TOP Best Guitar Tube Amps
The best guitar tube amps were invented over 90 years ago, but they have been and remain the standard for today’s guitarists. While there are so many different models on the market today, including modeling amps that try to capture this sound, there is still something special about tube amps. Tube guitar amps produce a sound that is quite difficult to imitate, as they are rich in harmonic content and have a warmth and depth of tone that other amplifiers cannot convey. What’s more, they also compress as naturally as possible and respond to game dynamics, so you get the most expressive sound possible.
So, if you are a musician who appreciates simplicity and authenticity, then most likely you are looking for guitar tube amps. However, which model should you pay attention to? Below you can explore information about how tube amplifiers differ from all others, as well as explore our top five best tube guitar amps.
How are Guitar Combo Tube Amps Different From Others?
Before turning your attention to the best electric guitar amps with tubes, we would like to talk about what makes them so special and why you should choose them. Of course, the first one is the tone, as it is always as complex and organic as possible, whether you want to produce a pure classic tone or a dark and rich one. You can’t ignore the feel either, because the tube amp interacts with your fingers in an amazing way, thereby saturating the tone.
Also, the best tubed guitar amps are distinguished by their simplicity, which will be an advantage not only for fans of this sound, but also for beginners. More often than not, they only have a few channels that can be tuned with a small number of knobs and maybe a spring reverb.
Both professionals and beginners around the world primarily choose guitar valve amps for their atmospheric authentic sound. Our top tube guitar amps will help you choose 5 models that undoubtedly deserve your attention and will not leave you indifferent.
Top Best Guitar Tube Amps
1) VOX AC30HW2X
Type: combo
Output: 30W
Tubes: Preamp 3 x ECC83/12AX7; power amp 4 x EL84
Channels: 2
Speaker(s): 2 x 12″ Celestion Blue
Effects: None
Effect loop: Yes
Footswitch: Optional
Inputs: 1
Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ speaker jack
Weight: 45.75lb (20.75kg)
We decided to start our top with an amplifier that can be safely attributed to the best tube guitar amps under 40 watts, and this is the VOX AC30HW2X.
It is one of the combo tube guitar amps as world legends have used the AC30 in their music, from the Stones to the Beatles. However, why do they choose this particular guitar amp? Let’s figure it out.
The VOX AC30HW2X is known for several things, the main ones being its unrivaled volume and unique tone. It can be used in almost any musical style, so no matter what you prefer, this model will not disappoint you.
Moreover, with a volume of 30 watts, this amplifier is loud enough to not only rehearse at home, but also give small performances.
VOX version AC30HW2X has a hand wiring, top boost circuit, alnico speakers and ECC83/EL84 tubes. Thus, this amplifier is as close as possible to the model that was produced in the best years in the history of the AC30.
In addition to its colorful clear sound, many legends have also praised it for its smooth and progressive overdrive. Almost everyone likes complex mids and classic tones, so the VOX AC30HW2X is without a doubt one of the highest rated tube combo guitar amps.
2) Fender Blues Junior IV
Type: combo
Output: 15W
Tubes: Preamp 3 x 12AX7A; power amp 2 x EL84
Channels: 1
Speaker(s): 1 x 12″ Celestion A-Type
Effects: Spring reverb, drive
Effect loop: No
Footswitch: Yes, fat switch (boost)
Inputs: 1
Outputs: Speaker jack
Weight: 31lb (14.1kg)
No top rated tube guitar amps would be complete without Fender, a brand that is one of the most popular in the world of music. Even if you’ve never picked up a guitar before, you’ve probably heard a lot about Fender.
It is undoubtedly one of the most desirable tube guitar amps due to the sound it produces. Fender Blues Junior IV is capable of both great rich tones and hard sizzling sound. Also, of course, it has a powerful unique Fender tone that will give you a brilliant high-frequency performance as a fashion designer.
Thus, if you want to know the answer to the question which tube guitar tube amps have a brighter sound, buy Fender.
What else is the Fender Blues Junior IV famous for? It’s often referred to as the best tube guitar amps for home use, as the Blues Junior IV’s 12” celestion A-type speaker is known for its low volume playing.
In this way, you can practice at home and forget that you will lose sound quality, since it will not deteriorate at all. What’s more, despite the fact that we just called this model the best guitar tube amps for home use, it is also ideal for small gigs.
Among other things, this model belongs to our top 5 tube guitar amps due to its small size and weight, as well as its affordable price. A large number of amplifiers of the same size and price range cannot compete with the quality that Fender offers.
3) Supro Delta King 12
Type: combo
Output: 15W
Tubes: Preamp 1 x 12AX7A; power amp 1 x 6L6
Channels: 1
Speaker(s): 1 x 12″ Supro DK12
Effects: Spring reverb, drive, boost
Effect loop: No
Footswitch: Optional
Inputs: 1
Outputs: Line out
Weight: 28lb (13kg)
Another best guitar amps tube combo is the Supro Delta King 12, which has defined the sound of an entire generation since the fifties. It belongs to those tube combo guitar amps that convey the most vintage atmosphere both through sound and appearance.
What’s more, the Supro Delta King 12 is one of the biggest competitors to the Fender Blues Junior IV according to most guitar tube amps reviews. They are both simple, small all-tube amps with 15 watts of power at an affordable price.
In order to really make the Supro Delta King 12 sound, engage the FET-driven boost, and it will be enough even for loud performances in clubs and bars (thanks to its a line out for larger venues). It also features the Pigtronix FAT gain circuit so you can add amazing overdrive to the sound.
However, you should know that even without amplification or drive, this little amp will still sound as nice and loud as possible. So, if you are looking for the best guitar amps with long life tube, choose the Supro Delta King 12.
4) Blackstar HT-1R MKII
Type: combo
Output: 1W
Tubes: Preamp 1 x 12AX7; power amp 1 x 12AU7
Channels: 2
Speaker(s): 1 x 8″
Effects: Reverb
Effect loop: No
Footswitch: Optional
Inputs: 1Outputs: 1 x 1/4″ speaker jack
Weight: 12.3lb (5.5kg)
Speaking of popular combo guitar tube amps, one cannot fail to mention a model that has been popular all over the world for a long time, and this is the Blackstar HT-1R MKII. This model has almost all the best features of its predecessors, so it is one of the most popular at the moment.
One watt of tube power creates an incredibly harmonious and rich sound that few people expect from a single 8” speaker. The answer to the question “what to look for guitar tube amps” is the timbre, and the timbre of this model will not leave anyone indifferent.
Among other things, it is also worth mentioning that the Blackstar HT-1R MKII is one of the best tube guitar amps for bedroom use due to its features. For example, we would like to mention the USB emulated output. Thus, for the price of only $350, the Blackstar HT-1R MKII can safely be called one of the best guitar tube amps.
5) Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII
Type: head
Output: 50W
Tubes: : Preamp 4 x 12AX7 & 2 x 12AT7; power amp 1 x EL34
Channels: 2
Speaker(s): N/A
Effects: Reverb
Effect loop: Yes
Footswitch: Optional
Inputs: 1Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ speaker jack, line out
Weight: 45.75lb (20.75kg)
If you’ve been looking for a great 50 watt tube amps guitar, then the Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII is sure to be your best bet, as it’s a no-compromise metal amp that’s a favorite of Slipknot’s Jim Root. That is why he is often included in the tops of best tube amps that guitar players prefer.
The Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII has a switch’s bel power output which is another way to shape the tone you want. What’s more, as we said, it has incredible volume yet still offers affordable smooth and rich tones that will allow you to enjoy your game to the fullest. The Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII also has an attenuator which is an advantage for most players.
