Question:
In the next few months I'm looking to maybe upgrade from good ol' solid state to tube. I'd like some suggestions of combo tube amps that are $400-$700 that I can get used for $400-$500, or less. I want an amp with great cleans, great smooth overdrive and some distortion as well. A good rock/punk style distortion would be great, but not super-heavy stuff.
Right now I'm looking into amps such as the Peavey ValveKing, Ultra, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, and Traynor YCV40WR.
As for wattage, minimum is 30w, and no more than 50-60w. It has to have reverb as well. Please bring reasons and experiences, not "get this amp because it's cool".
What do you think the BEST mid-range price tube amp is?
Answer:
go for the valveking. I LOVE the overdrive. It has awsome punkish overdrive. I am sure it has good creamy soft overdrive too.
Answer:
i dont know if you would like the ultra cause i hear it has a lot of gain on reviews at harmony-central. i think you probly like the valveking. maybee a yamaha t50c. i know that you would like a fender tube amps.
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I'm really digging the sounds of Peavey amps. The Classic 30 especially. Any experiences?
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For that price, go a step up and get the classic 50. A bit more drive on tap for ya.
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I haven't had any experience with the Peavey, but if I were deciding between the Fender and the Traynor, I'd go Traynor. It was seriously the best little amp I've ever personally played through.
Answer:
Originally Posted by ApparentlyNothing I haven't had any experience with the Peavey, but if I were deciding between the Fender and the Traynor, I'd go Traynor. It was seriously the best little amp I've ever personally played through.
Traynor (you knew I'd say that)! If I was looking, I might want to try the new YCV50 with the blue tolex. My YCV40 has tone for days.
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My guitarist uses a Peavey Classic 50 410...it pretty much nails the tone it sounds like you're going for.
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Originally Posted by Hopeful Traynor (you knew I'd say that)! If I was looking, I might want to try the new YCV50 with the blue tolex. My YCV40 has tone for days.
I've heard clips of the blue one, and it has got some lead tone, for sure. A guy was practically playing metal on that thing. So it's got plenty of distortion. I only have experience with the wine red one personally though, and it sounded pretty freakin amazing for a mid priced 1x12 combo amp.
Answer:
Okay here's my verdict so far after some research:
ValveKing: VERY versatile, great distortion and clean channels.
Classic 30: Not enough drive..
Classic 50: More drive than the 30?
Traynors: I'm looking around for some soundclips... Anyone got any? And they seem to go for higher prices as well.
Right now the ValveKing looks the most versatile. But does the tone compare to the "dream tone" you guys are talking about on the Traynors?
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I should go play the valveking just to see how great it is
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Originally Posted by Building429_Boy I'm really digging the sounds of Peavey amps. The Classic 30 especially. Any experiences? I love my Classic 30, but the drive channel may not be versatile enough for you. It gets a great smooth OD/crunch, but it won't get you into distortion territory. On the other hand, it takes pedals well. So, you could find a used C30 for around $300 and add a distortion pedal.
The Peavey Classics are workhorse amps. Built like tanks and affordable. Although, I have to admit that the ValveKing looks interesting, especially for the price.
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ya, you could go with a classic 30 and a J&H or something
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MY personal opinion of the valveking:
I think it's directly marketed to younger people... I'd say only about 20% of the drive on the dirty channel is usable, and I got bored with the drive channel pretty quickly. Cleans were nothing to write home about.
The Traynor Blue amp is pretty amazing as far as pure tone. I have a hard time choosing between that and the Classic 50.
Answer:
I have some questions about these tube amps..
On my Line 6 Spider II, it has a noise gate because it needs it. When I have the drive up to a good distortion level, there is always feedback without muted strings and also some hiss. Are tube amps as noisy?
Also, I can't find the Traynor website! Do they have one?
Edit: I found the site! It's run by "Yorkville".