My 1x12 Cabinet needs a Cheap Tube Amp Head

[Nonvintage]

Recommendations under $250 appreciated. It will be used in a 5 piece Blues Band. It needs to be as loud as a Deluxe reverb amp.

 

[gulliver]

Jet City amps are probably the best cheap amp you can get, but they are more of a modded Marshall type. If you're doing strat neck, neck/middle pickups into them, they're not horrible ... but you'd probably be better off with a Peavey of some sort. Sometimes, simply exploring the local used market on Craigslist and other sites can get you to some interesting finds in the low price range.

 

[Daytona57]

Used Pro Jr, with a 1x12 cab and sensitive speaker.

 

[gulliver]

Actually, I just experimented and proved myself wrong with the Jet City, sounds great with single coils if you're using a large cab and the right speaker.

 

[mlj_gear]

Honestly in that price range there's not much, and if tone is the only consideration, you might be better off with something solid state like a Katana head, one of the mini Vox heads, a Quilter InterBlock, or a used DV Micro or something.

If you're set on tubes you'll probably need to get lucky with your local Craigslist or pawn shop to get a decent tube head for that price.

Wait: I see something... There are a couple of use Crate V33 heads on Guitar Center's site for around $250 (plus shipping). V30s/V32s can actually sound pretty decent in my experience. It seems like most people think the V33 was a step in the wrong direction, though.

 

[jpurcell]

Used Egnater Tweaker 15 head?

 

[Al Rose]

Used Egnater Tweaker 15 head?

I was going to suggest this. Gigged with one for over 2 years. Nice sounding head.

Al

 

[Kerrang]

Another up vote for Egnater Tweaker 15. Great little tube head and loves dirt pedals. Had one for four years and dug it the whole time. Plenty of juice.

 

[KBN]

You could find a Blackheart 15 head for that price. Or an Ampeg GVT 15 if you get lucky.

 

[Man_on_the_Silva_Mountain]

Peavey .. Egnater Tweaker .. Blackstar
.. Helpful suggestions

 

[Jon Silberman]

I would pull the pennies from my loafers and up my budget.

But if you insist on below $250, either embrace SS or make it used (Sweetwater, for example, doesn't even sell a tube head below $250).

 

[HeavyCream]

Bugera V22 head. Just don’t get an older one with QC issues. Not sure what year they got better. A little investigating would probably figure it out.

Not much in that range for 20w+ heads. If you go up to $400-$500, they’ll be way more options. Even $350 can get you a Peavey C20MH.

 

[Todd Lynch]

I bought a Mooer Little Monster BM (5 watts) and was very surprised by the volume from it through a WGS Veteran 30 in an open back cab. I normally use a mid-70's Deluxe.

Peavey Classic 30 might be your best bet. Classic 20 mini-head might get you there.

 

[Jon Silberman]

Bugera V22 head. Just don’t get an older one with QC issues. Not sure what year they got better. A little investigating would probably figure it out.

Where are you finding this for <$250?

Guitar Amplifiers | B&H Photo Video

See B&H's vast selection of Guitar Amplifiers from top brands like Marshall Amplification, Blackstar, VOX and Roland, all at unbelievable prices.

www.bhphotovideo.com

 

[Ejay]

Peavey valveking, fender superchamp

 

[HeavyCream]

Where are you finding this for <$250?

Guitar Amplifiers | B&H Photo Video

See B&H's vast selection of Guitar Amplifiers from top brands like Marshall Amplification, Blackstar, VOX and Roland, all at unbelievable prices.

www.bhphotovideo.com

Ya, everything has nudged up a bit. Still, with a little patience and putting in some offers, I’m sure one can be scored for $250 in not much time. There aren’t any used V22HD’s currently on the GC site but I’ve seen plenty of them for around $250. Even as low a $200. They’re only $400 brand new

 

[doublescale1]

search this Reverb link for VHT handwired point-to-point heads in your target price range. Great value and easy to maintain:

Gear | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

 

[tonedover]

im sorry but saying “i want a good tube head to be about 15 - 22 watts, worthy of gigging, for $250” is really silly and borderline ignorant of modern offerings.

get a solid state. thats what your budget commands and you’ll likely get a much better sounding amp than the cheapest of tube amps.

get a used katana or save up so as to increase your budget.

 

[socalscott]

Used PV ValveKing's cost near the same as their old SS amps. They have an Class A/B blender and Tight/Loose pot too.
I see a CL ad $150 for 50W combo and $200 for a 100W head!