Hot Rod Deluxe, which can be had for about $400 used on ebay, but I'm not 100% on that. It doesn't have to be a Fender. What's a good choice for a tube amp that will fit the bill for what I'm looking for?

 

[aleclee]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Peavey Classic 30 or 50 would be an alternative to the HRD.

 

[texasguitarslinger]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

I say go for the Hot Rod Deluxe. Very versatile and portable. People will tell you that it doesn't do distortion well but I think with the right tubes, speaker and guitar/pickups it delivers awesome tone in the clean and gain channels. IMO, the HRD with the right mods delivers a boutique quality tone at a fraction of the price. :22:

 

[mrid]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

I really like the old Sovteks...particularly the MIG 50's.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Peavey Classic 50

Ryan

 

[JimiHWannaBe]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Im a big fan of the fender blues jr's

 

[Mkf411]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

I like the Fender Blues Junior, too.

I would also consider Traynor. They have a few extra features like XLR line out, footswitch (included), speaker off switch and a few other bells & whistles. Check out e-bay for one.

Peavey Classic 30 is nice, too.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Classic 50 hands down, it's the best bang for buck, and gets exceptional classic tone. New Fenders are over priced and based on name. A new classic 50 2x12 combo goes for 700 brand new, on ebay you can probably get your hands on one for 300 dollars, and use that money for new speakers, better el84 tubes, and new guitar pickups if you so please. Hope this helps!
- Dan

 

[ledzepp29]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

I'd say get a used traynor, I almost got one but I never got a chance to test it out. I've heard many clips and it sounds awesome. They make a model thats 40 watts tube two channel,reverb, oxblood colored tolex, and a vintage 30. They make extension cabs that match it that can be had for around $200 ebay. I beleive its called ycv40wr.
I also tried a HRD and I liked it too, but my marshall dsl...well....its a marshall and nothing beats a marshall...well sorta

 

[xerxes]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

hands down either a peavey classic 30 or 50

 

[xerxes]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

especially for the types of music you play, there is no amp thats better

 

[Mantic]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

If you can find a Fender Super Amp they are pretty nice. 60watt all tube 4x10..

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

I believe the newer tweed hrds have an improved speaker. Check them out.

 

[presa_tito]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Would the classic 50 be good for metal when overdriven with a good pedal?

 

[bvc310]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Ill sell you a vintage peavey mace for $300... but i own a peavey classic too. Buy one, mod it and love it way too much.

 

[B2D]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Peavey Classic 30 or 50 would be an alternative to the HRD.

My thoughts immediately went to the classic 30 when I read the title of the post. There's MY vote!

 

[Norman_T]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Why don't you speak to Lou about the blues deluxe he's selling?

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=14164

 

[Illini1330]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Why don't you speak to Lou about the blues deluxe he's selling?

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=14164

yeah those are good amps. better than anything else listed in my opinion. They sound better that the hot rod deluxe, too.


You can also get an old silverface twin for like $490. If you look around. After doing the blackface mod to 'em they sound great. Sometimes even better that the original blackfaces.

 

[Thames]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Laney

Why Laney over Peavey ?

- Bigger OT
- Toroidal PT
- Chassis mounted tube sockets (have you ever seen a PC board curving like a motherf***er on a Peavey ? I've seen it...)
- Excellent cleans and OD channel

Think about it :32:

 

[Norman_T]

Re: Best tube amp for under $500

Why don't you speak to Lou about the blues deluxe he's selling?

https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=14164

Sorry guys but you are too late - Lou has sold it. You guys ought to move fast when you see these things come up as many of them are bargains from fellow members.