Hello,
I've owned some vintage equipment in my time but I've never had a valve amp. Sacrilegious, I know.
I feel like the kind of guy who should own a valve amp because I like to play mostly sixties stuff, especially Motown. But I've always been scared to get one because of; price, lack of understanding and the odd bit of bad luck with vintage gear.
The thing is, I'm young and poor so I was hoping that you would be able to suggest an underrated first time valve amp to get me experiencing the valve tone.
Also, how is their reliability?
Are they expensive to maintain?
The differences of different wattages? (besides perceived volume of course)
I think I understand how the tone is created - with the lack of SS clipping at high volumes. I'd like to know more about their practicality, availability and brand reputation.
Thank you so much,
the paul.