JSX or XXX?

[rumblebox]

so here's the dealio:

i have a C50 i love for classic and hard rock toanz. but i need something that can do metal, which both the JSX and XXX do well IMO.


option 1: keep classic 50 and buy XXX or 3120 for metal.

option 2: sell classic 50 and buy JSX for metal and classic tones, since 1 channel is basically a C50.

option 3: sell the classic 50 and buy a XXX/3120 for metal and try to get vintage tone from the low-gain channel.

 

[FretFire]

Re: JSX or XXX?

They're pretty similar, but I'd give the edge to the JSX.

 

[CTN]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I like the JSX better. The gain channels have a smoother more polished character to them, whereas the XXX has a certain grinding quality to it. Both sound good, but just different flavours.

 

[p4vl]

Re: JSX or XXX?

Either way, switch it to EL34s.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: JSX or XXX?

How about option 4, get a really good dirt box...like the Bogners....

 

[Van Noord]

Re: JSX or XXX?

If you want to coax some classic tones, steer clear of the XXX. It's crunch channel is the JSX's ultra. And it's ultra is over the top high gain only.

The JSX crunch cannel is closer to the C50, only with more gain available. It's clean channel is high headroom and designed to be an ultimate pedal platform, which it is.

So look for a JSX the go for good prices right now. Compressed high gain on the ultra, Marshall like crunch and bite on the crunch and a great clean channel for sparkling chime, or to put your fav dirt box through.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: JSX or XXX?

If you dig the tones out of your current amp you could always just snatch up a used 6505 or 5150 for your metal tones....out of the peaveys I dig those the most, 6534 is cool too....

It sounds to me you need a one trick pony, no need to get rid of something you really love for that...

 

[rumblebox]

Re: JSX or XXX?

How about the randall RG100's?

I really dig dime's tone on the trendkill album. I'm not big on solid states, but it sounded bad ass on the record.

 

[dominus]

Re: JSX or XXX?

How about the randall RG100's?

I really dig dime's tone on the trendkill album. I'm not big on solid states, but it sounded bad ass on the record.

If you're open to solid state amps, check out some of the earlier Marshall Valvestate amps (8xxx series, VS100), the Ampeg VH140 (and the Crate amps that use the same circuits, quite a few of them), or even the Peavey XXL.

 

[rumblebox]

Re: JSX or XXX?

If it sounds like a valvestate, I'll have to write it off as a no-go.

Valvestates sound like dog**** dipped in fermented catfish and thrown into a radiator fan.

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I owned the JSX, my friend had the XXX. I preferred the JSX. The XXX could get more brutal tones I think though.

 

[dominus]

Re: JSX or XXX?

If it sounds like a valvestate, I'll have to write it off as a no-go.

The newer ones aren't that great, it's the older ones you want to look for. Chuck Schuldiner and Dino Cazares got some GREAT sounds out of them, as did Tommy Victor.

 

[CTN]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I'd avoid the RG100.

IMO, they feel very sterile, stiff and are completely incapable of putting a big jackass grin on your face.

 

[rumblebox]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I might look for a peavey ultra too.

 

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I like both the JSX and XXX, they are both good amps, easy to get great sounds from. Peavey makes good high gain amps.

The old valvestates sound really great though, Dominus is right. The new ones kinda suck.

This album was recorded using a valvestate and it sounds great.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I personally own a el34 powered jsx and i think there incredible. Most amazing amp around imo. Very versatile. I got mine for 1500 with a the cab so it was money well spent.

Plus there very powerful as they are, i find myself not even using distortion/overdrive pedals. I have a maxon od9 pro plus and a ds1(sem) and although both respond very well out in front of the jsx there not really needed all that much.

Only issue with the jsx that i can possible think of is there not the loudest amp around. But hey i don't even use mine for live work that much and i use it more at home. And that satch no longer uses them haha

 

[BloodRose]

Re: JSX or XXX?

If you can afford to keep the C50 and get a diff one, do it.. If choosing tween jsx and xxx, I personally would go jsx a I like the gate and features. another great amp you could pick up cheap would be an Ultra plus which became the XXX. I love mine and its proved more reliable than any amp Ive had since. Including a couple of major players. : (

 

[Van Noord]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I run my JSX with EL34's, JJ pre's and use the Crunch channel for the main metal mayhem riffing. I can max the gain on the crunch and still retain a tight, clear high gain sound. Great modded Marshall type tones when run like this.
I put a jumper cable in the loop and boost the loop levels for added volume and punch. I also keep the gate set high to eliminate hiss, and only use a Decimator in front to calm any feedback or unwanted noise.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I'd avoid the RG100.

IMO, they feel very sterile, stiff and are completely incapable of putting a big jackass grin on your face.

I owned an RG100G3 for a while, and the feel was completely absent. Tones could be had, but dynamics and feel just weren't there at all.

 

[IcedEarth112]

Re: JSX or XXX?

I run my JSX with EL34's, JJ pre's and use the Crunch channel for the main metal mayhem riffing. I can max the gain on the crunch and still retain a tight, clear high gain sound. Great modded Marshall type tones when run like this.
I put a jumper cable in the loop and boost the loop levels for added volume and punch. I also keep the gate set high to eliminate hiss, and only use a Decimator in front to calm any feedback or unwanted noise.

this is what I did as well. that plus having the eq up higher turned the amp into a beast. It has been a while since I played one but both these things helped. I preferred my JSX with 6l6 tubes