What's your favourite vintage Traynor?

[Fuzzy Picklez]

So, who knows stuff about Traynor amps?
I've done a bit of research, but you guys always seem too know stuff.

It seems like they'd probably be the best value for me since I live in Toronto, and I've been checking out demos, and the sound is crazy on them. Sounds pretty sweet. I'm basically asking, do you any of you know anything about them, recommended anything in particular to me, or have a favourite if so why?

I've really been looking into YBA-1s. They seem to fit what I want. I need something that can stay sort of clean, and go pretty loud. It needs to cut fairly well, and take pedals well. I play a jag and a tele with a humbucker in the neck. The band I play in is a loud, noisy, spacey, alternative band. I know that doesn't really mean much, but still.

Anyway, what should I get? It seems I can snare almost anything for under $600 on craigslist, which is good in my books.
SO WHAT DO I NEED PLOX AND THNXX

[theavondon]

I love two Traynors. You may disagree with my judgment, but hear me out.

One is the TS-50B, obviously used for clanky, angry bass tones. Shellac sounds, dude. And, surprisingly cheap when found.

The other is the YVM-4. It's a four channel PA head, but it's the cleanest guitar amp I have ever heard. It makes Twin Reverbs seem like Marshalls. Also, the reverb on it is kinda silly deep. And, got it for $50.

[grindonomicon]

I was bummed when I missed out on my pal's Voice Master. I've seen them modded into four channel amps, and one of the channels is always left alone for that clean sound. $50 was a steal on that, theavondon!

My fave is the Bass Master YBA 1, Traynor's take on the Bassman/ JTM amp. For all the reason you mention in the OP. You might be able to get two for $600 if you look around.

If you need more power, the YBA3 and YBA3A will get you to crazy Ampeg SVT volumes.

[shanelovesfuzz]

I'm a huge fan of vintage Traynors. I've owned a Guitar Mate Reverb and a YRM1 Reverb Master head which were both great amps.
Below is my current amp, an early 70's YSR1 Custom Reverb which had a new cabinet built for it. It sounds like a cross of a Bassman and a Plexi. it's got an amazing sounding bias varying tremolo and it is very LOUD. Like all old Traynors, it's built like a tank and I got it for a really great deal. They are slowly becoming more expensive though, so if you can find one for a good price jump on it.

[Zounds Perspex]

as has already been said, YBA-1 for guitar, YBA-3 for bass.

[devnulljp]

YBA-1 is awesome. Too frikkin loud though.
I've got an old YGM3 guitar mate combo, which is great -- used to have a YGM2 as well but sold it to finance my AC30.
They're great wee amps, especially if you're in Canada and can pick them up for cheap.
Don't forget Garnet too though -- some of those are amazing amps.

[Fuzzy Picklez]

YBA-1 is awesome. Too frikkin loud though.

Sounds good for me then.

Don't forget Garnet too though -- some of those are amazing amps.

Which models in particular do you recommend?

[devnulljp]

Depends what you're looking for -- if you like the YBA-1, the BTO might be for you. Huge huge huge loud sound, like an all growed up JCM800 with a Stinger fuzz built in. Friend of mine has a couple, but I don't think they made many of them. If you see one, buy it.

I like the littler ones though. Haven't played many of the big 50W+ Garnet amps.
Some of the Stencil amps are a great deal -- super cheap on CL if you know what you're looking for.

Also, the Herzog fuzz unit kills. It's based on the Fender Champ, but as a preamp.

Randy Bachmann lives up the road and I have recurrent fantasies about him having a garage sale one day, clearing out his old stash of amps.
Gretsch bought his collection of old Gretsch guitars a few years ago

[Fuzzy Picklez]

Depends what you're looking for -- if you like the YBA-1, the BTO might be for you. Huge huge huge loud sound, like an all growed up JCM800 with a Stinger fuzz built in. Friend of mine has a couple, but I don't think they made many of them. If you see one, buy it.

I like the littler ones though. Haven't played many of the big 50W+ Garnet amps.
Some of the Stencil amps are a great deal -- super cheap on CL if you know what you're looking for.

Also, the Herzog fuzz unit kills. It's based on the Fender Champ, but as a preamp.

Randy Bachmann lives up the road and I have recurrent fantasies about him having a garage sale one day, clearing out his old stash of amps.
Gretsch bought his collection of old Gretsch guitars a few years ago

Geez.
If he does, let me know. I'll be over there in a jiffy.

I see Stencil amps on craigslist a lot, but they all look like they're going to explode at any minute. Part of the thing that attracted me to Traynors is the durability too. I gig a lot and need something that can take a bit of abuse, and the carelessness of others.

I'll keep an eye out for the Garnet's though. I know they're supposed to be rad, they're just pretty elusive.

[shanelovesfuzz]

+1 on Garnets. I had a Session Man 2x12 combo that screamed, it was like Canada's take on the Twin Reverb but better. It's the piece of gear I regret selling the most. Hopefully I will find another someday.

[sanfordandsonny]

My favorite Traynor is the Yba-3(a)
I play Lemmy bass so a JTM Marshall is meh so a yba-1 is good and don't overlook the yba-1a a ss tube rectifier might help decrease sag if desired. You can wire a tone bypass easily which makes it LOZuD and middy.