Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,071
High-end/Boutique
$300
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your inner rock star with the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head, a powerhouse in the world of guitar amplifier heads. This amp head is designed for the discerning guitarist who demands flexibility and superior tone. With its all-tube architecture, it contains three 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL84 power tubes, delivering the classic warmth and dynamic range that tube amps are renowned for. Whether you're playing smooth jazz or roaring rock, its three channels—Clean, Crunch, and Lead—provide the versatility to cover any genre.
The TubeMeister 40 Deluxe is equipped with an innovative Red Box AE Ambience Emulation DI output, allowing you to connect directly to a PA system or recording setup with the authentic sound of a miked 4x12 cabinet. The integrated power soak offers multiple wattage options (40/20/5/1/0W), making it easy to adapt to any gig size or recording environment, even if you need to practice in silence with the speaker-off mode.
For those who love to tweak their sound, dual 3-band EQs provide precise tone shaping, while the Tube Safety Control ensures your power tubes are always operating at their best, extending their lifespan. Additionally, the serial FX loop allows you to integrate your favorite effects seamlessly. Compact and versatile, the TubeMeister 40 Deluxe is ready to take your performance to the next level.
Key Features:
- All-tube design with 3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes and 4 x EL84 power tubes
- Three footswitchable channels: Clean, Crunch, and Lead
- Dual 3-band EQs for detailed tone control
- Integrated power soak: 40W, 20W, 5W, 1W, and 0W settings
- Red Box AE Ambience Emulation DI output for direct PA or recording connection
- Tube Safety Control for monitoring and optimal bias of power tubes
- Serial effects loop for integrating external effects
- MIDI IN with phantom power for advanced control options
Product specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 3 |
| Total Power | 40W/20W/5W/1W |
| Preamp Tubes | 3 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 4 x EL84 |
| EQ | 3-band EQ |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (8/16 ohms), 1 x XLR (DI out) |
| Effects Loop | Yes |
| MIDI I/O | In |
| Footswitch I/O | 2 x 1/4" (channel, effects) |
| Bias Type | Adjustable Fixed |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 6.73" |
| Width | 17.56" |
| Depth | 5.98" |
| Weight | 16.9 lbs. |
FAQs
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How many channels does the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head have?
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The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head features three channels, allowing for a versatile range of tones from clean to overdriven.
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Can the TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head be used for both home practice and live performances?
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Yes, the TubeMeister 40 Deluxe offers power scaling options of 40W, 20W, 5W, and 1W, making it suitable for both home practice and live gigs.
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Does the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head have an effects loop?
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Yes, this amp head includes an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects pedals into your signal chain seamlessly.
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What type of power tubes are used in the TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head?
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The TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head uses four EL84 power tubes, which contribute to its rich, dynamic sound.
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Does the TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head have MIDI capabilities?
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Yes, the TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head is equipped with MIDI input, enabling you to control channel switching and other functions via a MIDI controller.
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What are the connectivity options for the TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head?
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The amp head provides a 1/4" input, 1/4" speaker outputs for 8/16 ohms, and an XLR DI out for direct connection to mixers or recording interfaces.
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile tone options: clean, crunch, and lead channels
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Power Soak feature for volume control in any environment
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Lightweight and portable with carrying case included
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Direct Out with speaker simulation for silent recording or live use
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MIDI functionality for easy switching between settings
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Good low-end response compared to other EL84 equipped heads
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Built-in attenuator for volume control without tone loss
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Takes pedals well, enhancing its tone shaping capabilities
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Three channels offer a wide range of sounds
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Well-built and durable design
CONS
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Footswitch not included, an additional purchase required
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No built-in reverb or compressor, limiting onboard sound customization
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Some users report a desire for better stock tubes for optimal tone
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The passive EQ system may require a learning curve for new users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head.
Features and functionality
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The TubeMeister Deluxe 40 offers multiple cab sim options and allows bypassing the cab sim for using external impulse responses.
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The FSM 432 MK IV footswitch allows channel switching, effects loop control, and preset creation through MIDI, including attenuator settings adjustments.
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The 1-watt power setting is quiet enough for apartment use, while the 40-watt setting can be loud enough to be disruptive in larger spaces.
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The EQ is described as very useful, contributing to the amp's ability to handle diverse musical genres.
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Mods and upgrades
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Swapping original tubes for JJ gold tubes slightly increases gain across all channels without altering tone significantly.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The 40-watt version provides ample headroom, suitable for medium-sized gigs, often requiring minimal PA support due to its volume.
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The FSM 432 MK IV footswitch is ideal for users needing to switch between presets and adjust settings dynamically during performances.
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Owners play a wide range of styles, from classic rock to pop punk, highlighting the amp's versatility for genres like Nickelback and Sum 41.
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Comparisons
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The Deluxe 40 has a redesigned drive section and advanced Redbox features compared to the 36, enhancing cab simulation versatility.
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Considered alongside the PRS MT15, the TubeMeister 40 is noted for its versatility and useful EQ, making it suitable for nearly any style except extreme metal.
Source
User experience
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In the YouTube video titled "Avenged Sevenfold Presents Breakdown: 'Mad Hatter,'" Synyster Gates is shown using the Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head.
From Pretty Maids' website, Chris Laney's gear:
Keyboard/Setup: Roland FA-06 Roland A-800 Pro Apple Mainstage 3 on MacBook Apogee Quartet
Guitars: Gibson Flying V
Amps & Cabs: Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister 36 Type-O Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister Deluxe 40 Hughes & Kettner Coreblade Hughes & Kettner MC412 Cab
FX: TC Electronics PolyTune
Strings: Ernie Ball 10-46 & 11-54
Album Usage
The Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Hughes & Kettner TubeMeister 40 Deluxe Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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