IPlayHamers
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They don't have to be expensive, just tube amps that we don't see often, but sound great.
Here's my list.
Ampeg V-50H: Super clean and very loud for a 50 watt head. Not much break up, even at full bore. Takes pedals extremely well. Stellar amp for the guitarist on a budget. Prices seem to be about $150 to $300 depending on condition. Would suit a studio or rehearsal space very well.
Peavey Ultra 60 & Plus: The Ultra 60 is one of my favorite amps. It can sound very good with good eq or a Xotic RC in the loop to give it a little more sparkle and presence. Can get down right brutal as well. The Plus model was an attempt to compete with Mesa Rectifiers, but to me they have their own voice. Still, I feel the 60 sound the best out of the 2 and would not hesitate to buy another one. Expect to pay about $200-250 for one of these. Add and EQ or RC Booster and you have a killer sounding rig for under $400, excluding the cab of your choice.
Laney GH50L/100L & VH100R: I see these amps all the time selling used for great prices. I got my GH50L for $275 used and it came with a fresh set of JJ E34L's and JJ 12AX7's. Smokin amp for all out crunch. Modded JCM800 like with the E34L's. I haven't tried it with 6L6's, but it would probably be more American sounding and I prefer a British tone. Not much to be said for clean, but thats where the VH100R comes in. Honestly that amp has one of the best clean channels I've heard in a channel switcher. Very Fendery. The gain channel was very good on the amp I heard as well, but it had 6L6's and I know I'd prefer 34's. Anywoo. Used GH50L/100L's go for $300-500 these days. VH100R's fetch $400 to $650, although I just say one sell on Ebay for less that $350!!!!
Well, those are 3 of my favorite sleeper amps. Hope to hear from some of you soon.
Thanks,
Paul
Here's my list.
Ampeg V-50H: Super clean and very loud for a 50 watt head. Not much break up, even at full bore. Takes pedals extremely well. Stellar amp for the guitarist on a budget. Prices seem to be about $150 to $300 depending on condition. Would suit a studio or rehearsal space very well.
Peavey Ultra 60 & Plus: The Ultra 60 is one of my favorite amps. It can sound very good with good eq or a Xotic RC in the loop to give it a little more sparkle and presence. Can get down right brutal as well. The Plus model was an attempt to compete with Mesa Rectifiers, but to me they have their own voice. Still, I feel the 60 sound the best out of the 2 and would not hesitate to buy another one. Expect to pay about $200-250 for one of these. Add and EQ or RC Booster and you have a killer sounding rig for under $400, excluding the cab of your choice.
Laney GH50L/100L & VH100R: I see these amps all the time selling used for great prices. I got my GH50L for $275 used and it came with a fresh set of JJ E34L's and JJ 12AX7's. Smokin amp for all out crunch. Modded JCM800 like with the E34L's. I haven't tried it with 6L6's, but it would probably be more American sounding and I prefer a British tone. Not much to be said for clean, but thats where the VH100R comes in. Honestly that amp has one of the best clean channels I've heard in a channel switcher. Very Fendery. The gain channel was very good on the amp I heard as well, but it had 6L6's and I know I'd prefer 34's. Anywoo. Used GH50L/100L's go for $300-500 these days. VH100R's fetch $400 to $650, although I just say one sell on Ebay for less that $350!!!!
Well, those are 3 of my favorite sleeper amps. Hope to hear from some of you soon.
Thanks,
Paul
