Re: Decent all rounder amp
Suggesting a Bogner to someone who's been playing for a year and a half is... one of the dumbest things I have ever heard. This person wants reasonable advice, not someone telling them their favorite amp they just bought.
I'd go for a Vox Valvetronix, they have a decent number of options and effects and sound quite good. Very good amps for someone looking to upgrade from a practice amp. They are probably one of the most versatile amps around.
Be nice. Before any of us say it's a bad idea, let's find out how serious he is.
The XTC is a bit much, but some Bogner models are a keeper. They retain value if you want to re-sell (Metropolis, Shiva, Caveman, Uber come to mind). At the same time, you get the best tone possible.
I have friends who are sax players who went from a Nundy to a Selmer Mark VI as their second sax. A great sax like that can last a lifetime.
I have friends that went into the USC Jazz program with vintage Gibsons - hey they were dead serious as players. One of those guys was touring with Ray Charles after playing 3 years - so it IS possible.
If you want a cheaper idea - think about used Rivera amps - esp the Knucklhead series 2 or Quiana etc. Depends on how much gain you want. Out of prod Mesas are roadworthy AND sound GREAT - Heartbreaker, Maverick, etc come to mind.
I would not steer a serious player to modeling amps unless that's their "thing". I play with a good guitar player who uses a Line 6, but I still think he would sound better thru a Bogner.
