First quality tube amp suggestions

[krbentley]

Helping a friend with some amp reccomendations.
He is looking for his first real quality tube amp. Currently he's playing small venues in a blues band. However, he is develpong a side project that is going to require a fair amount of overdrive.
Budget is $400-$800.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[FFTT]

You friend is looking for a " quality " tube amp on a beginners budget.

Gries 5
Reeves Custom 12 or 18
Fargen Mini Plex MK II
Ceriatone 18 TMB or JTM 45

 

[rob2001]

Some of the smaller fenders can be great. Tough to beat a Champ for dirty blues on a budget, or otherwise. He should be able to find a great small tube amp in that price range.

 

[jcv]

In that price range I'd be looking at a DRRI - great platform for pedals. What's he using now? 400-800 isn't very much if he's looking for a "quality" tube amp.

 

[krbentley]

He is using a Fender solid state amp. I was thinking a used Rivera clubster 25.

 

[drwx]

i have an amp that matches that description for sale in the emporium. https://www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/352973

fender concert II. 60W all tube. it's a 1982 one from the paul rivera era. ch1 = fender blackface cleans. ch2 = cascading gain stages.
​

 

[Kiwi]

One word: Peavey. And I say that with respect. Lots and lots of bang for the tube amp buck. Classic 30, Classic 50, clean and used - then hit 'em with pedals.

=K

 

[electronpirate]

One word: Peavey. And I say that with respect. Lots and lots of bang for the tube amp buck. Classic 30, Classic 50, clean and used - then hit 'em with pedals.

=K

+1...

 

[Caddie]

how loud does he need to get? will he be miked. key questions when determining amp needs. the Peavey Classic 30 mentioned above is a great bluesy sounding amp.

I really like my Fender Pro Jr. Dime it out with no danger of tinnitus. If he wants it louder, more power, look at the Fender DRRI, Fender HotRod Deluxe, Fender Blues Deluxe.

Don't dismiss the Mesa's. The Blue Angel is a very cool blues amp, so is the DC-3. Small packages, plenty of volume, very flexible (particularly the DC-3). I played a MkIV in a blues band for several years. It had it all.

The Caddie

 

[dumeril7]

A used Mesa F-50. Sounds good (IMO), fairly versatile, good quality, within the stated budget.

D7

 

[SkydogFan81]

ceriatone.com

or a Tweed Deluxe 5e3 clone from Misson Amps or Richter

 

[MikeyB59]

Used Music Man amp. In particular, I love the 65 watt ones. I have a 2-10 Sixty Five that's just killer. I paid $300 at a pawn shop, but they're more like $500-600 on Ebay. They're build to last forever and they sound great. They also take pedals really really well.

I can also 2nd the Ceriatone recommendation. I had an 18 watt Marshall clone that I got for just over $400 off Ebay with no enclosure or cabinet. I took that thing to GC and set it next to Marshall's $2000 version. Every bit as good. Took it to boutique store next to Bacino $2500 18 watt Marshall. Every bit as good. It wasn't MY sound, so I sold it, but it was every bit of what you'd hope that amp was.

I've been thinking of a Ceriatone Super or Bandmaster. Those wattages are just killer for blues. More headroom than a Deluxe, but not like a blackface. That being said, a killer Deluxe clone would be hard to beat. The 2 amps nobody's getting out of my hands are my original 58 Tweed Deluxe and my 2-10 Sixty Five MM (for the $). If I could just go spend $2000, probably a ToneKing Meteor II. That's as sweet an amp as I've ever heard in a store if you love the blackface Fender world.

 

[mgarrison99]

Try the Traynor stuff. Or a Carvin Nomad or Bel Air. Fender Blues Jr. or the bigger Blues Deluxe is also a nice choice.

 

[edward]

Mesa DC3 or DC5 (EL 84 or 6L6s, respectively) ...incredible sleepers that can cover vast amounts of tonal ground. Not the "poplular" Boogies, and that keeps their prices typically south of $600, but big, beautiful tone overall.

These, or a silver-face Fender like a Deluxe Reverb or a Princeton Reverb II (better, IMHO), both of which offer 20 watts of 6V6 lush tone; add your favorite pedal for your personal OD flavor.

I tried a few of the Carvins ...ok, not bad, and good value for the price. But they are not what I would consider great tone IMHO.

Edward

 

[vbjamin]

Mesa DC3 or DC5 (EL 84 or 6L6s, respectively) ...incredible sleepers that can cover vast amounts of tonal ground. Not the "poplular" Boogies, and that keeps their prices typically south of $600, but big, beautiful tone overall.


Edward

WORD

 

[skeeterbuck]

At that price range he could bo much better getting used that new. Think of some of the lesser popular amps. Ampeg, Traynor etc.

Most bang for your buck IMO.

I don't think that your going to find any Fender Deluxe Reverb for $800 or less regardless of what the face is.

 

[joel98z]

One word: Peavey. And I say that with respect. Lots and lots of bang for the tube amp buck. Classic 30, Classic 50, clean and used - then hit 'em with pedals.

=K

+ 2

 

[jcv]

I don't think that your going to find any Fender Deluxe Reverb for $800 or less regardless of what the face is.

I only paid $770 for mine at GC a year or so ago. I just looked at them at MF and they're $949.99! Whoa!

I agree that in that price range, used is a great way to go... but I still suggest the DRRI

 

[krbentley]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Kepp em coming.

 

[sugarlou]

+3 on the Peavey.