3 and 4 channel tube heads

[kherman]

I've been researching 3 channel heads in the $1500 or under range.

Has anyone any experience with these heads?

Carvin V3.
Egnater TourMaster 4100.
Traynor YCS100h.
Kustom Double Cross.
Peavey XXX.


It'll be for power metal.
Like Masterplan, Kamelot, Tad Morose, Nocturnal Rites in style.

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

I got my Mesa Roadster for $1280.

 

[kherman]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

I got my Mesa Roadster for $1280.

How are you liking it?

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

The Egnater is a great versatile head. Played it the other day at GC.

The cool part is the vintage/modern switches. Set all to modern, and use the coutour, and you got some REALLY heavy metal tones.

But lets say, down the road, you decided to have a classic rock cover band in addition to your metal gig. Same amp, flick the switches to vintage, turn off contour, and you got a whole new amp.

 

[krankguitarist]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

How are you liking it?

"liking" isn't the right word.

It could only be more awesome if it had tits and was on fire.

 

[kherman]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

Cool!

Thanks guys.

 

[drew_half_empty]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

the only one i've tried was the xxx

and it's a peavey so yeah, it sucks

 

[jmh151]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

I have a Carvin V3 I'm very happy with. It can do nice cleans, dirty blues, hot rodded marshall to 5150/Mesa Dual rec gain. It's very versatile.

My only possible complaint- though it's a swiss army knife of amps, it doesn't have a "signature" tone I don't think any of these 3 or 4 channel amps really do. It covers alot of territory and does a better job with alot less noise- i.e.- comparing it to my Marshall JCM800.

The knobs are very sensitive, but if you start with the suggested settings in the manual and go from there you'll be fine.

I haven't played an Egnater Tourmaster, but visually, it looks like a better made amp than the Carvin. Both the Egnater and Carvin really need tube upgrades to get to their full potential.

FYI, the Tourmaster aren't true Egnaters, they're imports sold through Guitar Center/Musicians Friend. So take that into consideration if you're basing it upon the reputation of Egnater.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

I've played the XXX and the YCS before, and the Traynor is by far the more versatile. It covers a huge range of tones, and sounds good in all of them. Tough to beat the price for what you get.

 

[guitarded]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

I paid just under $1,200.00 for my MESA Mark IV head on ebay.

I got my Mesa Roadster for $1280.

 

[guitarded]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

The V3 didn't sound bad but the guy I know who owned it, ended up selling it in favor of one of the older Carvin amps. I'm not sure which one. I thought the V3 sound decent though.

I've been researching 3 channel heads in the $1500 or under range.

Has anyone any experience with these heads?

Carvin V3.
Egnater TourMaster 4100.
Traynor YCS100h.
Kustom Double Cross.
Peavey XXX.


It'll be for power metal.
Like Masterplan, Kamelot, Tad Morose, Nocturnal Rites in style.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

"liking" isn't the right word.

It could only be more awesome if it had tits and was on fire.

Dude, when I get home from work, I am going to print that and tape it to my Road King.......:lmao:

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

the only one i've tried was the xxx

and it's a peavey so yeah, it sucks

I still have mine and I love it because its tone sits right between my Stiletto and Road King, its a very good amp.

 

[kherman]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

Thanks for the insight, everyone.

Interesting about the Tourmaster.

I've also heard that Bogner plans on doing a import as well.

Hopefully they won't have the issues that the Bugera's seem to have.

 

[Luke Duke]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

I've also heard that Bogner plans on doing a import as well.

I think that's the Alchemist.

Hopefully they won't have the issues that the Bugera's seem to have.

It's not like Bugera is a boutique amp company like a Bogner, it is what it is a Behringer.

Luke

 

[mediumpimpin]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

I'm not really experienced with any of those or these, but these are worth considering, Peavey 5150/II/6505 and JSX
Engl Fireball/Blackmore
Mesa Dual Rectifier
Splawn QR/Nitro

I've seen all of the aforementioned amps go within your range on the bay. I know that's not super helpful, but I figured you might wanna check those out while you're at it.

 

[kherman]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

Thanks, guys.

Luke, yeah, the bugera is not a boutique.

But, it seems a lot of companies lately are comming out with 3 channel amps in the mid priced range.

And since they're not the usual suspects (mesa, marshall), I was curious what people's
experience has been with them so far.

 

[tone4days]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

you can get a used roadster in that range

i sold mine for less than your ceiling price

loved it ... was just too darn loud for my band situation .. amazing tones though ... i know i will regret selling it

t4d

 

[cream123]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

if you'd use it for something lighter, i'd HIGHLY suggest a mesa heartbreaker, one of the best amps i've ever played and the amp i've most regreted not getting.

but otherwise +1 to the roadster

 

[Yngwiestein]

Re: 3 and 4 channel tube heads

Traynor and Carvin best for cheap but you will be missing out on Mesas which I think kill your whole list. Egnator is not my thing bro. I think they're kind of cheap and the sound doesn't move me. Peaveys are cheap one trick ponys but I like some of their sounds. Kustom is not a trump card but the sound is very good and they have their own sound going, they're built good and it's probably the best value next to Traynor.

I think you should shoot for a Mesa and leave the Kustom or Traynor on your backup list just in case.