I know what sound I want... but what amp?

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Actually I take back what I said....if you want the sound of a Sunn Model T, just save up and get one when you run across one. No matter what you get, unless it blows you away even more than the Sunn did, you are always gonna kind of wish you had that instead.

[lordus]

well for "BIG " sound you'll want something with 6l6's as opposed to el34's

5150- 6l6
marshall- el34.

if that helps at all in the range of sound you're looking for, 6l6's are beefier and el34's are more trebbly.

hope this helps.

[underrealm]

Damn, I'm learning a lot today!

[JACKSONFREAK]

Just throw a BBE 442 in the loop of your BV. BTW is it a BV60 or a BV120? The 120's have more bottom end than the 60 watters. The speakers in the Marshall MG cab don't do the BV justice. You need a full sized 4x12 with either the eminance or the Vintage 30's to get the full apreciation of the head. Plus the MG cab is only 100watts anyway so if you turn a 120 watt head up to far you'll blow the cabinet. As Bill said tho the BBE 442 is killer in any amp. It gives you a fuller sounding tone and more projection. More in your face. (there's more to it than that but thats basically it)
Gil

[kmanick]

5150/6505..with matching cab and a BBE 422 in the loop..

dude, ..trust me.

Bingo trust Bill, he is correct.

I scored a 5150 combo and a Mrshall 1960 4X12 Cab(greenbacks) on ebay for a combined whopping $975.00 (both in mint condition)
do some searching the deals are out there.

[underrealm]

Lots of good ideas, guys. Damn, this forum is the shit! I'm considering everyone's input, as it is all greatly appreciated!

[skorb]

Vetta

[horns666]

Just throw a BBE 442 in the loop of your BV. BTW is it a BV60 or a BV120? The 120's have more bottom end than the 60 watters. The speakers in the Marshall MG cab don't do the BV justice. You need a full sized 4x12 with either the eminance or the Vintage 30's to get the full apreciation of the head. Plus the MG cab is only 100watts anyway so if you turn a 120 watt head up to far you'll blow the cabinet. As Bill said tho the BBE 442 is killer in any amp. It gives you a fuller sounding tone and more projection. More in your face. (there's more to it than that but thats basically it)
Gil

Gil, you're right..BUT the BBE is NOT a one size fits all unit..

A amp will let you know within seconds if it likes the BBE in the loop or not..

But in the case of a Crate BV, it will kick it in the ass big time..I tried one at GC..that unit was actually the deal breaker of some dude that was on the fence about buying a BV120..he bought both the Crate and the BBE..

My Uber absolutely hates the BBE..5150 LOVES them and My Marshall does well with it too..

Rectos also hate the BBE..it sounds very ratty in that loop..

Amps that work well with a BBE are 5150/6505..Marshalls..and the Crate BV..

So it would behoove any Crate BV owner to investigate the BBE..I was pretty please with the overall tone of it myself..and I'm picky.

I prefer the older 422/422a models..they're the best..but I tried the newer 462 with the Crate and it did wake it up considerably..all ears there agreed.

Either that, or buy a Uberschall, if you have the coin..I never heard a better amp in my life...for "metal" anywhoo..

It's so pure, crunchy, tight and organic with lots of girth..

John G is a great player/guy and knows how to milk his Vetta..I'm certain he has a very good tone, no question..I'd LOVE to hear his stuff..I'd love to jam with him....he prolly would like to hear mine as well.

I milked the hell out of the Uber..and I never been more pleased with a amp in my life..especially after installing the Tung Sols..that just did it for me.

Bang for the buck I must say 5150..they are tried and true..and they deliver the goods nicely!

Well good luck man..

Bill

[sl2lover]

Just remember that the amp is more than half of your tone! Hope that helps more than it does limit things!

[eaeolian]

Obviously, the first thing I'm going to recommend is a Recto, being a Mesa Nazi (to quote a member of a different forum).

That said, I played a Fender Super-Sonic last night. Not bad at all - very Mesa Mark-ish.

[roodyrocker]

Bill is right, the Uberschall IS it! The BBE did not make my Uberschall or Dual Recto sound any better, in fact it was worse. Same was true with my Randall RM100 which btw is another amp you should consider if the Uberschall is too pricey. I also still have my BBE 422A from back in the late 80's and even though I'm not using it currently I still hang onto it just in case I need to bust out my old ADA rig The 422A does indeed sound better than the current versions to me as well and that includes the new BBE Optostomp.

[chrisolson]

Yeah.. still kicking myself for not snaggin the one they had at a local MGR for 700.00.

I remember that one - it really had me thinking as well...

[FusionFarmer]

5150/6505 is really hard to beat, IMHO

[bloodandtears]

ada mp-1 and a BBE???

[underrealm]

I think I'll give the BBE a shot with my BV120 after I upgrade from the little Marshall MG cab. I figure that has to be at least half of the reason my guitar sounds like it's running through laptop speakers.

If that doesn't do the trick, then I'll start searching for another head again.