looking for a good quality valve/tube amp for telecaster & p-90 style guitar...

[Pipeline79]

Not sure of the technical definition... Headroom is basically how far up on the volume control it stays "clean." My Bassman 100 (a Twin Reverb without the effects) has a lot more headroom than my Bassman, and my Reverberocket 2 (20W) has way more headroom than either one of them. My Bassman will break up around 4 if you whack it pretty hard and eases into Neil Young tone from there. My Bassman 100 will break up around 7, and keep going into a bigger version of the Bassman; "Working Man" was rumored to be a Twin Reverb on 10, and I know it's POSSIBLE... The Reverberocket (designed for Jazz, basically) distorts at around 7 also, and it's pretty nasty when it's all the way up. I could mod it, but I want to leave that one alone. I'll probably sell it shortly, for another Bassman...

Hope that helps,
Justin

Thanks Justin, I know what you mean now.
Bassman's (Bassmen?) Are a good buy, I reckon. I've been looking at Bandmaster and Showman heads, too. Whatever I buy I'll need something like a Hotplate, anyway. Cab's would be great to mess with - you can get old ten inch and twelve inch drivers from all sorts of places - goodmans, celestion - whatever, I imagine.
Ampegs (like your Reverberocket) are worth investigating - some are quite pricey though, probably because of the Stones connection.
I may go for a Selmer for now though, money is tight.
Ever used a Sunn? Pretty uncommon in the UK, and insanely loud, but I'm half tempted because the quality is good - rugged, dark, good reverb - pretty fair prices too. Not exactly subtle though.

[Jag]

FWIW, I agree with Justin. I think the SF Bassman is the sleeper of the vintage market. Even BF Bassmen can be had for decent money. I went crazy on them a few years ago and currently own four BF and a couple SF Bassmen.

My favorite mod is a hybrid AA864 preamp and the AB165 power section, but as long as it's an AA864 or AB165 circuit it will sound great.

[Fee]

you might check out the 33 watt amp from a German company called Realtone Amps. I don't know the price but it's making a hit with lots of my friends when they tour over there. A lot like an old AC30 but with modern features and less headaches. Let me know if you find out the price. Best wishes....