Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

SpaceShipOne

SpaceShipOne

New member
I absolutely love my 5150 and it has served me well, but I feel a tug in another direction. The 5150 lacks a tightness a smoothness I crave. That buzz they have drives me bonkers at times and solos just don't sing the way I want. They kinda bubble off. I don't use tons of gain which is what solves this problem, so I guess I really need another channel. So I've been thinkin, I might want something tighter, a little more dark, metal sounding but still can get around other areas somewhat, singing sustain for those solos, and multiple channels....finally, a good clean sound! Need an effects loop that can be turned on and off and would prefer it to have 16 and 8 ohm plugs. Now don't kill me, I'll be working this summer making a LOT of money so that's not a huge issue, but I'm thinkin.......................Mesa Mark IV. Always loved that thing and has been the only amp I'd ever replace my 5150 with. What do you think, anybody own one and can say anything about it? Here's a video with GREAT tone, and it's just a guitar into a mark IV. The only thing I'm worried about is it being too clean on the gain if that makes sence. Gotta play better lol.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4IJ4yVvHBuQ
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

Why not just get it modded?

www.voodooamps.com

MKIVs are great amps. But they need alot of volume to deliver the metal goods, and frankly a MKIII kicks it's @$$ at those kinds of tones. The MKIV has alot more versatility, but it can also be a PITA to get dialed in. Its almost TOO much.

Spend a couple to few hundred and get the 5150 modded

OR

try some different speakers...you'd be surprised.
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

Voodoo Amps said:
Standard Mod™: $295.00 - Description/Specs:

All Modifications are exclusive to Voodoo Amps™
We remove the fuzzy/buzzy characteristics in favor or of gain that is more articulate/defined/clear
The bottom end is tightened up while still being fun to play on
Channel one/clean channel - is more cleaner & more open sounding
Bias Mod - Amp is converted to adjustable bias & is included in all Mods (normally $49.95 extra)
We balance out the frequencies so the amp is more even sounding over all as well as responsive
Sustain is increased - The amp is more fluid and smooth
Harmonic content is improved - pinch harmonics come out better
The EQ section is more active, musical & flexible over all
Cranked tones at lower volumes & the amp will also sound great at higher volumes
The amp will be able to cut through the mix better live as well as in the recording studio
All features will still function the same - We do not add/remove any tubes nor do we drill any holes
We do not modify the FX-Loop or the switching system, only the preamp & power amp
Add-On Controls are not available for this model
Note: Channel 1 makes for a better crunch channel verses a clean channel - if you want a better clean channel we recommend a 5150 II or 6505 Plus
Voodoo Mods™ retain your amps resale value verses decreasing it
Average turn-around time 3-5 days - rush service is available
Click to expand...

:bigthumb:
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

A good point to bring up, what's the difference between the mk 3 and 4? The three is quite a bit cheaper.
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

SpaceShipOne said:
I absolutely love my 5150 and it has served me well, but I feel a tug in another direction. The 5150 lacks a tightness a smoothness I crave. That buzz they have drives me bonkers at times and solos just don't sing the way I want. They kinda bubble off. I don't use tons of gain which is what solves this problem, so I guess I really need another channel. So I've been thinkin, I might want something tighter, a little more dark, metal sounding but still can get around other areas somewhat, singing sustain for those solos, and multiple channels....finally, a good clean sound! Need an effects loop that can be turned on and off and would prefer it to have 16 and 8 ohm plugs. Now don't kill me, I'll be working this summer making a LOT of money so that's not a huge issue, but I'm thinkin.......................Mesa Mark IV. Always loved that thing and has been the only amp I'd ever replace my 5150 with. What do you think, anybody own one and can say anything about it? Here's a video with GREAT tone, and it's just a guitar into a mark IV. The only thing I'm worried about is it being too clean on the gain if that makes sence. Gotta play better lol.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4IJ4yVvHBuQ
Click to expand...

The Mark IV sucks!

Buy it and send it to me. In return you get the AWESOME Marshall MG30dfx.

Is it a deal?:fing2::laugh2:
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

SpaceShipOne said:
I might want something tighter, a little more dark, metal sounding but still can get around other areas somewhat, singing sustain for those solos, and multiple channels....finally, a good clean sound! Need an effects loop that can be turned on and off and would prefer it to have 16 and 8 ohm plugs.
Click to expand...

A MKIV will get you all of that, though I wouldn't call the MKIV a dark sounding amp. Its razor sharp attack and smooth character tend to be middle of the road to bright sounding depending on your settings. You get some serious thump, but the low mid voicing doesn't give a very dark tone like a Recto (for example). The MKIV is a great amp, endless hours of fun!
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

...but if you're still using the wrong cab you'll have all the same complaints :D

try a mate's cab or something?
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

Apart from the switchable loop an Engl Blackmore head should be exactly what you want.
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

Imp said:
...but if you're still using the wrong cab you'll have all the same complaints :D

try a mate's cab or something?
Click to expand...

I have a V30 loaded Marshall 1960A and a VHT with Eminence's, I got that covered. What Binnerscot hit the area. I want a darker sounding amp but I hate recto sounding dark. I'm not a gain freak, I keep my 5150 below 3 on the gain. I don't like the smoothed over gainy sound, I like a clean dist. but still has kick. Mk 4 sounds good but I'm still curious about the Mk 3.
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

I am telling you bro, get a VHT head to sit on that VHT cab you have.
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

VIBROLUX said:
I am telling you bro, get a VHT head to sit on that VHT cab you have.
Click to expand...

Got to play one at GC last week and it's still not my cupotea. I don't do the metal tone thing and like the midrange roar my 5150 and the mk 4's get. Remember I just got that cab cuz it was 150 bucks lol. I'll probably be trading it for a V30 loaded mesa or similar if I can find a trader. Their speakers are an odd choice. Must be good for their heads but eh for much anything else.
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

VIBROLUX said:
I am telling you bro, get a VHT head to sit on that VHT cab you have.
Click to expand...

+1


VHT is one of the few boutique amps I'd pay the coin for. Very cool amps.

Jacob re: the MKIII- Think Master of Puppets, AJFA and John Sykes on Whitesnakes 1987 (though he played the massive colliseum heads, it was a MKIII pre-amp). Classic Brad Gillis/Jeff Watson of Night Ranger are Mark II and MKIII amps.

The IIB/C and MKIIIs are very highly regarded.

I think you should look into a MESA Stiletto too. I do think it's more along the lines of what you are talking about. they can be bright, but it really depends on the speakers and EQ settings.

And Celestion 75s will give you a darker, tighter, less raspy tone as well.
 
Re: Now the downside thoughts of a 5150

Cool man... I understand if you don't dig it.

Did you have any idea that I used to twang my B Bender through a VHT??? ;-)

PICT1392.jpg
 
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