Hey yall. I was just wondering what you guys think of Crate amps. The one im interested in is 30w, tube, and has 2-12 speakers in it I found it for 250 and might be able to get it for less than that, so any input is aprreciated.

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--Hillbilly
Proud member of the 2 or 3 club

Although they are not what I normally use(d), I have, on two occasions used them in 'critical' situations. I found them to be durable, dependable and loud. My only issue with them was that they just didn't give me that presence and frequency range I was used to with my normal choices (old Fenders and Marshalls). Notwithstanding, if I was in a pinch again, I'd use them again without reservation.

For the price you can bag the one of which you speak, I'd do it!

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You dig?

My experience is similar to Martian and I have an old Crate B50 (I think is the model). It's a bass amp with a 12". I've hauled it all around and the construction is solid enough but I 100% agree that it has a very dead sound and a relatively sparse range.

I've tried several other Crate models over the years and have found the same to be true about the sound quality. I keep the one I have because its parked permanently at a friend's house for when I wander over. Its not great for either guitar or bass but I don't worry about it either.

Not a fan of them at all. Avoid the palomino series at all cost.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

If price is the issue I'd checkout a Fender Frontman 212 It's a 100 watts very loud and a lot a people are pretty happy with them. I haven't seen to many good reviews on Crates lately

Ill tell you one thing though, that amp is bad bad bad... he let me test drive it and at 10 ft away on volume 3or 4 i could fwwl my pants leg vibrating... i might go in tomorrow and see if he'll take 200 for it. If not i might just go on and get it... thanks again for yalls input and keep it comin

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--Hillbilly
Proud member of the 2 or 3 club

I played Crate solid state amps for years. Never a tube Crate. I know that the clean channel on the solid states is awesome, the dirty channel is not worth a crap. I am not sure about the tube driven amps's dirty channel.

I say (if you can) plug into it and see if you like it with your guitar.

RK

Well I could always just run an effects pedal into it anyway... im probably going to run it again just to make sure everything is still ok....

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--Hillbilly
Proud member of the 2 or 3 club

Nothing wrong with that, that's what I did. Sounds great with the right pedals. I used to own a Crate GFX 65 watt. I'd buy a Crate again, but I am happy with the Roland Cube 30X I have right now.

RK

Thanks buddy.. appreciate your help

-Hillbilly

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--Hillbilly
Proud member of the 2 or 3 club

That cube 30X is a nice amp I play mine often around the house. Thats is when my Son and his friends don't have it. That an the AC30 seem to end up in the club room always.

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

One word. Junk.

I used some Crate amps when I first started playing. If you can get it for $225 or less, I would jump.

I've played through Crates a few times -- at friends' houses, parties etc -- and my experiences echo Martian's. They seem durable and don't sound bad for the price, but they will not sound like a good tube amp. The one I played sounded good, albeit sterile.

I would have to echo the sentiments here on Crate. They are good or a musician on a budget. The amps are decent for the price. But I have never been blown away with the tone. They are/were made by St. Louis Music, just like Ampeg, who makes better quality amps, that are still not the best on the market, unless you play bass.

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Guitars:
1. mid 70's Ventura MIJ Gibson l6-s clone (Pre-lawsuit) in Black with Rosewood FB and EMG 81 BR/ 85 Neck
2. ESP KH2 Neck Thru
3. 2008 Am Std Strat in 3 tone sunburst