Most durable / reliable amp manufactuers

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Audioholic

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What Maker do you nominate as one of the most durable / dependable amp manufacturer (tube failures aside)?


I think I would say Mesa in my somewhat limited experience. They imo make a very solid build, and seem to last quite a long time.

What say you?
 
I've played a lot over the years and I'd have to go with Mesa. Man those things are built like tanks. I gigged my old MKII for 12 years straight and never once took a backup to a gig. Not once. :rock:
 
I'd say Mesa, Hiwatt and Soldano (at least the SLO). :yes:

And hopefully Bogner. :lol: :LOL:
 
Peavey seemed to have created a tank of an amp with the 5150/6505s.
 
I have had the Soldano 5yrs and a couple yrs worth of gigs, many,many practices where I would transport it twice a week with no roadcase. It has never let me down other than tubes. Oh, and I bought it used. :rock: My vote=Soldano
 
I agree with mesa used them for 15 to 18 years and never had a problem other than tubes. :thumbsup:
 
As much as people seem to hate the brand, the Krank Chadwick II is well built. Far better than my Blackmore, in terms of solder joints, wire work, and quality of the materials, especially the PCB board.
 
Dehumanize":33qpjdrq said:
Peavey seemed to have created a tank of an amp with the 5150/6505s.
Click to expand...
for sure ,mine has been through hell
 
I have 3 rack mount Dual Rectifier's and I've been giging 2 of
them for almost 10 years and have had no problems what so
ever. They have been dropped a few times,beer spilled in one.
And cranked at band practice 3 to 4 times a week.
The one problem I did have was the pots,they are pretty weak.
They get pushed in really easy,but I have since replaced all of
them. It wasn't a must do situation,I'm just a bit of a freak about
my gear.
I have had minor problems with my Diezel's and Bogner,but nothing
to really mention.
I say Mesa,and like most have said,they are like a tank.
 
Id have to say peavey too.

Ive owned 5 different rectos, a mark IV, a mark III, 2 stilettos, an F-50 and a DC-5. Ive had problems with every one of them - except the mark III cause I havent had it for very long yet.

My old 5152 took a beating for many years a never had a problem
 
Mesa.

Have been using a T-Verb for 16 years, extensive gigging - including lots of long miles, and being loaded/unloaded by road crew. Have had zero problems - never even had to go to a backup head due to a tube failure (always use Mesa tubes as well). Even cosmetically, head still looks 8 outta 10.

That's road ready and built to last. :thumbsup:
 
I bought my 5150 brand new in 93' and it's been a beast. I've pretty much retired it to slave off my 5150 III these days but I did a show with it as my main amp last weekend and it kicked ass. Peavy's are pretty solid I think. :rock: Although I have an old Marshall JCM 800 from the late 80's that was in a fire and the tolex actually melted and it's still kicking. Never even changed the tubes in it. :rock:
 
So Mesa and Peavy are at the top thus far.

Pretty good to take into consideration for possible future purchases :thumbsup:


makes me want to get back into a mesa :doh:
 
rlord1974":17rm40cd said:
Audioholic":17rm40cd said:
So Mesa and Peavy are at the top thus far.
Click to expand...

You should have made this thread a poll.....
Click to expand...


yeah thought of that, but didn't want to exclude anyones amp of choice had I not thought of it, so many manufacturers out there.
 
Bugera all the way dude :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL:

There haven't been that many around to test time. It has to be Marshall, Mesa and Fender when they were all 100% made and assembled in the US and UK from parts not made in China or other places with stinky food. It is hard to imagine an amp over 30 years old with original trannies, caps and tubes without even a scratchy pot. But, I own several Mesa's and Marshall's that are.

Steve
 
yeah I know the major names that have been around, but there are still lots of great amps out there not from the big 3 or 4, that while may not have the 20-30 year history, have been around long enough to gauge reliability and dependability.
 
I think today, unless its PTP wired, the PC boards are all wave soldered for the most part. So that makes them all kinda close i would think.
 
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