Hi,

I have been pondering the thought of trading my existing amp (Marshall Mg100DFX half stack) for a tube combo.  Although my current amp is functional and can do a lot, the honeymoon is over and I have been drinking the kool-aid about tube sound. Plus the thing is huge, a tube combo would take up a third of the space and give me even more sound, right?

So looking at tube amps, they are very expensive; especially boutique brand names.  I went to the local shop and they suggested a Kustom Defender 50watt tube amp.

I just wanted some feedback on what you all think in general about my perspective purchase.

BTW: I consider myself an intermediate player (for hobby only), who plays a lot of rock, classic rock, etc.  I also enjoy playing some 'clean' sounds ala Dave Matthews (does the single channel on the defender matter for that?) Oh and I play a les paul studio.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the board A_MO, well I tried a Fender tube and bought it. A Super Champ XD. It did all I wanted it to do and more at 15watts. I'm sure there are other and better amps for what you want in a tube and that brings me to saying you should go to music stores and plug in. I'm lucky in that one of my music stores will let me take amps home to try.

That said and also that I'm happy with the Fender Super Champ XD, I now want something else and bigger, though not always better, will run me out of places to put amps so I'm thinking about a Fender Hotrod Deville 4x10. Not sure why, but I do know I'll try it before I buy it. It's not huge but it is heavy at 50 lbs. and it is rated at 60watts. With it I should be able to hang in there with the band when I become good enough to get invited to join one or form one myself. Hope some of this helps !

GuitarZen

you also might want to check out a Peavy Valve King you can see one here http://www.zzounds.com/item--PEVVKING112

UPDATE- Well, I tested her out with my guitar and loved the way it sounded...so I ended up buying it. So far so good, the thing sounds great. Great warmth in the tone.

I am still messing with some of the features, getting a lot of range from it.  It seems like I can play a lot of different sounds with it!

Thanks for the update A_MO, glad you tried the Kustom Defender and found it to your liking !

GuitarZen

Welcome to the Tube Amp fold.

I have been playing for many years, strayed to the digital world a couple of times, but have been using valve amps for the last 9 years or so.

The Kustom is a good beast. I now play an ENGL Powerball 100watt head through a 2 x 12 cab with Celestion Vintage 30's. It just sings and I love it.

Just remember that valves do wear out and they need to be treated carefully. When you replace them, get it done by a good tech, because they are the heart and soul of the amp. When the valves are replaced and biased properly, you will be AMAZED at how good an amp can sound.

Good luck and enjoy.

Thanks for the well wishes.

About how often should I replace the tubes? I have heard with regular everyday playing (non gigging) it  should be yearly. Any thoughts?

...with TODAYs tubes, that's probably correct. Older, NOS tubes used to last 5-10 years for most people (not daily professionsals however).

OK. So I am really new to this so please explain what are NOS tubes.

I somewhat understand biasing and the difference between two different types of tubes.

And what really just blew my mind...why would older model/style tubes last longer than modern tubes.  To me it sounds like PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE of the 1950's in which products were made to wear out so you would go out and buy new updated (wink ) ones.  Sorry, I am a history teacher so I tend to relate things back to different time periods.

Hello A_MO26, well to the best of my knowledge, NOS means new old stock. Everyone I talk to on the streets about tubes says the same thing though....NOS tubes are better, hence one would expect them to last longer. OTM will hopefully add to this as OTM is the man !

Cheers,

GuitarZen