In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
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DeadSkinSlayer3
Guest
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
In your situation, I'd go with one of two things.
1. Mesa Triaxis/2:90 or 50/50 rack.
2. Randall RM4 Module based setup.
I think you'd like the Randall; you can have 4 modules in the preamp and go from a Fender based clean to a nice blues overdrive, to a Plexi based crunch, and then to an Ecstasy based high-gain assault.
One of the guys on the Sevenstring.org forums just got one, this is his review:
http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4884&page=1&pp=10
In your situation, I'd go with one of two things.
1. Mesa Triaxis/2:90 or 50/50 rack.
2. Randall RM4 Module based setup.
I think you'd like the Randall; you can have 4 modules in the preamp and go from a Fender based clean to a nice blues overdrive, to a Plexi based crunch, and then to an Ecstasy based high-gain assault.
One of the guys on the Sevenstring.org forums just got one, this is his review:
http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/showthread.php?t=4884&page=1&pp=10
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DeadSkinSlayer3
Guest
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
Also, another cool thing about the Randall; the poweramp is FOOTSWITCHABLE between 6L6/EL34's. Cool ****, IMO.
Also, another cool thing about the Randall; the poweramp is FOOTSWITCHABLE between 6L6/EL34's. Cool ****, IMO.
Nightburst
New member
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
From reading your posts, I would say get a Bogner Ecstasy! It will do all the things you want and more! There's so much different sounds in there, it's unbelievable.
It has that open 'breathing' sound you described and a vintage vibe to it.
I think you will like the plexi switch that will turn one of the 2 od channels into a Marshall Plexi! Well it should be close since I've never played a real plexi.
Another cool feature is the class A/AB switch (is an option not standard feature), I run mine on class A all the time because it sounds so good!
But Gearjoneser can tell you a lot more about this amp.
From reading your posts, I would say get a Bogner Ecstasy! It will do all the things you want and more! There's so much different sounds in there, it's unbelievable.
It has that open 'breathing' sound you described and a vintage vibe to it.
I think you will like the plexi switch that will turn one of the 2 od channels into a Marshall Plexi! Well it should be close since I've never played a real plexi.
Another cool feature is the class A/AB switch (is an option not standard feature), I run mine on class A all the time because it sounds so good!
But Gearjoneser can tell you a lot more about this amp.
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DeadSkinSlayer3
Guest
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
Got a stereo cabinet? Run one side of each through the sides, or set the stereo speakers up in an X pattern for even more blendage
.
Guitarist said:Yeah, but can it blend the two?
Got a stereo cabinet? Run one side of each through the sides, or set the stereo speakers up in an X pattern for even more blendage
.
drpietrzak
New member
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
You might want to check out the Genz Benz El Diablos.
You might want to check out the Genz Benz El Diablos.
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
Hmmm... two amps really come to mind...
1) Bogner Shiva - two channels and a boost. The overdrive is about medium, the boost brings it into lead territory and the clean channel is great as well. Since you're looking at Marshalls, I recommend the EL-34 version.
2) Fargen VOS - I just got mine in the form of a 30w dual channel EL-84 amp, but the normal one comes with EL-34s. I'm mentioning this because it sings unlike any other amp I've heard in a long time. This amp is great for thick, smooth and really sustained passages. It can nail early Van Halen as well (just don't expect uber high gain like your Mesas). It's a mix between Trainwreck, Dumble and the sweetest Marshall plexi you've ever heard Ben is the man when it comes to cleaning up with the volume knob too! The VOS gets really sweet cleans from rolling back the volume, even with the overdrive set to max gain.
Hmmm... two amps really come to mind...
1) Bogner Shiva - two channels and a boost. The overdrive is about medium, the boost brings it into lead territory and the clean channel is great as well. Since you're looking at Marshalls, I recommend the EL-34 version.
2) Fargen VOS - I just got mine in the form of a 30w dual channel EL-84 amp, but the normal one comes with EL-34s. I'm mentioning this because it sings unlike any other amp I've heard in a long time. This amp is great for thick, smooth and really sustained passages. It can nail early Van Halen as well (just don't expect uber high gain like your Mesas). It's a mix between Trainwreck, Dumble and the sweetest Marshall plexi you've ever heard
Ben is the man when it comes to cleaning up with the volume knob too! The VOS gets really sweet cleans from rolling back the volume, even with the overdrive set to max gain.
aleclee
Major General GAS
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
The Bogner Shiva and most Riveras seem to fit your general params. They do the Fendery clean and Marshally crunch about as well as anything out there. There's a lot of love out there for the VHT Pitbull, too.
I know of a number of folks who sold their XTC because they found the cleans uninspiring. YMMV. It's also a long shot that you'd find a head under 2K let alone a head + any cab at that price point.
The Bogner Shiva and most Riveras seem to fit your general params. They do the Fendery clean and Marshally crunch about as well as anything out there. There's a lot of love out there for the VHT Pitbull, too.
I know of a number of folks who sold their XTC because they found the cleans uninspiring. YMMV. It's also a long shot that you'd find a head under 2K let alone a head + any cab at that price point.
Jeff_H
Dean Hardtail Fanologist
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
Several beat me to it. Bogner Shiva, Rivera Knucklehead, or contact Jeff Seal, forum member and amp builder. If you want amazing cleans with any Marshall tone you can name in a channel switching amp, he's your guy....hands down.
I have a 2205 circuit modded by him to have Fender Blackface on the clean channel and Plexi/2204 distortion on the drive channel, depending on where the gain is set.
Several beat me to it. Bogner Shiva, Rivera Knucklehead, or contact Jeff Seal, forum member and amp builder. If you want amazing cleans with any Marshall tone you can name in a channel switching amp, he's your guy....hands down.
I have a 2205 circuit modded by him to have Fender Blackface on the clean channel and Plexi/2204 distortion on the drive channel, depending on where the gain is set.
Guitarist
Mesa-ologist
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
Genz Benz El Diablo, gracias doc.
I'll be sure to check out those particular Riveras when I drop by the store, JeffB, thanks!
Fargen VOS sounds excellent, thanks for the tip, Chris.
Now what are the key differences that seperate the Shiva from the Ecstasy?...buying one of these mother****ers would mean havoc on my credit or require me to return the Fantom X6 I just bought. :smack: ...but still, very interested...
Genz Benz El Diablo, gracias doc.
I'll be sure to check out those particular Riveras when I drop by the store, JeffB, thanks!
Fargen VOS sounds excellent, thanks for the tip, Chris.
Now what are the key differences that seperate the Shiva from the Ecstasy?...buying one of these mother****ers would mean havoc on my credit or require me to return the Fantom X6 I just bought. :smack: ...but still, very interested...
F
FenderStratRock3
Guest
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
Maybe try out an Aiken .
May not do the clean thing well (unless you get the Sabre for about 500 dollars over your range ) but they supposedly do all levels of gain amazingly. If you need a clean, cheaper, smaller amps are always available. Maybe if you got one of the Intruders or Invaders (1x12 combos) for a little under your range, you might be able to pick up something small for cleans (Roland JC-something, Fender Blues Junior etc.). The Aikens seem great for what you want, gain-wise.
Maybe try out an Aiken .
May not do the clean thing well (unless you get the Sabre for about 500 dollars over your range
) but they supposedly do all levels of gain amazingly. If you need a clean, cheaper, smaller amps are always available. Maybe if you got one of the Intruders or Invaders (1x12 combos) for a little under your range, you might be able to pick up something small for cleans (Roland JC-something, Fender Blues Junior etc.). The Aikens seem great for what you want, gain-wise.
Guitarist
Mesa-ologist
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
Thanks for the recommendation, but as long as I stay a Washingtonian, I don't see how that's gonna work.
That seems a little out of reach, seeing as they are based in Florida and will only ship direct from their factories. No dealers in my state, let alone any neighboring state!FenderStratRock3 said:Maybe try out an Aiken .
May not do the clean thing well (unless you get the Sabre for about 500 dollars over your range
Thanks for the recommendation, but as long as I stay a Washingtonian, I don't see how that's gonna work.
Re: In Search of New Amplifier...Need Directions
I've stayed out of this to try to see where it went, J.
Knowing what you like to begin with, why not go with a Mark IV? IMO, it's the most versatile, "if there's a tone, it's in there" amp ever made. You have to experiment to the Nth degree, but it's worth it.
I've stayed out of this to try to see where it went, J.
Knowing what you like to begin with, why not go with a Mark IV? IMO, it's the most versatile, "if there's a tone, it's in there" amp ever made. You have to experiment to the Nth degree, but it's worth it.
