Ultimate valve amp, with caveats

[cherrySunburst]

I'm interested in what you all think is the ultimate valve amplifier... can't just say that, so here is some criteria

1. under 100w - i'm not playing woodstock anytime soon
2. age not important, but reliability/availabilty/price is a factor - yes i'm thinking of buying
3. for use with a whole range of guitars, solid, semis, single coils, humbuckers

I already own a Fender bassman amp which gives a great clean sound, and although I don't rule this out as being the ultimate, I shan't be buying a second one!

I haven't tried that many amps, so i'm very keen to hear your points of view

[LoKi]

I love the bassman...

Something with diversity? Hmm. Have you looked in the the Mesa MKIV? Amazing sounding combos... I've never owned one of the heads. 60 watt I believe...

a used one will still run you a decent amount of cash though. not cheap! definitely reliable though. I used 2 in stereo for years on the road without even changing the glass.

I'm a tube fanatic, but a decent modelling amp can be fun for 'living room' shows. Line6 Vetta and that sort of deal. If you are planning on gigging with it, personally I'm not a fan of the Line6 gear, it never seems to cut through the stage mix, and I get lost.

Best of luck!

[LoKi]

Oh sorry... 85 Watts... Crazy loud! Or can be I guess.

[ptate]

My buddy who runs Fake58 tried the Orange Tiny Terror and said it was "f*cking great".

As he's been in, and around, guitars/amps all his life, I'd imagine that's quite decent praise (especially as he's normally a miserable bastard Only kidding!!!)

[Iceman0124]

Heres something that sounds fairly interesting, and cheap, no idea how good it would be, I'll have to see if I can find one for a test drive.

Musician's Friend - Epiphone So Cal 50 And Blues Custom 30

Buy Epiphone So Cal 50 Watt Amp Head online at Musician's Friend

For a small cheap combo, I've always had a special place in my heart for ampeg reverborockets (I miss mine horribly) and jets, though you would need a pedal or the like for heavey distortion

[johnreardon]

Originally Posted by ptate

My buddy who runs Fake58 tried the Orange Tiny Terror and said it was "f*cking great".

As he's been in, and around, guitars/amps all his life, I'd imagine that's quite decent praise (especially as he's normally a miserable bastard Only kidding!!!)

I have a TT and can confirm it sounds fabulous. I use it for all small gigs. Even on 7w mode, I can still cut through the other musicians. Perfect amp for me, just 3 knobs.

I drive an Orange 1x12 cab with a Celestion Gold speaker installed. Perfect for Blues.

BTW IMO, there is no such thing as the 'ultimate' valve amp, same as there is no 'ultimate' guitar. We all have different tastes and what is good for me may not be as good for you. I also believe most of the sound comes from you and not the gear, so best advice is to try as much as you can before buying.

[Big Mike]

I'm with my esteemed colleague Mr. Reardon.

Ultimate for me, may not be ultimate for you.

[lexluthier]

Not the 'ultimate' amp, but I tried a Orange Rockerverb 50 a few times and I really like them. I'll probably snag one eventually.

[hedzeppelin]

Well, I might suggest that you try a Peavey ValveKing 50 watt, 1/12 speaker.

[HHB]

Tophat Club Royale

[LoKi]

Can't go wrong with a good Twin either.

Or an older Vibrolux, with the alnico speakers... damn they just smoke!

[classic]

Fender BluesDeVille ... the bassman with reverb !!

... plus a 2x12 cab with AlNiCos ...

... or this one ...
MAZ-18-Dr. Z Amplification

[idlewild south]

If there were an ultimate all of us would agree.Different strokes for different folks.

[lp59aholicDon]

Originally Posted by Big Mike

I'm with my esteemed colleague Mr. Reardon.

Ultimate for me, may not be ultimate for you.

Hmm Tough one, All amps mentioned are pretty good, Sometimes ya cant pick JUST one , LOL

[LoKi]

Honestly, I'm a Marshall guy... so my ultimate amp is the early 80's JCM 800 2203.

Everybody has different tastes, but the Mark IV can do just about everything... its got more switches and dials than a jumbo jet..

[lp59aholicDon]

Originally Posted by LoKi

Honestly, I'm a Marshall guy... so my ultimate amp is the early 80's JCM 800 2203.

Everybody has different tastes, but the Mark IV can do just about everything... its got more switches and dials than a jumbo jet..

Ahhhh Marshall's have not done me wrong yet, I gotta agree that would be a prime rig right there , not a huge Mesa Boogie fan , had a nice Subway Rocket though and there was this Heartbreaker head I tried, now that was one sweet amp with both clean and distorted tones nearly to die for
I have learned though from a few good amp tech's, more switchs, dials ect, more potential probs. my less cost solution for this is two diffrent stomp box's for distortion/ overdrive and a graphic EQ for added tone shaping options