Hughes & Kettner tubemeister - What To Know & Where To Buy

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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4.5 (10)

$929.00

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$856.50

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5.0 (7)

$400.15 9 available Used

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Average Price: $729

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Heads category, Hughes & Kettner tubemeister is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Hughes & Kettner tubemeister". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash your sonic potential with the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister, a versatile amplifier that harmoniously blends raw power with refined tone. Designed for musicians who crave both clarity and punch, this amp offers a three-channel design that lets you seamlessly switch between clean, crunch, and lead sounds. Whether you're playing in a cozy studio or a lively gig, the TubeMeister's switchable power soak—ranging from 1 to 40 watts—ensures you always have the right amount of power without compromising your tone.

Inspired by the technology of Hughes & Kettner's flagship TriAmp mkIII, this amplifier packs an EL84 power amp and 12AX7 preamp, delivering everything from shimmering cleans to a bold, British-style roar. With its intuitive controls and individual three-band EQs, you can effortlessly sculpt your sound to perfection, making it a reliable companion for any musical journey.

Key Features:

Three-channel design: Clean, Crunch, and Lead
Switchable power soak with 1, 5, 20, or 40 watts
EL84 power amp and 12AX7 preamp for a versatile tonal range
Individual three-band EQs for precise sound shaping
Compact yet powerful, suitable for studio and live performances

Product specs

Brand	Hughes & Kettner
Model	TubeMeister 36 3-Channel 36-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish	Black
Year	2012 - 2021
Made In	Germany
Categories	Guitar Heads
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	8 ohms
Number of Channels	3 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	36
Power Tube Type	EL84
Reverb	None

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister use?: The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister uses EL84 power tubes, which are known for their warm, harmonically rich sound, often associated with classic British amps.
Does the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister have an effects loop?: Yes, the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister features an effects loop, allowing you to connect external effects processors or pedals for more versatile sound shaping.
How many channels does the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister have?: The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister offers three channels: Clean, Lead, and Boost, providing a wide range of tonal options from pristine cleans to high-gain overdrive.
Is the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister suitable for gigging?: With its 36-watt output and versatile channel options, the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister is suitable for gigging, offering enough power to be heard in a band setting while maintaining clarity.
What output options are available on the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister?: The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister features a 1/4" speaker output and an XLR Red Box AE DI out, providing flexibility for live performance and direct recording applications.

Videos

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Rabea Massaad

Hughes & Kettner - Tubemeister Deluxe 40

Rabea Massaad

This Amp Is UNDERRATED! H&K Tubemeister Deluxe 40! (One Song, One Amp! V2)

Sonic Drive Studio

Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 - Review

Musiker TV

Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister Deluxe 40 DI Demo - Original Guitar Instrumental

Jay Parker

Reviews

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PROS

Three channels with clear, amazing sound, suitable for various music styles
Lightweight and compact, ideal for small spaces and easy transport
Power soak feature for versatile volume control from bedroom to gigging
Helpful tube indicators for easy maintenance and monitoring
Outstanding clean channel, a standout feature of this amp
Built-in RedBox DI out, FX Loop, and onboard reverb for studio and stage versatility
Unique voice distinct from other amps, especially Marshall
Compatible with both single coil and humbucker pickups
Attenuation options for silent recording or low-volume practice
User-friendly design with all controls easily accessible

CONS

Bright sound may require treble adjustment for some users
Lacks a specifically designed three-channel footswitch
Gets quite warm, limited ventilation with vents only on the back

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner tubemeister.

Mods and upgrades

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Users report that replacing the stock tubes enhances clarity, though specific replacement tube models are not mentioned.
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Owners mention using a cheap Behringer tube overdrive, Blues Driver, and Donner Dumble drive to enhance the amp's saturation for different songs.
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User experience

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One owner experienced the amp getting notably hot during use, though this did not affect performance.
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The amp's aesthetics, particularly its blue glow, are noted to enhance visual appeal, contributing to its desirability among guitarists.
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Users appreciate its lightweight design at around eleven pounds, making it suitable for downsizing setups.
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Features and functionality

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The Tubemeister series is highly speaker-sensitive, performing better with darker speakers like G12-75s compared to V30s.
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The self-bias feature of the Tubemeister series is highly praised for ease of use and maintenance.
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The Tubemeister 18 lacks a separate tone stack for clean and gain channels, complicating tone balancing between them.
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The Tubemeister 20 Deluxe's lead channel offers a saturated, bright gain that some describe as "hi-fi," resembling post-production rather than raw amp tone.
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Use cases and applications

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When using V30 speakers, it's recommended to dial back the treble to reduce any fizzy tones.
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For achieving metal tones similar to bands like In Flames and Trivium, pairing the Tubemeister with a Tube Screamer and adjusting the gain can be effective.
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The amp's attenuator is praised for versatility, making it suitable for both bedroom practice and club performances.
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The amp performs well with a Marshall 4x12 cabinet, though even at the lowest power soak setting, it's noted to be quite loud.
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The amp's DI capabilities are valued for touring musicians, though some find the drive channel less useful without additional pedals.
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Comparisons

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The Tubemeister 20 is preferred over the 40 for a less saturated crunch sound, avoiding the solid-state vibe some experience with the 40.
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The Tubemeister's aesthetics are praised, often likened to 1980s Miami style, adding a unique visual appeal.
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Some owners prefer the PRS MT15 for high-gain tones, citing the Tubemeister's drive channel as insufficiently tight for metal.
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Critic Reviews

Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister 18 Amp Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18 delivers impressive tonal versatility in a compact design, ideal for studio and stage use alike. Its standout features include a responsive clean channel and a lead channel with ample gain that suits various styles—from crisp cleans to heavy crunch. However, some may find the tonal character less vintage than desired, lacking the warmth of classic models. While it shines with smaller cabinets, larger setups can lead to harsh highs. Ultimately, it's a solid choice for players seeking modern tones without the weight.

positive

Full Review

Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18

soundonsound.com

The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 18 is a versatile powerhouse for any guitarist, offering impressive sound quality that transitions seamlessly from bedroom practice to stage performances. Its built-in Red Box DI and adjustable power settings allow for great flexibility, making it perfect for recording or live gigs. While it may not replicate the exact feel of a full-sized amp at high volumes, the tonal richness it delivers at lower settings is commendable. However, some may find its price a bit steep for a small amp. Overall, it sets a high standard in its class, balancing portability, functionality, and sound quality, making it a worthy investment for serious musicians.

positive

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