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Ok, I'm in need of a bit of advice here
Been playing for around 7 years now but recently have sort of stalled and dropped out of it somewhat and am getting back into it presently, but my equipment needs looking at a bit
Current Setup
Fender Mexican Strat
Takamine Electro Acoustic
Marshall JMP 2203 Head (1978) w/ 1960AV Cab (new)
Copicat Tape Echo (1960's...gets limited use)
Now the amp was an impulse buy 4-5 years ago when I thought it would be needed to do a few gigs that never happened, as it transpires a half stack is crazy but I was young and wanted one...to be fair it's a bloody nice amp but has had only bedroom use and hence not been past 2 on the master volume!!! it's also a 2 man job to shift it so it's gotta go.
Does anyone have a clue as to what the going rate, eBay shows £750-£1150 for the head (mine is in good cond, not mint but very good for 32 years old), but what about a absolutely mint 1960AV (Celestion Vintage 30's) cab?
Example pic
The question therefore is what to replace it (and potentially the tape echo) with? This is a minefield as I am not in tune with whats available at the moment, whether to go vintage or new. But I have the following ideas
1. NO modelling amps, they are dead sounding and have no warmth to my ears, and considering the music I like to play, offer way to much gain and some effects I will never use (been there with a multi effects unit and never used it)...it's got to be all valve and i use a simple guitar > amp signal chain.
2. All Valve Combo, 1x12 or possibly 2x12, something in the reigon of 30-40w would be Ok (predominately bedroom / small practice volume) but the concept of a switchable power output as some of the new ones have does appeal to me (rather than using an attenuator) or failing that a good master volume
3. More Versatile, Love the Marshall crunch but my current amp has 1 sound (a good one mind you) so something that can blend smooth cleans like a fender, a bit of crunch and mild overdrive is perfect, I'm open to something a bit more boutique and dont really like much of the current marshall range
4. 2 Channel with footswitch would be nice, built in reverb too and an effects loop (the latter is pretty much the standard now)
Ok so the music I play is as follows, my current amp is 70's levels of gain and to be honest is a tad to much, so a 'retro' sound is very much on the cards
Pink Floyd
Hendrix
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Clapton
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (as aggressive as it gets)
Stereophonics
Strokes / Kings Of Leon (early 2000's Indie)
Eagles
Something that could blend or at least offer a reasonable approximation of the above (particularly the top 3) would be great
Noticed http://www.haydenamps.com/ which are an offshoot of ashdown and look very nice (the cotton club and speakeasy or mabye the peacemaker) I will have to play stuff obviously but I am after a few suggestions to which I can hunt them down and have a go.
Guitars will always stay the same, I probably upgrade to a 1962avri Strat and a Taylor at some point along the way, and might add a Les Paul Std to the stable but I'm happy with the guitars at present.
Many Thanks, any hints, suggestions .etc are much appreciated.
Been playing for around 7 years now but recently have sort of stalled and dropped out of it somewhat and am getting back into it presently, but my equipment needs looking at a bit
Current Setup
Fender Mexican Strat
Takamine Electro Acoustic
Marshall JMP 2203 Head (1978) w/ 1960AV Cab (new)
Copicat Tape Echo (1960's...gets limited use)
Now the amp was an impulse buy 4-5 years ago when I thought it would be needed to do a few gigs that never happened, as it transpires a half stack is crazy but I was young and wanted one...to be fair it's a bloody nice amp but has had only bedroom use and hence not been past 2 on the master volume!!! it's also a 2 man job to shift it so it's gotta go.
Does anyone have a clue as to what the going rate, eBay shows £750-£1150 for the head (mine is in good cond, not mint but very good for 32 years old), but what about a absolutely mint 1960AV (Celestion Vintage 30's) cab?
Example pic
The question therefore is what to replace it (and potentially the tape echo) with? This is a minefield as I am not in tune with whats available at the moment, whether to go vintage or new. But I have the following ideas
1. NO modelling amps, they are dead sounding and have no warmth to my ears, and considering the music I like to play, offer way to much gain and some effects I will never use (been there with a multi effects unit and never used it)...it's got to be all valve and i use a simple guitar > amp signal chain.
2. All Valve Combo, 1x12 or possibly 2x12, something in the reigon of 30-40w would be Ok (predominately bedroom / small practice volume) but the concept of a switchable power output as some of the new ones have does appeal to me (rather than using an attenuator) or failing that a good master volume
3. More Versatile, Love the Marshall crunch but my current amp has 1 sound (a good one mind you) so something that can blend smooth cleans like a fender, a bit of crunch and mild overdrive is perfect, I'm open to something a bit more boutique and dont really like much of the current marshall range
4. 2 Channel with footswitch would be nice, built in reverb too and an effects loop (the latter is pretty much the standard now)
Ok so the music I play is as follows, my current amp is 70's levels of gain and to be honest is a tad to much, so a 'retro' sound is very much on the cards
Pink Floyd
Hendrix
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Clapton
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (as aggressive as it gets)
Stereophonics
Strokes / Kings Of Leon (early 2000's Indie)
Eagles
Something that could blend or at least offer a reasonable approximation of the above (particularly the top 3) would be great
Noticed http://www.haydenamps.com/ which are an offshoot of ashdown and look very nice (the cotton club and speakeasy or mabye the peacemaker) I will have to play stuff obviously but I am after a few suggestions to which I can hunt them down and have a go.
Guitars will always stay the same, I probably upgrade to a 1962avri Strat and a Taylor at some point along the way, and might add a Les Paul Std to the stable but I'm happy with the guitars at present.
Many Thanks, any hints, suggestions .etc are much appreciated.
Edited by Matthew_Eames on Wednesday 14th April 21:15
That looks good, never really considered Mesa as I would assume they are a little hi-gain for my tastes but I will look into it (probably 2nd hand at that price though!)
Love the 5w switching, but that's got me thinking that the 50 watter would be a better bet as an investment, it's only a little more for the 2x12 version over the 25 watt model but If I did start gigging it's likely to give more potential, then again the 1x12 version is more portable....hmmm can't go down that path again!
I presume the EL84's and 6L6's will lend a completely different sound though....which is where the Hayden speakeasy might be good as it gives the option of running either, or both!
Love the 5w switching, but that's got me thinking that the 50 watter would be a better bet as an investment, it's only a little more for the 2x12 version over the 25 watt model but If I did start gigging it's likely to give more potential, then again the 1x12 version is more portable....hmmm can't go down that path again!
I presume the EL84's and 6L6's will lend a completely different sound though....which is where the Hayden speakeasy might be good as it gives the option of running either, or both!
Edited by Matthew_Eames on Wednesday 14th April 22:37
Matthew_Eames said:
That looks good, never really considered Mesa as I would assume they are a little hi-gain for my tastes but I will look into it (probably 2nd hand at that price though!)
Love the 5w switching, but that's got me thinking that the 50 watter would be a better bet as an investment, it's only a little more for the 2x12 version over the 25 watt model but If I did start gigging it's likely to give more potential, then again the 1x12 version is more portable....hmmm can't go down that path again!
I presume the EL84's and 6L6's will lend a completely different sound though....which is where the Hayden speakeasy might be good as it gives the option of running either, or both!
A 25 watt Boogie will be all you'll ever need!! I dread to think how loud a 50W is?!Love the 5w switching, but that's got me thinking that the 50 watter would be a better bet as an investment, it's only a little more for the 2x12 version over the 25 watt model but If I did start gigging it's likely to give more potential, then again the 1x12 version is more portable....hmmm can't go down that path again!
I presume the EL84's and 6L6's will lend a completely different sound though....which is where the Hayden speakeasy might be good as it gives the option of running either, or both!
Edited by Matthew_Eames on Wednesday 14th April 22:37
Given the stuff you play I would think a Mesa would be a tad too 'heavy' - I had one for a long time and could never get the sound exactly right for what I wanted. Also, unless you're out gigging it's hard to drive a 25w Mesa enough to make it sound sweet.
I play similar stuff to you so as a guide, Kelly Jones plays through Matchless and Frusciante uses Marshall. Stereophonics second guitarist uses Blackstar apparently.
If I was buying today and wanted to avoid a modelling amp I probably look at Blackstar, Cornford or Hayden, though as I said unless you're gigging don't fall into the output trap, for home use or recording use, a Cornford Harlequin for example would be plenty loud enough at 6w.
Modelling amps are much better nowadays though - give a Line 6 Flextone a whirl while you're looking, I was very surprised!
All the best
DC
I play similar stuff to you so as a guide, Kelly Jones plays through Matchless and Frusciante uses Marshall. Stereophonics second guitarist uses Blackstar apparently.
If I was buying today and wanted to avoid a modelling amp I probably look at Blackstar, Cornford or Hayden, though as I said unless you're gigging don't fall into the output trap, for home use or recording use, a Cornford Harlequin for example would be plenty loud enough at 6w.
Modelling amps are much better nowadays though - give a Line 6 Flextone a whirl while you're looking, I was very surprised!
All the best
DC
AdeTuono said:
It's a very versatile amp in a wonderfully compact package,
Each of the channels has two distinct modes giving it four distinct "voices" even before you start fiddling with the footswitchable "contour"[1] controls. The "top" or "green" channel is "clean" or "crunch" where clean is Fender-ish (and can actually be dialled from completely clean with lots of headroom to Really Quite Dirty) and crunch is kind of Marshall-ish dirty (doesn't really do clean) but with more gain available. The "bottom" or "red" channel is "Blues" or "Burn" where "Blues" is hot-rodded Fender-ish with plenty of gain but will clean up so you can use it as an alternate, more "mid-pushed" clean channel if you want, and "Burn" is monster gain, big hair, stadium r-a-w-k nutter mode. I'm guessing that between the "Blues" and "Clean", or just possibly "Crunch" (if you're careful with the gain and/or guitar volume) modes it should cover the sort of stuff you're doing quite nicely.
Mine's the 1x10" speaker version (you can get it as a 1x12" as well now) but it sounds much bigger that that and it's quite ridiculously loud for its size and rated power. I play pub gigs with a heavy handed drummer, a bass player with a 7' high Trace-Elliot rig, and another guitarist with a Marshall half-stack and haven't had any problems making myself heard yet - having said that I've just bought a Marshall 1936 2x12" cab, theoretically this is a little bit of insurance against the possibility of one day being presented with a venue which is just a bit too big for a dinky little combo but if I'm brutally honest with myself I suspect it's at least partly because I felt a little silly with a dinky little box on a stand between two much bigger rigs...
Only issue with using it at home is that while it can make a respectable sound at late-night, kids-in-bed noodling levels the volume control is a bit hair trigger and, even in 5 watt mode requires a delicate touch to find the sweet spot between "can't quite hear it" and "bugger, there go the windows again.." - my solution to this was a cheap L-Pad speaker attenuator, which not only gives me a bit more fine control over volume but also extends the tonal palette a bit by letting me crank the power amp (no, it doesn't sound like it does cranked up loud in a proper room, but it is an extra, very usable tonal option).
It really is a fabulous piece of kit, to the point that even my long-suffering and generally skeptical wife concedes that it might actually have been worth what I paid for it
Sorry if I'm going on a bit, it's just that nearly two years after buying it I'm still just as excited and delighted by it as I was when I walked out of the shop with it...
--
JG
[1] Variable level bass and treble boost which progressively adds "thump" and "sparkle" when engaged - can be used as a "loudness" control to give things a bit of a lift when playing at bedroom levels or to give a little bit of a boost for solos...
I tried a few Mesa amps and have never liked them, they always felt and (my opinion only) sounded mass produced. For the money I would expect point to point rather than PCB`s. I have had a Rivera for quite a while it can be a bit loud at 55 amps but tone wise I have not tried or heard any thing better. The `63 start sound fantastic on both channels and the less paul on channel 1 is so warm and full I don't even use any FX at all.
I don't think i will ever need to buy another amp its so well made. Not cheap but the quality will remain long after you have forgotten how much it cost.
I don't think i will ever need to buy another amp its so well made. Not cheap but the quality will remain long after you have forgotten how much it cost.
Mesa is too much in terms of gain I think
Currently looking at the following 2:
Hayden Cotton Club 15/30 or 7/15
Blackstar Series One 45 (4.5-40w)
What else, Cornford?
both seem good, perhaps a 2x12 is too much but if you can take it down to 4.5w on the S1 then mabye ok...Haydens seem very nice though
Im in no rush, I can live without an amp for a bit and the money would give me a boost to the car fund in the short term. I'm really liking the switchable power concept however as it would offer enough for both bedroom/practice/small club
Thanks for the advice, Any ideas on value for mine?
Currently looking at the following 2:
Hayden Cotton Club 15/30 or 7/15
Blackstar Series One 45 (4.5-40w)
What else, Cornford?
both seem good, perhaps a 2x12 is too much but if you can take it down to 4.5w on the S1 then mabye ok...Haydens seem very nice though
Im in no rush, I can live without an amp for a bit and the money would give me a boost to the car fund in the short term. I'm really liking the switchable power concept however as it would offer enough for both bedroom/practice/small club
Thanks for the advice, Any ideas on value for mine?
marc.l said:
I tried a few Mesa amps and have never liked them, they always felt and (my opinion only) sounded mass produced. For the money I would expect point to point rather than PCB`s. I have had a Rivera for quite a while it can be a bit loud at 55 amps but tone wise I have not tried or heard any thing better. The `63 start sound fantastic on both channels and the less paul on channel 1 is so warm and full I don't even use any FX at all.
I don't think i will ever need to buy another amp its so well made. Not cheap but the quality will remain long after you have forgotten how much it cost.
How come you have a right-handed Strat and a cack-handed Gibson?I don't think i will ever need to buy another amp its so well made. Not cheap but the quality will remain long after you have forgotten how much it cost.
Will look into those Riveras, Very nice guitars by the way
Im a lefty too and so vintage stuff is very hard to come by...got the following ideas on what I'm doing with mine
Fender Mexican Strat (Sunburst/Rosewood) > American Vintage 62' Strat (Sunburst/Roaewood)
Takamine 540 Cutaway Dread > Taylor x14 (or mabye something else)
+ Gibson Les Paul Standard (Iced Tea)
Im a lefty too and so vintage stuff is very hard to come by...got the following ideas on what I'm doing with mine
Fender Mexican Strat (Sunburst/Rosewood) > American Vintage 62' Strat (Sunburst/Roaewood)
Takamine 540 Cutaway Dread > Taylor x14 (or mabye something else)
+ Gibson Les Paul Standard (Iced Tea)
Matthew_Eames said:
Mesa is too much in terms of gain I think
Currently looking at the following 2:
Hayden Cotton Club 15/30 or 7/15
Blackstar Series One 45 (4.5-40w)
What else, Cornford?
both seem good, perhaps a 2x12 is too much but if you can take it down to 4.5w on the S1 then mabye ok...Haydens seem very nice though
Im in no rush, I can live without an amp for a bit and the money would give me a boost to the car fund in the short term. I'm really liking the switchable power concept however as it would offer enough for both bedroom/practice/small club
Thanks for the advice, Any ideas on value for mine?
Definately a Cornford - the Harlequin is only 6w but loud for its size, would easy do pub gigs/small clubs and most small clubs have their own PA so you could mic it up if necessary. They do bigger combo's as well but the Harlequin is sweet - I wish I'd bought one when I sold my Boogie...Currently looking at the following 2:
Hayden Cotton Club 15/30 or 7/15
Blackstar Series One 45 (4.5-40w)
What else, Cornford?
both seem good, perhaps a 2x12 is too much but if you can take it down to 4.5w on the S1 then mabye ok...Haydens seem very nice though
Im in no rush, I can live without an amp for a bit and the money would give me a boost to the car fund in the short term. I'm really liking the switchable power concept however as it would offer enough for both bedroom/practice/small club
Thanks for the advice, Any ideas on value for mine?
marc.l said:
Just got the strat and that was before I restrung it as a lefty. The guy whos going to turn the nut around cant do it for 6 weeks so have now done no more than just string it up side down. At least I can now play it !
Can you trim the ends off the strings on the Les Paul you scruffy bastid 
Dai Capp said:
Asterix said:
I've been looking at one of these. It's small but boy does it sound just peachy.
Marshall's 1974X
very nice - I've a corner in the music room that would fit in nicely thank you!Marshall's 1974X
garybezz said:
marc.l said:
Just got the strat and that was before I restrung it as a lefty. The guy whos going to turn the nut around cant do it for 6 weeks so have now done no more than just string it up side down. At least I can now play it !
Can you trim the ends off the strings on the Les Paul you scruffy bastid He does sort of have a point; guitar collectors are complete nutters for originality, and if it is the original nut you could lose an awful lot of value on that guitar, if you are worried about such a thing, what with it being a '63 and all (I really hope I've got that right...). Hendrix always used the original nut and just had it turned around 180 degrees, as evidenced in this auction catalogue:
http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.asp...
So your man might be a little more amenable to doing that rather than fitting a new one if you point that out. It's a bloody musical instrument, it's supposed to be played. And as a left hander myself I'd rather more guitars were set up the "proper" way round...
http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/lot_details.asp...
So your man might be a little more amenable to doing that rather than fitting a new one if you point that out. It's a bloody musical instrument, it's supposed to be played. And as a left hander myself I'd rather more guitars were set up the "proper" way round...
Edited by davepoth on Monday 19th April 00:45
Edited by davepoth on Monday 19th April 00:50
marc.l said:
garybezz said:
marc.l said:
Just got the strat and that was before I restrung it as a lefty. The guy whos going to turn the nut around cant do it for 6 weeks so have now done no more than just string it up side down. At least I can now play it !
Can you trim the ends off the strings on the Les Paul you scruffy bastid http://www.howardsmith.co.uk/howardsmith/hsgrs.htm
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