Solid State Death Metal

[JB_From_Hell]

The thread about Crate got me thinking about the amp that Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, and others famously used, and further got me thinking about the 100 watt Fender solid state 2x12 combo I have downstairs.

While I wait on my wife to finish sleeping (she works nights), I’m planning on putting my DOD 31 band EQ in the loop, and seeing how brutal I can make this thing. Might even start investigating better speakers for it.

A few times a year, I get obsessed with looking for a deal for the Crate, Ampeg, or Marshall solid states used by the above mentioned bands, but forget to try out my Fender. It’s a good reminder to be less obsessed with new stuff, and experiment with some of the crap I’ve collected over the years.

Edit - also seems like a good reason to acquire a Metal Zone, quite possibly the only piece of gear I really regret selling.

 

[Mincer]

The Ampeg SS-150H was a critical half stack for many bands of that era. I had one, though I didn't play that stuff. It had 2 sounds- dead clean, and full on grind. That was all I needed at the time.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

The usual suspects are Crate GX130C, Ampeg VH-140, and Marshall 8100, plus all the Randall RG amps. I'll add the SS-150H to the list I'm always watching for.

When I was in high school and in bands, I used a Metal Zone through a Roland JC120. After a few years, it was a Peavey Rockmaster through the JC120, but either one was awesome. I wouldn't get into extreme metal for another year or so, but the EQ controls were powerful enough on both of those that I could always get whatever sound I wanted.

 

[NegativeEase]

Most every Melvins record is with SS guitar amps -I know it's not Death Metal, but they cover most areas in metal with SS

 

[CaptainWhizz]

A few times a year, I get obsessed with looking for a deal for the Crate, Ampeg, or Marshall solid states used by the above mentioned bands, but forget to try out my Fender. It’s a good reminder to be less obsessed with new stuff, and experiment with some of the crap I‘ve collected over the years.

That is some hardcore wisdom.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

That is some hardcore wisdom.

Spoken by the guy who’s bought/sold/traded so many guitars this year he’s bored by his own NGD posts.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

This amp has a "mid shift" button that, after dialing the mids to 0, cuts even more. It also has more gain on tap than a Dual Recto, and does the death metal sound I was after beautifully (?).

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I've always wanted an 8100.

I used to have a Mode Four which, contrary to popular belief, was pretty usable in its JCM800-ish mode. It's high gain modes were VERY fizzy and boomy, tho.

Randall G2's and G3's are killer too if you can tame that bass. They get boomy really fast.

I also used to have an AVT150H which I got hoping it would sound like an 8100. It didn't. It sounded pretty mediocre with no real bass and kinda honky.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

I’m enjoying the Fender for use at home, but keeping an eye out for all the above mentioned heads.

 

[Aceman]

Peavey Mace, Randal RG100's (yes - people used them long before Dime!)

 

[Securb]

If you see anything from the Randall Commander era grab it.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Another one I’m after is an RG75 combo from the early 2000’s. Not for it’s notoriety, but because I used to play one at a local shop, really wanted it, but was a newly wed, young parent who couldn’t afford to replace strings on the occasion I traded a pickup.

 

[Dudeman7]

Does your Fender have an open back?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Does your Fender have an open back?

Yes. I may try putting some plywood over it and see what that does. For playing around the house, I very much prefer open back cabinets though.

 

[Rex_Rocker]

I had a Fender Frontman 25 which sounded pretty decent for high-gain stuff. Just close the back, and boost in front.

Gotta say, the Peavey Transtube stuff is great as well. I love my Vypyr. Easily measures up to my friend's Joyo Zombie/Mesa Mini Recto cab setup.

 

[80's_Thrash_Metal]

A metal zone and an 8100, or old Randall will get you more death than anyone could ever need.

 

[UnderTheFlame83]

Late 90's Randall RGSC100 is what I use. It really has all the gain I need but sometimes I use the old trusted Ibanez Tube Screamer for a boost. I can't ever see myself not playing through a Randall.

A Metal Zone through the effects loop is glorious, though. I need to buy another one. I miss it.

 

[Progbusters]

i was checking out the new Orange Super Crush with is the update to the Crush Pro. Solid state with all the gain you can use. Seems to be loud enough for band use.

 

[Phantasmagoria]

^^ Looks like something I need to check out. I was after the Crush Pro 120 head for years but never got around to actually buying it...

My Randall T2's not completely SS 'cause it has a full tube preamp (4x12Ax7's)..so a hybrid.

But it's a fantastic sounding head with loads of gain and versatility that feels & sounds extremely tubey & can do any kind of hard rock or metal from Iron Maiden to Pantera to Cannibal Corpse or even doom metal thanks to the 'density' & two mid controls (level & sweep). It's also sweet af for leads & shred :...def one of my favorite amps that I own, love it :bigthumb: