Amp comparison...

[TinyRivers]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum, but what I've read seems pretty informative...so, I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice.

I picked up a Randall RG-80 from a pawn shop dirt cheap (it was in rough shape visually but I've managed to fix that problem). It sounds great, although it seems noisier than I'd like at some settings, (I don't always have the greatest ears for sound), but there is someone locally looking to trade a Peavey Valve King 112 for it. He wants $100 on top of that, and I'll probably say no, but I've never heard the amp. All I've read was mediocre reviews.

I've read that the RG-80 has better "tube" sound than alot of tube amps, and I've read that the Valve King has pretty crappy "tube" sound.

The trader has valued my amp at $150, as he says that's what it goes for on the market (where he's seeing this, I don't know), but the Valve King new is still a $600 amp (all Canadian $$).

I just want a versatile amp that can play hard, or bluesy, and for the most part I'm happy with the Randall. Just wondering if I'm not crazy for jumping on this deal...Thanks, Doug.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Amp comparison...

Seems like the dude wants your SS Randall over his tube VK-must be a reason for that

The old Randall RG-80/RG-100(from the 80s) are the most (only actually) collectible Randall models there are due to the fact Dimebag Darrell played them way back when (and they are a good sounding SS amp).

Now that's not to say they are worth as much as a "classic" marshall or fender, but if you check e-bay past auctions you will see they go for for a couple to a few hundred dollars depending on condition/configuration (head/combo, carpet/tolex, etc).

I'm not a fan of the ValveKings- I've TRIED to like them, but, I think they are bland as can be- there are better tube amps out there in the same ballpark new or used- Fender Blues Juniors, Crate V series, Peavey Classics, etc.

 

[TinyRivers]

Re: Amp comparison...

Thanks JeffB, I'm getting the feeling I should walk away from the deal...just want to make sure I'm not being stupid...Thanks again. Doug.

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: Amp comparison...

Yeah keep the Randall. Allot of kids have a VK and if you have that you would have an amp with very little mojo. That Randall will have some quirks... but it is a bit more special!

 

[TinyRivers]

Re: Amp comparison...

Thanks again, I passed on the trade...figure if it ain't broke, why trade it...Doug.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: Amp comparison...

You made the right call. The Valve King 112 is a pretty mediocre amp IMO. It can do the nu-metal "chugga chugga" thing pretty well, but that's about it.

 

[Hellion]

Re: Amp comparison...

Randall amps are great for "crunch" tones. I think I'd leave the Peavey alone.