Randall RG80 vs RG80

[Magic]

Does anyone know if this newer RG80 amp is the same as this one? Really hard to choose an amp! I actually want the RG1503-212 but no one has them in stock until June. I checked with Randall and they confirmed that ETA. I don't want to wait until June to play! I'm just hoping the RG80 can get over drums. The ad for the older RG80 says it is loud and can drive a 4x12. I'm not sure if that's good enough though.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

They may have made some minor changes over the years but it appears the same based on the specs.
They are loud as hell. I have been playing an RG100 for 30 years and never have the master volume above 3 or 4, with a full band.

 

[beaubrummels]

Randall RG80 vs RG80

The one on Reverb was my first amp. Didn't have an FX loop or speaker emulation XLR out. Also mine had a Rola Celestion G12-80.

Depends on the drums and drummer, but I used mine live in the clubs with real drumsfor 10+ years.

 

[Magic]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Do you think the RG80 is a good amp? Trying to decide between it and a blackstar id core. I'd like to stay away from digital which the id core is, but I'll get it if I have to. The problem is I've never tried the Randall and don't know if I'll hate it or not. I thought the id core was pretty good when i tried it. My main concern with the Randall is that it will lack articulation and punch on the palm mutes. I'm going by the tiny few videos of it that exist. They seem to be a little bassy on the low end. That's what kept me from getting the boss katana when I tried it.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

I think palm mutes are actually where they shine. Tight, full, chunk.

 

[Ayrton]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Open box in stock (assuming you are in the US)

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Open-B...Guitar-Combo-Level-1-Black-H94887004001000.gc

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

I wish I had actually tried my Randall out before I bought it. I ended up kind of hating it. It was a RG100G3, and I listened to a salesman who told me it was like the T2 that I actually did play. My tastes have changed quite a bit since then, but I'm pretty sure I would have ended up not getting it if I had actually played through it beforehand. My experience with Randalls is that they are a one trick pony that no one else quite does, so you'll love it or hate it. Just my two cents. Try before you buy.

 

[Magic]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

I wish I had actually tried my Randall out before I bought it. I ended up kind of hating it. It was a RG100G3, and I listened to a salesman who told me it was like the T2 that I actually did play. My tastes have changed quite a bit since then, but I'm pretty sure I would have ended up not getting it if I had actually played through it beforehand. My experience with Randalls is that they are a one trick pony that no one else quite does, so you'll love it or hate it. Just my two cents. Try before you buy.

It was good for metal and rock though right? Unfortunately no one has these in stock locally to try out.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

It was good for metal and rock though right? Unfortunately no one has these in stock locally to try out.

My real gripe was that there was no give whatsoever. It was just unforgivingly tight, and it sounded like a solid-state amp because it was. It was the first higher-powered amp I ever bought, and I soon learned there's nothing like tubes to give a crunch rather than a sear. To answer your question, after a speaker swap, it was good for metal, but I never got good rock tones out of it.

 

[Magic]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

My real gripe was that there was no give whatsoever. It was just unforgivingly tight, and it sounded like a solid-state amp because it was. It was the first higher-powered amp I ever bought, and I soon learned there's nothing like tubes to give a crunch rather than a sear. To answer your question, after a speaker swap, it was good for metal, but I never got good rock tones out of it.

Well I think this sounds pretty good! Very close to what I want. I wonder if 80w would be better than 150w though. I plan to use this amp for bedroom practice, band practice, and gigs. I feel like 150w would be better in case of no PA. Only thing that bugs me about it is the weight. It's about 72 lbs. Not crazy heavy but would have to go up steps with it for sure.

 

[Exojam]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Open box in stock (assuming you are in the US)

https://www.guitarcenter.com/Open-B...Guitar-Combo-Level-1-Black-H94887004001000.gc

How do their solid state’s compare to their tubes amps in sound quality?

In looking around at them the tube amp sure does get more money vs the SS.

Thanks, James

 

[Gtrjunior]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

I’d just wait until June and get the one you want. You’re not going to be happy with a lesser amp. June is right around the corner.

 

[Magic]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

How do their solid state’s compare to their tubes amps in sound quality?

In looking around at them the tube amp sure does get more money vs the SS.

Thanks, James

I've actually never tried any of their SS amps but I did try a couple of their tubes - a George Lynch model (can't remember the name) and a Thrasher, and I liked both of them a lot. I'm sure their tubes sound better overall, but for me SS is best. They use FET which is supposed to make the SS sound more like a tube. Probably similar to Peavey's Transtube. If I was going for tubes though I'd probably get one of those Randall Satan models. I have the amp sim inside of Bias FX on my computer. I mix it with a 5150 in dual amp mode and it sounds brutal.

 

[Exojam]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

I've actually never tried any of their SS amps but I did try a couple of their tubes - a George Lynch model (can't remember the name) and a Thrasher, and I liked both of them a lot. I'm sure their tubes sound better overall, but for me SS is best. They use FET which is supposed to make the SS sound more like a tube. Probably similar to Peavey's Transtube. If I was going for tubes though I'd probably get one of those Randall Satan models. I have the amp sim inside of Bias FX on my computer. I mix it with a 5150 in dual amp mode and it sounds brutal.

Thanks Magic.

If I had the funds I would love to try out one of their 50 watt combos but they carry a heavy price.

Plus I need to get a hell of a lot better playing before getting something like they offer.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Well I think this sounds pretty good! Very close to what I want. I wonder if 80w would be better than 150w though. I plan to use this amp for bedroom practice, band practice, and gigs. I feel like 150w would be better in case of no PA. Only thing that bugs me about it is the weight. It's about 72 lbs. Not crazy heavy but would have to go up steps with it for sure.

Those G3's were pretty different from the RG80, the old RG100, or the current RG1503.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Those G3's were pretty different from the RG80, the old RG100, or the current RG1503.

And that video shows the one tone they're capable of producing.

 

[Magic]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Those G3's were pretty different from the RG80, the old RG100, or the current RG1503.

You think the G3 was better?

 

[Magic]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Well I threw in the towel and now I'm looking at their smaller tube amps. This one sounds pretty good.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

You think the G3 was better?

Not better, but different. The G3's are way more modern-sounding with slightly dry-ish voicing and a HUMONGOUS (sometimes too much) low-end.

Well I threw in the towel and now I'm looking at their smaller tube amps. This one sounds pretty good.

I have the RD1 head, and I used to have the RD5 combo. My advice is to go for a head rather than a combo. The stock speakers and the cabinets they use for the combos are junk. They sound MUCH better through a good 1x12. I even replaced the 10" speaker in my old RD5 with a Celestion G10 Greenback, but the moment I rant it through my Orange PPC112, it just sounded way better.

And if you're wanting to go over a drummer, the RD1 they won't do it. They can get pretty loud, especially the RD5, but not full-band loud, and with the volume cranked, they lose any sense of control over the low-end, and they turn into a farty, fuzzy mess.

The RD1 is a fantastic bedroom amp, though. I honestly like it way better than the RD5. I felt the RD5's sweet spot was too loud for the bedroom.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Randall RG80 vs RG80

Not better, but different. The G3's are way more modern-sounding with slightly dry-ish voicing and a HUMONGOUS (sometimes too much) low-end.


I have the RD1 head, and I used to have the RD5 combo. My advice is to go for a head rather than a combo.

The weight and lack of versatility in the RG100G3 I had drove me to a head/cabinet setup, and I'm much happier because of it. It's amazing the amount of your tone speakers are responsible for.