Tube combo suggestions

[playas]

...So I´m looking for a new amp and like the poster of
https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=151248

I quite liked the (Ch) amp...however it kind of lacks a bit when it comes to heavier sounds which I guess is possibly normal for Fenders, from what I have heard. I´m looking for something with more variety in the amp dept if possible as I´m a guitar-cable-amp guy in general not so much into big effects chains.

It doesn´t absolutely have to be a combo but I live in an apartment so sound level is important. I´d rather spend more on a good amp to have a wider variety of sounds than get something I´m not entirely happy with...I guess I would also consider getting the champ and something else for heavier sounds although that wouldn´t be my prefered option.

Possibly my biggest problem is lack of options when it comes to actually testing out amps as the shops near me all have pretty much the same crappy range of amps.

 

[Sprinter]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

I recently purchased a Rivera, Venus 3. I can't say enough good things about it! The cleans and reverb are better than anything ever made by Fender. The overdrive can go from mild to high gain and sound good at all levels.

Sprinter

 

[rivera213]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

What type of music do you play, Playas?

If you don't require a super tight low-end then the Bogner Shiva 6L6 212 is a great amp. The cleans are beautiful and it can do heavy. I don't like it for fast riffs and the like, but if you play a slower type of metal then that's worth looking into IMO.

 

[Schappy]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

How much do you want to spend? What kind of music do you want to play?

It seems like you play the heavier stuff.
Your not going to get a tube amp with great built-in high gain without spending a pretty penny.

Also, in an apartment, you really cant crank any amp over 1 watt to get power tube distortion.

High price options:
Budda Superdrive 18
Bogner Alchemist
Mesa Boogie Express

Budget Options:
Peavey Classic 30
Blackheart Little Giant
Crate
Fender Blues Jr

You will have to add some pedals with the budget options. I own a peavey classic 30. I replaced the speaker and tubes and it sounds great. The onboard distortion is a bit fizzy so I stick with pedals. You can grab one on Ebay for $300.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

Sprinter[/QUOTE]


I love Riveras. Great amps.

 

[playas]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

What type of music do you play, Playas?

How much do you want to spend? What kind of music do you want to play?

I play quite a variety of stuff, from country to metal, not all out rawk though.

Predominantly rock/classic rock & blues.

My previous amp was a solid state Laney 30W if that helps.

I´m based in Northern Spain so in Euros I would be willing to pay up to €900 or so which works out a bit over a grand US


I can live with not cranking it for metal at home if I can get decent rock tones at reasonable volumes and good cleans.

 

[Schappy]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

Budda Superdrive 18
Bogner Alchemist
Mesa Boogie Express

 

[Yngwiestein]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

I recently purchased a Rivera, Venus 3. I can't say enough good things about it! The cleans and reverb are better than anything ever made by Fender. The overdrive can go from mild to high gain and sound good at all levels.

Sprinter

Oh I like! Very nice.

Budda Superdrive 18
Bogner Alchemist
Mesa Boogie Express

+1 on the Budda Superdrive. For sparkly cleans, cool over drive and fantastic distortion you turn to the Koch Twintone II. It's one of the most versatile amps out there. No other amps have cleans like this one. The overdrive is immaculate. In all seriousness bro it's one of the best amps I ever played.

 

[Mononoaware]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

I have nothing constructive to add. Just wanted to say that the aesthetics of that Rivera absolutely floor me.

 

[drpietrzak]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

The Riv is cool looking. I have not played one. Though not loved here the El Diablo is pretty cool to me.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

...So I´m looking for a new amp and like the poster of
https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?t=151248

I quite liked the (Ch) amp...however it kind of lacks a bit when it comes to heavier sounds which I guess is possibly normal for Fenders, from what I have heard. I´m looking for something with more variety in the amp dept if possible as I´m a guitar-cable-amp guy in general not so much into big effects chains.

It doesn´t absolutely have to be a combo but I live in an apartment so sound level is important. I´d rather spend more on a good amp to have a wider variety of sounds than get something I´m not entirely happy with...I guess I would also consider getting the champ and something else for heavier sounds although that wouldn´t be my prefered option.

Possibly my biggest problem is lack of options when it comes to actually testing out amps as the shops near me all have pretty much the same crappy range of amps.

Have you looked at the Fender hot rod series. They have clean, dirty and dirtier. Not a bad amp, but not great build quality. Decent OD tones.

 

[playas]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far.

There are some really cool amps in there from the sound of things...from the clips I´ve heard I really like the sound of the Rivera / Budda / Mesa especially. Now if I could only find one second hand over here...

 

[caucajun]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

in an apartment (that i liked, and didn't wanna git kicked out of...) i'd never need anything bigger than a roland micro cube.

if i wanna play out.....i get out my convertible......never confuse the two!

:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

 

[JumpMarine]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

Don't forget the Dr Z Maz 18.....

 

[wanmei1]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

in an apartment (that i liked, and didn't wanna git kicked out of...) i'd never need anything bigger than a roland micro cube.

if i wanna play out.....i get out my convertible......never confuse the two!

:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

+1
Even a 15 watt Fender blues junior or Laney VC 15 tube amp is going to be awfully loud in an apartment.
Considered a 5 watt tube amp ?
or maybe a Vox modeller - the 30 watt has the power limiter I think.

 

[James Rock]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

+1
Even a 15 watt Fender blues junior or Laney VC 15 tube amp is going to be awfully loud in an apartment.
Considered a 5 watt tube amp ?
or maybe a Vox modeller - the 30 watt has the power limiter I think.

Yeh I noticed that 15 watts is powerful last night with the band when we played in my tiled loungeroom that is about twice the size of a decent sized bedroom yet the volume was only just past 3 (out of 12 if your not familiar with the Fender Pro Junior) in a 5 piece (2 guitars, drums, bass and keys) and it was pretty LOUD (no thanks to the 212 extension cab)

 

[phil_104]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

I own a Mesa Express 5:25, and could not recommend it enough! It is super versatile, and performs great in apartment levels. The 5w-25w switch is the greatest thing I have ever had in my rig. You get to drive your tubes at home, and then you can still cover small gigs. The contour knobs are also heaven sent, and allow you to dial pretty much any tone you want, since you have the options of 2 channels with 2 modes each.

Check it out, read reviews. You won't regret it.

 

[playas]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

Have you looked at the Fender hot rod series. They have clean, dirty and dirtier. Not a bad amp, but not great build quality. Decent OD tones.

Not yet, but I´ll be sure to check them out now, thanks.

Considered a 5 watt tube amp ?

Yes, the Laney L5T-112 seems to get good reviews. anyone tried it?

 

[Yngwiestein]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

For low wattage tube amps you have a lot to choose from. Bad Cat Mini Cat, Dr.Z Mini Z, Matchless Little Monster & The Baby. 18-20w range you have Koch Studiotone & Budda Superdrive 18. Both of those you can gig with and still play in your apartment. All of the aforementioned amps are top of the line by the way. You won't be missing out in the quality department.

 

[Christopher Caruana]

Re: Tube combo suggestions

Oh I like! Very nice.



+1 on the Budda Superdrive. For sparkly cleans, cool over drive and fantastic distortion you turn to the Koch Twintone II. It's one of the most versatile amps out there. No other amps have cleans like this one. The overdrive is immaculate. In all seriousness bro it's one of the best amps I ever played.

ya go with this one, its a VERY nice amp!