Say you have an amp like a Marshall DSL 100 with a B+ of around 470v. Theoretically screen voltage is just a few volts lower than plate so let’s say 465v at the screens. Most current EL34 tube spec sheets claim a max. screen voltage tolerance of 450v. Some say 400.

For people who know more about this than I do, does this simply mean the amp in my example will just cook through output tubes very quickly? Why would Marshall design an amp to be so hard on screen grids during a time when tube quality was extremely awful? (Mid 90s).

I’m a bedroom guitarist, been playing 25 years and have been chasing tube amp tone on solid states like an idiot. I’m giving up and getting a real amp with tubes. Here’s my criteria: I need a good clean Stratocaster tone but also good high gain metal tones. Built in reverb is necessary as I really don’t like using pedals. I also need a built in power soak/attenuator. I live in a small place, space is an issue so I’m going for a 1x12 and a head that’ll fit on top or a 1x12 combo would be fine too. Again not looking for a solid state amp. Budget is under $700 usd, the used market is my focus. I’m having a really tough time finding this so any help is greatly appreciated. Also feel free to comment on all time favorite amps. If you have your dream tone dialed into your rig, I’d love to hear about it. Happy shredding. 🎸🎸🎸

I have an opportunity for a really good deal on a Laney Ironheart IRT30 combo amp and would love to get your opinions on it. I’m especially curious about differentiators between that amp and the Marshall DSL40CR combo that I already own.

I’m mainly into punk/hard rock, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on how these two amps compare when it comes to higher gain tones. I prefer tighter sounds, especially when palm muting.

The Marshall is great, but I’m not sure if it’s hitting the spot exactly for me when it comes to those tight higher-gain tones. What do you all think about the Laney in comparison? Would it better scratch that itch, especially if I’m able to get it for a good deal?

Turned on JCM 800 2203 for the first time in probably several years and was greeted with whisper-quiet output. (Never had issues with this amp before). Cranking master to 10 was barely talking volume. Fiddling with the EQ controls would cause the volume to jump in and out. Tried the easy route first and cleaned all pots and jacks - now everything seems to be working normally with the massive volume as expected. Checked bias and it’s good.

I hardly ever run into these “it was just that easy” scenarios so just want a gut check, dirty pots and jacks can completely disable an amp yeah? Anything else I should check?

Hi!

I can get both amps used, the TM18 for 200€ and the Blues Junior for 300€. I'm currently playing in 2 coverbands with my Fender HRD IV and we play everything from Muse, RHCP to top 40 songs and classic rock. At home I love to play bluesrock, John Mayer, Funk and classic rock. I've got 2 pedalboards, so gain is no issue. The HRD is quite heavy and has got tons of headroom, so I was looking for smaller tubeamps as a replacement.

The Tubemeister seems to be very versatile with the DI out, FX Loop and 2 channels channels. The Blues Junior is what Eric Clapton uses, so that has to be a good sign.

I play a HSS Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster and ESP LTD EC1000.

Pretty new to amp technicalities but I have a 1976 Fender Twin Reverb amp and I got told that since it's a vintage model, the power it receives from electric outlets is too strong. From what I understand there are attenuators that adjust the amp's volume and there are those that adjust the amp's power? It's a bit expensive but I've heard that the 'Brown Box' is a popular attenuator for power. Don't really know which one to go with so I'm just asking for suggestions on any good and relatively cheap attenuators.

Also, from what I was told, the amp has an electrical chord that was used in Europe. Because of that it has an adapter at the end of it. I don't know of that makes any difference but fyi.

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I recently got a fender blues jr. My first tube amp. It's really sweet, suuuper loud. SADLY I just moved from the middle of nowhere to a suburb so I can't crank that sexy hunk of raw amplitude to max anymore.

That's fine, however it doesn't sound really good at .5 volume. I figured I would have to get an attenuator to maintain good tone at low volume, but I'm reading conflicting information on the internet, and found out that there's different kinds of attenuators for this purpose, one that would act as a volume control and one that acts as a "power soak." Could someone explain the difference between the two and if it's important? Also do I have to worry about getting a specific attenuator for the Blues Jr? And finally, what's a good price range for a working attenuator, nothing fancy.

I have a vintage TR i'm recapping. The chassis fits into the combo cab with 3 screws on the back plate lip and 4 screws through the top, into u-nuts that are clipped into the chassis. Anyone know what size they are? Can't find anything on them. for ref, google "77 fender twin reverb chassis" and go to pics. You'll see them in the four corners.

Hey everyone, as title suggests I’d like to get my hands dirty (but not electrified) and build a few kit amps to get some more experience working on amplifiers. Are there any kits/cool amps you’ve built recently that are relatively straightforward?

Thanks!

First of all, I'm just setting my first exploratory steps into vintage tube amp territory. So please be gentle. ;)

Tone and amp preferences are always personal, but I have discovered that I really love the kind of thumpy-dryness bass sound that you can create if you combine a J-bass, flatwounds and a Bassman Ten. Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hl-XsneiGHo&t=3m06s

I've already got the J-bass and flats covered. Now I'd love to amplify the whole thing using some vintage tubes. Sadly, I recently missed out on a very good deal (just $250) for a Bassman Ten in absolutely mint condition.

Now I might be able to acquire a Fender PA135 that is being sold by a friend of a colleague.

But I have no idea if that would be a good move (both tone-wise and in general) if I want to get closer to the sound that I have described. And if it's a good move, what would be a good price-point for an unmodded PA135 that has been fully inspected and recapped?

I don't need fancy, all kinds of distortions, big and with volume levels for large gigs, etc. Just a decently-priced practice amp with that lovely warm vintage tube output for a bass guitar.
On r/GuitarAmps/ there weren't replies on how this amp would sound with a bass guitar, so hopefully there's someone around here who knows more about the PA135 amp.

General advice and alternative "Bassman 10 tone"-like amp recommendations are also very much appreciated.

There's so much to learn. Good fun, but I haven't found a good "vintage amp 101" site yet that teaches everything about tubes, schematics, blackface/silverface/tweed and what have you in a structured and progressive course. :)

It looks like the price has dropped on the DSL40CR. Is this amp a steal now? Is there another Marshall model you’d recommend for that a price range? I have a class 5 but it doesn’t have a great distortion built in and the speaker is too damned small!

Hey guys first time poster here. Bought an ac15c1 off Craigslist yesterday. I got home and plugged it in. It sounds fine but there are two issues.

1. I can't get any gain/breakup out of the amp. I used to have an ac30 and I'd dime the normal channel and then use the master to keep the windows from being blown out. I always used a treble booster with the 30 to push it a little more and it sounded great. Tried the same thing with the 15 and it stays clean.

2. Volume in general seems to be very low. I can dime both the normal and the master and play it in my apartment, which is crazy. I have a brown deluxe clone (also 15 watts) that I can't put past 2 or 3 without getting too loud.

There's no rattling or anything and all the controls work, aside from the gain issue. Any guesses as to the issue? It's apparently stock and never had any work done. Thanks in advance.

I've been seeing that many Bassmans marked with an AA165 tube chart are actually an AB165. Does anyone know how true this is? I've attached the chart of the specific amp I'm looking at. Could it actually be an AB165? Thanks for any input, it is much appreciated.

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So far I’ve been considering the Mesa Badlander 25, and the Engl Ironball SE. I’m pretty sure the Revv lunchboxes have these features as well. Any other ones worth checking out? For high gain metal tones primarily.

5-50W

Tube

Head

Budget $2000 can stretch

Nice to have: spring reverb

Nice to have: 2nd channel with smooth marshall-flavored plexi/jcm800/900 sound

I'm sure this has been asked but I have some options.

I live in a duplex and I'd rather not cause a stir with the neighbors. I'm thinking about one of the supro's or maybe the blues Jr. Is the blues Jr. worth the extra cost? Any other recommendations?

I have the opportunity to purchase some hifi gear from a family member to level up my equipment. We agreed I’d get the “family discount” off of whatever the apparent market price would be (which I’d love input on as well as I can’t find any comparable sales). The VT150s need new tubes and the V140s have brand new tubes and a full refurb on them. Would these be worthwhile without a major speaker upgrade? Alternatively I have eyes on a $399 Yamaha A-S801 locally which was the next step in my upgrade path prior to this offer being made. I’d love any input you guys have.