I Just Got a $200 TUBE Amp... And It's AMAZING!!

I realize this is an ancient video, but I have questions:
1.) Does anyone know of an amp that's basically this, but with an EL34 power section?
2.) And this is the important one. Do the controls to go 12?

Awesome solo!

It's not a Fender it's a Laney clone, Cub 15 I think.

I got one of these in August of 2018, and prior to the pandemic, giggled/jammed with it once or twice a week. I don't use it for guitar though... I blow harp through it. The Covfefe ended the gigs and jam sessions, but this Amp was (and still is) 100% reliable. The sound is great, and plenty loud enough to keep up in small to medium venues, playing classic rock, blues, and country. It doesn't seem to be available on Amazon right now, which is a real shame, but if it was, I would not hesitate to buy one again.

The only things I worry about with preamp tubes is whether they are rattly inside, whether they are microphonic and ring and/or feedback with all controls up full and whether there is heater hum and excessive hiss/noise/crackle. Other than that I don't think brand makes any significant difference, overall gain excepted.
It looks pretty much bog-standard (I design and build my own amps FWIW) and the EL84 output stage would make it close to a British sound 15 Watt'er (power pentodes) but where I think you'd find the real plus is the speaker. It might be worth trying the amp into different speakers with the internal one disconnected for comparison. And more speakers = more sound for the same output power too. A very interesting video seeing you as a player evaluate it. BTW I rather liked the reverb; almost no hint of spring rattle.

My $2500 hand wired Tweed Deluxe has a hard wired power cord. Not the end of the world and in fact, no way to accidentally leave your power cord behind!

Hey Darrel, do you ever do re-reviews, i.e. perhaps after using products like this amp for a more extended period of time? Cheap is fine unless it craps out like a lot of cheaply made electronics. Happy '24!

I picked one of these amps used from Goodwill for $65. The chickenhead controls are on top and there are two inputs, one being 1w. The reverb box hardly outputs, but I added a Soul Food and a Reverb/Delay pedal and it sounds decent. The volume cuts in and out...maybe a lose connection somewhere, maybe the tubes. I'll continue to can air the thing until it works well. Not bad for a Chinese Blues Jr!

Darrell - I've always maintained that IF you have to scimp, then buy the better AMP rather than the guitar. Get a basic guitar that has the sound you want with decent intonation, spend the rest on the best AMP you can afford. I still believe that - after all, the amp makes the electric guitar electric! Still, digging the videos.

It's very close the blues junior and the 5w very close to the fender version also. They also make a clone of the fishman big boy acoustic amp for 79dollars.

I fell in love with their guitars accidentally and now I love their amps that I want to use with the spark cab.

I have the SB20 tube head and the SR 2x12 with celestions. I LOVE it

I like it, sounds pretty good too, I’ll tube lightweight great sound it’s just an amp a straightforward amp 👍

How much was shipping/duties in Canada? Thinking of ordering one of these mono price amps.

This low cost tube amp punches well above it´s weight. Great sounds.

Amazing review Darrell and as usual using a lot of common sense, you think ahead in the common questions, I really wish all the review videos were like yours, excellent job man, I hope you get sponsored in the future by all these brands 👍👍👍

Is not a versatile amp but sounds great bro

Stop playing with other instruments. How am I supposed to know how the amp actually sounds?! I want my time back

That sounds like a Blackface Deluxe. More Marshall like in drive though.

The sound is mostly Marshally because the preamp is a clone of JCM800

Come on!!!!! This is a Harley Benton!!!!😮😮😮😮A B-brander!!!!

RE verb not re VERB. I mean, what are you Canadian or something?!

This is the exact same amp that Harley Benton has their name on!

I'm thinking of buying an amp. I'm a begginer guitar player. I have a Line 6 Spider 3 (15w.) and a Marshall MG10CD (10w.). I'm considering a Line 6 Catalyst 60w., and this Monoprice 15w. I would love to hear any good recommendations. I'd like to stay in the $200-$300 range.

Soli Deo Gloria! Where do you play bro?

🍒

These stage right amps can be modded to make great blues harmonica amplifiers!!

This $200 amp now sells for over $600.

High end tubes? I thought that as of about a year ago there is only one factory in the world (outside china) that still makes tubes?

Damnit. Just saw this video and now the amp is $279. Still, not a bad price.

When I was a noob (a long time ago), I made the mistake of buying a solid-state amp. From the first strike of the strings, I knew I had gone down the left-hand path. Of course, I'm sure solid-state technology has improved since then (this was the 90's) but, as I'm scarred by that experience, it ain't gonna be me playin' one!

This looks like a good practice/home amp, especially with that neat 1 watt feature. Definitely looking to pick one up!

267 now

good demo though!

it's not 200.00 it's 279,00 US according their website, almost 379.00 Canadian not a deal anymore. Where did Darrell get it for 200?

This is 600 dollars in the UK

Is it a fender copy?

Just got a Joyo 5w Sweet Baby and it sounds freakin’ great. We’re so lucky now.

The Harley Benton tube 15 is exactly the same amp as this,if people are finding it hard to find.👊

honestly i think this is why nobody plays guitar: inflation. I remember learning like 10 years ago, going to guitar center. BRAND NEW squier strat, $99. BRAND NEW , Peavey VYPR30, $99.. Squier strats are now $179 plus tax, heck, USED Peavey Vypr30 are now going for $300.. The setup I bought brand new for $198 is now like $480+.. Keep in mind when I bought this setup minimum wage was $7.25. Minimum wage is still $7.25.

They already cranked up the price

they did increase the price to $250, however the reverb has been upgraded as well as the tubes. the quality of build also seems a bit better than the one you unboxed.

Thomann in Germany sells this one under the name Harley Benton Tube 15. I have it and I like it a lot.

This is sold as Harley Benton too.

The tubes in that amp are EL84s. It is right there at the monoprice webstore.

Gotta say, not bad for $200 bucks!

It's the same exact thing as the Harley Benton 15w tube amp. They look identical.

Amazing how these cheaper brands manage to place an FX Loop in their amps whilst others don't (Blackstar's HT1 series…). Great video!

Darrell, so the last section you played on the guitar with Seymour Duncans "Maximum Distortion" we just maxed out settings and NO OTHER pedals???