finally getting a tube amp

[Reload in 5]

So after yesterday my anniversary
Its time to get that tube amp I have been wanting. Originally it was going to be a valve junior head with a 1x12 cab. I think I would rather have a combo though, so it will sit on an amp stand easier. So I want a low wattage tube amp. Cleans need to be good, but for me clean is mostly clean with some tube goodness added (doesnt have to be crystal clean) mostly doing classic rock / blues rock kinda stuff here lately, so thats most important. not so much metal anymore, but would like to get close. I have a twin tube classic, and a couple of other pedals. I use a mahogany washburn dual bucker and a tele style guitar I just got. I have considered making a cab with a v30 or similar, and putting valve junior head guts in it. Havent gigged in a while, and when I did I either was going direct or my 30 watt SS peavey did fine. So, heres the question, do I go 5 watts so I can just about always crank it to almost breakup and then push it over the top, and not get a lot of clean volume (adding something like a red box that will go between amp and speaker and provide DI to the PA) this way I have the red box also if I HAVE to go direct with no amp. Or do I go up to 15 watts, ensuring I have the clean headroom, rely on my TTC for dirt, and know that I can play without PA anywhere I play ? I am thinking about something under $300 new or used.

 

[Rushfan2112]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

You're going to need a PA for a 15w amp or a 5w amp. You don't have to rely on the Twin Tube for gain if you're going to use a 15w amp like a Classic 20 or a Blues/Pro Junior. Just turn up the volume.

Get a 15 watt amp like a Blues Junior, Pro Junior or Classic 20 (or even bump up to a Classic 30, you'll just get a bit more headroom) and you'll be set. You can always set these amps up to be loud and clean and use the TTC to drive, but you can't do that with a 5w amp.

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

I say go for the 15-30 watt range. That way you can have loud cleans when you need them, but with a 15W amp you can still crank it pretty high to get that nice break up.

 

[SonofaMitch]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

I agree, at Least a 15w amp, I bought my Crate 30 watts 3112TT about 2 months ago and I LOVE IT!, Nice Cleans...and can be a real Dark Beast....or a pretty Bright beast(depending on EQ and Boost option)..and the onboard OD's pretty awsome as well...also It works pretty well with my Twin Tube Classic. and new they're only like $600 or so USD(new)..the 15w are a lil cheaper

~Mitch~

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

OK, so 15 watt tube amps. I see the crate v16 (12" celestion, basic controls, 1 channel, spring reverb, $349) the valve standard (12" speaker ?, basic controls, DSP, digital reverb, 1 channel, $299) I can get either for 10% off that price. I erally dont think I will use the DSP stuff, the crate appears to be built a little better (but that is just speculation really) I also see the traynor ycv 20 (2 chan, 12" effect loop, etc etc) but the best price I have ever seen on one is $420 for an open box one.
Any body else have any reccomendations ? The traynor is prolly really more than I can spend, so lets try to keep it about $300 or below

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

I gig with my 20 watt Fender Deluxe Reverb all the time...and we do play with a drummer. But I'd say 20 watts is the absolute minimum for gigging. Also, my Deluxe Reverb has a G12H30 Celestion 12" speaker and the Celestion is so much more efficient (as in louder and clearer...) than the stock speaker that it makes the amp sound it's a 30 watt...not a 20 watt. Lew

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

I gig with my 20 watt Fender Deluxe Reverb all the time...and we do play with a drummer. But I'd say 20 watts is the absolute minimum for gigging. Also, my Deluxe Reverb has a G12H30 Celestion 12" speaker and the Celestion is so much more efficient (as in louder and clearer...) than the stock speaker that it makes the amp sound it's a 30 watt...not a 20 watt. Lew

Well, like I have said my 30w peavey SS was OK every time I used it by itself, so I think 15-20w tube will be fine. Now just have to figure out which one.

 

[Rushfan2112]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

Those extra few watts will get you a little bit more clean headroom against a drummer, which you may need. You can keep it loud and clean and use the TTC, but like I said, you may not be able to do the same with other amps. Also, almost all of the amps mentioned here have master volumes, a plus. Check your local craigslist and pawn shops for a Peavey Classic 30. Great amp for low bucks. 30w, but trust me, you'll be fine with it. A 30w amp is not twice as loud as a 15w is, a 150w is!

 

[metallicaxlxl]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

you can probably find a traynor used or new for cheaper than that, just look around, ask a bit, same old stuff everyone should do but doesnt do when buying new gear... see if you can find any of the limited ycv15,

the v16 palomino is an equally good amp, amazing cleans and overdrive, just beautiful tone. Its just one amazing little amp for the price. but its not crate, its ampeg or something, a common misundestanding.

either way, you cant go wrong with either the traynor or palomino. both amazing amps for the price, both really define their type. cant get anything nearly as good for the price.

 

[Mephis]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

For clean country and slightly distorted blues the Fender chamption 600 will be your best bet. Certantly not loud enough to gig with, but one hell of a great sounding little amp. I just got done playing my tele through my champ for 2 hours straight. 5watts, pretty quiet but still too loud to crank in an appartment.

If you need more volume and something that would take to overdrive pedals better, try a blues junior. (I would go the extra bucks for the normal JR over the pro)

If 15watts still isn't enough, I'd look at a fender deville 2x12.

 

[drpietrzak]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

Valve JR, or a Blues Jr would be my bet (or a vintage Supro pr Champ). For the Epi or the Blues JR put an AY7 in V1. Find a nice OD pedal of your flavor (Bad Monkey, OD3, SD1, BD2, TS9, etc). I would say a SFX-03 and Blues Jr, but that may be more than you want to go.

 

[BigAlTheBird]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

I'd buy most anything these people have said over a Blues Jr. Just not my bag, not versatile enough.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

Ampeg Jet...J12-T...15 Watts, Trem, Volume, and tone...no bells, no wistles, just good EL84 tone.
BTW , I have a 150 watt amp and it is LOUD, but that Jet on 10 will peel paint.

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

The Mesa 5:25 looks sweet and is loud enough for gigs, with a switch to make it quiet enough for home. The list however is $1,000. Not sure what they actually go for, but you could always look for a used one.

 

[CapoFirstFret]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

i will never understand the wattage battle. I gigged with both a Blues Jr. and a Dr. Z Maz 18 (15 watts and 18 watts respectively) and didn't mic them!!! I was playing bars that held between 300 and 500 people and never had to mic them. I just don't understand the volume some people are playing at when that kind of wattage isn't enough. Get some better efficiency speakers and turn it up a bit more. (yes I used these amps with a drummer, and very often in 4 or 5 pieces with another guitarist and/or keyboardist and a harmonica player (who incidentally uses a 5 watt amp and is loud enough)

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

i will never understand the wattage battle. I gigged with both a Blues Jr. and a Dr. Z Maz 18 (15 watts and 18 watts respectively) and didn't mic them!!! I was playing bars that held between 300 and 500 people and never had to mic them. I just don't understand the volume some people are playing at when that kind of wattage isn't enough. Get some better efficiency speakers and turn it up a bit more. (yes I used these amps with a drummer, and very often in 4 or 5 pieces with another guitarist and/or keyboardist and a harmonica player (who incidentally uses a 5 watt amp and is loud enough)

It's all about the style of music you're playing.

You may me able to get by fine with a Blues Jr. or Dr. Z, but that just isn't going to cut it for me in a deathmetal band.

 

[jimmy]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

Also, some people just like the headroom of a nice 100 watt amplifier.

Maybe it's because old guys like old-man tone, and young guys like young-guy-tone.

I have no idea. I'm just throwing **** out here.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: finally getting a tube amp

I honestly feel thsat 15w will be fine without micing any place I have played.