Guitar amp advice

Guitar amp advice

Author
Discussion

tim the pool man

Original Poster:

5,012 posts

223 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
Now I have a bit of spare cash I'm going to buy myself a semi decent amp and maybe even another guitar.

Currently have a Fender Jagstang (Kurt Cobain design) and a cheapo Strat copy as well as a couple of acoustics. Only amp I have is a crappy little Stinger practice amp. Used to have a Marshall JCM800 Combo but I'm looking for something in between the 2.

Any recommendations? I'm not currently playing in a band but just want to play much more at home, and not be frustrated by crappy sound.

Hanslow

809 posts

251 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
Never thought I'd write this, but the latest Line 6 modelling / valve hybrid amps get pretty good reviews and have a great deal of flexibility and some warmth to their tone. Not played one myself, but am certainly intrigued to have a listen to one. A lot of people were surprised by them as they expected them to be a bit poo.

What sort of budget do you have? Any preference on style (combo / mini stack / etc.)? What's your predominant style of music?

Edited by Hanslow on Monday 3rd March 12:06

tim the pool man

Original Poster:

5,012 posts

223 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
Budget... haven't really set one, need to see what is available. I guess i really don't want to spend more than $500 if possible. Will look to see what is around second hand.

Style; mainly Rock/poprock/grunge/USpunk

I'm not that great a player, OK as a 2nd guitarist not much lead though. Have also thought about getting a Bass and giving that a go. (A bit worried that everyone on PH will automatically think I'm a cock if I play bass though wink )

rumpelstiltskin

2,805 posts

265 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
Here's another vote for the line6 amps,they will surprise you!I had a Mesa Boogie F50 combo before i got this line6 vetta II and i don't miss the Boogie at all,i really thought i would.Then you can go to the Line6 site and download you favourite guitarist sounds straight from the PC right into your amp!!Loads of effects built in,lots of different amps modelled in the amp,once you've chosen an amp then you've got the choice of about 16 cabinet setups!.

Hanslow

809 posts

251 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
Don't worry about it, I'm crap but I like buying things wink Currently have a Mesa DC-3 and Diezel Einstein running through an Orange 4x12.

The Line 6 Spider Valve probably comes in about top end of budget if you were to buy new. Other option is to get something like the POD to do some amp modelling and run it through a cheaper amp. My Mesa cost me £475 second hand so something like that would be in budget. Could get a good second hand amp from someone that had good intentions.

Lots out there, you could always have a listen at http://www.netmusicians.org and get a rough idea for amps that sound your thing, and then check them against budget, both new and second hand.

gbbird

5,193 posts

250 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
Just get a Marshall and have done with it. I have a DSL401 and it is one of the the best sounding amps i have had the pleasure of playing through, and is the right size to play at home/record and also play live and mic up.

g

alman

796 posts

216 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
My mates got one of the line 6 amps-think about the 300 pound one, whichever that is that sounds really good. Also one of my teachers from about 7 years ago I remember having an awesome Hughes and Kettner amp-like i said long time ago so can't really remember what it sounded like, all i know is it was bloody good, and valve too which i think helps.

wasted years

4,330 posts

215 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
gbbird said:
Just get a Marshall and have done with it. g
+1
yes

smiller

11,897 posts

210 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
A nice second-hand AC30?

Are used Kendricks getting affordable these days?


minimoog

6,927 posts

225 months

Monday 3rd March 2008
quotequote all
If you're considering the Line6 have a look at the Vox Valvetronix range too.

JaymzDead

1,217 posts

206 months

Tuesday 4th March 2008
quotequote all
wasted years said:
gbbird said:
Just get a Marshall and have done with it. g
+1
yes
+2

tim the pool man

Original Poster:

5,012 posts

223 months

Thursday 6th March 2008
quotequote all
OK I'm done shopping around, just on my way to pick up a Marshall MG100DFX combo thumbup

http://www.onlinemusicstore.com.au/index.php?page=...



Should do me nicely. I know the purists will prolly cringe, I can't justify valves (I raced rotaries for 11 years with open exhaust no earplugs lol) and when I had the JCM800 I found it problematic at low volumes.

Jellymonster

303 posts

200 months

Thursday 6th March 2008
quotequote all
Get a 40w Fender hotrod. Best amp out there for the money.. .

wasted years

4,330 posts

215 months

Thursday 6th March 2008
quotequote all
Enjoy the Marshall thumbup

tim the pool man

Original Poster:

5,012 posts

223 months

Friday 7th March 2008
quotequote all
Of course my initial budget ended up being doubled in total last night rolleyes

Bought the Marshall MG100DFX, a couple of sets of strings, some new leads including some patch leads for pedals, and a Seymour Duncan soundhole pickup for my acoustic guitars...

About to open a beer and start playing music

gbbird

5,193 posts

250 months

Friday 7th March 2008
quotequote all
Nice amp. Enjoy smile

g

nevpugh308

4,410 posts

275 months

Friday 7th March 2008
quotequote all
Recently looked at the valve Marshalls ... lovely crunch sound (say, with an LP) but really hated the flat, emotionless clean tone. Sounded like a hifi. Bought a Fender Twin instead (tone, tone, yummy yum tone smile)

My Peavey Valveking 212 is for sale if you want it wink

MonkeyWrench

137 posts

200 months

Sunday 9th March 2008
quotequote all
I've got a first gen Line 6 Spider and it's pretty good, but it's a bit lifeless. Personally I'd recommend the Marshall MG series smile even the 30W one has a hell of a tone.