Looking for an old school valve amp - maybe?!!

[bassintheface]

Hey guys, hope you’re all keeping well?

 

essentially, I have a valve amp itch I think I need to scratch!

 

as I’m not gigging 3/4 times a week anymore I’m considering moving back from the lightweight class D side (Aguilar TH500 and SL cabs) and going vintage and valve.

i use P and Jazz basses.

i don’t need the power and weight of an SVT or similar, or even a DB750 / 751 (I know it isn’t ALL valve).

so I was thinking maybe something like a Fender Bassman 135.

i also thought about an Ampeg v4  too.

 

i just need something I can gig with a full band with.

anything else worth considering and looking for?

was thinking of pairing with a nice BF cab too with silver grille for that retro look!

 

cheers

 

Edited May 26, 2020 by bassintheface

[skychaserhigh]

Ampeg V4b and 212AV cab...job done!

[Pow_22]

Reverb is always worth a scan.  I got my Peavey Alphabass off there - 160w via 6 x 6L6GC, lovely.  Theres always cheap Sound Citys on ebay and the like for around £350-£450 but not great for bass unless its the Mk3 models (in which case the price goes up).  Fender Bassman 100/135's often pop up and with only a 4 x 6L6GC power section a full revalve wont be TOO much.  If going vintage I would always set aside say £100 for a tech visit, plus the cost of a revalve just in case.  Id also check out the very cheap Bugera 1960, whilst its marketed as a guitar amp it worked fine for me on bass, 100w via 4 x EL34's

[3below]

11 minutes ago, Pow_22 said:

Reverb is always worth a scan.  I got my Peavey Alphabass off there - 160w via 6 x 6L6GC, lovely.  Theres always cheap Sound Citys on ebay and the like for around £350-£450 but not great for bass unless its the Mk3 models (in which case the price goes up).  Fender Bassman 100/135's often pop up and with only a 4 x 6L6GC power section a full revalve wont be TOO much.  If going vintage I would always set aside say £100 for a tech visit, plus the cost of a revalve just in case.  Id also check out the very cheap Bugera 1960, whilst its marketed as a guitar amp it worked fine for me on bass, 100w via 4 x EL34's

I have no problem using my Sound City MKIV for bass.  They can be really good (near Hiwatt build quality and quiet), they can also be 'dogs' (rats nest wiring, dry solder joints and noisy).  If you get a 'dog' they make the basis of a good Hiwatt clone.   

[wateroftyne]

Does it have to be old?

If not...

 

[fretmeister]

Mesa Prodigy 4:88

Used only now.

Fan can be a bit loud if you are sensitive to that (I am) but it wouldn't surprise me if the fan could be upgraded to a modern silent type.

[chris_b]

How about searching out a vintage Hiwatt DR103.

[bassintheface]

Cheers chaps.....

 

will get looking.

 

i did notice the v4b with 212 cab and wondered how that would sound!

 

cheers

[skychaserhigh]

31 minutes ago, bassintheface said:

 

 

Edited May 26, 2020 by skychaserhigh

[skychaserhigh]

Simple answer is it sounds fantastic!

[bassintheface]

2 hours ago, skychaserhigh said:

Simple answer is it sounds fantastic!

Excellent 

[bassintheface]

5 hours ago, wateroftyne said:

Does it have to be old?

If not...

 

Nope, not specially but I do like the vintage thing.

in my mind I’d love an original 70’s Blue Line Ampeg Head and 8x10 cab

[fretmeister]

Slightly left field...

Noble valve preamp into a good powered cab or a poweramp and traditional cab?

[pete.young]

Ampeg PF-50T?

[wateroftyne]

6 hours ago, bassintheface said:

Nope, not specially but I do like the vintage thing.

Cool... definitely check it out. It's got the old-school tone circuit and everything.

[bassintheface]

9 hours ago, wateroftyne said:

Cool... definitely check it out. It's got the old-school tone circuit and everything.

Awesome, thanks buddy.

 

[bassintheface]

15 hours ago, fretmeister said:

Slightly left field...

Noble valve preamp into a good powered cab or a poweramp and traditional cab?

Good shout cheers

[bassintheface]

9 hours ago, pete.young said:

Ampeg PF-50T?

I had looked at these, and the Ashdown 30w version etc but wasn’t sure they’d have enough power 

[Jus Lukin]

-

Edited March 5, 2022 by Jus Lukin

[Salt on your Bass?]

depending on your budget, I always highly recommend Matamp. They have a range and you can have a chat with them about your needs and how their product line up could meet it. I think they do a 150w bass amp, not sure about lower. They have a vintage vibe to them, but I'd probably go new over used as the used market seems a bit crazy on them. 

Otherwise, Burman are also really cool vintage - straight forward. Normally about the 100w mark. I had one for a while but it didnt quite cut it in my set up at that time. 

Sounds like a fun hunt!! Best of luck  

[VTypeV4]

My personal thoughts, feelings and experience on the Fender.

[bassintheface]

2 hours ago, VTypeV4 said:

My personal thoughts, feelings and experience on the Fender.

thanks!

[bassintheface]

3 hours ago, Salt on your Bass? said:

depending on your budget, I always highly recommend Matamp. They have a range and you can have a chat with them about your needs and how their product line up could meet it. I think they do a 150w bass amp, not sure about lower. They have a vintage vibe to them, but I'd probably go new over used as the used market seems a bit crazy on them. 

Otherwise, Burman are also really cool vintage - straight forward. Normally about the 100w mark. I had one for a while but it didnt quite cut it in my set up at that time. 

Sounds like a fun hunt!! Best of luck  

cheers!

[pbasspecial]

Ashdown CTM100 definitely worth a look.  The Ampeg PF50t is a great amp too (had one) but you'd need to run it through the PA if it's a large room or a loud band.  

I believe Oli Foxen is the valve amp expert on here. 

[Pow_22]

if you are local to Bolton at all youd be welcome to try my Peavey alphabass.  Im toying with listing it here anyway as something a bit special has come up that I need to fund