Got any amps to add to my list???

D

DCBOON

New member
Hey there,
My girlfriend has offered to buy me an amp as a wedding gift which is just sensational, she does want it to be a surprise though so Im giving her a list to choose from. Here's the list so far:

Bad Cat Hot Cat 15
Bogner Metropolis 15
Zinky Blue Velvet
Top Hat Club Royale
THD Univalve
Dr Z maz Jnr 18

Price ranging all the way up to $1700 (if its over this I will pay the extra dollars), I would like nothing over 30watts as it would be used for smaller gigs and recording use. Obviously I want it to be a real keeper, I play mostly hard rock to rock...no nu metal, and no jazz. There should be plenty to choose from in this range, and Ive done many hours of research and these are my main contenders, but if you have any other amp ideas or opinions on the ones I already have please help me out.

Thanks in advance
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

Mesa Boogie DC-3. It's underrated at 30 watts, and sounds awesome. 2 channels, good clean, good drive. You can pick one up for about $400 or so, too.
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

so many choices. i'm not sure I like the suprise factor. if it's a gift, you're going to be stuck with it for a long time. can't sell it if it doesn't work out, right?
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

exactly. for that kind of cash you better get exactly what you really want the 1st time...
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

Forget those new amps, and look for a vintage tweed Fender.


Sprinter
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

I see where you're coming from fellas about the surprise factor...you make a fair point. The list will be arranged in preference order, it will come down to availability and price most likely. Thanks for your posts...please keep them coming
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

Don't focus on getting a boutique amp in that price range, focus on getting a highend amp that does exactly what you require. Many of the amps on your list are great, but may not be the perfect amp for a rock/hardrock player. Try not to buy without hearing/playing the amp first. My suggestion would be a Bogner Shiva EL-34 Reverb combo...either 1-12/2-12,head and 2-12 cab. As much as I love single channel amps, I think it's smarter to make your 'be all end all' amp a more versatile amp with great cleans and the ability to dial in any shade of gain you need.
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

BluesNRock87 said:
vox ac-30? (my fav amp)
orange ad-30

or the 15 watt versions of either
Click to expand...

I 2nd the Orange AD30.

I've recently bought 1 and I think it's a superb amp :)

Craig
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

I would suggest the Genz-Benz Pentode/Triode (60/30) 1x12 (Approximately $1000-$1200 depending on dealer). It's amazing. I do agree, though, that the Orange AD-30 would be a fine choice. You might also try the Peavey Classic 30. However, if she's gonna spend some serious cash on you (Dude, she must love you) why not get the best? When you care enough to play the very best...
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

I agree with Curly. You can grab a Rivera KH55 Reverb and a nice 2x12 and still come out way ahead. Great tone all the way around. Super clean Fendery channel that has a push/pull knob for blackface/tweed tones. The other channel is a Marshall Plexi sound. THe one I had was EL34 based and had the sweetest 6L6 sounding cleans, they'd just make you melt.

They are reasonably priced because they are circuit board construction. I got it in my head that all circuit board amps were bad so I mistakenly sold mine. Turns out the boards they use are strong and durable as heck. Replacing parts on them looks straightforward as well. We're not talking cheap POS stuff that crate, fender et. al. are using these days.

It's not a cork-sniffer's boutique amp, but I can vouche for the tones that come out of it. It's in that reasonably-priced boutique category. Dr. Z is lumped into that group because his prices are reasonable for what you are getting (pont to point in his case). I do not care for Dr. Z's ultra-linear power supplies. But that's just my ears.

My current amp obsession is Two Rock. They have angelic cleans that just happen to ring on certain notes. String separation is incredible, complexity is there, harmonics and all that. THey make a circuit-board version called the Jade that is in that reasonably priced range. Master volumes being what they are, I'd look hard at the 50 watt version. The lead channel is very Dumble-like. Think Robben Ford and larry Carlton to name a few. Santana uses a Two Rock at times. John Mayer uses a Two Rock Custom Reverb in his rig. If you've seen the Crossroads Festival DVD, listen to Mayer's tone. It's pretty damn amazing. That's the amp I bought.

Here's TR's description

"The JADE has arrived-PCB design, 3 channels, independent EQs, loop, reverb, direct out, global master...An extremely versatile, compact tone machine for those who want signature Two-Rock cleans, that elusive touch sensitive singing lead voice, plus the addition of over the top lead gain for a modern twist! Available in 22, 50, and 100 watts, and as a 1-12 combo with our new Two-Rock Special Design 12 or Jensen Neo. The Neo-equipped 50 watt combo weighs just 46 lbs!. "

I'm not sure what the Jade costs, but I"m betting it's in that 2 G range.
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

Oh yeah, if you've not played any of the amps on your list, you must have an understanding with the spouse that you have a return period. Explain to her that not all amps sound the same once you get them in certain environments. Make sure that whereever she buys from has at least a 72 hour return period. Explain how important this purchase is to you and that you only want to do this once! (yeah, right!)
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

I notice you listed the univalve. The bivalve and flexi are good choices, too, The Flexi also has a 20 watt setting.
 
Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

Hot _Grits said:
I notice you listed the univalve. The bivalve and flexi are good choices, too, The Flexi also has a 20 watt setting.
Click to expand...

Beat me to it!!!

For that kind of money, you'd be happier with the Bi or Flexi. I'd go Flexi if you're gonna grab a THD. Plenty of power if you want, but can quiet down for the home,

And congrats on the soon to be nutials!! :beerchug:

She's buying you an amp as a wedding gift......remind her of that everytime she yells for you to turn it down!!!

:rolleyes:
 
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Re: Got any amps to add to my list???

Thanks guys for the help, some great advice in there that I will take on board. Im actually thinking of taking the THD off the list.....along with the Zinky. I would prefer not having to buy a cabinet as well as a head....a combo logistically will work out easier. And the Zinky...well....there's just not enough people out there with them to gauge their reliability. I was thinking of adding an Aiken to the list instead as it will more likely give me the tones Im after
 
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