High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

[BluesGuyJ]

So, I love my Allston amps and they cover a ton of tones, but I think I'd like to have a head on hand for the occasions for rock and metal tones... I'd like to get something of quality and good reliability and am open to getting something used. I've been looking into Blackstar Series heads, Peavey XXX II heads and even the JSX head (I'd pull two tubes from the power section). I'd love to get that modified marshall kind of sound and would like to get something with a decent clean tone for when it is needed. ANy suggestions or ideas?

[jeremy]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

bat cat cougar 50. two channel 50w with reverb. the gain channel is very tweakable and has tons of gain

[vinta9e]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

Peavey uh? How about Ceriatone?

[Nacho8807]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

I would think either the 5150III 50w or the smaller Peavey 6505MH would be perfect. Those have great tones for metal and rock.

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

I also just had the thought about getting a different preamp to run through the power amp of either of these amps, that are fitted with 6l6s. This could be more affordable and be an easier foot print for taking u space? AMT electronics makes some cool pieces it seems. It doesn't need to be over the top, but something that can do well with a cover gig that's anything from ZZ top to Dio, you know?

[Lampy H]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

Jet City, maybe.

[DMR]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

I see plenty of 50w Mesa Single Rectifiers on CL for around $600. Usually go for around $7-800 on eBay. Having enough gain is not an issue there and it has plenty of tonal versatility. I run mine through a 2x12 closed back cab w/ V30's and it sounds huge, even at low volumes. Put a good OD in front and it gets even better. I'm using the Richie Kotzen OMG in front and it sounds great.

[allbutromeo]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

This is where Guitar Center's used gear page is your friend. Lots of Mesa Single Rectifiers, EH 5150 III (50w), Orange AD30s, and a few Marshall JVM 205s, VHT Pitt bull 45s, and I saw an Engle Fireball 60, and Orange Rockerverb 50. Lots of options

[BluesGuyJ]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

yes, GCs used inventory is a solid option. I always have the item shipped to my local GC, because it is right next to my office in Boston. That way if it shows up damaged/DOA or doesn't show at all, I am not a variable in the equation and it's a good CYA move.

[mwalluk]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

For someone who owned multiple Marshalls (JCM 2000 DSL & TSL, JTM), Carvins (Legacy, X100B), Mesas (Rectoverb, Tremoverb), Randalls (Rm50, Rm100), VHT Deliverance sixty, Jet City, Peavy XXX, Peavy 5150, amongst a few more, I honestly prefer my BLACKSTAR over all those.

[Surgeon]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

I see plenty of 50w Mesa Single Rectifiers on CL for around $600. Usually go for around $7-800 on eBay. Having enough gain is not an issue there and it has plenty of tonal versatility. I run mine through a 2x12 closed back cab w/ V30's and it sounds huge, even at low volumes. Put a good OD in front and it gets even better. I'm using the Richie Kotzen OMG in front and it sounds great.

This. I bought my rectoverb series 1 head for 600$ shipped and I'm in Canada, so I'm guessing you could find better deals still for those 50W rectifiers, both single rectos and rectoverbs. They're great for what you require. IMHO of course.

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

90's era 5150 . . . it is a NO BRAINER !

[chadd]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

I see plenty of 50w Mesa Single Rectifiers on CL for around $600. Usually go for around $7-800 on eBay. Having enough gain is not an issue there and it has plenty of tonal versatility. I run mine through a 2x12 closed back cab w/ V30's and it sounds huge, even at low volumes. Put a good OD in front and it gets even better. I'm using the Richie Kotzen OMG in front and it sounds great.

Great amps, running them with EL34s (series 2 single rectifier) or through a cab with greenbacks will get you even more of the hot rod Marshall feel.

[dystrust]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

I see used Marshall DSL 50s going for $600 all the time around here. It may not be the best option, but it's solid, capable, and inexpensive.

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: High Gain 50 Watter for under $1k used for rock to metal?

NOT the 1st amp you think of when you think Metal, but even the Vintage Modern can do metal-like tones if you want it too.

GREAT Hard Rock amp though !