Saut Crapaud Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 I just bought an american deluxe telecaster and my solid state line 6 just doesn't do it justice. Probably my playing actually doesn't do it justice. I'm looking for a tube amp in the $1000 range. I dont play professionally, just for myself and a semi-weekly get together with friends. I'm looking for fat, greasy tone. Any suggestions? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Reflectedinthemoon Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 i wish come other people had responded with some suggestions (of perhaps something more of what yer lookin for), but here's my two cents anyway. i know its not exactly what you had in mind, or perhaps the hippest amp out there, but i have a Vox ADVT-100, and i am completely enthralled by it. It does have one valve for that tube tone and response, but it has somewhere around a dozen amp models (mostly renowned vox amps), a bunch of effects (decent), and even more user programs. it sounds great, and doesn't have the same problems as a tube, and from what i can tell from playing with tubes, it feels quite similar. Plus, it's loud as all get out. im a sucker for Voxs, so if yer really set on a tube amp, i'd go for a classic AC30. great tone, as demonstrated by none other than Wilco (as i'm sure you know). hope this helps a little. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Groo Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Step 1: Go to Guitar Center (bring your guitar) Step 2: Plug your guitar into every tube amp you can find, until you find one you like. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Twisted Acres Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Groo's got the best advice... I picked up a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe for a little over $600 or so. I love the punch it provides, it's a workhorse and sounds consistent from gig to gig. My Tele sounds very happy coming through it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
a.miller Posted December 26, 2007 Share Posted December 26, 2007 Yes to the Fender tube amps. I have a blues deluxe reissue and it has been super. You can get one for around $600. You might also look at a Bassman -- those are really cool too. Or a twin...or a.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Saut Crapaud Posted December 27, 2007 Author Share Posted December 27, 2007 funny how things work out. A friend of mine who is a working musician sold me his hotrod deville. It more than fits my needs and sounds like it was made for my telecaster. Thanks for the responses. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FaintingGoat Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Looks like things worked out well. All the advice was excellent, but there's something special about matching a Fender guitar with a Fender amp (particularly a tube amp). Can't really say that about too many manufacturers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
In a little rowboat Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 Funny every response (except the vox) is about fenders...Definitely a good idea to play as many as you can... Im currently using (and adore) a fender 65 deluxe reverb reissue...one thing it does not have is a overdrive channel, but once you hit about 3 it starts to break up nicely... it does have amazing reverb and vibrato, two channels with 4 inputs...terrific tone and touch response...22 loud watts all tube...one can be had for under a grand... Those Hotrod fenders are not a bad buy but they are notorious for a) not having as nice a clean tone, and going from very soft to very load almost immediately with little inbetween... j Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stickman Posted December 27, 2007 Share Posted December 27, 2007 I'm rocking the same amp. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted December 28, 2007 Share Posted December 28, 2007 Im currently using (and adore) a fender 65 deluxe reverb reissue...one thing it does not have is a overdrive channel, but once you hit about 3 it starts to break up nicely... it does have amazing reverb and vibrato, two channels with 4 inputs...terrific tone and touch response...22 loud watts all tube...one can be had for under a grand... I'd love to get one of those. Everyone raves about them. I've been considering trading in my Ampeg Reverberocket towards one. I like the Ampeg, but 50 tube watts is more than I'll ever need. Unfortunately, I'd probaly only get $200 or $300 in trade towards the Deluxe Reverb. Even a $400 or $500 trade-in wouldn't put me in a position to buy at this time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hollow Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 We have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe - good amp, but we're saving up for a Top Hat as they're hand made and sound fantastic. You might be able to pick one up used for $1K, but they run higher if new. You have to buy direct from the company (unless you can find a used one). Top Hat Amps Quote Link to post Share on other sites
In a little rowboat Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 I'd love to get one of those. Everyone raves about them. I've been considering trading in my Ampeg Reverberocket towards one. I like the Ampeg, but 50 tube watts is more than I'll ever need. Unfortunately, I'd probaly only get $200 or $300 in trade towards the Deluxe Reverb. Even a $400 or $500 trade-in wouldn't put me in a position to buy at this time. After having a particularly enjoyable rehearsal, Im happy to continue to recommend one...Ive seen them go for $550 on the occasional ebay deal...you'll not regret buying one, although of course there are other options...those ampegs are nice amps, cool vibe, but not quite flexible or clear for me...im playing an SG i put together thru the DRRI and couldnt be happier with the results... j Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WaronWar Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Step 1: Go to Guitar Center (bring your guitar) Step 2: Plug your guitar into every tube amp you can find, until you find one you like. Don't go to Guitar Center. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Speed Racer Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Don't go to Guitar Center. Best advice there every was. Don't be discouraged by independent shops with a small selection of amps. While GC might have 1,000 amps in stock, only 10-12 are what you're actually interested in - you'll notice these are the same 10-12 in stock at your local independent dealer. The folks are friendly, knowledgeable, and much more willing to meet your needs than sell you something. Additionally, the independent shops have a much better selection of used/vintage gear, with a high enough rate of turnover that what you want is bound to be in stock within a month or so. When I was first buying equipment I ended up going to GC to try stuff out, but I always bought independent after I decided on what I wanted. I just prefer guitar shops where people are interested in what I want and need, and not their bottom line. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
the_fliz1 Posted January 2, 2008 Share Posted January 2, 2008 When I was first buying equipment I ended up going to GC to try stuff out, but I always bought independent after I decided on what I wanted. I just prefer guitar shops where people are interested in what I want and need, and not their bottom line. That is the way to do it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
oceanman Posted January 5, 2008 Share Posted January 5, 2008 Ac-15"s with the blue also sound great with a Tele. Anyone ever played a Rivera clubster?(25 watt) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
I'm Incinerator Posted January 7, 2008 Share Posted January 7, 2008 I actually have a TopHat Club Royale (18-20 watts EL84 Class A monster), and it's a sweet amp. I picked mine up used for about 1100 bucks back in the spring of 05. Brian Gerhard builds some sweet amps, and I'm hearing they just keep getting better. New, they aren't as bad as some of the boutique offerings (ie Divided by 13, 65amps, Matchless), but still not inexpensive. Used, you can pick up a CR for about 750-1200...depending on the speaker configuration and the year. The amp itself is a monster. I got mine without having ever played it and I'm not the least bit sorry. It does have a nice vox/marshall...british thing going on, and all you really need is a good boost to put the amp over the top. It's very responsive and dynamic. Most of all it sounds fantastic with a tele...or fenders in general. It's also supposed to kill with p-90 guitars and gretsches. I've also heard good things about low output humbuckers (no higher than 8k DC) through it. Anything else you'd want to know...you can goto the forum at the Tophat site Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pecan_Pie Posted January 8, 2008 Share Posted January 8, 2008 I'd also suggest the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, other good inexpensive Fender amps are the Blues Jr. and The Toaster (Pro. JR). I'm trying to get my friend to sell my his hot rod deluxe, as my current amp isn't cutting it these days. Yea, please go check out your local guitar store(s), and not guitar center (unless you want a gibson). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PopTodd Posted January 15, 2008 Share Posted January 15, 2008 Have you tried the new Epiphone all-tube amps?Inexpensive and have a MONSTER sound. All class-1 tubes and just kill. I played a Tele through one at my local shop and cried because I didn't have the cash to buy one right then and there.They're not the sexiest amps around, but if a great sound is all you're looking for, they'll do ya right. And "Stay away from Guitar Center" is great advice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 After having a particularly enjoyable rehearsal, Im happy to continue to recommend one...Ive seen them go for $550 on the occasional ebay deal...you'll not regret buying one, although of course there are other options...those ampegs are nice amps, cool vibe, but not quite flexible or clear for me...im playing an SG i put together thru the DRRI and couldnt be happier with the results... j While looking for a new snare drum over the weekend (a failed endeavor) I came across a used/like new Fender Deluxe Reverb for $650. I went home and tried to take a nap, but I couldn't sleep, so I loaded up my car with my Ampeg Reverberocket and my Epiphone Casino and worked out a trade. Awesome amp. Hopefully I'll have an opportunity to really put it to work sometime this week. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jff Posted February 11, 2008 Share Posted February 11, 2008 Have you tried the new Epiphone all-tube amps?Inexpensive and have a MONSTER sound. All class-1 tubes and just kill. I played a Tele through one at my local shop and cried because I didn't have the cash to buy one right then and there.They're not the sexiest amps around, but if a great sound is all you're looking for, they'll do ya right. And "Stay away from Guitar Center" is great advice. I had the Epiphone Valve Jr. 5 watt head for a while. I played it through a Peavey tweed 112 cabinet (and a Tele). It was sort of dark and muddy sounding by itself (no tone control, only a volume knob), but somehow it sounded like magic with a $15 Danelectro Fab Echo pedal. I'd imagine an EQ pedal would probably be a valuable addition to one of those amps. I sort of regret parting with that setup. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Reflectedinthemoon Posted February 12, 2008 Share Posted February 12, 2008 i guess you can disregard my comment about the vox AD100Vt... i just sold mine and put down $350 on a vox AC15. i've played it for a few hours at guitar center, and absolutely love it. its capable of beautiful, crystal-clear clean tones and really classic overdrive. The reverb and tremolo sound really natural and usable (and are switchable with the included footswitch). for a 15 watt amp, it has amazing power and volume. its only drawback is that it only has one channel, but thats a-okay with me. I will share a more informed opinion after i've had it for a while. anyone else have one? what are your thoughts? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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