Need a couple amp recommendations.

[80's_Metal]

My buddy is starting to get a lot better at playing.
He plays a lot of old rock, some 70's 80's rock.
He owns a schecter, a fender tele, and just acquired an '11 Gibson LP Jr. Blue with one P90.

He asked me for an amp recommendation.... I'm not the best guy for that.

1. He really likes the ability to USB it to his PC.
2. He's looking for combo, practice sized amp.

He owns a fender amp that is PC compatible, but he hates the digital sound it makes.

I asked him to look into the possibility of a nice few pedals in front of a clean amp.

He's up in the air, but I think I told him to look into Orange amps, the last one I played really sounded great!

You guys have any Grails of 40watt greatness that will fit his wishes?

 

[probo_squad_henry]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

Maybe a Marshall DSL 40, they're pretty versatile

 

[allbutromeo]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

If he really wants the USB option that's going to limit things alot, especially combos. My best recommendation would be an H&K Tubemiester, they don't have a USB out, but with the built in Redbox DI all he would need is a USB interface and those aren't too much now a days.

 

[Demanic]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

Which Fender does he have? I've heard good things about the Mustangs and I think they have a USB out. Doesn't Line 6 have a USB out?

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

not sure which model it is, he lives a long ways away, Indiana now....

 

[Gone_Shootin]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

H&K Grandmaster 36. Not a combo, but they sound great and have built in effects, an emulated out, MIDI switching, and a power attenuator. He will have to get an interface for his computer that takes XLR if he wants to use the emulated out to record with. but a decent two channel interface isn't very expensive.

 

[80's_Metal]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

That H&K is badass, I'm not sure his wife will allow a $1200 head into the house, especially after he just bought this Gibson ha ha ha But I'll pass it on to him just in case.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

He should buy the same rig Jolly uses...an Eleven rack into a power amp, into a stereo 212 or 412. I'm pretty certain he'd love it, and luckily, the used prices on the Avid Eleven Rack is very reasonable.

 

[dystrust]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

He should buy the same rig Jolly uses...an Eleven rack into a power amp, into a stereo 212 or 412. I'm pretty certain he'd love it, and luckily, the used prices on the Avid Eleven Rack is very reasonable.

I see them on craigslist all the time around $300. Honestly I think an AxeFX Ultra sounds much better, but you can't touch them for less than ~$1000-1400.

 

[DinoTrousers]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

It's not a combo, but the new Peavey Mini 6505 head screams, and has USB out. All tube, and more than loud enough for gigging, and quiet enough for home use.

 

[leevc5]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

Have him build a 5F1 (just about like a classic Tweed Champ) and match with a 12" Celestion Vintage speaker. Forget the USB, doesn't need it if he has a good sounding tube amp. Easy to build and cost with speaker under $200. Not near 40 Watts but if he substitutes a 6L6 for the 6V6 (requires 1 capacitor change) he can get 7 to 12 real Watts that is more than loud enough for any practice amp.
Here is all he needs to start. order parts at Weber and Mouser. Put it together in about 8 hours, build a cabinet and he's ready to rock in style.
He ends up with an $800 amp for < $200 and 8 hours of work:
Check out ebay:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Tweed-Champ-5F1-Amp-Premium-5-Watts-/201547551256

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

The new Bandits have USB ports

I think the new Valve Kings do as well

I remember looking at one in a catalog thinking, why would I want that

 

[skyydogg01]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

Peavey Valveking II ... all day long!!!

 

[Louis123]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

I think he might have one of the Mustangs, I have one and they're pretty good. The tones you get out of it whit the virtual pedals are good but not as good as the real thing.

 

[Iwanarock]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

I say EVH 5150 III combo. it also features front-panel adjustable power output from 50 watts down to one watt but would also cost him $1200. Or the The EVH lunchbox head and EVH 5150 III 1x12" would run him around a $1000.

If he is a classic rock guy he would love one these as they are awesome and sound fantastic.

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

If he has the Mustang, have him look at the Super Champ X2. It's got the usb, and lets you download different amp models so you're not stuck with the factory models. When it gets cranked, those power tubes add a lot to the sound.

 

[Taz Rules]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

Have him build a 5F1 (just about like a classic Tweed Champ) and match with a 12" Celestion Vintage speaker. Forget the USB, doesn't need it if he has a good sounding tube amp. Easy to build and cost with speaker under $200. Not near 40 Watts but if he substitutes a 6L6 for the 6V6 (requires 1 capacitor change) he can get 7 to 12 real Watts that is more than loud enough for any practice amp.
Here is all he needs to start. order parts at Weber and Mouser. Put it together in about 8 hours, build a cabinet and he's ready to rock in style.
He ends up with an $800 amp for < $200 and 8 hours of work:
Check out ebay:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Tweed-Champ-5F1-Amp-Premium-5-Watts-/201547551256
View attachment 71758


View attachment 71759

Hmmmm........ This intrigues me. (I saved the images)

 

[Hoosier-Rocker]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

And now said friend is on the forum...finally! Post #1 - I appreciate all the suggestions. Went to guitar center and tried a few out. Loving the sound of the Vox AC30 (or maybe 15) through both my Tele and Les Paul Jr. I think it's a close race at this point between that, the Marshall DSL40 and the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jeremy]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

welcome to the forum!

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Need a couple amp recommendations.

And now said friend is on the forum...finally! Post #1 - I appreciate all the suggestions. Went to guitar center and tried a few out. Loving the sound of the Vox AC30 (or maybe 15) through both my Tele and Les Paul Jr. I think it's a close race at this point between that, the Marshall DSL40 and the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe III


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

welcome!
you can always simply use a modelling program like amplitube or guitar rig for your direct to PC stuff.
That frees you up to get a really sweet amp (any of the ones you mentioned are cool) and enjoy it for its signature tone and feel, and for what no digital devices can yet do.
This way you can have the convenience of digital and direct recording, and the real warmth of a real amp depending on what you need at the time.