New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

[Coma]

I joined a gigging band. Guess I need an amp. Tube, naturally (because if you're gonna splurge, why settle for solid state?).

Now, atm I'm playing through a Line 6 Toneport and computer, using headphones, so my preferences are based on those sounds. The amp models I've found myself relying on mostly are the JCM 800, 68 Plexi and Solda SLO. occasionally the Mesa Boogie as well.

As I haven't tried the real version of most of these (maybe with the exception of the JCM 800 - my buddy has a TSL 2000, which, if I'm not mistaken, is roughly based on the JCM 800), I'm not too sure how well they're represented in the software. But out of the lot, I really, REALLY liked the Soldano most. It has a nice tone, does chugging fairly well and most importantly, retains clarity and string separation even when I'm tuned down to C and playing muddy stuff (les Paul w/ Invader bridge).

Sadly, a Soldano SLO-100 would set me back quite a bit. 3600 euros, to be precise, which is about twice as much as I'd like to spend. Of course, the less I have to spend, the happier I am, but quality comes first, so 1800 euros is my cap. So gentlemen - or women - pimp me some amps!

 

[GregJr]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Peavey-6505-Amplifier-E-Gitarre-120W-Toptei-Head-Rohrenverstarker-/300782216580?pt=Amps&hash=item4608046584#ht_2569wt_1037

Excellent for chugging.
Just need a cab.

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

I joined a gigging band. Guess I need an amp. Tube, naturally (because if you're gonna splurge, why settle for solid state?).

Now, atm I'm playing through a Line 6 Toneport and computer, using headphones, so my preferences are based on those sounds. The amp models I've found myself relying on mostly are the JCM 800, 68 Plexi and Solda SLO. occasionally the Mesa Boogie as well.

As I haven't tried the real version of most of these (maybe with the exception of the JCM 800 - my buddy has a TSL 2000, which, if I'm not mistaken, is roughly based on the JCM 800), I'm not too sure how well they're represented in the software. But out of the lot, I really, REALLY liked the Soldano most. It has a nice tone, does chugging fairly well and most importantly, retains clarity and string separation even when I'm tuned down to C and playing muddy stuff (les Paul w/ Invader bridge).

Sadly, a Soldano SLO-100 would set me back quite a bit. 3600 euros, to be precise, which is about twice as much as I'd like to spend. Of course, the less I have to spend, the happier I am, but quality comes first, so 1800 euros is my cap. So gentlemen - or women - pimp me some amps!

You could probably get a used SLO on ebay for 1800 but you could be waiting a long time.

A jet city would get you in the ballpark more so than the toneport did and is well within your budget.

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

I don't want to speak on Toe-Knee's behalf, as I don't know if he does stuff like this, but I do know he's made some killer looking SLO clones - you might want to ask him if he'd build you one within your budget.

 

[CTN]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

Get a Jet City JCA50/100 or a JCA100HDM (has depth mod, and half power switch too)

It's a fraction of the cost of an SLO.

After that, do some mods to some component values, and you'll VERY quickly (and very cheaply) be in SLO territory. Granted, it's not an SLO, and never will be, but since they are designed by Mike Soldano, they have

a) the same design philosophy (well built, robust PCB design)
b) the same sort of voicing
c) the same kind of responsiveness to different pickups/guitars/technique
d) the same kind of flexibility with regard to covering a whole lot of tonal bases, including plexi, JCM800, the classic Soldano sound, and even into Mesa rectifier territory.

On the other hand, if you plan to be playing exclusively metal, get a Peavey 6505/6505+. They are inexpensive, well built and are one of the most solid, reliable, and well reputed, not to mention great sounding amps available for metal.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

Definitely talk to Toe-Knee!

 

[jimman]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

I agree with the Jet City recommendation. It wont be exactly like a SLO but it will be similar enough to keep you happy I think. IMO they are some of the best amps for the money out there.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

For cheap, a JCM900MKIII (not the dual reverb model) is essentially a master volume 800 with an extra diode clipping stage. It was marshalls response to all the sexy hot rodded marshall clone type amps that were so popular back then. You can dial back the extra clipping stage to get the regular Master volume marshall sound, or wind it up for extra dirt.
These are still real deal made in England marshalls. They have a much richer more organic sound than the 900 dual reverbs. They are only single channel, but they do have dual footswitchable master volumes, so you can get your lead sounds.
Put a well chosen overdrive in front of one of those and youll have a killer sounding and versatile rig. It does not have all the bells and whistles of a TSL, but it has a much simpler circuit and will give you the 800 sounds that you like and a lot of harmonic richness and touch sensetivity.

Whatever amp you end up with tho......Don't skimp on your cab and speakers. Any amp is only as good as the speakers will allow.

 

[Coma]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

Get a Jet City JCA50/100 or a JCA100HDM (has depth mod, and half power switch too)

It's a fraction of the cost of an SLO.

After that, do some mods to some component values, and you'll VERY quickly (and very cheaply) be in SLO territory. Granted, it's not an SLO, and never will be, but since they are designed by Mike Soldano, they have

a) the same design philosophy (well built, robust PCB design)
b) the same sort of voicing
c) the same kind of responsiveness to different pickups/guitars/technique
d) the same kind of flexibility with regard to covering a whole lot of tonal bases, including plexi, JCM800, the classic Soldano sound, and even into Mesa rectifier territory.

On the other hand, if you plan to be playing exclusively metal, get a Peavey 6505/6505+. They are inexpensive, well built and are one of the most solid, reliable, and well reputed, not to mention great sounding amps available for metal.

Those Jet Citys sound interesting. Gonna try to find somone around here who sells 'em, seems Thomann doesn't carry the 100W heads.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Peavey-6505-Amplifier-E-Gitarre-120W-Toptei-Head-Rohrenverstarker-/300782216580?pt=Amps&hash=item4608046584#ht_2569wt_1037

Excellent for chugging.
Just need a cab.

THe 6505 did cross my mind, I might try one out, see how it fits. The band plays metal, but I play a lot of classic rock on my own as well, so I would ideally like something that can handle nice cleans and crunch as well.

I've also been looking at a brand called Egnater, anyone have any experience with them? Their top-of-the-line model costs 1800 euros and comes with built-in ISP G-string.

I don't want to speak on Toe-Knee's behalf, as I don't know if he does stuff like this, but I do know he's made some killer looking SLO clones - you might want to ask him if he'd build you one within your budget.

Definitely talk to Toe-Knee!

Alrighty: Toe-Knee, what say you?

 

[Toe-Knee]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

Alrighty: Toe-Knee, what say you?

Well firstly i'll say that I don't usually make amps to sell just the odd one for friends or my "experiments" once i'm done with them.

I wouldn't be able to do you an exact clone of the SLO as I think that's a little shady but I could put you something based upon it that will get you most of the way there but with my own little spin on it.

It's not as cheap as a Jet city for example. I don't really want to sound like i'm blowing my own trumpet but I only use high quality parts and wouldn't build something that I wouldn't use personally.

If you are interested shoot me a PM and we can discuss it further.

Here are a couple of clips of the last amp I did.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9807181/untitled.mp3

http://soundcloud.com/diy-audio/craig-warings-amp

http://soundcloud.com/diy-audio/some-more-metal

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

Also contact www.grangeramp.com/
He hand builds amps based off of the ones you say you like, and is a friend of mine (and lives down the street from me)
He has one with 2 channels (Normal Plexi and Overdrive Modern) called the GNR-10036 which sells for $1695 American, and he also has 50w models for less.
But defin contact him and let him know what you want, and tell him I sent you.

 

[GuitarDoc]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

FWIW...

Egnater amps are great amps, solidly built, great tones, versatile, reasonable price.

 

[Coma]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

In case anyone gives a ****, I've finally settled on a an amp. Tried out a bunch yesterday; Mesa Dual Rec, Mesa Stiletto Deuce Stage I, Marshall JVM 210H, Peavey 6505 and Marshall JCM 2000 TSL.
The Mesa Dual was nice, but way, waaaay to pricey.
The Stiletto had the most beautiful cleans I've ever heard, but ultimately, the gain stage was too weak for me. As we tune to C, it also broke up the sound in a not-too-pleasant way. I like the classic Marshall sound to some extent, but too much is too much.
The Peavy made more noise than sound and the JVM sounded like someone tried to run an electric current through a tin bucket.
The TSL however, frikkin' sweet! Lovely, jangly cleans; glassy without sounding ice-picky or harsh. Crunch was alright and OD was as heavy as... well, a really heavy thing. But also very, very compressed. But out of the four of them, easily the best for the price (found a used one for roughly $920 US).

Headed over to another store, and tried a JJ Labs Folkesson, a Laney Ironheart, a Laboga Mr Hector Duo Master, an orange Thunderverb 50 (very, VERY nice amp, BTW) and an EVH 5150 III.
The JJ Labs had some seriously killer cleans, but the OD channel was about as interesting as a weekend trip to Ikea.
The Laney sounded like a larger version of my 1995 80 w solid state Laney Combo. Decent, but lifeless and kind of boring. I'm also somewhat surprised that you can add all thsoe tubes and still not make it sound more organic.
The Laboga was very nice, but not really the sound I was going for. Again, good cleans, though.
The Orange had some seriously killer sounds (best crunch I've ever heard), but also very dirty and a bit too rough for my liking.
But the EVH... Oh, the EVH. Long story short - I'll hopefully have mine here come next week

 

[CTN]

Re: New band, new amp. Help a brotha out!

Good choice, the EVH amps sound seriously seriously killer.