A friend of mine who plays in several bands asked me if the DRRI was any good. He needs a clean tube amp that will give up the goods at volume for under $1000.
Now the reissues have everything i don't like in an amp, single sided board, no plated thru holes,.ribbon cable, plastic connectors etc. At least the tubes aren't mounted to the board like the Blows Junior.
After looking half a day i had to admit i couldn't find anything better for a paltry thousand. I recommended looking for a silverface deluxe for a little more cash.
So fellow solder slingers, do you have any recommendations? Thanx in advance.
Good tube amp <$1k ?
Moderators: pompeiisneaks, Colossal
Good tube amp <$1k ?
Tube junkie that aspires to become a tri-state bidirectional buss driver.
-
Stevem
- Posts: 5144
- Joined: Fri Jan 24, 2014 3:01 pm
- Location: 1/3rd the way out one of the arms of the Milkyway.
Re: Good tube amp <$1k ?
Get a Ampeg GVT52-112 and don't look back, in fact get a loan from someone if need be to get one!!!
I worked on one of these last week which only needed new preamp tubes and was very pleased to see what I saw for it being a new amp and I would not fear gigging with it even 3 to 4 nights a week!!
Note that it has the much needed 2 tone stacks that a ton of channel switching amps do not have!!
I worked on one of these last week which only needed new preamp tubes and was very pleased to see what I saw for it being a new amp and I would not fear gigging with it even 3 to 4 nights a week!!
Note that it has the much needed 2 tone stacks that a ton of channel switching amps do not have!!
When I die, I want to go like my Grandfather did, peacefully in his sleep.
Not screaming like the passengers in his car!
Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
Not screaming like the passengers in his car!
Cutting out a man's tongue does not mean he’s a liar, but it does show that you fear the truth he might speak about you!
Re: Good tube amp <$1k ?
IMO you really can't go wrong with a DR. That's one amp that Fender just got right. Same goes for the Princeton Reverb. These are beloved classics for a reason.
Other options that come to mind.... Vox AC15, Ibanez TSA15 or TSA30
At under a grand, you are going to have to make some "modern manufacturing" compromises unless you are willing to wait and score a great used deal when it pops up.
Other options that come to mind.... Vox AC15, Ibanez TSA15 or TSA30
At under a grand, you are going to have to make some "modern manufacturing" compromises unless you are willing to wait and score a great used deal when it pops up.
-
wpaulvogel
- Posts: 448
- Joined: Wed Jan 23, 2019 3:11 am
- Location: Leesburg Georgia
- Contact:
Re: Good tube amp <$1k ?
Sent you a PM. I can help your friend.
-
martin manning
- Posts: 14308
- Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 12:43 am
- Location: 39°06' N 84°30' W
Re: Good tube amp <$1k ?
Checking prices, Blackface DR's go for something north of $2k, a Silverface is ~$1500, and a Mojo complete kit is $1k. DRRI's are selling for ~$750 used, so your friend could pay someone to gut and rebuild it. For reference a Mojo small parts kit is $250, so rebuilding a RI would come in close to $1000, and you'd still have a so-so cab and speaker. Parts for a custom-built replica (Pine cab, better speaker, more authentic chassis and faceplates, G10 boards, and better hookup wire, etc.) would probably cost a few hundred more than that. The best ROI is probably a real Silverface. It might need some work, but it will likely appreciate in value.
Last edited by martin manning on Sun Jun 30, 2019 8:34 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Good tube amp <$1k ?
He's just a player and needs a clean lo power amp, soon. So no kits or rebuilds for him. I saw a Vogel head that looks like it will might fit the bill.
Tube junkie that aspires to become a tri-state bidirectional buss driver.
-
Tony Bones
- Posts: 228
- Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2014 8:24 pm
Re: Good tube amp <$1k ?
Lot's of vintage Ampegs available for ~$500-$600. Another $200 - $300 to have it 'refreshed' and he's good to go.