Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

y2stevo

y2stevo

New member
Hi Guys,

I Currently have a Marshall JVM 410C running KT77 POwer Tubes,
Incredibly versatile amp and a great gigging/sounding amp with plently of headroom but I'm longing for an amp that doesn't sound like a marshall, (Lately I'm really getting back into some kind of of SRV and Rory Gallagher type sounds)
With the JVM I can get plenty of great tones but I'm lusting for something a little different.
All i've ever owned is Marshall (Used to own the DSL50 now the JVM).

I'll clarify first that the amp I'm looking for will be used for gigging in a 4 piece Blues/rock band with Drums, Amp will always be mic'd so the amp will need enough clean headroom to basically function as a monitor for guitar on small stages (I ALWAYS face the amp across the stage, NEVER at the audience)

I recently tried out a Mesa Boogie Express 5:25 1x12 combo (Not the new plus version) and just today tried out a Lonestar Special 1x12 combo.

The express was alright, but definitely liked some of what I heard. Basically I went to buy it from a guy but on both occasions it had tube issues so it was probaly not sounding it's best, but the tube issues has put me off that particular amp, and from reviews i've read I'm not sure it's the amp for me.

The Lonestar Special was Sweeeet!
I originally went into the shop the try it out for a few minutes but ended up noodling around for about 45 mins on the amp.I felt it had some of the marshall falvour that I like but had a different vibe to it. Really liked the sound and dynamics of this amp, Lots of different tones possible from simply adjusting yuor playing.

Both the above amps are EL-84 based.

I've found a great deal on a Hughes & Kettner Statesman Dual 6L6.
Several videos on youtube show this amp pumping out some seriously nice tones.

I'm just asking around to see if anyone has had any experience with the Lonestar or H&K?
I could get the H&K for about half the price of the Lonestar Special (the H&K for less than €600 and the Boogie in or around the 1200-1400 range,But i'd rather the better amp)

Anyone with any experience with either amp?

Or anyone with some general EL-84 vs 6L6 Observations.


UPDATE: I should point out that a priority for me is a Killer clean channel


Much Appreciated

Thanks
 
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Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

I'll throw you a curve ball here mate: check out a Carlsbro 50-Top if you can.

EL34 based, but dont sound like Marshall and also take pedals very well if thats your thing.
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

y2stevo said:
The Lonestar Special was Sweeeet!

UPDATE: I should point out that a priority for me is a Killer clean channel


Much Appreciated

Thanks
Click to expand...

This is the deal breaker for me. The Lonestar has killer clean/semi at LOW volumes, but that really is it. Always impressive in the store/studio/home, but get it to rehearsal or a gig and all that comes out is overdrive even with the power switch at 30 watts. Great classic Mesa overdrive, but OD nonetheless. Killer clean, yes at bedroom volume. The closest thing I can compare it to is Blues Jr., not for tone but for breakup level.

Hope that helps! Cheers!
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

Rodney Gene said:
This is the deal breaker for me. The Lonestar has killer clean/semi at LOW volumes, but that really is it. Always impressive in the store/studio/home, but get it to rehearsal or a gig and all that comes out is overdrive even with the power switch at 30 watts. Great classic Mesa overdrive, but OD nonetheless. Killer clean, yes at bedroom volume. The closest thing I can compare it to is Blues Jr., not for tone but for breakup level.

Hope that helps! Cheers!
Click to expand...

I have to disagree, if you can't get a good clean out of the Lonestar at gigging volumes on the 30 watt settings, you are playing too loud. The clean channel on this amp is amazing, and with the right settings, you can have more than enough headroom for anything in the small bar/club range. Sure you probably couldn't play a huge hall or an outdoor venue without micing it, but why would you be playing someplace like that without micing anyway. I recorded all the electric guitar parts on my band's upcoming album with a Lonestar Special, and I've thought very seriously about trying to buy one before the end of the year (it's one of the top 3 amps I'm considering). I used to own a Lonestar Classic, which was WAAAY too loud for 90% of the venues in town; which was why I got rid of it even though I loved the clean. I wish now that I had bought a Special from the beginning.
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

That's the sort of feedback I'm looking for thanks a million
keep them coming
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

Matt42 said:
I have to disagree, if you can't get a good clean out of the Lonestar at gigging volumes on the 30 watt settings, you are playing too loud. The clean channel on this amp is amazing, and with the right settings, you can have more than enough headroom for anything in the small bar/club range. Sure you probably couldn't play a huge hall or an outdoor venue without micing it, but why would you be playing someplace like that without micing anyway. I recorded all the electric guitar parts on my band's upcoming album with a Lonestar Special, and I've thought very seriously about trying to buy one before the end of the year (it's one of the top 3 amps I'm considering). I used to own a Lonestar Classic, which was WAAAY too loud for 90% of the venues in town; which was why I got rid of it even though I loved the clean. I wish now that I had bought a Special from the beginning.
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With respect, different realities based on experience. Everything is relevant, everything. It is presumptuous and just silly to say anybody who fails to get an amazing 'clean' sound at higher gig volumes is simply playing too loud. There are other tone conscious and volume/dynamic conscious players out here paying attention to what we are doing. And you have never even gigged with the amp LOL. Studio volume? Yes, its is really excellent for that. That is what sold me on it in the first place, store volume cleans. I was really impressed. Once I owned it and gigged it, playing classic country most often, I sold it. The Lonestar Special falls apart even at the 30 watt setting for my clean needs. That is a real-life, real time, experienced reality. I currently play a Twin for cleans.

Guitars, pedals, approach technique, music style all play a role. Everything is relevant. The OP is looking for an amp to stay 'killer' clean in 4 piece Blues/Rock Band. The Lonestar Special is gonna struggle to cut it IMO.
Fantastic cleans at lower volumes though. Cheers.

EDIT: Matt, I just watched 2 videos of your band playing live. Really great sound! This is you right? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7I5Hhw6P6g With respect, a 15 watt 1-12 Blues Jr. amp would suffice for your gigging needs. The Lonestar 1-12 is an easy fit for you, particularly with single coil equipped guitars where it shines the cleans most. I often play with 2 electric guitar players on larger stages. Sometimes Texas Honky Tonks but sometimes festivals. It is a different dynamic and reality to contend with. Cheers.
 
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Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

One last thing. 'Clean' is a subjective word. So is 'headroom'. Steve, you are used to playing a 212 combo 100W. If you can get the Mesa at your place to try with your setup with the option to return it, that is really the only way to go. It is a sweet sounding amp even when the clean channel is breaking up. Its just not always 'clean'. Cheers!
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

I would go with the Mesa Lonestar... I have the Lonestar special 4x10 with 2 jensens and 2 mesa speakers and it is LOUD for 30 watts and rumbles and rips like a monster.... amazing amp I can't recommend the Lonestar series enough and not just for blues and country players but for stoner rock and heavy post rock etc
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

Maybe I came off poorly with my statement about playing too loud. I still think that for 90% of the venues that most people are likely to play, the Lonestar will deliver a killer clean tone. Plus, if the OP has a big Marshall, anywhere that it wont cut it volume-wise, he can take the Marshall instead.

I played two shows with it before I took it to record so I could get a feel for it, and I've used it at gig volume jams, so I have gigged with it. And you're also right about a Blues Junior being about adequate for my gigging needs, I would consider that the low end of my wattage requirements. Also, thanks for the compliment about the music, that show was actually played with my old Hot Rod Deluxe, which I hated, so it's good to hear someone say it sounds good. If I can make that amp sound good, I probably sound way better through the DC-5 or the Bassman.
 
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Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

Why did you hate the hot rod deluxe ? I find those USA Hot Rod deluxes and Devilles to be amazing pedal platforms and have a very natural breakup on the clean channel
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

It was just too bright and harsh sounding, very sterile and unresponsive. I will say it takes pedals fairly well, but I just never jived with it. It sounded decent on my strat, but awful on my Gretsch. Less than two days after my girlfriend bought her Bassman head and told me I could use her DC-5, I sold the HRD.
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

Ah Different strokes for different folks I guess... Every setup is different, I have learned from experience that what might sound good with my pedalboard might sound terrible with your rig and vice versa. I might be the only one in the this thread that hates how half stacks sound in particular Marshall.
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

I don't think it was the amp so much as my opinion of the amp. I got a lot of compliments on my ton when playing it, mostly from other musicians. So obviously it sounded good enough for most people, but there was just something missing to my ears.
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

It's so hard to hear if an amp has that indefinable quality when you play it in a shop, which was why I got the HRD in the first place. It sounded like what I wanted. That's why out of the three amps that I'm considering (DRRI, Super Sonic 22, and Lonestar Special), I'm most attracted to the Lonestar, I've actually played it extensively and know it can do what I want. I've only barely noodled around a few chords and scales on the Super Sonic, and never plugged into a DRRI.

Sorry for the total hijack, btw!
 
Re: Amp to supplement a JVM: Mesa Lonestar, Hughes and Kettner..

Matt42 said:
Maybe I came off poorly with my statement about playing too loud. I still think that for 90% of the venues that most people are likely to play, the Lonestar will deliver a killer clean tone. Plus, if the OP has a big Marshall, anywhere that it wont cut it volume-wise, he can take the Marshall instead.

I played two shows with it before I took it to record so I could get a feel for it, and I've used it at gig volume jams, so I have gigged with it. And you're also right about a Blues Junior being about adequate for my gigging needs, I would consider that the low end of my wattage requirements. Also, thanks for the compliment about the music, that show was actually played with my old Hot Rod Deluxe, which I hated, so it's good to hear someone say it sounds good. If I can make that amp sound good, I probably sound way better through the DC-5 or the Bassman.
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Sure its all good. The thing about 'gigging' volume is that it doesn't equate to 'at the gig' volume often. I have found that no matter how prepared I get my live or rehearsal sound, a great deal is irrelevant on a stage of any size in a noisy room. That is when real 'headroom' is relevant for me. I also gig with a customized Blues Deluxe for smaller country gigs or live on air work or whatnot which is 1-12 40w but uses 6l6s. It wouldn't cut it for alot of gigs I play but up to a certain volume it is just stunningly dynamic and perfectly voiced. For Steve, I think in this case the Marshall is not providing the tone he is currently visioning. I bought a Fractal AXE FX II for studio work and I really really really love it, otherwise I would have reconsidered the LSS for studio/small gigs. Its a vibey good looking amp to boot.

SongsForTheDeaf said:
Ah Different strokes for different folks I guess... Every setup is different, I have learned from experience that what might sound good with my pedalboard might sound terrible with your rig and vice versa.
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Its not a guess, its dead right. Its important to consider when having a dialogue about gear. I appreciate it. As for HRD, it really does sound a whole LEAGUE better with a new speaker. They are really good 'working' man Fenders with a couple of fundamental mods.

Cheers!
 
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