Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

ChickenFingers

ChickenFingers

New member
OK, I quit playing for about 4 years, I'm back into it hardcore..I've sorted out my guitars and pickups, NOW I need an amp to match them..I play mostly metal and hard rock and need a high-gain, tube combo amp. All my past amps were solid state and I want to try tubes..I've never used distortion from the amp, alawys clean channel with pedals, which has always seemed to be 'lacking' something, this time I want an amp with usable amp distortion for metal.

Size-wise, I live in a townhome and can't be rocking the walls, I don't have to worry about gigging because I work way to much to ever do that, so I was thinking a 2x12 tube combo? I want something quality that I will have a long time, is Mesa Boogie any good, I've heard bad things about their newer products.

Any and all advice, even for solid state.
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

There are literally hundreds of possible choices out there. But seeing how you're keeping it in the house, I'd suggest something that is no more than 18-20 watts. That will be more power than you'll need for your situation.

...and as you're not carting it around, I think a head/2x12 cab setup is also a sensible option.

What kind of budget do you have in mind? and what sounds? -name some favorite artists/tones...

...oh, and Mesa do nice stuff. The new Express series do a 5w option, as well as the lonestar special. Could be very useful for you.
 
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Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

Mesa's are incredible.
I would usually recommend a Mark 4 but it'd take a while to find the best tone...but when you would...it's incredible!
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

if you like marshall type high gain, then check out the Traynor YCV50 Blue
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

Hot _Grits said:
There are literally hundreds of possible choices out there. But seeing how you're keeping it in the house, I'd suggest something that is no more than 18-20 watts. That will be more power than you'll need for your situation.

...and as you're not carting it around, I think a head/2x12 cab setup is also a sensible option.

What kind of budget do you have in mind? and what sounds? -name some favorite artists/tones...

...oh, and Mesa do nice stuff. The new Express series do a 5w option, as well as the lonestar special. Could be very useful for you.
Click to expand...

For tones, I like dimebags tones, but a bit too raunchy, would like more bass for his rhythm, Alexi Lahini, metallica's older tones, detuned stoner metal... for lead, a stinging sustaining tone, like dimebag...I would be playing an SG with duncan distortion and probably a jazz or whatever dimeback plays in the neck position, strats with hotrails or highoutput buckers.

My budget is about $700-750 (Can), like I said I want a quality tube amp I will have around for 5-10 years :14:
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

For your budget, tastes and home use needs, perhaps look at the Krank Rev jr...
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

see if you can find a ashdown fallen angel to try out and write me a review :)
I was checkin out reviews on harmony central for their 60 watt head cause one was on ebay for $275 after I read the reviews I went back to ebay and someone had already scarffed it up DOH!
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

Get ya a Boogie DC-5 As Tony the Tiger says of Frosted Flakes they're GREATTTTTTT

Bender
-------------------
Beware the Fury of a patient man
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

Seeing as you are in the same situation as me (townhome/apt living) I'd almost think a 2x12 is too much amp.

Check out a Mesa Boogie F-30. $400-500 on ebay and has great cleans and very nice crunch. It's a very loud 1x12. From what I have heard clip wise the Mesa Express series don't have enough gain for what you wanted, but I guess you could boost it with a pedal.

I'm no amp expert, just a suggestion.
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

For Hardcore I'd say a Mesa or Diezel combo

if you want lower priced look at a Marshall TSL or Peavey model of some kind.
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

There is a serious lack of High Gain metal-grade tube amps that are low wattage... i wish there was more of them that had less then 20 watts... Ton's of SS and Modelers do the low volume stuff... Most low powered Tube amps are Classic amp voiced....
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

WhoFan said:
There is a serious lack of High Gain metal-grade tube amps that are low wattage... i wish there was more of them that had less then 20 watts... Ton's of SS and Modelers do the low volume stuff... Most low powered Tube amps are Classic amp voiced....
Click to expand...

Yeah, right? Not many super high gain low watt tube amps. Does anyone see a market here???
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

Laneys small combos have a pretty good amount of gain.
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

Don't forget orange. I've got the rocker 30 combo it's great. It probly won't do the exact tones you're looking for, but it sounds great.

The mesa express 5:50 has plenty of gain, trust me. I played my duncan loaded guitar thru one for an hr and it definitely got the job done. If you don't mind spending more, I'd highly recommend the mesa, I didn't buy it b/c I fell in love with the orange.
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

Some excellent suggestions, the Krank how good is their name? I can't find a lot of reviews on their gear, I saw some vids on you tube, the tone sounded pretty good...and I like that I can always upgrade to a double stack if I need to. So Laney combos, Mesa Boogie F-30 and Boogie DC-5 to check out so far. :)
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

krankguitarist said:
I second the Krank Rev Jr. I've got the full-sized version (the revolution 1, that is), and if its anything like mine, thats all the metal you'd ever need ;).

1X12:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Krank-Rev-Jr.-20W-Half-Stack-Guitar-Amp?sku=481417

2X12:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Krank-Rev-Jr.-20W-Full-Stack-Guitar-Amp?sku=481418
Click to expand...

Could I play the 2x12 in stereo and cut the power in half?
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

i'm not keen on signature models but the JSX is respectable- great both driven & cleans :cool2:

jsx212_lg-1a5600660ca790953f66d3505912a847.jpg
 
Re: Getting back in the game, what's hot for tube combo amps??

$2000 msrp = about $1200-1300 in most stores.

and that is a pretty decent sounding amp. my rythm guy has one. lead channel screams!! rythm channel has a fat switch. instant hetfield tone
 
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