Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 36 - still worth?

[Ogrus]

Hey mates, good evening!

Despite to follow the forum for a while, it's my first thread/post in here!

Just to clarify, I've already read a lot of threads about this subject... however, I'd like a "more actual" point of view about it, as this amplifiers are already being rocking for a while!

In the next November, I'll be going to Germany on vacation... I'm looking for a small package, portable and moderately low power head (~30W), to accompany my Laney TI-15 and open up more possibilities of tonality and recording! My limit is about €750,00, and I'm really thinking about an amplifier "made in Europe" (cause it'll probably be cheaper than an amplifier "made in US" being sold in the EU)... the main idea is get a Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 36... I know what to expect about its sound, but what are the opinions of the users of these amplifiers, especially in which concerns its reliability?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers

 

[sg guy]

-there very flexible, lots of features, some don't like the "over processed" core tone.. There was also issues with the midi switching, I don't know if that was addressed or not,... try before you buy.

 

[Ogrus]

-there very flexible, lots of features, some don't like the "over processed" core tone.. There was also issues with the midi switching, I don't know if that was addressed or not,... try before you buy.

The "over processed" tone will not be an issue! I liked almost everything I've heard of it!

About MIDI, I never used, and think I prefer an "direct approach" using just the footswitches... I'm not thinking to switch to a MIDI controlled rig right now! But, an issue is an issue, and it's good that you pointed that out!

I'm more concerned about reliability than anything else, but everything should be taken in account, not only the positive things, but the negative too!

 

[Gutmann]

It helps to check ebay and ebay classifieds from time to time, there you can get a Tubemeister for 500-600€:

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-mus ... r-36/k0c74

The tubemeister is a great flexible and reliable Amp and it is really easy to carry around. If you want to keep it even simpler you might look for a tubemeister 5 (which isn't in production anymore) - these go for 150-300€ if you are lucky,

For around 500€ you find a used dual terror as well, just browse ebay classifieds.

Where are you going? If you need any advise, feel free to ask. If you have something specific you are looking for let me know, sometimes shops have cool used stuff.

 

[the recluse]

I used one for a year and a half or so as my main gigging amp. I really like it and didn't have any issues with it other than not being able to keep up volume wise with my drummer and bass player.

 

[ke2]

Look at the rear before you get it. I find pictures both with and without "Manufactured in PRC"
Sorry for the gigantic pic.

 

[bish0p34]

I have a TM36. I really like it. It has some great sounds, and is definitely loud enough for anything. I never found the sound over-processed, but YMMV. I used it as a main gigging amp for about a year. Never had any issues, and I bought it used. I ran midi in from a TC G Major with no issues as well.

I honestly only use it as a backup these days. I got a Grandmeister and use that now. I'd look for a used one. Much more flexible.

 

[Ogrus]

It helps to check ebay and ebay classifieds from time to time, there you can get a Tubemeister for 500-600€:

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-mus ... r-36/k0c74

The tubemeister is a great flexible and reliable Amp and it is really easy to carry around. If you want to keep it even simpler you might look for a tubemeister 5 (which isn't in production anymore) - these go for 150-300€ if you are lucky,

For around 500€ you find a used dual terror as well, just browse ebay classifieds.

Where are you going? If you need any advise, feel free to ask. If you have something specific you are looking for let me know, sometimes shops have cool used stuff.

Let's say I don't want nothing too much large and heavy, so I'm excluding combos and big heads... however, I want something I can do some gigs with... I know, 5W "tube watts" are a lot, but I still have a 15W combo (Laney TI-15), and want the next one to have a little bit more output and features... the TI-15 is a pretty straight forward amplifier, great in the "gain side", pure capable of classic rock and even more vintage metal tones... but lacks some features and some clean tones as well!

About buying used gear, normally I don't have so much trouble, as I buy and sell a lot of stuff here in Brazil... however, buying something used overseas could be a bit more tricky, as I won't have too much time to spend there (will stay some days in Berlin, then go to Prague, and finish the trip in Munich)... and, I can't forget to mention that, in the €750,00 price range, I could refund the VAT during/after the purchase, if buying in some store, as I don't reside in the UE... I'm taking it in account too!

I used one for a year and a half or so as my main gigging amp. I really like it and didn't have any issues with it other than not being able to keep up volume wise with my drummer and bass player.

Good to know! As I'm used to play with the TI-15, without trouble (volume wise), I think any amplifier with more output would fits my needs!

Look at the rear before you get it. I find pictures both with and without "Manufactured in PRC"
Sorry for the gigantic pic.

Yes, I'm aware of that! Normally, when you hear that something is made there, you already think about low quality control, generic (and cheap) components... but, a lot of people forget that their beloved iPhones are made there too... so, made in China could make something to be a crap... or not! I think it depends a lot on the "maker"... however, I cannot say anything about how the H&K controls what is produced there in its name...

I have a TM36. I really like it. It has some great sounds, and is definitely loud enough for anything. I never found the sound over-processed, but YMMV. I used it as a main gigging amp for about a year. Never had any issues, and I bought it used. I ran midi in from a TC G Major with no issues as well.

I honestly only use it as a backup these days. I got a Grandmeister and use that now. I'd look for a used one. Much more flexible.

The GrandMeister is superb, but a bit pricier than I can afford... tonewise, is there SO much difference? And what about the construction and hardiness? Do you feel they seems to be cheap/weak in any way?

 

[bish0p34]

I have a TM36. I really like it. It has some great sounds, and is definitely loud enough for anything. I never found the sound over-processed, but YMMV. I used it as a main gigging amp for about a year. Never had any issues, and I bought it used. I ran midi in from a TC G Major with no issues as well.

I honestly only use it as a backup these days. I got a Grandmeister and use that now. I'd look for a used one. Much more flexible.

The GrandMeister is superb, but a bit pricier than I can afford... tonewise, is there SO much difference? And what about the construction and hardiness? Do you feel they seems to be cheap/weak in any way?

The Grandmeister sounds more organic to me. The crunch channel on the GM is different from the one on the TM. It's not as gainy. The one on the TM is a cross between the Crunch and Lead Channels. It gives you a lot more options. The effects are a bonus in a pinch. The delay and reverb are good.

These things are like tanks. I've played outdoor gigs in 90 degree sunlight. One fell of my gear while loading out drunk, and it works fine.

 

[Ogrus]

I have a TM36. I really like it. It has some great sounds, and is definitely loud enough for anything. I never found the sound over-processed, but YMMV. I used it as a main gigging amp for about a year. Never had any issues, and I bought it used. I ran midi in from a TC G Major with no issues as well.

I honestly only use it as a backup these days. I got a Grandmeister and use that now. I'd look for a used one. Much more flexible.

The GrandMeister is superb, but a bit pricier than I can afford... tonewise, is there SO much difference? And what about the construction and hardiness? Do you feel they seems to be cheap/weak in any way?

The Grandmeister sounds more organic to me. The crunch channel on the GM is different from the one on the TM. It's not as gainy. The one on the TM is a cross between the Crunch and Lead Channels. It gives you a lot more options. The effects are a bonus in a pinch. The delay and reverb are good.

These things are like tanks. I've played outdoor gigs in 90 degree sunlight. One fell of my gear while loading out drunk, and it works fine.

"These things are like tanks." Which ones? Both of them, or just the GMs?

I'm asking it cause, let's be real: not everyone who buys a piece of gear and becomes satisfied with it makes a postage/review praising it, but a lot of people who takes a glitched gear usually create threads in foruns, which means that eventually our searches end having a response that may not be the true of the whole set... and I'm seeing a lot of people complaining about this amps! And, in Brazil, would be a big pain if I need to be in touch with their warranty or even tech support! I could do some repair, but will avoid to buy it if it isn't worth!

 

[bish0p34]

These things are like tanks. I've played outdoor gigs in 90 degree sunlight. One fell of my gear while loading out drunk, and it works fine.

"These things are like tanks." Which ones? Both of them, or just the GMs?

I'm asking it cause, let's be real: not everyone who buys a piece of gear and becomes satisfied with it makes a postage/review praising it, but a lot of people who takes a glitched gear usually create threads in foruns, which means that eventually our searches end having a response that may not be the true of the whole set... and I'm seeing a lot of people complaining about this amps! And, in Brazil, would be a big pain if I need to be in touch with their warranty or even tech support! I could do some repair, but will avoid to buy it if it isn't worth![/quote]

I've definitely seen a few people having problems with them, but you figure with how many they've sold...there's bound to be a few lemons. Especially in first runs. I usually buy them after a year or so.

I have three..a TM18, TM36, and GM. The 18 is the only one what didn't get a whole lot of gigging experience. The 36 and GM got over a year gigging each. They're both like tanks. I've had no issue with either. To me they're worth it, and reliable. I'm playing with them now in two of my three bands, so the GM is seeing very regular use these days. The TM36 is always there as a backup.

 

[Ogrus]

These things are like tanks. I've played outdoor gigs in 90 degree sunlight. One fell of my gear while loading out drunk, and it works fine.

"These things are like tanks." Which ones? Both of them, or just the GMs?

I'm asking it cause, let's be real: not everyone who buys a piece of gear and becomes satisfied with it makes a postage/review praising it, but a lot of people who takes a glitched gear usually create threads in foruns, which means that eventually our searches end having a response that may not be the true of the whole set... and I'm seeing a lot of people complaining about this amps! And, in Brazil, would be a big pain if I need to be in touch with their warranty or even tech support! I could do some repair, but will avoid to buy it if it isn't worth!

I've definitely seen a few people having problems with them, but you figure with how many they've sold...there's bound to be a few lemons. Especially in first runs. I usually buy them after a year or so.

I have three..a TM18, TM36, and GM. The 18 is the only one what didn't get a whole lot of gigging experience. The 36 and GM got over a year gigging each. They're both like tanks. I've had no issue with either. To me they're worth it, and reliable. I'm playing with them now in two of my three bands, so the GM is seeing very regular use these days. The TM36 is always there as a backup.

Yes! That was exactly what I meant! If everyone who bought one made a post, the whole universe of reviews about these amps would be a lot more real! However, we know that it isn't the true, and when you see a lot more people complaining about the problems than praising it, even knowing that probably they'll be the minority, it makes you "light the alert"...

In any case, when you read something like what you posted, it just brings some hope to actually be pointing to the right side ... yes, I still have tge intention to continue analyzing all the possibilities, awaiting more answers (hopefully favorable ones), and intend to test when I'm there ... but at the moment, the TM36 still remains one of my major targets!