One Amp to Rule Them All?

Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

I honestly have not tried a real amp that blew me away yet. I live in a dead spot for amplifiers, though.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

jon the art guy said:
Since the post wasn't specifically "tube", I'm gonna be the first to be that guy and post this.
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120w, stereo outs for extension cabs, very reliable and widely regarded as one of the best modelers built. The Vox fans consider most all the Valvetronix amps after this one (up until the new Pro series apparently) to be a big step back in tonality.
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That's one they really did right. I was playing my sunburst Jackson through one when I decided to buy it. Should have bought the amp, too.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

Little Pigbacon said:
That's one they really did right. I was playing my sunburst Jackson through one when I decided to buy it. Should have bought the amp, too.
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I'd be fully willing to trade my Hamer USA project for one. It's not like I'm going to ever finish that poor thing anyway, even though it's like 1 hour away from being playable. Might as well be a Saga kit still in the box.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

As much as I love my Splawn, I'd have to go with a Rhodes Colossus H-100, if I could only have one amp.

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Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

Myaccount876 said:
Yes I've played both. I've played much more with an AC30 though. I'm completely aware they are two different sounds, but I really like those two different types of sounds. That's all there really is to it.

I apologize if I haven't listened to your advice before. You're the only omnipotent member on this forum, and I'll be sure to listen from now on. I am only as knowledgeable on anything as you, and only you, say I am. But I must add, you seem obsessed with my posts. Why not just ignore them like any healthy human being?
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I wouldn't worry about him. Just think about the life of a guy who harasses people half his age on the internet for no real fruitful reason and it loses all its bite.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

For me, it's a 95 white chassis Bogner XTC with all the options.....channel/speaker assigning, mixable fx loop, attenuator loop, class A/AB switch, half power etc.
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If there's any tone the Bogner can't nail 100%, there's other definitive amps. :beerchug:

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Mint 84 100W JCM 800 212 and 74 blackfaced silverface Pro Reverb.
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Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

I'm going to vote Mesa MKIIC+.

This isn't exactly a " if you could have only one amp for the rest of your life" thread , but then it sort of is. Your asking one amp to be the end all be all.
The Holy Grail is acknowledged to be the Fender '59 Bassman. The "Desert Island " amp is said by the vintage amp cognezenti to be the the Fender Deluxe Reverb.
Ive played both those amps, and they are everything they are claimed to be, and I'd have to agree about the grail and desert island thing.
The reason I pick the MKIIC+ for the "one" amp to rule all is cause , I guess, it gets most of the sound I personally would ever really require being a pragmatist and looking for the greatest most versatile usable tone. The IIC+ is just is that one amp that can do most things better than any other , and even some real close to high gain sound.

But yeah, if they ever banish me to a deserted Island, its gotta be a Deluxe Reverb. Thats the one amp I could live forever to the end of my days playing everyday.

MKIIC+ Wood /Wicker/ Verb/EQ/ Simulclass;
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Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

Beer$ said:
I wouldn't worry about him. Just think about the life of a guy who harasses people half his age on the internet for no real fruitful reason and it loses all its bite.
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I know I'm okay; it is his well-being I'm worried for. Imagine how someone must feel when they are becoming middle-aged, used to love playing music, and even considering selling off all their musical equipment they once so loved, only to stumble upon someone literally half their age with an outstanding interest in music. The young guitar player has become interested to the point of building his own main instrument, and is entirely happy with playing music - whether alone or for an audience.

I sense a bit of displacement and projection, especially the latter. "Why is this kid so happy with playing music but I can't? Why was he able to build a guitar when I couldn't as a kid? Why does he have any potential when I believe I'm finished?". He's absolutely resorting to defense mechanisms that have a negative attitude towards other(s). I can't be upset towards him considering what he's feeling himself - I don't need to add to any mental discomfort already present.

And just to avoid being an example of the self-serving bias myself: I'm a teenager - the amygdala still has a significant effect on my behavior, despite having a much more developed and utilized prefrontal cortex than my adolescent peers. Therefore I will at times resort to similar defense mechanisms myself and have more emotionally-fueled responses than most other members. I admit to starting my membership here (almost two years ago) very roughly. I was generally hostile and a nuisance, at one point experiencing a heated and open feud with another unnamed member, but I think I've since grown. That particular member and I are currently on very good terms, with the other member apologizing profusely (when it really should be me still apologizing) and even sending me free stuff. I do not wish to be upset with any member on this forum, nor will I hold any grudges.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

^ You have a good head on your shoulders ..you need to be a Psychologist! lol

I think the AC30 could be the Brit equivalent of the Fender Deluxe Reverb Desert Island amp. You'd probably need a good tech on the Island though, those things run HOT! PS. No one is perfect, but I really don't think any of that stuff we first went through here was your fault.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

Myaccount876 said:
I know I'm okay; it is his well-being I'm worried for. Imagine how someone must feel when they are becoming middle-aged, used to love playing music, and even considering selling off all their musical equipment they once so loved, only to stumble upon someone literally half their age with an outstanding interest in music. The young guitar player has become interested to the point of building his own main instrument, and is entirely happy with playing music - whether alone or for an audience.

I sense a bit of displacement and projection, especially the latter. "Why is this kid so happy with playing music but I can't? Why was he able to build a guitar when I couldn't as a kid? Why does he have any potential when I believe I'm finished?". He's absolutely resorting to defense mechanisms that have a negative attitude towards other(s). I can't be upset towards him considering what he's feeling himself - I don't need to add to any mental discomfort already present.

And just to avoid being an example of the self-serving bias myself: I'm a teenager - the amygdala still has a significant effect on my behavior, despite having a much more developed and utilized prefrontal cortex than my adolescent peers. Therefore I will at times resort to similar defense mechanisms myself and have more emotionally-fueled responses than most other members. I admit to starting my membership here (almost two years ago) very roughly. I was generally hostile and a nuisance, at one point experiencing a heated and open feud with another unnamed member, but I think I've since grown. That particular member and I are currently on very good terms, with the other member apologizing profusely (when it really should be me still apologizing) and even sending me free stuff. I do not wish to be upset with any member on this forum, nor will I hold any grudges.
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You summed that up well. It's a combination of jealousy induced bitterness and lack of self-awareness. If I knew someone like that I might even feel a bit of sympathy and offer to jam and give him the chance to record something. I know music doesn't always work out for everyone, there's only so much time in the world and life can be cruel.

That being said there are plenty of older folks, many who never really made it anywhere of note who are humble, very supportive and sometimes still incredibly talented. They're really cool. There are people on the other side of middle age pleased to see what the younger generation is doing with music.

Dad was very supportive and never lost objectivity when it came to young people. He was a champ and went too soon, the world could learn so much from him.

There's only so much we can do. If he genuinely doesn't get any pleasure from music anymore that's sad and hopefully he finds something that does but if he's going to keep on like this, maybe there's a part of him that never did want to give up in which case he should realize it's never too late. I know a band well over their 30s who pretty much just started. They play lots of local shows, released an EP and clearly enjoy what they do which shows that it's all in the attitude to life.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

First off, thank you two! I'm honestly flattered. :)

MetalManiac said:
^ You have a good head on your shoulders ..you need to be a Psychologist! lol

I think the AC30 could be the Brit equivalent of the Fender Deluxe Reverb Desert Island amp. You'd probably need a good tech on the Island though, those things run HOT! PS. No one is perfect, but I really don't think any of that stuff we first went through here was your fault.
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Well I love Psychology haha. I'm by no means an expert - in fact I'm incredibly far from it and my knowledge of the subject is truly minimal at best. I am enrolled in Psychology AP at my school, but I must say again - the extent of understanding available in my scenario is minimal at best. By studying Psychology in the AP system, I am only scratching the surface.

I think an AC30 is more reliable with a solid-state rectifier (that way you could also actually use the stand-by function to begin with). I know the rectifier isn't so much related to the heat, but I've heard horror stories of blown rectifier tubes because someone used the stand-by function once or twice. I'd also prefer a hand-wired turret board model, because right off the bat - the amp is easier to work on when something goes wrong, and if it is handwired, you know it is possible for a human - rather than a machine - to access every part. The speakers I'd prefer would also be the AlNiCo Blues model. The AC30 I played had them and sounded so clear, and I cannot imagine a nicer sound from an AC30.

But I am embarrassed to admit the things I had said/done. Do you remember the signature I made? I hate to bring it up, but I insist I am at the very least, partially at fault. At least now everything is good. :)

Beer$ said:
You summed that up well. It's a combination of jealousy induced bitterness and lack of self-awareness. If I knew someone like that I might even feel a bit of sympathy and offer to jam and give him the chance to record something. I know music doesn't always work out for everyone, there's only so much time in the world and life can be cruel.

That being said there are plenty of older folks, many who never really made it anywhere of note who are humble, very supportive and sometimes still incredibly talented. They're really cool. There are people on the other side of middle age pleased to see what the younger generation is doing with music.

Dad was very supportive and never lost objectivity when it came to young people. He was a champ and went too soon, the world could learn so much from him.

There's only so much we can do. If he genuinely doesn't get any pleasure from music anymore that's sad and hopefully he finds something that does but if he's going to keep on like this, maybe there's a part of him that never did want to give up in which case he should realize it's never too late. I know a band well over their 30s who pretty much just started. They play lots of local shows, released an EP and clearly enjoy what they do which shows that it's all in the attitude to life.
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Very insightful. I've also learned attitude and your cognitive approach determines how great or terrible things become. One of the security guards at my school, whom is a good friend that I love, is on his second bout of cancer and was given 6 months to live. By his attitude, you would have no idea the man is near death. I was extremely sad for a day or two, and this will be the 3rd death of a loved one I've experienced just in high school alone (and I still have 1.5 year remaining), but I picked myself up, and I'd say right now I'm the happiest I've been in years.

Part of what makes life beautiful is someone's ability to strive for perseverance despite knowing their failure - in this case, their death - is imminent. Such an attitude is extremely brave, and allows for comfort and acceptance of the fact that life must end. In respect and remembrance of everyone I've lost so far, I vow to continue life to the greatest extent I can - no matter the obstacles I already face, or the obstacles that will come.
 
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Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

EET_FUK said:
If you had to choose one amp to do everything you need, and well, what would choose? No pedals, just straight into the amp.

If I had to pick, I'd say a VHT Sig:X. Every time I've gotten my hands on that amp, I've been blown away at how it responded to everything I threw at it. Close runner up is probably a Bogner XTC, but I've less time with that one.

What say you?
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1) Electric Amp MVU 120


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2) Orange Retro 50

3) MATAMP GT-1




. . . in that order.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

Myaccount876 said:
First off, thank you two! I'm honestly flattered. :)


Very insightful. I've also learned attitude and your cognitive approach determines how great or terrible things become. One of the security guards at my school, whom is a good friend that I love, is on his second bout of cancer and was given 6 months to live. By his attitude, you would have no idea the man is near death. I was extremely sad for a day or two, and this will be the 3rd death of a loved one I've experienced just in high school alone (and I still have 1.5 year remaining), but I picked myself up, and I'd say right now I'm the happiest I've been in years.

Part of what makes life beautiful is someone's ability to strive for perseverance despite knowing their failure - in this case, their death - is imminent. Such an attitude is extremely brave, and allows for comfort and acceptance of the fact that life must end. In respect and remembrance of everyone I've lost so far, I vow to continue life to the greatest extent I can - no matter the obstacles I already face, or the obstacles that will come.
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Anyway... we're getting off topic!

My needs in the studio are vast for various projects and I have enough amplifiers to cover those. Live though I'll only need an amplifier that can cover the dynamics of whatever music I'm playing at the time.

For metal, the JVM is perfect. I can plug straight in and do anything I need to with the dual master volumes and programmable channels with the footswitch. It is also MIDI compatible. I can get by with any other amplifier using my RP1000 as a switcher and for effects.

I am interested in an amp I don't need much if any outboard for. The new Arsenal amps look beastly.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

Sig:X is one of the best AND most versatile amps I've ever played. There are great amps that do one thing perfectly, and there are are versatile amps that do a lot of things sort of well, and there's a lot of butthurt in this thread. The Sig:X is one of the only amps I've played that does both the former.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

That one is not tube but has 5 speakers (1 guitar, 2 mid/bass, 2 tweeter). It's a modeler but made to play music through bluetooth and do wet dry by splitting the wet signal through the full range speakers and the dry signal through the guitar speaker. I haven't tried one yet. It would be ice if they would have integrated it with other products better (pd hd or variax) and not made all the major adjustments through ipod, iphone, or ipad only. It seems like a good idea that needs some tweaking.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

not trying to put you down, but here are 2 things that you young fellows need to hear:
1 there's no such thing. i used to wonder about my one perfect rig, and then i learned some basic electronic principles, and started wanting more than the 2 basic 60s fender cleans and hot-rodded marshall sounds;
2 the only people who think about you guys that much, are you guys.

i myself am still often reminded of these two truths : ]
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

I'd have a really hard time picking one amp to use without any pedals. I'd probably go with either a Mesa Lonestar or a Mark V, but I tend to use a lot of tremolo and delay, so even if I had all my clean and overdrive sounds covered by the amp, I'd still be missing something. I'd go with a Deluxe Reverb, but I need the overdrive more than the tremolo.
 
Re: One Amp to Rule Them All?

dr. ad said:
not trying to put you down, but here are 2 things that you young fellows need to hear:
1 there's no such thing. i used to wonder about my one perfect rig, and then i learned some basic electronic principles, and started wanting more than the 2 basic 60s fender cleans and hot-rodded marshall sounds;
2 the only people who think about you guys that much, are you guys.

i myself am still often reminded of these two truths : ]
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1: There's such thing as so close it counts.
2: It's all redundant anyway because at the end of the day we're just dreaming of a world with infinite possibilities as intelligent people with open minds have a tendency to do.
3: Speaking of redundancy.... (The only people who have wings are people who have wings).
 
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