Some AMP advise

PacMan

hi guys, give me some advise on buying an amp.
what do u think of a "HARTKE PIGGY BACK". i have a small budget... ?
Check it out @ http://www.soundz.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=HAHMGT60P

arjunmenon

Hey PacMan,

For the price, the Hartke looks like a very good buy. I mean, where can you can a valve amp (head and 4x8 cab) for 3500 bucks. i would probably go for something like that and then at a later stage, probably replace the stock speakers with celestion greenbacks or vintage 30s.

Cheers

PacMan

cool,thanx man.

Mr-M

Actually it's a hybrid amp, not all valve. Single 12AX7 Valve in the preamp and solid state power amp. Still decent for the money though.
I might be hard to get replacement guitar speakers as those are 8-inch. The smallest decent replacement speakers from Celestion are 10-inch.
I'd suggest going for an amp manufacturer that has some pedigree in making guitar amps (Hartke is mainly a bass amp manufacturer). Still, they aren't bad. I just think there's better amps for that kind of money.

If I could make a recommendation Pacman, check out one of these three amps if you're after a decent amp in your price range:
-Marshall AVT50X. Decent Hybrid 50W 1X12" Combo amp with a very good clean sound and typical Marshall drive tones. Might be a bit more than your budget though, around R4500 last I saw (I might be wrong though) I know alot of people playing these and they seem very happy with the tone.

-Vox AD50VT. 50W 1X12" Combo. I have one as a practice amp. Great amp. Closest I've heard to an all-valve amp from a hybrid. It's a modelling amp too, so there's quite alot of variety in tones and built-in effects. I got mine for R3300 about 6 months back. Might be more now though. Good speaker in it too, a Celestion 70/80.

-Peavey Bandit 112. 80W 1X12" Solid State Combo. I used to have the older series amp of this model. One of the better solid-state amps in sound IMO. Pretty versatile and LOUD. Around R4000 I think. If the new ones as good as the older one I had, it could be a winner for you.

All the amp I've mentioned are loud enough for gigging and are better in tone IMO. You should be able to get them for similar prices to the Hartke if you give the salesman a hard time (I always do ;D). But this is my opinion. Try as many amps as you can and go for the tone you like, even if you have to save up a bit more. You'll be glad you did.

PacMan

thanx 4 the advice guys,it helps a lot!

kayDUB

+1 on the vox, my buddy used to have one, while it worked it sounded really good. Repairs under warantee were a bit of a mission tho.

I have an AVT275 (the bigger bro), the clean sound is good, but not that keen on the OD.
If you plan on using pedals ( ?), then no prob.

Mr-M

kayDUB, i've never had a problem with any of my Voxes. I also have an AD30VT that's been going strong for 3 years so far. Maybe he had a bad one?

Gray

While we're in the general area.

New VS Second hand amps?

What to look for when purchasing a second hand amp?

JoeyBones

I tried out an AC-15 with the Blue Alnico's yesterday. I was very impressed with it. I haven't tried any of the hybrids like the AD range, I'm sold on Tube amps.

I've managed to buy both my amps for around half the retail price. I think if you take the time to scan musicads, gumtree and the junkmail, you're bound to pickup a good deal.

Reinhard

How much power do you need? I got a 2nd hand peavey classic in perfect condition for R3500 and it is LOUD. I just feel you gets all these amps with waaay more headroom than you will ever need so you will end up sticking a pedal in front of it anyway. Half the fun of a valve amp is pushing it till it starts to break up, and the classic 30 is too loud for that and its only 30W. If you are going to gig, head and cab will be a pain to transport as well aside from being heavy. I have to say 3000 for a head and cab is a fantastic price if the quality is there. Good luck with your purchase.

AlanRatcliffe

Reinhard wrote: How much power do you need?

That question, right there, is an article. Thank you!