Looking into buying a new amp...

[shunut]

A friend of mine has a Marshall that is actually a hybrid, that is awesome. He is able to get any sound he wants out of it, as heavy or as light as he needs. His has a tubular preamp but the output is solid state, it really sounds awesome, and is cheaper than getting something that is all tubes. I believe that the model he has is called a Valvestate.

[interceptorMR2]

As far as tube amps go, how long do they typically go for until the tubes have to be replaced? I know it depends on certain factors, but is there an estimate in time and possibly cost? One of my friends is suggesting this B-52 tube combo:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/B-52-AT-...06-i1170731.gc

I'm hoping that when I head into guitar center that they'll have the valvestate so I can try em out but I didn't see them on their site. I like the 50W, looks like a good option for me.Thanks for the suggestions!

[DRAGON]

Says 60W....regardless, looks like exactly what you're looking for in your price range. Never heard of B-52 but at least you have a warranty from GtrCtr if you get it there. 60W w/1-12" will get you started -

Far as tubes go, they just either go or don't go randomly. Keep at least a couple spares of each handy because they'll prolly go at the least expected moment -

[pntballer5634]

im sticking with my mini stack, it may be small, but i heard the ****s loud. my dad's sending me a stack ( idk what yet) but im playing on a lil ***** mini amp. i got my expensive les paul, my 200 digitech whammy, my dd3, cs3, and cf 3, my morely pwv, and then.... a ****ty amp!!!

[interceptorMR2]

Thanks for all the info guys, I think for my first "real" amp I'll have to go up to guitar center and try a few amps out, hopefully they'll have the B-52, and I think I'll look at a marshall as a possible next step.