Amp suggestions

[Hilgers13]

Hi, I am looking to finally purchase a new proper tube amp and I need some help trying to pick one. Versatility and clarity is what I am after. My ideal heavy tone is the saturated Killswitch Engage sound, both crushing and clear, but i'm also looking for something that can do everything from a warm creamy Petrucci solo to Slayer to Metallica to Iron Maiden but can also handle more classic rock sounds like AC/DC or Rush. So far I have narrowed it down to 3 amps in particular but if anyone has any other suggestions, I would love to hear them. I really can't go for a huge 100W rig with a 4x12 cabinet so, so far I am looking at the EVH 5150iii (50W), the Schecter USA 100W stage combo (which can be reduced to 50W) and the Laney Ironheart 60W.

I also plan to buy a Boss NS2 Noise Suppressor and a Maxon OD808 pedal

My Gear

Schecter Damien Elite with Dunlop 9-46 string and James Hetfield EMGs
I use Dava Jazz picks as well as .73mm James Hetfield Signature picks and John Petrucci's signature picks


Thanks for the help guys

 

[jimijames]

Re: Amp suggestions

People love the 5150III - of the three you listed that's my gut reaction.

But I'm not into the type of music you mention - my honest to goodness recommendation for everything (ever) is to keep your od808 clean-ish and use it to boost a non-mv marshall into heavy saturation at high volumes. But, I prefer power amp distortion to pre amp distortion.

Imo medium gain @ ear-splitting volumes > high gain @ human being volumes. That being said of course I know KSE is really high gain - but I feel like if you had the right attitude you could pull it off. Heavy is a lot more than just saturation, it's just that saturation makes heavy easier.

Again, that's just my .02 - obviously I'm wrong in a lot of ways because we've moved to ever greater and greater gain levels... I mean heck SD makes a 48k pickup, and 18v actives. I'm just a luddite but I think it sounds pretty good. Just my .25-ish cents

 

[Inder_Cine_Mann]

Re: Amp suggestions

For that ground, I would test drive the **** out of a 5150 iii with your rig. What cab?

What you are asking is not impossoble, but yes difficult. All good

 

[Hilgers13]

Re: Amp suggestions

Cab would probably be the matching 2x12 EVH if that's the amp I go with

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Amp suggestions

I'd suggest getting your tone out of a pedal like an AMT B1/P1/E1. Get a neutral, loud tube amp with a nice full clean and a low to mid gain dirty, then use the pedal to get that super tight hi gain out of it. Don't fumble around in a new tech and fail again and again when pros say that AMT, Wampler, etc make amazing pedals for this sort of thing. You never known when you'll want to do some vintagey stuff and won't be able to get there with a fullbore high gainer.

off u see did MRSAge, I m on tapa talk and auto correct is hating on me

 

[Mad-Max]

Re: Amp suggestions

I didn't even read the amps you were looking at and immediately thought EVH 5150III. The amp can literally do anything.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Amp suggestions

Try the Laney, they are great amps, after I pay off the amp I just ordered I'm going to be getting an IRT studio....

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: Amp suggestions

Of the three you listed, the 5150III.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Amp suggestions

Devil's advocate.

I like the Randall better.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Amp suggestions

Go to music stores. Play guitars through amplifiers. Buy it if it sounds good. There is no right answer. The internet can not help you.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Amp suggestions

Even better.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Amp suggestions

"Hey guys, I want to order a pizza. I want it to taste good. Suggestions?"

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Amp suggestions

"This guy eating a pizza in this YouTube video seems to enjoy it. I guess i'll order the pizza he got."

 

[dominus]

Re: Amp suggestions

I owned an original 5150 and would say that any 5150 (or 6505) will do what you need.

 

[Red_Label]

Re: Amp suggestions

I agree with the 5150 III option.

Having said that, if you've got access to one in your area, try out the Hughes & Kettner Grandmeister 36. I sold one a month ago and it was awesome. Only reason I sold it is because I was going old school single channel amps and pedals. But the Grandmeister lacks for NOTHING in terms of versatility and tone. I've owned some very nice boutique channel-switchers from many of the big names and the Grandmeister was as fully-featured, well-made, and toneful as ANY of them. I really cannot recommend it highly enough and may have another some day.