Need help chosing an entry level tube amp

[ORCRiST]

I'm in the market for my first (entry-level) tube as well. The Bugera's intrigue me. Once my DM strat is done is when I'll pull the trigger.

I'm looking for the classic "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" tone ala 'Maiden, Priest, Ozzy, etc. which usually means a Marshall.

I've heard good things about the Marshall Class 5, and the JCM800 2x12 4104 Combo has been suggested as well (although thats
a bit more on the high end of my desired price range).

I have my own home, so volume issues aren't a problem per sa - and I myself don't play at high volumes, but I know I'll want that special
'overdriven' tone tube amps are supposed to deliver. Hmmmm.

 

[kboman]

Wattage -  anywhere from 5 to 20W I guess. I want to be able to gig and rehearse with it when the time comes, but also play it at home. The neighbours are pretty ok, but it's an old house and not exceedingly sound proofed. Craigslist et al is not an option since I'm not in the US.

I've been considering an AC15 before. When I get my new pickup install I'll lug my guitar around to the various stores in town and see what they have to offer!

 

[Death by Uberschall]

You can get one of these for around $300 new. That leaves plenty of money for modding/tweaking. The Epi Jr became one of the best modding amps around, very cheap to play with. But people have already started modding these. Most of which you could do on your own if you're good with a soldering iron.

It's a Soldano design and circuit. Pure tube. No, it's not a SLO.  :laughing7:

Jetcity JCA20H
http://www.jetcityamplification.com/amplifiers/jca-20h/

Here's some sound clips of a modded JCA20H
http://www.hugeracksinc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=68621&hilit=friedman

 

[kboman]

I'll look into that, not sure if anyone around here carry them and I want to be able to try things out before I decide.

Oh, and primarily I want a 112 combo.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

I'll look into that, not sure if anyone around here carry them and I want to be able to try things out before I decide.

Oh, and primarily I want a 112 combo.

http://www.jetcityamplification.com/amplifiers/jca2112rc/

:icon_thumright:

 

[pabloman]

I happen to like poop tone. It's a low wattage version of the brown sound.

 

[mullyman]

I can plus one on the Blues Jr. I have the 15w 12in speaker version and I love it. It's got all kinds of nastiness in the clean mode. If I need any distortion on that amp I have a Boss Blues Jr. that roughs it up real nice. I occasionally use an EVH Phaser and an MXR Carbon Copy. I use that amp at jam sessions. For a live setting I have a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier head and a Mesa Boogie Single Rectifier 50w combo. I'm thinking of getting rid of both of those Mesa's and grabbing the new Mesa Boogie TA-15 mini head.
MULLY

 

[mmarino92]

I for one just picked up a Bugera V55HD of my own, and I've gotta say, it sounds great.

-Michael

 

[Cagey]

Those are nice. I've got a couple of the combo version. Pretty versatile.

 

[mgaut051]

I guess it's not considered necroposting if I started the post myself.
Thanks for all the great advice - quite useful!

I'm basically down to Blue Jr. Vs Bugera V22.
I don't use much reverb, so poo to the digital in the bugera.
But the one thing I'd like to know is:
So the Blue Jr is claimed to be great driving a cab, anyone have experience with the Bugera?

Thanks!

 

[Cagey]

My V55 drives cabs all day long, but you're talking about the V22 aren't you? I'm sure it'd do a fine job as well. It's a tube output stage, and I've seen people drive 412 bottoms with less. Did you see I have these V55s up for sale? Helluva deal.

 

[mgaut051]

I'm sure you wouldn't take 300 shipped to Calgary, which is my budget. No? didn't think so.

 

[ledzepplin6914]

another +1 on the blues junior

 

[Cagey]

I'm sure you wouldn't take 300 shipped to Calgary, which is my budget. No? didn't think so.

No, I'm afraid not. Better luck next time.

 

[elfro89]

I'll look into that, not sure if anyone around here carry them and I want to be able to try things out before I decide.

Oh, and primarily I want a 112 combo.

Blackstar amps, I beleive you can adjust the wattage so you can run the hot at lower volumes. Plus they seem to sound great, dont actually own one myself but when im in the market for an amp its definitely something i'd look into.

 

[mgaut051]

I'm sure you wouldn't take 300 shipped to Calgary, which is my budget. No? didn't think so.

No, I'm afraid not. Better luck next time.

Sorry - rereading my post, I notice the ultra-cynicism. I apologize - I'm shocked by my own smarmyness. Must have been on my manstruation.
I didn't mean to be insulting. I hope you find a buyer. And thanks for the free advice.  :sad1:

 

[Cagey]

No worries. Being on the 'net builds thick callouses <grin>

 

[bigguspickus]

No worries. Being on the 'net builds thick callouses <grin>

And you're probably used to it, being an idiot.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

No worries. Being on the 'net builds thick callouses <grin>

And you're probably used to it, being an idiot.

OUCH!! Tough crowd today!!  :tard:

 

[Cagey]

No worries. Being on the 'net builds thick callouses <grin>

And you're probably used to it, being an idiot.

Careful with the stones in that house <grin>