Amp recommendations

[UFORocks]

Here's a thought, what about a vox valvetronix with the modeling and effects? I've not played any of the bigger models (50w and up) but the AD30VT that I have is great for everything from bedroom level to an impromptu jam with some friends.

I would think that a 100 or 120 would be suitable for gigging, and you can get so many tones out of it its ridiculous, it would probably cover everything in a top 40 set.

Maybe I'm nuts, anyone else have any thoughts on it?

--Steve

[Rockinloud]

Are you looking for a single amp or have you considered going rack mount? I've been playing covers for years, pretty much along the line of the same material you're doing. When my MP-1 crapped out several years ago I picked up a Sansamp PSA-1 preamp. Wow, love it. Very versatile plus it has an XLR line out to run direct. Every sound engineer I've ever worked with has been very pleased with the direct line. Some guys will still mic a cabinet too. For power I run a Mesa Simul-Class 2:90 and a TC G-Force for effects.

[vwall]

Thanks for the great input guys!
I was a rack junky from the late 80's until about 2001.
All I did was play rack gear. Mesa Strategy 500, Eventides, Rocktron Digitech complex midi boards, etc. I used to hate amp heads and individual pedals.

but since then, I found it to be most enlightening tonally satisfying to play thru the heads warmth and tone .
I even quit using most effects altogether.
Now all I Run is my Recto half stack, a boss PS-5, Fulltone Clyde Wah, Delay pedal and a flange.

So using a felextone or an amp modeler or an fx pre amp with power amp for me would be out of the question.

The other guitar player used that stuff and it just sounds so weak compared to my rig.
Now if it was a one guitar band, I think it would be a more sellable sound..

I like the reviews on the MTS, thanks Pete.
However, I fear that I'll go broke buying all those mods.
Sounds like an expensive way to spend 4K or more on a 1500 amp.
Not that I wont get one eventually tho.. Very intriguing.

I'm making note of all the amps you guys are mentioning and will start checking them out thoroughly when I get back from vacation.

[Shawn Lutz]

Bogner 101B
VHT CLX

[Twisteramps]

I like the reviews on the MTS, thanks Pete.
However, I fear that I'll go broke buying all those mods.
Sounds like an expensive way to spend 4K or more on a 1500 amp.
Not that I wont get one eventually tho.. Very intriguing.

Well, I've seen the RM100 with 3 modules used for under a grand. Then buy an extra module, so you have three slots but four modules... and take the module that you like the lease, trade/sell it off, and buy another module you might like better. Really, it's the best amp in the world IMHO if you're someone who might want something different down the road... more flexible than anything else out there.

Pete

[Dreamland_Rebel]

i do like Randall's concept... the "Head Rack". hehheh.

[roodyrocker]

Another vote for the Randall MTS. I have a Bogner Uberschall and it just kills everything in sight. However, I also have an RM100 Randall and you can't beat it for a versatile amp. All the features Pete mentioned, plus the price is very reasonable especially used. I bought the head and a ton of modules off E-Bay as well as on the MTS Forum but I really tend to use 3 modules 99% of the time. I use Blackface for cleans, XTC for distortion and Mr. Scary when I want a little different distortion than XTC. You might want to try this stuff and if you don't like it, it does tend to move quickly so you shouldn't have any trouble selling it if need be.

Rudy

https://www.wickedrocks.com

[vwall]

Thanks Rudy, Nice to hear from you!
Hope all is going well!!

[horns666]

The Bogner Uberschall is the best "head" I ever played/owned.

It's brutality, tone and organic girth is unsurpassed..IMO!

..and it has a very "pretty" sounding clean channel that I never use.

[Slashaxl]

How about a Diezel? Great cleans and great metalsounds and everything in between!

[lynchfan6]

Was that Soldano you played the SLO100? That has been the amp that has made my dreams come true. If you never tried the SLO at "stage volume", you should...........before making any final decisions.

[Soap]

Was that Soldano you played the SLO100? That has been the amp that has made my dreams come true. If you never tried the SLO at "stage volume", you should...........before making any final decisions.

Yep, you need to gig with it a couple of times to understand and appreciate what their built to do. If your playing a lower volumes (apartment, bedroom and occasional let it rip scenarios) then don't bother with a SLO.
But if your gig out alot then take the puppy for a test drive, believe me, you'll be glad you did.

Remember, SLO's are a very basic simple setup nothing fancy about them, plain janes but built like a tank. This is where people don't get it, they think how can a plain jane amp sound like it does. They are just pure raw tone and power, in your face, bone crushing, flesh ripping, sweet as honey soldano style sound. The volume at or around 2 or 3 is toooooooooooo loud for bedroom apartment playing. Even so, put your plugs in and take her up and feel and hear that power. She'll reward you if you let her.

[vwall]

Thanks for more suggestions.

And yes, I play out in a cover band 2-3 nights a week so I def need something to replace my Dual Recto thats pro and excellent sounding at High Volumes..

The Soldano I had for a while was a Licky 13 head...

Yeah Bill. You've been loving that Uber for years now.
I think you either played it for me on the phone or sent me some clips years ago...

Id dig having one of them if I werent playing the tunes Im playing now days...

[khabibissell]

I agree with Pete. An MTS setup would be the best choice, whether it be the head, or the RM4 rack/RT2 power amp setup. They sound great, and allow you to load your tones depending on your set list. In my experience, the amp sounds very good. I doubt you'd be dissappointed. Another thing that hasn't been mentioned is both the 100 watt head and the RM4 preamp have true MIDI switching, which is another great feature.

I also play a Dual Rec... Great amps!

[Econ]

I'm really interested in buying an MTS RM50HB, but have read a lot of complaints from Randall owners regarding reliability issues with both amps and modules. I also understand that Randall's warranty is not valid outside the US, so that also is preventing me from pulling the trigger. Right now I don't know if I should buy new, used or just get something different.