good tube amp under $400?

[danglybanger]

I'm sick of my line6 Spider I (50watt, 1x12")... just can't get the tones I want out of it. It just doesn't sound like a "real" amp if that makes sense... I've frustrated myself enough tweaking the eq and getting nothing.

Any chance of me finding a good (non solid state) amp under $400? I've never really gotten into amps, so I need a bit of help. I won't need more than 50 watts.

As for sound... How does Surfy Cleans and STPish distortion sound?

Again, sorry for my ignorance, I really don't know anything about amps besides how to tweak the controls on my line6 and I know that's a lot different from a real amp.
thanks,
dan

 

[sweet_lou]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

Sure you can. the Peavey Classic 30 and the Fender Blues Jr are great amps. The Classic 30 has a ton of mods you can do or have done. http://www.blueguitar.org/
Both can be found used for 300.00

Fender Blues Deluxe is another they go used for 350.00 -400.00 40 watts and LOUD!!

You upgrade the speaker to your favorite flavor and get a couple of pedals modded from John viola.

 

[Illini1330]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

Fender Blues Deluxe is another they go used for 350.00 -400.00 40 watts and LOUD!! QUOTE]

I'll second that.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

I tried out the Line 6 Spider before buying my TECH21NYC Trademark-60....the Spider was nowhere near the TM-60, IMHO. On a separate occassion, I even had a salesman ask if I wanted to trade my TM-60 for his Spider.

If you're not completely turned off of the SS amps, I'd recommend trying one out. Great cleans & workable dirty channels.

Aside from that, I've got a Laney VC-30 1x12 that is as sweet as they come on the clean side. Nice overdrive channel, but for STP you'd need a pedal.



Oh, did I mention the Laney is for sale????!!!! :laugh2:

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

hot rod deluxes would also be good

basically a variation of a blues deluxe, but easier to find, check ebay

 

[rspst14]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

Peavey Classic 30 or Classic 50.

Ryan

 

[Eg303]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

Blues Deluxe All the way


*proud new owner of a Groove Tubed out Blues Deluxe *

 

[dasfonzie]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

I have a Taynor YCV 20 (15 watt all tube), and it's just agreat amp all around. It won't do metal type overdrive but if you had ap dal it would.

It's got VERY nice cleans, sounds like in between a fender and a vox imo.

I payed $400 plus shipping for mine, you might be able to find one cheaper is you get it used though

 

[Hot _Grits]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

A hot rod deluxe and a nice pedal would be a cool rig for your needs.

 

[Illini1330]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

Ive tried both the hot rod and blues deluxes side by side. The blues deluxe is just better, both cranked and at lower volumes. The hot rod sounds to sterille (sp?) for me.

 

[NT02]

Re: good tube amp under $400?

After having both a Fender Hot Rod DeVille and Peavey Classic 30, I can say I prefer the preamp of the Peavey. The cleans are comparable, but the overdrive on the Peavey is sooooooooo much better, especially for STP type tones.