Name Some

[zagatron1]

Had a simular thread about guitars (of the electric variety), now lets talk about guitar amps. Tube amps that is. Complete, not kits! Same stakes. We already know about Carvin.  We know about Swart. Name valve amps made in th' USA! The bar is set at $1000. I'll be honest...... other than Allen amps (Classic 10-$799), I can't think of any more under that figure. Most all the independents are well OVER the bar. Ok... the challenge is on, Name Some! BTW, new not used!

[robert]

Mack amps.

www.mackamps.com

Made in Canada of course.

Why does it matter where they are made?

[zagatron1]

Mack amps.

www.mackamps.com

Made in Canada of course.

Why does it matter where they are made?

Doesn't. Just food for thought. I was thinking about how difficult it can be to find a REAL affordable tube amp that isn't made in China. I've had a chance to sample a few here and there lately, and even tho' the folks that put their name on these amps mean well, some of these amps really suck. I guess when they put "designed by_________", on th'  back (or front) it's supposed to make you feel like you're really gettin' something special. I also got one of those Musicians Friend holiday fliers (for Labor day), and I just look at those prices and just shake my head. I just think back to the days when just about anybody could afford a good quality guitar or amp that wasn't rushed through a production line, and didn't have to be a "Student Edition". Hell, even those are farmed out. Oh yeah, the build quality is there, 'cause they've been doing it for a long time, so you figure they're bound to get it right sooner or later. But the component quality, and consistency lacks. Once upon a time, folks wouldn't touch nothin' from Japan. Now, you hear about good stuff that rivals US stuff. China has taken Japan's place as the place of origin to turn up one's nose at. And sure, Marshall's Class 5 is supposed to be made in the UK. You think they put their all into it? Remember the first batch? I don't think that Marshall dedication was in it. I did a few mods to one recently. Plenty of room for improvement. Any Vox amp that isn't handwired is farmed out to China. That includes the good ol' AC30CC1. All these companies I used to look up to ain't nothin' but ****** sell outs. The rest of 'em "fell out the boat" after they where bought out. Fender buys out Gretsch, Jackson, Guild, Charvel, Sunn, Hamer and probably a rack of others I don't know about. Same thing with Dunlop buyin'  MXR, Way Huge, Cry Baby, etc. I'm glad I already have more gear than I need, 'cause if I wanted for something, I'd be up the proverbial creek. Sorry for going on and on folks. Got carried away I guess.

[DetroitBlues]

You have to ask yourself PCB board or hand wired... Big difference... Peavey is USA made, sub $1k.  Are you going to consider used versus new?

[zagatron1]

You have to ask yourself PCB board or hand wired... Big difference... Peavey is USA made, sub $1k.  Are you going to consider used versus new?

Wait a minute! Remember, in the Vox example I gave, I stated - "Any Vox amp that isn't handwired is farmed out to China". I also stated - ".....how difficult it can be to find a REAL affordable tube amp that isn't made in China". Rest assured, I knew I would overlook some detail. Hey, I'm far from perfect. I try to research as much as I can, but sometimes I get really involved too. I focus was new, because the "used" field is way too broad IMHO! You think I'm leavin' stuff out now.....

[IM4Tone]

............. Peavey is USA made, sub $1k................

Yeah, the Peavey classics and Delta Blues are the first that come to my mind. I'm not sure if Fender's Super Sonic 22 is made in USA or Mexico. It's price is just over $1k most often, but you can find them for <$1k.
In general, there aren't many!

[zagatron1]

I think Fender's big dawgs (which would include the Super Sonic) are compliments of Corona Ca.

[DetroitBlues]

Any Fender amp above $1k is probably made in the U.S.

[zagatron1]

Any Fender amp above $1k is probably made in the U.S.

I agree!

[Memory Lane Jr]

Hang on a minute are you saying if something is not made in the USA it is no good?
Maybe I have got the wrong end of the stick but I could not imagine you saying something like that Zag
I am more than happy with my not made in the USA but designed in the USA Egnater Tweaker & if you  check the forums so are plenty of others with lots more experience than I have in amp matters.
Do you really think amps, guitars, pedals etc have to be made in the USA to be good?

[IM4Tone]

Hang on a minute are you saying if something is not made in the USA it is no good?.....

I didn't read that anywhere in this post. 

[Memory Lane Jr]

Ok I have looked at zagatrons second post again & I could have misread something sinister into it.
The first time I read the post I thought it was bashing gear not made in the USA, problem is USA made gear is expensive for  Aussie's.
You just have to look at Carvin for an example you guys can buy direct we can't, I have asked them for prices on guitars before & they redirect me to the Aussie distro & the prices double. Same for Ernie Ball Music Man.
Gets a bit frustrating. I guess its something that would not enter you guys heads as you are really spoilt for choice & price.
 

[DetroitBlues]

That explains why MIM and MIA Fenders are priced nearly the same overseas.. And why other builders like Tokai do so well.

[zagatron1]

Well folks, looks like I need to clear things up a bit. I am in NO WAY bashing anything not made in the USA! It was nothing more than something to talk about. I was however making note of trends that have occured over the years. I've been out here since '67! This is just an example of the "stuff" I've seen out here. Believe it or not, it's what some folks are talking about. Everybody over analyzes! It doesn't mean I agree to it. To be truthful... I do not. Some of the things I've read makes me sad. The guitar world makes me happy. I just don't like to see some of the stuff I've been reading, but unfortunately it's reality. There's real prejudice out there folks! Never saw it when I was playing back in the day. People don't like China stuff now days and look down on it. Not long ago, it was Japan folks looked down on, and look what happened! Now they acknowledge the fact that some other folk can get it done. Those of US who ARE made in America ourselves, can only afford gear that is made in China 'cause our OWN country has raised the bar (and prices) beyond our reach! At best, we can get an "SE" model! Why can't we easily get a genuine "Custom Shop" axe without selling our car to get it? I own a Epiphone Les Paul Deluxe Studio and I love th' thing! Best $399 I ever spent!  Bottom line is this...... example, if Mr. Man wants a guitar, looks at a say, Gibson Les Paul! He already concludes he can't afford a ummmm, Traditional Pro 'cause it runs about $1699! He's blue collar! Checks out them Gibson Studio Deluxe axes, right? Oh oh, they're $1199! Damn! Let's try Epiphone! After waiting a few pay checks ('cause his credit sucks) he "manages" to settle for a Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro for $499! Good axe! BUT, people have a tendency to make you feel less than worthy! They judge you by the gear YOU own! YOUR GEAR! Why? I have no idea! It's ridiculous! It's in your hands baby! The power is in your fingers! Your ability speaks in volumes! Lot of us can only deal with what our budgets allow us. We deal with it! Life is short and we have a right to satisfaction. Just sayin'

[Memory Lane Jr]

HA-Ha-Ha
Don't you love it, certainly got a bit of toing & froing action happening on the forum 
And I fully agree with all that  you say zag