Helped needed in amp search

jazzems5150

jazzems5150

New member
Hi there, SDUGF, it's been awhile since I last posted, but as I need a bit of help in my search for some new gear, I figured I would come to the best place I know these questions.

I'm looking for something that can give me some smooth British drive. I've in the past used an Fulltone OCD and now use a Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret III (Super Lead side) into a Fender Hot Rod DeVille. I love the smooth and dynamic overdrive both pedals offered me, but I'm ready to move up and have an amp that can offer me that.

What I'm looking for (in order of most to least important:
-Budget is around $600, give or take a bit
-I like something that cleans up well. One or two channels doesn't really matter to me. I like using cleans, but I'm also the type of person that enjoys being able to plug into something dirty and get my cleans from my volume knob. A clean channel would be convenient, but is not a priority. I'm mostly using a Jimmy Page structure of gain (think TSRTS) or turning the gain down and using a Fuzz Face to play some Hendrix. I'm not looking to emulate Jimi or Jimmy, but a lot of what I play comes from them, and I happen to like sounds related to theirs. I mainly play a Strat, and occasionally a Les Paul. I don't really need more gain than what I would need for those 2 applications, if it can go into metal territory that's cool, but not a necessity. I also play a bit of Frusciante/RHCP style stuff. In reference to the DLS, I generally have the gain at 2 o' clock and volume at 12 for my normal drive, and if I want to play a bit of RHCP or plug in my Fuzz, I take the gain down to 9 o' clock.
-Takes a few pedals well. I use a Fuzz Face, a wah, and a vibe pedal. I may add a delay or octavia type pedal at some point, but I prefer to keep it rather simple
-A bit smaller then the DeVille. I have the 60 watt 2x12, and I'd like to have something a bit smaller. Volume isn't much of a problem, but something to free up space and something easier to transport would be beneficial.


That's pretty much all I'm looking for. I do like tubes, but I'm very open to solid state suggestions. I've taken some interest in the Orange OR15 and the new Marshall DSL series, any information on either would be appreciated, but I'm looking for other possibilities.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

Combo? In that range I like the Blackstar HT Club 40, the normal price is $700, but they can be found for less. Zzounds has a warehouse restock at $560. I think it offers more flexibility than the DSL40, though that's not a bad amp either.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

Also found 2 used Marshall 2266 Vintage Modern combos used for $700. This would get you all of the classic British based rock you could want from the 60's to now. Down side is they are 2x12 so about the same size as your fender
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

allbutromeo said:
Combo? In that range I like the Blackstar HT Club 40, the normal price is $700, but they can be found for less. Zzounds has a warehouse restock at $560. I think it offers more flexibility than the DSL40, though that's not a bad amp either...Also found 2 used Marshall 2266 Vintage Modern combos used for $700. This would get you all of the classic British based rock you could want from the 60's to now. Down side is they are 2x12 so about the same size as your fender
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I really like the Blackstar, but in past experiences it seemed voiced towards the modern side of things. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like there are many people on demoing the amp on youtube who are looking to play Zeppelin and Hendrix, so I'll have to search one out to give a try.

I really dig the Vintage Modern too (thanks for the tip on where to find them in my budget) but I've heard demos of the amp that made it sound a little fizzy but I've heard others that had the sound I'm looking for, so I'm a little unsure with that amp as of right now.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

jazzems5150 said:
I really dig the Vintage Modern too (thanks for the tip on where to find them in my budget) but I've heard demos of the amp that made it sound a little fizzy but I've heard others that had the sound I'm looking for, so I'm a little unsure with that amp as of right now.
Click to expand...

you tube demos suck generally.
There are plenty of you tube demos where awesome vintage amps like plexis and JTMs sound bad too.

So there is the vintage modern. Or an old 2x12 jcm800 combo. Or you could look at a jtm or bluesbreaker clone from ceriatone or mojotone or many others. Those will give killer sounds in the ballpark you are after.
Speaking of which, don't overlook speakers. The g12h30 is the obvious choice given the sounds and players you mentioned.
Lastly...if you do end up with a JTM type clone...try to get one with a master volume control if you want crunch at club volumes.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

Rockstar216 said:
A speaker swap can be a defining factor in getting the tone and feel you want.
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It is a shame how often I read this.
Guitar players should make a concerted effort to buy1-3 speakers a year when they start playing.
The above suggestion (Rockstar216) might have saved Thousands of dollars in amp hunting over a players life span.
But you need 5-10 different types of speakers, and you often need 2 of the same thing.
BUT...if you start now...when you are "young" you will have a fabulous tool that most players simply never do have.
That Deville circuit has been sold to Thousands and Thousands of players. Something like a speaker change can give you a new amp.....and the ability to change speakers (in the same amp) for different occasions is also a Great Versatility to have.
But you are not in That Situation.
So who knows.? .....Black Star, and VHT make quite a few nice models.
What you describe fits a Marshall JTM45 quite well. Have you looked into a used clone.? People have built Zillions of that amp.
good luck
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

If you like the DeVille and plan on keeping it, but want to have a smaller option, I'd look into the new '68 Custom Deluxe Reverbs. Not sure what they go for used, but you might be able to find something in your price range if you look hard, or can scrap a bit more together for the purchase.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

Rockstar216 said:
A speaker swap can be a defining factor in getting the tone and feel you want.
Click to expand...

Yes. The speaker makes a ridiculous amount of difference. Play the same amp with different speakers blindfolded and you would swear it's a different amp.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

Thanks for the tips, everyone! I like the idea of changing the speaker(s) out on an amp, I'll certainly give it a try.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

Next to swapping pickups, speakers are a big tone shaper as well and they run about the same in cost depending where you buy. Also swapping a speaker is a easy mod to do. More simple then changing strings even.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

Sweetwater-special DSL40C with Creamback. Classic channel, crunch mode.
 
Re: Helped needed in amp search

I missed the part where you were looking for a more British sound. You should check out the Mesa TA-15 head. You could run it through your DeVille for now, and pickup up a cab later to stay around your budget. It has several clean sound that range from Mesa super clean, to Vox-y top boost, to a Tweedy edge of breakup sound, then it also has a Marshall-esque gain setting and a Mesa high gain setting. It's a super versatile, very small amp, and can be had for $450-600 used.
 
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