Need help choosing an amp :)

Axl H

Axl H

Blowthebloodydoorsoffologist
Hi bros,

Yes, I know - I have already written about a backup guitar.. But the amp I am using at band rehearsal is causing trouble, so I need a new one.

I dont use much cleans - we play covers ranging from Guns'n'Roses to Black Stone Cherry. I like JCM800s... I want a basic JCM800 2203ish tone, that I can boost with pedals for high gain etc.. Think John Sykes, Vivian Campbell and Slash. Sound is more important than gain, as pedals can always fix that.

I play with a very hard hitting drummer, so it must be able to keep up with that. I want something reliable, so it can be used on the road.

The options I have are either a Peavey Windsor Studio, Vox AD50VT, Blackheart Little Giant BH5-112 or a Randall RG50TC - which one of these seem like something that could do the sounds I am looking for? And any general experience with these?

EDIT: New options:

Marshall Valvestate 8080
Marshall Lead 20 combo
Marshall Lead 12 head


Thanks :)
 
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Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

Not familiar with those amps. You mentioned JCM800. go with that. You'll be able to drown out that drummer... heh heh heh
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

Forgot to mention, I am on a very tight budget... So I cant afford the 800 :)
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

You can check around the internet for clones. Often better quality than the actual amps they're modeled after at half the cost. A little risky though.
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

Any reason you are limited to the choices you presented?

If you have to stick with those then the Vox does a passable 800 type tone. And it takes pedals fairly well.


But if you can go in another direction, you should.
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

May I ask what your budget is? There might be some amps on the used market that might better suit your needs. As far as what you have listed, the Windsor will be most like the 800. Only problem is that I have heard they aren't the most reliable amp. I have heard some clips of modified circuits to the Windsor and they sounded quite amazing.

Cole
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

My budget is 300$, but in Denmark - this amounts to near nothing. The choices are the best amps I have been able to find in my price range.. Otherwise its Marshall MGs and Valvestates. :(


Crusty -> Will look around. They are hard to come by here.

Will look around for the amps recommended, thanks. :)

EDIT: More options:

Marshall Valvestate 8080
Marshall Lead 20 combo
Marshall Lead 12 head

Any of these any good? Damn i miss my 2203 right now :(
 
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Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

I have no experience with the new options, but after checking out videos on YouTube, I feel that the Randall might be the top option of your choices. The 100 watt Windsor would be a better "Marshall" sound, but that Windsor Studio sounds like it severely lacking.

Here is a good video of a mix using the Randall:


I would say snag the Randall!

Cole
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

Sounds cool. Will keep my eye on the Randall :-)

No one else with any opinions about the amps. Really need some help here, as I am buying used and can't try them all :-)

Thanks :-)
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

I don't know about the price, but the Blackstar HT series are out of your budget?
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

d1dsj -> Thanks mate :) I have owned a DSL before, great amps.. But out of my price range. I have a max of 200£. I know it wont buy me a world class amp, just need a decent little thing that I can crank and get some decent stuff out of :) Any good stuff in the UK for that? And thanks for the offer :)

Sympton -> Thanks to the 25% import tax, the HTs are way out of my budget. A HT20 is around 1000$ here :(
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

I opted to not suggest any other amp because I really don't know what the budget is like in Denmark and how that pans out for amps there. I was going to suggest a Laney GH or VH amp. They seem to go for fairly cheap in the states, but I don't have any idea what they would cost in Denmark.

Cole
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

Thanks, Cole. Yeah it is tough - our used market is crazy over here. The amps I have listed are all that are decent and within my budget. GHs are 1000 and up.. A GH100TI would be nice though :) Thanks for the suggestion, it sucks that this is a here and now situation.. :(
 
Re: Need help choosing an amp :)

Axl H said:
Thanks, Cole. Yeah it is tough - our used market is crazy over here. The amps I have listed are all that are decent and within my budget. GHs are 1000 and up.. A GH100TI would be nice though :) Thanks for the suggestion, it sucks that this is a here and now situation.. :(
Click to expand...

It sucks for you guys in other countries... It seems like you get totally raped on prices and import tariffs. Hell, I got a JCM2000 DSL 100 for $350 locally. Good luck!

Cole
 
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