What tube amp do you recommend for about $200?

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FattMusiek

FattMusiek

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First, sorry for the potentially over-asked question. What tube combo amp do you recommend for about $200? I can't go too much over that. I want the "tube sound" and a killer crunch.

Thanks for your time!
 
After doing some research it's a toss up between the Fender Pro Junior combo and the Peavey Valve King combo. The Valve King is a bit more but it seems more versatle. I'll try to track these amps down and play on them. Does anyone have anything they can add from their experience?
 
Searching for a tube amp based on money is a no win situation. just because it has a tube doesn't mean it will fit the bill. The BluesJr isn't gonna do metal (for most people) and it isn't gonna do jazz (for most people). For example, if you like metal, a Randall could probably be had for about that money and would probably be 100x better even without a tube. Or a solidstate Fender, if you want a clean 'fender' sound...since the BJ won't do that.
 
k......I just listened to your music and you will be 100% completely disapointed if you buy a Blues Jr.
 
I wasn't completely straight-forward with you all, so please forgive me. I'm looking into this item as a gift for someone; it's not for me. Not completely sure why I didn't just say that in the beginning, probably for fear that receiver might view this post. He loves a crunchy rock tone. I also know he would definitely prefer the sound of tube over solidstate or digital. He also listens to a lot of metal, although his guitar style is far from metal, so I'm interested in the versatility of the Peavey Valve King.
 
You can go with the 119.99 Epiphone Valve Junior that is an amazing 5 watt little tube amp that will blow your socks off. 1 EL84, 1 12AX7, 1 8" speaker, and 1 volume knob. Start low and you get a nice warm clean sound... turn it up and it really starts to break up a bit. Kinda like a tweed champ or a LP Jr... check em out if you havent already. Great little amps for the price.
 
FattMusiek said:
First, sorry for the potentially over-asked question. What tube combo amp do you recommend for about $200? I can't go too much over that. I want the "tube sound" and a killer crunch.

Thanks for your time!
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You want a lot for 200 bucks. In my experience, if you are looking for tubes, power, tone, and cheap, you can pick any three, except maybe tubes+power+cheap. You might try cruising the pawn shops.
 
orange make a couple pratice amps, i think that they're tube.
 
theyre solid state (the oranges) but they are cool.

The valveking will do the most, though i like the pro jr more myself.

H2H
 
Maybe check ebay for one of the original valvestae 80somethings. Yup they are hybrids as opposed to all tube but they are pretty versatile and I reckon they sound awesome. Seems more tubey than the new AVT's. I've seen em for about £40 or so on there for an 80watt.
 
capnkid said:
Got to Ebay and type in Peavey Bravo.
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Ahhh, the poor man's marshall . . .

In my experience, a peavey classic 30 is an amazing and fairly versatile sounding amp for the money. It can get pretty good fender/vox/marshall tones, but leans more towards british tones.

Also, the Laney combo's are really nice for british tone (LC15, VC30- which I own and love, and the LC30).

I think the Peavey Valve king sounds like a good bet based on what I've read. Got a good review in Guitar One.
 
I like some of the Peavey stuff too (haven't heard the Valve King yet). I think the Classic 30 is a nice value for the money. I've also heard good things about those Laneys.
 
crate. they have a couple small models. good sound, no frills.
 
I know that Traynor's 40 watt amp sounds pretty damn amazing, not sure about the smaller ones. My current set-up is a SS Fender Champ, with a Rat for distortion. The amp itself was just over $200 new, so if he has a pedal that he likes, I'd suggest the Champ. I do have to use an EQ to make the Rat+Champ sound good, but I blame that on my crappy pickups. And might I add, the Rat is the richest sounding distortion ever, so it might be worth it to get that as well, on eBay if you can.
 
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