Tube Amp Under $1500

**es347** · 11-10-2013, 07:59 PM

Hello,

I just joined the forum, first post. Hopefully this topic hasn't been already exhausted in another thread. If so please forgive the faux pas.

I am looking for suggestions for a tube amp. I have been playing through a peavey blues classic 1x15 for twenty years now and am looking for something a bit lighter.
Single channel is fine. I don't need reverb or effects built in. $1500 is the top of my price range. Used is ok.

Any thoughts?

**lumena** · 11-10-2013, 08:12 PM

Check out vintage47 amps. Great quality.

**Spook410** · 11-10-2013, 08:19 PM

Welcome ES347..
Are you looking for something with a big bottom like your 1X15? Something in the Fender Blackface world? Are you looking for a warm, clean sound or will you use it for rock and blues as well? Would you consider a used amp? There are a lot of good things in your price range. Might help to narrow your preferences down a bit.

**es347** · 11-10-2013, 08:28 PM

The big bottom isn't essential, I usually have the bass knob on 1 or 0. I have never played an old blackface. Yes, a warm clean sound is good. I don't play other genres so it doesn't need to be versatile. Used is ok.
Thanks

**marcwhy** · 11-10-2013, 11:13 PM

Hi, and welcome.

I like Anderson Amps and Frenzel Amps: high quality that won't leave you penniless.

**Spook410** · 11-10-2013, 11:46 PM

There are a couple of things you could do next to figure out your requirements. List off your favorite guitar tones from your favorite players then look up what amps they're using. Also, getting to a Guitar Center to try a Fender Deluxe Reverb Re-issue (or Princeton re-issue) to see how you like that sound. That would give a solid frame of reference since most tube amps ultimately get compared to blackface Fenders. That, and those are pretty decent amps from the mainstream.

**kris** · 11-11-2013, 03:24 AM

I use MV3c-nice pure tube combo.
Great sound for jazz.
Best
Kris

**es347** · 11-11-2013, 02:46 PM

Thanks for the help everyone.

Marcwhy, do you own both frenzel and Anderson amps?
I am looking at the Frenzel retro deluxe. Is 20watts enough to gig with?
I play small clubs with drums and horn players.
At the same time I live in the area of Anderson and could actually play through prior to purchasing.

**es347** · 11-11-2013, 02:48 PM

Thanks Kris,

I listened to an example you posted on a different thread. The sound is wonderful. Is the 15watts loud enough to play clubs with drums and horns?

**bmw2002** · 11-11-2013, 03:57 PM

I've also developed an interest in the Frenzel small heads based on another recent posting on this Forum. the Retro Deluxe looks like a great option, especially for jazz. (You might want to have them confirm the 20 watt rating; their Ebay listing describes the amp as putting out 15 watts.) I'd be curious as to whether there's an audible difference between 12ax7 and the 6SL7 preamp tubes that Frenzel is using in the Retro Deluxe.

Sounds like you're located in the Pacific Northwest. You might want to look (and possibly visit) Sound Island Music, which specializes in Jazz Amps. They have their own 'jazz' version of the Vintage Sound Amp series (Princeton clone), which also might prove interesting. http://stores.soundislandmusic.com/StoreFront.bok

**kris** · 11-11-2013, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by es347

Thanks Kris,

I listened to an example you posted on a different thread. The sound is wonderful. Is the 15watts loud enough to play clubs with drums and horns?

It is loud enough to play with drums and horns.
It has clean tube sound without crunch or distorion.

**marcwhy** · 11-11-2013, 04:55 PM

Originally Posted by es347

Thanks for the help everyone.

Marcwhy, do you own both frenzel and Anderson amps?
I am looking at the Frenzel retro deluxe. Is 20watts enough to gig with?
I play small clubs with drums and horn players.
At the same time I live in the area of Anderson and could actually play through prior to purchasing.

Yes, Frenzels and Andersons have been my main amps for about 10 years.

If you live near Jack, call him up and give him a visit! He's a great guy, and very knowledgeable about sound, style, "vibe," etc. I recently sold my 20W Anderson combo, and am saving up for his 20/45W head. I perform in a combo, too, and the 1x12 easily handled small rooms; if I needed more sound, I'd use another 1x12 extension cab, and it was clear and strong.

My 40W Frenzel (Super Deluxe Plus) could knock walls down with the volume on "3."

Let us know what you find!

**barrymclark** · 11-12-2013, 08:07 PM

Really dig my Mesa Express 5:50. I like my clean tone with a little fur on it.

**TheGrandWazoo** · 11-13-2013, 07:59 AM

Keep in mind, "your" amp may not cost that much money. You just might find your amp costs $500. Maybe it's a Princeton at a GC? Just saying. Here's a funny Marc Maron (a comic) Story:

"i was interviewing Jack White and I noticed he had ten Mactintosh amps on the shelves behind him. Now these are top of the line American made tube stereo amps, and I said to myself, "If Jack White can afford 10 then I can at least afford one, right?" So I go to the stereo store in San Fran and walk in and there it is, the same amp and I say, "I want that amp. That's it. Jack white has ten of them, I want one." And the guy says, "Great, that's $14,000."

"now here's the problem. Unless you have $14000 to blow on a stereo amp, your just not gonna like it. No matter what, when you get home and listen to it your gonna say to self, "yah, that doesn't sound like $14000. No matter how many knobs you fiddle with and then you're gonna go over to your buddy's house and listen to the same record on his piece of s&@/ stereo and it's going to sound awesome! and your tell yourself your an idiot."

The point being, make sure your not buying an amp with money, but with your ears. I know you know this. I'm just friendly reminding. I learned this lesson (not with $14000 mind you).

**Bebop Tom** · 11-13-2013, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by kris

It is loud enough to play with drums and horns.
It has clean tube sound without crunch or distorion.

I played with horns and drums for years, and there is no way 15 watts would be enough without micing the amp. You must have a quieter room and musicians with a softer touch than I had. I used a 40 watt Fender Pro Reverb and then upgraded to a Fender Twin Reverb.

**jorgemg1984** · 11-13-2013, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by Bebop Tom

I played with horns and drums for years, and there is no way 15 watts would be enough without micing the amp. You must have a quieter room and musicians with a softer touch than I had. I used a 40 watt Fender Pro Reverb and then upgraded to a Fender Twin Reverb.

I agree.

**TheGrandWazoo** · 11-13-2013, 03:15 PM

I would argue it's all relative. I play using a 15 watt ampeg with a very loud 14 piece big band and though at times during solos I stretch out my headroom if we are at peak volume I feel it's plenty loud for all our gigs and it's the sacrifice I make so that I'm not hauling around some heavy amp. But that's with this band. In another situation it migh not be enough but in the end I am satisfied with my choice of amp.

**D.G.** · 11-13-2013, 07:26 PM

There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all amp (or guitar for that matter!) If I'm playing with a brush drummer and muted horns, a 15-watt Princeton is more than adequate. If it's a stick drummer and unmuted horns and I don't mind a bit of grit in the tone, then a 22-watt Deluxe will usually serve. If it's a loud drummer then 40-watts will do. If I have to use my Twin the band is just too loud