Amps Under $1000 | A Tech's Perspective | Part 2 of a Series

Please watch Part 1 of this series, Amps Under $500
Link here: • Amps Under $500 | A Te...
Other videos referenced :
Evaluating a '78 Super Reverb • Evaluating a '78 Super...
We Need to Talk About the Tonemasters • We Need to Talk about ...
Fender Reissue Amps Part One • Fender Reissue Amps Pa...
Vox AC15C1 Is It As Good As I Said? • Vox AC15C1 - Is It as ...
Timeline
00:00 Intro
02:48 Buying New vs Used
03:08 Gut Shots are Good
03:26 Inspect Inspect Inspect
03:41 Return Policies
04:16 Video Divisions
04:29 Digital Modeling Amps
05:20 Fender Tone Masters
06:05 Line 6 HX Stomp
07:56 Low-Gain Tube Amps
08:03 Fender
08:44 Fender Reissue Series
11:21 '70s Fenders
13:10 Tweed Deluxe Clones
13:41 Hoffman Kit Build
13:59 Vintagetone
14:57 Orange
15:41 Rockerverb 50
16:08 AD30
16:30 Heads vs Combos
17:09 Back to Orange Amps
17:48 Traynor
18:20 YBA-1 Bass Master
19:59 Victory
21:10 Vox
21:12 AC15C1/AC15C1X
21:37 AC30C2/AC30C2X
22:06 Alnico Speakers Worth It?
22:31 Other Good Ceramic Speaker Choices for the Vox
22:52 High Gain Tube Amps
22:56 EVH 5150s
23:52 Friedman
24:32 Marshall
24:34 DSL40C and DSL40CR
25:54 Used JCM900s
25:57 JCM900 SLX
26:18 The Hi-Gain Dual Reverb JCM900s
26:23 4100
26:26 4102
26:30 4502
26:39 Common JCM900 Issues
27:07 DSL vs JCM900
27:44 Mesa Boogie
28:18 Just NO
30:48 Orange Revisited
31:42 Peavey
31:44 6505 and 5150
32:32 Closing Arguments
For more info, Subscribe to this channel, join us at PsionicAudio, or email us at [e-mail].

[@PsionicAudio]

There are a very few points where the voiceover momentarily drops in level. Sorry about that, forgot to remove the previous automation in Logic. I had two days to learn the program, and I forgot that when you delete a region the automation for that region stays behind. I’ll get it.

[@SooBahkJoel]

Oh my god... unsubscribed. Kidding, of course. I recently stumbled upon your channel when shopping for a new amp. Even though I know absolutely dick about the nuts and bolts of amplification and electronics I find your videos absolutely fascinating. Even for a laymen like myself your wealth of knowledge and experience is indispensable for making smart, informed decisions on purchases that can sometimes be a real strain on the wallet. Thanks.

[@nicolasnicolas3889]

Wow, I used to play, not been paying attention much to guitar tech but I found this video and how really interesting to get an informed insight on all these amps, great job! I sometimes simulate voice drop outs by putting a pillow over my head, your way is much simpler!!! ;D

[@mattb4rd]

My Fender '68 DRRI came with a Celestion G12 70 V type installed and I've been pleased with it. Am I missing out by not swapping it for a WGS? Also, Do you happen to know a tech in the Jacksonville, FL area that can do the work described at ~ 9:00 on a Fender DRRI?

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Gods. What a loser. You’re giving me free knowledge, information and wisdom gathered over time and you’re not a Logic Pro genius?

[@ryangunwitch-black]

(That’s humor, y’all.)

[@user-gd3or1ed2r]

Nice to have Mike Ehrmantraut explaining good amps for you

[@SneedyKetler]

I can picture him putting a pistol back together as he talks about how much it sucks to work on Mesa/Boogies

[@moonguitarclub]

I was thinking just the same 😂

[@charlodius]

😂😂😂

[@Ben-bt6oc]

Knew I'd heard that voice somewhere 😂

[@CreepyCat.]

lol love it

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

This is you directly saving people money. This is you saving other tech's time & sanity. You're also exposing companies who seem to hold their customers in contempt, year after year, decade after decade. I can forward this to my customers who ask this question regularly. Thank you again for such a carefully considered video, mate!

[@brendanjames8818]

Well said Brad!

[@frogger-5meo152]

Definitely! I agreed with everything he said and I realized all guitar amplifiers are made wrong, so even though I used to play metal I just started playing acoustic instead. Man, I'm so glad I saw this video and I'm totally surprised that one of these many amplifier companies haven't scooped this dude up to design their amps. I'm sure he would definitely want to do that and I bet he would definitely have the time being in his fifties and living in his parents basement and everything. THIS DUDE IS THE MAN BECAUSE HE DEFINITELY KNOWS EVERYTHING!

[@anthonystrickland9870]

As an industrial electronics engineer of 35 years, I can say that this video was nothing short of excellent !

[@PhilthyCasual]

Showing how amps look from the bench is valuable information.

[@riffalini]

Man, your 2 amp videos are amazing. I watched the $500 and $1k video more than once. When I do finally get another amp I know what to avoid now as far as long term quality. Your honesty is a blessing in a world full of people hyping up gear even if it sucks, just because they get something for doing it. Aside from you being so honest, I also found the videos taught me things i had no idea about as someone who knows very little about the inner workings of electronics. Keep it up brother.

[@gearoftones8585]

A few amp owners whole world just fell apart after watching this video

[@PsionicAudio]

Oh, I doubt it. World views are hard to shift. And that’s OK. I make a lot of money off fixing Blues Juniors and HRDs and Mesas and 5150s. Disagree with me, fine. I’ll be seeing you. ;)

[@gearoftones8585]

@@PsionicAudio 😂😂 Might be more in your interest to push the crap amps. Keep that bench regularly occupied! Seriously though, it's great info to have. Nobody ever considers service and repair and clearly they should.

[@paulallyngoff7472]

I have a Fender Supersonic that was completely submerged in water during a flood in 2016. After it dried out, I turned it on and it worked perfectly. 6 years later, only problem I have is corrosion around the tubes and no reverb.

[@waitin4winter]

Question, so the notion that these fender modern reissues will become problematic in the first few years, do you mean like the majority of them will fail? Or do you mean more like, for example, 20% which is not a majority but still significant?

[@caseywilson7768]

Haha yup....I have a EVH 5150 aaaannnd a Peavey 6505 plus lol glowing reviews for sure 😄

[@bocabenkolstad]

Thanks for the excellent research and perspective. Just last week (after watching the previous installment), I traded in my Blues Junior for a DSL40CR. My playing hasn't improved, but my tone sure has. Glad to see the Marshall holds its own in this price tier as well.

[@tjminasi1442]

Cannot WAIT for the review of amps under $1500. Love this series.

[@Updog89]

What a gem of a channel! I really appreciate your down-to-earth perspective, years of experience and matter-of-fact delivery.

[@Danaction87]

Thank you for the time you put into this, and all the honest information. It really shows what kind of person you are when you are including all these details to save people from having to take their amp to find someone like you and hand them money. Would love more videos on lesser known amps, if you have the time.

[@SurfRockitt]

This series of videos is a huge help to me. Thanks for your time and talent!

[@mirrorman8521]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video! Your insights are valuable for many of us in this community.

[@oldguy5381]

This was a well made video Lyle. Lot’s of good information from a tech’s point of view. And if your giging for a living a good tech is your best friend. The good the bad and the ugly laid out in a matter of fact way, Bravo.

[@regisrithgin2268]

Just want to say I can tell how much work you put into the video and it was very informative. I appreciate what you do a lot. It seems like people want to withhold the kind of knowledge you share, so thanks for doing what you do.

[@zloboslav_]

Thank you! I've wanted someone to explain all these stuff to me for years and no one could until you! This is very very valuable information, thank you so much! :)

[@YetiOnGuitar]

Thanks for making this! Your experience and knowledge is very appreciated-hard to get this kind of "straight talk" a lot of times, it's rare and valuable. It's obvious that a lot of effort went into this.

[@TheDankCat127]

I ran across this channel recently and I’m really glad I did. I don’t know jack from shit about electronics but it’s good to hear objective opinions from someone who knows what they’re taking about and not just another paid sponsorship KZbin guitarist singing praises about the latest gear release (not knocking those guys). I also enjoy your ramblings. Subbed 🤘

[@louismadeira3160]

Great video. I learned a lot and have made a purchase according to your recommendations in this video. Couldn't be happier.

[@axturin]

Thank you SO MUCH. On the market for a good sounding tubes combo for recording and small gigs, and this video just made my day. You really rock and make watching at resistors, cables and condensers so much fun! Good audio recording and video editing too, I know those things are really time consuming, so, thanks a million again

[@johnbernau5438]

Thank you for this series. Expert advice is hard to come by. Your experience is so valuable to the guitar community. Much appreciated!

[@march4652]

I'm not even in the market for a *good* gigging amp at the moment (a bit too amateur for that, still) but this is an invaluable perspective to supplement research and casual interest. Thank you for taking the time to put this series together!

[@bludworm1]

I was one of the few that asked for this video. From my whole heart, thank you, thank you, thank you! These videos are extremely time consuming to make and produce. I appreciate and applaud the efforts of your free time in doing this vid!

[@bludworm1]

Well, like I said in my comment above, I was one who asked for this video. Because it's just time to get a good amp. I spent a year trying all the amps on your recommendation list. I ended up pulling the trigger on the Marshall DSL.

[@stevethurow1559]

Thank you for this series and all of the videos you have posted addressing your experience repairing these amps. You have helped me make an educated selection.

[@ridiculouswonk2135]

Thanks so much for this video! Your experience as an amp tech and the videos you do gives your opinions on amps so much more credibility than other gear channels. Well done!

[@gamjammallota78]

Great job Lyle. I see the DSL-40 and Vox advanced through both the $500 and $1000 tech perspective. I'm a die-hard tube amp guy, mostly Marshall's but if I am to be truly honest, I've got to say I also love my Katana 100 and my Super Crush 100 just as much. They are my "new school" and "old school" solid state favorites, respectively. Only time will tell about longevity as they are both relatively newcomers to the market. I'll let you know if they are "Chuck tested tough".

[@TheDankCat127]

Also I appreciate your comments on 5150s and Mesas. I had considered the EVHs for a while but your video has made me consider waiting for something nicer. I’ve heard of the issues with the EVHs failing…

[@tedmich]

Excellent job Lyle! I especially appreciated your honest assessment of Mesa's issues!

[@claytongouin5605]

Great video. I appreciate your brutal honesty since I have a number of amps and regularly buy used. These videos are helping me to make more informed decisions about what I am actually planning on purchasing, and common flaws and service issues I can expect with the amps I currently own. Thanks for these videos.

[@BarqB]

Thanks for making me feel good about choosing the DSL 40CRC I like the IR output that simulates a 1962 cab. I run it through a headrush speaker in addition to the vintage 30 in the cabinet and it really fills up the tone.

[@guitarmike6757]

I bought the new Marshall dsl 40cr exactly because of your last video amps under 500 bucks and I’m glad too hear you still recommend the new version I did put in a 65 creamback sounds killer thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience 🙂🙂

[@rickycompton2610]

Great video Lyle this information is so vital for anyone wanting to purchase an amp your work and experience with these amp is much appreciated. I have 2 Laney heads I’ve had for years a Gh100l and a Gh50l other than a recap on both and tube changes they have been great amps.

[@tonycarel1785]

This video came up in my feed so I decided to watch. I am so glad I did. In fact I ended up subscribing to your channel. This video was a major help. Thanks looking forward to the high gain amps review. I'll go and look at your past video's as well. I have a feeling that I will find some valuable knowledge being shared!! Again thanks for your unbiased honest review appreciate it so much!!

[@TheBlinkisback09]

I got my first tube amp this year, Vox AC15C1, secondhand for $300. Definitely worth it and I can't wait to start building a collection towards the finer things!

[@elwrongo]

A new contender in the digital modelling sphere that looks very interesting (at least to me) is the Universal Audio Dream 65 (also the Ruby and Woodrow). Like to hear more about the Vox NightTrain - got one that blew a power transformer and have never been able to get it fixed.

[@thurstonmurru]

This has become my favourite youtube channel. I learned so much in the past 3 months!

[@roverer109]

Really glad I found this channel. Thanks for the clear presentation of great info!

[@notplaying2379]

Excellent work. I had an Orange dual terror, it’s probably the most disappointing amp I have owned. I swapped it for a Blues Junior, which led to me getting a Princeton reverb with a cannabis Rex speaker. In my amp journey, I’ve gone back to where I started, a clean Fender with a decent speaker and dirt pedals (my first valve amp was a Silverface bassman into greenbacks). I’ve been chasing real valve distortion for years and realised that the best sounds have all involved dirt pedals and boosters into clean or driven valve amps.

[@Cam_B]

I’m surprised you didn’t like the DT. I love mine. It’s a super simple rock amp. Only downside is no fx loop. I can see if you need good clean, it wouldn’t be for you and understand why you would go the fender route.

[@notplaying2379]

@@Cam_B I liked my Tiny Terror so much, I was hoping that the Dual Terror would have a bit more clean headroom, and felt a bit disappointed. If the DT had been manufactured the same as Ade Emsley’s prototype (there was a choke to increase “perceived” headroom) I may still have it.

[@hog7203]

​@@notplaying2379 I broke my back a few years ago and had to switch to any amp that I could pick up. Got a good deal on a used tiny terror head. I didn't like it because of no clean headroom so I switched out the preamp tube to a 12at7. Now it's one of the best sounding amps I own. I was gonna use a 5751 tube but didn't have one available at the time. That would probably be a better choice cause it's a little hotter but I'm happy with the results, so I'm gonna leave well enough alone.

[@fossilmatic]

Definitely worth waiting for. Lol, I’m left thinking I have four amps that will be toast inside ten years, while the 72 Twin Reverb I keep under the stairs will survive like a cockroach. But considering I don’t expect my mid range coffee machine to last more than five years of daily use, I guess I should abandon the romantic mojo and adopt more reasonable expectations.

[@ikestoddard2458]

Does your Twin have a Master Volume?

[@tombryan1]

How often do you have to re-cap that coffee machine?

[@EricStPierre]

Amazingly detailed as always. Thank you for feeding my passion with more context. Even the new Traynors from a tone perspective are great, though retubing one is a nightmare.

[@barryprovost4597]

Great vid Lyle! You’ve saved myself and many a friend some anguish knowing what’s lurking under the hood on these types of amps. Good idea on the clean/dirty division for the next few vids, looking forward to them and seeing what’s on the bench next 🤘

[@zoomzoom3950]

My choice for digital modeler today: Boss GT-1000 and SY-1000. My first modeler was the Vox Tonelab tabletop when new; I've owned Fractal and Helix. I also use a Line 6 HX Effects with my tube amps, but for direct modeling with FRFR I prefer Boss. IMO

[@pb12661]

the new boss GX-100 is good too. great for the price.

[@BenState]

Awesome!! I just bought the Orange Tremlord 30. I would love to see your opinion on that, but I guess that depends on your exposure to what is a fairly new amp model. 1 channel, 30W, clean, all tube reverb and trem and fx loop. Seems sweet to me for a pedal board. Also has solid state rectifier, which i prefer anyway.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Orange: great amps .Ike Turner had a supercool Orange stack check it out.also Eric Burdon and War's guitar player had a badass Orange setup not familar with their newer mods but Orange has alwys rocked

[@ibnzboy2009]

Best amp advice on KZbin with a lovely radio voice to boot!

[@tomthumb4325]

Love your videos as someone who loves guitar gear especially amps this has helped me immensely about deciding what ones would be cost effective

[@soloflightwest]

I’m a tube amp user %100, thats why I use a modeler pedal on my board. I gig constantly with a 1959 Magnatone 213A Troubadour, and absolutely love it but it’s inevitable to avoid a tube amp malfunction forever and having DI amp solution ready to go on board like the HX stomp or new UAFX Dream that can also serve as effect you need anyway should be the new standard for professionals. You might find yourself in a situation where amps aren’t even allowed and or sound engineer needs your amp volume so low it becomes pointless to even use one.

[@Ninjametal]

Any venue that doesn't allow amps doesn't deserve guitar music, but otherwise I agree with you about any pro having some kind of direct to front of house, modern modeler in their kit.

[@axelmurphy2397]

gotta agree there. if anyone told me i can't have my amp over a certain volume i'd tell them to go fuck themselves and leave lol but i'm not likely to play at those kind of venues i guess. either way, none of us should be allowing that kind of nonsense

[@sparkyguitar0058]

In my worship music situation most of the time I don't even use an amp. And when I do it's a small S S practice amp used as a monitor to hear myself. I can live with this cause I got to play every week during the pandemic. Now I got 3 kinda gigs every week. 2 on Sundays, outside st a homeless temporary church then at another church where they pay me a small amount. But the guys in this 1 are putting together a original worship music album. In the area I live in there is no original music anywhere. So I appreciate what I got cause it could be nothing. And hopefully when we do record our album I'll get to use my real equipment.

[@rjw7032]

I just really love my Traynor YBA 1’s. I would also add the early 70’s YGL3 Mark 3 head and combo. I like the heads. Lighter to carry. Attenuators for both are a must as they are brutally loud. Just four bolts, pop off the lid and everything is right there to service. Even have the schematic on the lid. Up here in Canada still well under $1K CDN.

[@harrisfrankou2368]

I got a YCV80 phenomenal dirt channel has a master as well as gain... Phenomenal gain at and volume.

[@jasonmcbride2737]

Great video Man! Very well presented and produced. Thank you for taking time to compile and share this information. Have a great weekend!

[@thesurfjunkies]

Well thought out honest video and a breath of fresh air over the usual top ten lists and under a certain dollar figure videos. Keep up the great work sir!

[@nachom1971]

VHT surprisingly has a couple under 1000$ handwired (in China) amps. I'll definitely never get rid of my ac15, jcm900 4100, twin 65 reissue or even my early blues junior (recapped, upgraded tube pcb and biased) .

[@jackdpearce]

They're actually quite decent amps, I've heard some mixed reviews of the Dumble style ones, but I have a standard 18 (1987x clone iirc) head and V30 loaded 2x12 cab that was ~$600 used. It's an excellent clean/pedal platform amp.

[@aaronroberts3848]

This is why I just build my own amps . He is spot on as far as repairs and brands . I have seen many across my bench . As far a modeling I'm sick of everyone comparing the sound . It's not just about the sound ! I play tube amps bc the respond in a very open way ! No modeling amp will do that . Touch sensitivity, pick attack, note definition changes due to all of the above . Sorry modeling amps just can't do it . Ya the tones are getting closer and anyone who dosent play instruments will most likely not hear the difference but most who play proper tube amps will FEEL the difference and hence it's not just about the way it sounds . When a musician/ artist is hindered bc thier equipment just isn't cutting it the master piece will not be as great as I could have been and the over all experience of the listener/viewers will notice . Save old tube amps they have lasted this long for a reason !

[@csharpminorseven]

Thank you for all the work, expertise and knowledge you put into your videos - best wishes from the UK

[@richardlynch5632]

Hat is off to you sir.😎👍 Thank you for taking the time to do this extensive list of popular amps on today's market. And most of all...For sharing your years of "In the Trenches" amp knowledge and your obvious appreciation for these tone machines. Am looking forward to the price range where excellent tone and build quality meet cancelling out planned obsolescence and bang for the buck shines😃🤞🤞🤞...? You are a light in the darkness 😎👍

[@adamwatson6916]

I really like my DSl 5CR and 40Cr . I have had both for the last 4 years and so far I have had no issues. Not saying I will not have issues but so far I have had no issues and I love the sound and I actually refer them to other more expensive amps I have owned and no longer own. I have had a mini Jubilee and and a JVM 1 by 12 and I newer bonded with either and actually preferred the tone of the DSL amps and I no longer own either amp . The jubilee and JVM did sound great but neither amp had the tone that I prefer. The DSL get me closer to that tone I hear in my head . I think if u had changed the speaker in the JVM it might have been a keeper and would have got me the tone I like but I also found the amp to be very noisy so I moved on from it

[@Minter_Music]

Same. My DSL15C has held up very well and sounds excellent clean, dirty, or with pedals.

[@stevelark9840]

I've serviced many Traynor amps, and you're right, they're the best bang for your buck for an actual vintage, serviceable amp. I will say that the YGM-3 is up there as one of the better choices though, so I was surprised that you isolated that model as one to avoid. The earlier, late 60s models were best , and, like all other brands, quality went to hell by the late 70s, but still... YGM-3 is a killer choice and one of Traynor smaller offerings. 2 el84 in PP, with true tube driven reverb, solid cab and hammond iron, 1-12" speaker, and fiber board hand wired construction. Some even say its even a deluxe reverb killer

[@dontthroworanges]

Came here to say exactly this. The Traynor YGM-3 is a fantastic amp for modern players. Low wattage, robustly built, relatively light compared to other combos. Not to mention its great sound and easy mod-able to suit the player. You can typically find these amps around $500.

[@PsionicAudio]

My experience of the YGM-3 was that it had so many design flaws that by the time everything was corrected the repair cost more than the amp. Wrong tapers on all the pots, terrible tone circuit, bad grounds everywhere, stupid circuit breaker, etc. Crappy car-radio quality speaker. Maybe it was a later production version. It went out the door as a great sounding 5E3. But then the owner refused to pay for the work he’d agreed to and approved before I did anything. Maybe that experience colored my view of the model.

[@harrisfrankou2368]

I've got a YCV 80 I love it but the Loop was parallel and sucked the tone out of the tape echo. I had it gutted into series and the guy... he left the pots, which seem powered, it still blows out DSP delays, and verbs with low headroom.

[@harrisfrankou2368]

@@PsionicAudio I've got a YCV 80 I love it... but the Effects Loop was parallel and sucked the tone out of the tape echo. I had it gutted into a Series Loop and the guy... he left the loop trim pots, which seem powered? It still blows out DSP delays into the red especially my Space Echo RE20, and any digital verbs with low headroom. It's blown out atm what would you recommend on the service? I gotta get it going, get the loop like my 20 watt with no pots... But would value your opinion on how far to go? In listening to you and learning bit... it might seem wise to go "all the way"... I love this amp and just gets the best dirty boost tone I've ever had. It gave me 4 years of trouble free awesome tone. Great channel btw.

[@denisroy7276]

I actually have quite a collection of Traynor Amps - Basically every tube model they made from several YBA's four different YGM-3's.. And, they are all great amps.. In fact, the ONLY one with such a circuit breaker design was a 1977 YGM-3 where quality had begun to fade as Steve Lark mentioned above.. But, yes, like almost every amplifier sold in Canada and England at the time whether Fender or anything else, certain post WW2 trade barriers existed and good speakers were very hard to come by. Otherwise, log tapers on the volume pots were just one of Peter Traynor's ways of getting around certain pre-existing design rights - Kinda like labeling "Midrange" and "Presence" pots typically found on a Plexi as "Range Expanders" so as not being too overly obvious

[@benoakwood2088]

What a GREAT video series. Thank you SO much for sharing this knowledge!!

[@Papergami45]

I'm very curious to see info in the coming months/years on the build quality of those 5150 Iconics. I know the circuit is rather different to the OGs, despite the name, and it seems some care was put in (in general), so I'm hoping they turn out to be well built. If they are, the versatility of those seem off the charts.

[@TheCyberMantis]

Wow, I never knew MESA sucked that bad. I heard horror stories, but I still couldn't believe they are that bad, for how much they cost. What a total ripoff. I was hoping the next installment video would include an ENGL Fireball 100. I would also like to know what you think of the Kemper and the AxeFX-III. Different price-points, but I see a lot of pro's using Kemper and AxeFX-III. The Fractal stuff seems to nail that "tube tone" and they have so many features, you can get ANY sound you could ever think of. Huge learning-curve tho. I have a boss Katana head plugged into an old Peavey 412M cab with Celestion G12K-85's in it. It sounds great, and has lots of flexibility. Best $350 I ever spent on an amp head. It's not tube, but it also doesn't have all the problems and expense of a tube amp.

[@PsionicAudio]

Unless I get an ENGL Fireball on the bench, I won’t offer opinions on it. Similarly, unless I had both the Fractal and the Kemmer to use and compare, I would have no opinion of them. There are a lot of “gear review” channels that seemingly get their hands on everything. And then almost everything gets the bestest of best reviews. I only discuss what I know, and I’m not beholden to the companies that send out stuff for review. So I may never do a Kemper or Fractal on here. Unless a client sends one to me. But as I do repair, and they are essentially computers, that’s not very likely.

[@TheCyberMantis]

@@PsionicAudio I understand. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the videos!

[@qbertrtrtg]

@@PsionicAudio all those gear review channels do is play it for a week and say "wow sounds amazing" then send it back to the manufacturer. They don't do any tear downs or longtime ownernship reviews

[@MichaelRoxalot]

Just adding a comment to help you in the algorithm. Thank you so much for making these videos. I really hope your channel explodes because your knowledge is so extraordinarily valuable amongst the sea of 4.5 star amps on the market!

[@alexholz2510]

This series is the single best Consumer Reports style analysis of guitar amps. Thank you for it! Can't wait to see the rest.

[@macanoodough]

I'm so upset Bugera didn't make your list :( I do admit that it doesn't beat most of what you picked, it certainly beats a couple. And when blended with a Marshall DSL the tones are amazing. I haven't found one amp that does everything, so I started using two. When I did that I found it's almost impossible to get a bad tone. You can do wet dry or any combo you like to get your tone, but between the two I've spent under $1000. And I've had the Bugera for 2 years and play it often. It's holding up pretty well and after switching out the speaker, I'd compare it to the Marshall DSL. They are super close to each other sound-wise. I don't know about the build though, that's why I'm so very sad you didn't dish the dirt...

[@MichaelRoxalot]

Just adding a comment to let you know we're still interested in the next installment of the series!! We know you're busy, but we look forward to learning about the $1,500-$2k mark!

[@thomashubbell1960]

Lyle, all your videos - including this one - provide a great service to the guitar-playing community! Based on the information from several of your earlier videos I decided to take advantage of a good deal on a new Vox AC15C1 earlier this week. I was a little worried when this video dropped this morning that there would have been another hidden gem at the same price point that I had failed to consider. But, I'm happy to report that this video confirmed my choice given my budget and wattage needs. I did strongly consider a DRRI (and may still consider one of these down the line depending how the AC15 works out for me), but I knew I would need to sink an extra $200-300 into it in the not too distant future and this made it exceed my wife-approved amp budget! Thanks again for the great videos!

[@slazinger]

Great value in this series man, really interesting, keep it going and thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@charleshuguley9323]

There's nothing wrong with a one trick pony if you like the trick.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

FIRST COMMENT YO!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

What are you commenting about? I didn’t read a subject, but I did read your declaration. Thanks and have a wonderful day.

[@BradsGuitarGarage]

@@sgt.grinch3299 Just that I was first to comment. It's a running gag.

[@simoneh4732]

Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the next one in the series!

[@sdy30]

Excellent video, just as the previous one was. Really looking forward to hear what you have to say about the really expensive amps!

[@cubesandpi]

superb video as always, we appreciate the experience Lyle!

[@billmckenna7056]

great stuff, entertaining and informative! While I have nothing but 50s-60s tube amps I enjoy learning about the new stuff people buy these days!

[@randolphvanhook5829]

This series has been incredibly helpful and insightful. I truly appreciate the perspective from the man who actually works on and repairs these things. Thank you, sir!

[@stratfanstl]

A very well organized, well-presented summary. Thank you for the effort.

[@ofoburbano]

Thank you so much Lyle! I think i will get the Marshall DSL 40C. I've played and it sounds great to me, i just wasn't sure about its reliability and its construction quality, but you've made it so clear now. Thanks a lot man !!

[@hock4540]

Amazing. This video is like giving people money. Thanks for taking the time to inform the community.

[@keysersoze3977]

Not only was this video massively informative it was impressively entertaining.

[@midtownunited9316]

Excellent video Lyle! Thanks for these.

[@aidanoliver8209]

I really enjoy the calm explanation. Thank you.

[@gregmccutchan.]

I really enjoy the videos in this series. Thanks for the hard work.

[@catalingoga6002]

Man, I have to say it, this video taught me a lot about guitar amps and helped me understand my Fender Blues Deluxe Reissue better. It really gave me a clearer perspective about the idea of guitar amps these days, what maintenance they need, how to make them sound better and what amps to stay away from. I loved the video because it was so detailed and fun to watch, I liked that it was technical and honest. Keep up this series, I think a lot of people value this kind of videos and would help them make a good decision before buying their first amp, or any amp, I wish I saw this video before buying my first amp!

[@kjsdestin]

Thanks so much for these videos. Old tube amp guy here. I recently got a Friedman Runt 50. I love how it sounds so much, that I have been afraid to open it up and look inside. You’ve made me think that maybe it won’t be so bad in there.

[@CJBlake-rf7mv]

This was a phenomenal break down. Thank you.

[@sjdanthem]

All of these videos are exceptionally well done and written.

[@brucerobenalt8048]

Thank you so much for putting together this series. So much invaluable information!

[@jergervasi3331]

Really enjoyed this video, as always! Keep up the great work.

[@thesongwritersjourney]

Love your candor, keep up the great work!

[@michaelnc4450]

Excellent video!!!! Thanks for taking your time to post! 👍

[@fcariani]

Incredible work. It feels good to be disabused of so much prejudice I had for certain styles of amp!

[@altcountyemo]

Testify! Thanks for this expose. This is a real service to guitar players and techs(like me) who have to explain why their Mesa repair is going to cost so much. Only in the biz 10 years, I have seen the F RI and Blues Series with all of these problems. Haven't seen the DSL40 but happy to hear it is improved over the JCM 2000. Keep up the great work

[@Joseph-dh9yz]

Thank you Lyle! 'Been waiting on this one. And the next one. Thank you for this.

[@jonasjacobsen9702]

These videos are very useful and helpful. Thank you man I really appreciate it!

[@robinstokes5179]

Absolutely loving this & your dry humour. Most of us are flying in the dark trying to sort the wheat from the chaff & can't try every amp out there. Great solid advice, thanks. So glad I hung onto my 70's Pro Rev. despite its weight & loudness. I took out 1 speaker, fitted & run an Eminence Maverick as a single speaker for breakup at lower vol. Not quite the same as just turning the amp up used to be but pretty good tone wise. My ears / band members & neighbours thank me. Prob need to think about caps now since it was fully serviced over 20 years ago although it did go to a tech for a minor repair a few years back.

[@mattburdock1734]

This, as always, was so helpful. Thank you!

[@dylanjastle]

Highly anticipated upload

[@stevewehner9540]

Lyle thanks for your expertise and experience. I purchased a Fender lt25 yes it sounds muted like many of the modelers do. But I ran across a Fender hot rod DeVille it's a 96 model but I bought it knowing it would need a re-cap and thanks to your videos it helped me make up my mind.

[@Strumbum01]

Thank you Lyle! I wish I could like this 100 times.

[@jspendleton3898]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and honesty. Very helpful and eye opening!

[@BladeDoomer86]

Thx, very informative.. Your videos are incredibly detailed and fun to watch.

[@MrYatesj1]

Great Content!! LOVE This concept of preemptive purchases!! Thank you!

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

Another great video, and a great resource for every tube amp fan. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next in this series. I know very little about the inner workings of amps and so I loosely base my buying decisions around crude generalizations, like “expensive is best” or “hand-wired boutique” is the way to go. I’m probably completely naïve however 🤣. Anyway, cracking series of vids!

[@bee.normal]

Great editing along with great tips.

[@Tankerbell21]

I just wanted to say thank you for this perspective. I was friends with a tech for a long time and it was a breath of fresh air given the lack of objectivity and prone to bias the market is. I know this took time to make and I really hope more videos come out. It reminds me of mechanic videos who say “consider this” due to years of experience with models that have their problems. It always helped me make an informed decision. ❤