In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

[Guitarist]

Simply put, my tastes are changing and I'm selling my Single Rectifier. I would like to make a purchase by spring time. Let's not be too picky about pricing, but at or below $2000 sounds reasonable. Would prefer a head/cabinet set up, but a nice combo would be sufficient.

I gig, so assume anywhere from small-medium sized venues.

I want something that breathes. You guys all know the amps that pull this off. I also desire versatility, but I don't want it to be an amp that does everything well, but nothing outstanding. I want to drop jaws with this sound. I must find inspiration in the amp every time I plug in.

A clean that's workable, not necessarily Fender, but workable.

A rhythm tone that's got some macho dirt, but never gets so uber-compressed that it sounds HI-FI.

A lead tone that sings, of course. Nice and fat, punchy, and smooth.

Need at least 2 channels...

Something sweet enough for the blues, but mean enough to make you second guess coming to the show.

I NEED DIRECTIONS! My Guitar Center only holds so much and I've done what I can with all of the models I thought I could possibly like, but nothing seems to get me there! If you can recommend something, I can make the time to find it!

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Is it safe to say you'd like the range and style of tone SRV got?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Where do you live?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

does it need to be a channel switcher?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

If you want the fender/dumble type tones (think Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, John Mayer), look closely at Two Rock and Fuchs. Jaw dropping tone, channel switchers. I had a two rock custom reverb, but sold it as I never left the clean channel. (I figure I can build a clean channel fenderish amp for a lot less than what I paid for that Two Rock)

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Well, SRV certainly fits the specifications I laid out, which is too bad because that's not exactly the kind of sound I'd like to recreate.

I'd love to cover his ground, but also want more. I want to get heavier.


?? Sorry, not very good with my words, because if I knew exactly what I wanted, I wouldn't need help finding the amp...

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Where do you live?

North of Seattle.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

does it need to be a channel switcher?

I'd like it to be. But if it is so dynamic that I can roll of the volume and get a spanky clean from mondo-distortion, then maybe not.

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

And you want all this tone coming from just the amp itself? No help from pedals or the like?

 

[Scott_F]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

The good news is that you have several nice shops in Seattle to shop in.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

If you want the fender/dumble type tones (think Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, John Mayer), look closely at Two Rock and Fuchs. Jaw dropping tone, channel switchers. I had a two rock custom reverb, but sold it as I never left the clean channel. (I figure I can build a clean channel fenderish amp for a lot less than what I paid for that Two Rock)

I'm thinking a Marshall sound...I've grown to really like the way they can work in a band situation, and I can get a glimpse of the sound with my solid state Marshall, but of course, it leaves much to be desired.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Another, simpler, amp to look at if you can find one is a Komet. They now are selling a 50 watt version, the others were 60. Just a tad less power for better small/medium club stuff. It's a real rock and roll beast. Wonderful distortion.

What style music are you wanting to cover? I might have missed that.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

And you want all this tone coming from just the amp itself? No help from pedals or the like?

My lead can be created with the use of an OD and possibly an EQ in the loop (which would be nice ), so not exactly. I just need the gateway. From there, I'll find what I'm looking for.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

I'm thinking a Marshall sound...I've grown to really like the way they can work in a band situation, and I can get a glimpse of the sound with my solid state Marshall, but of course, it leaves much to be desired.

Have you ever played a real Marshall Plexi or JTM45? There are a ton of well-made clones out there. (not trying to be a shameless plug). Pure tube tone, 45-50 watts.

If you need a lot of power, you can get a 100 watt four power tube version of these suckers. Loud as hell, melt down wonderfully, simple circuits (no tone sucking stuff that you don't need).

Put a great OD/Distortion pedal in front of one and have all the boost you need. Great amps for rolling back the guitar's volume knob.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Another, simpler, amp to look at if you can find one is a Komet. They now are selling a 50 watt version, the others were 60. Just a tad less power for better small/medium club stuff. It's a real rock and roll beast. Wonderful distortion.

What style music are you wanting to cover? I might have missed that.

Komets...OK, I'll look around.

Basically, I'm going for a basic Hard Rock kind of tone that keeps those vintage vibes (old VH is the ideal example). From there, I'll work with the experimental tendencies I'm finding myself enjoying.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Have you ever played a real Marshall Plexi or JTM45? There are a ton of well-made clones out there. (not trying to be a shameless plug). Pure tube tone, 45-50 watts.

If you need a lot of power, you can get a 100 watt four power tube version of these suckers. Loud as hell, melt down wonderfully, simple circuits (no tone sucking stuff that you don't need).

Put a great OD/Distortion pedal in front of one and have all the boost you need. Great amps for rolling back the guitar's volume knob.

I've NEVER played either. I was about to pull the trigger on a used JTM45 on eBay just a month ago, but figured that would be an ignorant buy as I have no knowledge of the amp.

I really don't know where to look when it comes to the old origionals...the clones have been an option I've never really looked into, because I can't get past the fact that they're mimicking a sound. Why buy the model when you can get the real thing?

But lots of people are enjoying their clones and maybe I should give them a fair test? Names of well-known successful clones would be great.

***********Thanks for all the concern, you two. :smokin:

 

[Scott_F]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

Komets...OK, I'll look around.

Basically, I'm going for a basic Hard Rock kind of tone that keeps those vintage vibes (old VH is the ideal example). From there, I'll work with the experimental tendencies I'm finding myself enjoying.

Komets are loud, but you just described one. It's a Ken Fisher Trainwreck deisgn that he licenses out to the guys at Komet in Lousiana.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

You think I'd be better off tracking down the origional?

Gosh, I can't get past the clone issue, until I actually plug into one and judge for myself. Anyway, despite your response, I'll try to track one down.

 

[Guitarist]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

BTW - I'm going to go down to American Music down in Seattle to test out some Riveras in a few days. I've had limited play time on the one model my uncle has, but what I got from it was a great thick blues tone.

Anyone have experience with these? What expectations should I have going into the shop? What models should I pounce on first?

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions

I was about to pull the trigger on a used JTM45 on eBay just a month ago, but figured that would be an ignorant buy as I have no knowledge of the amp.

Funny, I was just about to point you to a (sold) JTM45 on eBay.