Need Amp Recommendations...What 'ya got?

[petez0r]

what you are explaining is the markV, EXACTLY, except its over what you want to pay lol.

[warlok]

I got my RM100 for $715 shipped with a KH1 and a 1086. Then got an Ultra for $125 and sent to Jaded Faith to be ridiculously modded for $170. That's $1010 total and I have what I needed/wanted. Of course I want more but... You can semi-easily get what you want for $1K or under. And I don't see me ever buying anything else except MTS stuff..

Also, I don't notice my fan at all. Never been an issue for me.

And just for info.. the RM100 is about 70#, and the RM50 is about 40#..

[BenoA]

- At least two channels, preferably three.
- Chimey sparkling Fender-ish clean channel
- Moderate distortion, classic rock channel
- High gain, layered overtones channel. Think hot-rod'd Marshall, "brown sound". Not a fan of the deeper "chugga chugga" Mesa tones.

- All tube tone, not looking for a modelling or hybrid amp.
- Very good effects loop, to run a GT-10 etc through.
- Under a grand in price. Preferably well under, I'm being a cheap bastard with this purchase.

So what 'ya got? Looking for other amp recommendations that fit this bill as close as possible. Help a bro out before I drive myself nuts over this.

GT-10 compatible and high gain... Under a grand...

Peavey 5150/6505... OK I know, you won't get "Fenderish" cleans but I get a decent usable clean out of mine.

I'm like ya, using a Boss unit (a GT-8 in my case), I can switch channels from my head using the amp control on the Boss unit. The FX loop works without any issue with my GT8 (using 4 cables method).

5150/6505 can be found for cheap used or a brand new one is 999$.

[Nightbat]

Thanks, G. Appreciate the advice and tips.

The full head is too much for what I'm going for with this one, but I'm seriously considering the 50W version.

I'm using an RM4, and technicaly, only use 2 modules at a time
Clean and overdrive
I've found using 2 different modules for OD/Lead has a too big tonal/character difference to be useable without heavy tweaking of one (found this problem in many 3 channel amps as well)

Any good FX unit and the 4-cable method (or just FX loop and some good guitar volumeknob usage) can give you a bump in the midrange and some added verb or echo to handle lead, or choke it a little for dirty riffing
Leaving you perfectly fine without a 3rd channel

If I didn't have my Randall setup I would opt for the V3m, the 2 equal ODs are easier to make different than 2 different ODs made equal

[rstites]

When I read your list, the first amp that came to mind was the Egnater TOL. You can't score one for that kind of price. However, I'd definitely go look at the Randall amps designed by him.

Doesn't he have a new import line too? I think they're all smallish, classic rock type amps though.

[shreddermon]

Yeah, the Egnater Renegade was on my hit list, too. I tried one out briefly at the local GC, and really dug it. Not sure what to believe about the reliability rumors, though.

[rgx]

Engl Gigmaster is really nice two channel amp with plenty of gain and an fx-loop.

[Mazrim]

You might be able to pick up a loved in JVM for around that price.
From what you describe I would put it up there as ideal.

[Robert Hendrix]

Look into Blackstar. Seriously. I just picked up a 2x12 combo running EL 34s for 8 bills. I know it's bigger than a lunchbox, but they have smaller combos and every one of the ones I tried sounded great. I picked the stage 60 fr exactly the reasons you mentioned, Sparkly cleans, good Classic rock rock overdrive channel and a killer modern OD channel. I've had mine 4 months now and I love it.

[holycross1]

Since you have a GT-10. I would suggest a 2 channel head. The GT-10 has that jack on the back for switching the channels on 2 channel amps. You can easily set up a boost patch and a high gain patch.
As far as that souped up Marshall tone goes. Look at the Ampeg VL series from the 90's or a Lee Jackson XLA head.
Lee Jackson have the best built in power soak I have ever used by the way. I practice in my apartment with a 100 watt head!
He was pretty much the king of the Marshall mods back in the day.
I have the Lee Jackson XLS-1000 head on a Basson 4x12 cabinet. Its the second one I bought. They show up used for a song on ebay now and then. I will never gig without one.
The XLA is based on the Marshalls he would build for most all of his clients it seemed. I want to add one to my set up.
The XLS is his take on what he thought was the best of his designs at the time. And I agree. I like it better then The Ampeg VL that was its previous incarnation. But The Ampeg has more gain IMHO. They are both musical in tone. But the Lee Jackson XLS just talks to me.
I used them with a GT-8 just fine. I have since gone to T.C. Electronics and assorted goodies. I might get another GT or get a Line 6 HD Pro and a pedal board with a patchmate to switch my amp channels.
The Line 6 tape echo and other FX are really nailing it lately. And I don't have to use their damn models either. LOL
Well...I got a little off topic...Sorry.
Good luck on your search. Its a personal thing. I know. So find what works well for YOU.

[Tim_B]

BLackstar series one 50

http://www.blackstaramps.co.uk/products/seriesone/seriesone50.html

it's everything you described and more, I know because I've had the series one 100 for about 18 months

stay on ebay for a used one ... you'll never look back

budget may be stretched slightly though ... hence the 'nearly new' suggestion

[chrisolson]

A Mesa MK IV could be had in your price range. I love mine!

[Grim]

A Mesa MK IV could be had in your price range. I love mine!

This is exactly what I was going to recommend, a used Mark IV. They pop up (rarely) under 1000. This one's 200 over,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie-Mark-IV-Combo-/330602990370?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf9794b22#ht_500wt_1413

Bear in mind these bastards are heavy, but they can be moved with some effort.

[chrisolson]

I got pretty lucky with mine - I think I paid $850, cuz the guy had BAD pics, and was getting no interest. Thing was in AWESOME condition - just needed a little TLC.

[Twitch]

Someone nominate this guy for most awesome amp collection. ^^^^ Seriously, stop it.