Re: Which High Gain Amp for you and Why?
I would like to share more of my experience with different Hi-gain amps.
Please note that all my experience is based on Live/Rehersal situation. I didn't record with these amps
Engl Savage: IMHO, the best amp in Engl line for my ears. It is not too surgical like SE, not too compressed like Powerball, a bit more fluent than fireball. All channels deliver the goods. Accepts different speakers very well, and doesn't need an oversized cabinet to sound huge. The only rival in Engl Line would be the lovely Invader 100, which is a monster of an amp, but lacks the fluent and full character of Savage, but gives more string to string definition and low end.
4,5 Stars.
Mesa Stiletto Phase II: That's one of the most underrated Hi-gain monsters. One of the amps that keeps your face smile and throusers shake. Very well defined british sound. No need for boosters, pedals whatever. Straight out rock/Metal. Just awesome.
4,5 Stars.
VHT Ultralead 100 Pitbull: With the Fat Bottom 2x12 Cabinet, it really kills. Too dry and surgical for my ears, but can deliver the goods for the right player. It has also a lot of nice room for effects to be added. It stays always Punchy and well defined, even with heavy chorus.
5 Stars.
Diezel VH4: This amp is very unique, and keep surprizing the player over the years. The 3 Channel has a signature tone to it. Normally, every guitar player tries to get the Leadwork in a band and try to shine on stage with an awesome Solo. With VH4, Every chug you hit blooms and brings you to heaven. It totally satisfies the Rythm players needs, and makes the LEAD player jelly. The lead player will wish he had a better right hand LOL.
50.000 stars.
Orange Rockerverb 100: If you get the HP Cabinet with this, you might be the king of Chug! It's not the most defined amp, and it has a wonderfull fullnes in it's lower tones. But if you are not playing too fast riffs, it will keep up well. The leads are awesome, and the sustain is lovely.
4,5 Stars
Diezel Einstein 100: No matter what cabinet, this one delivers. If you want to have lovely cleans, killer crunch and crushing hi-gain, this delivers. You can change/Combine mics and cabs for different flavour, since this guy fits in every picture. With a small mod, you get all kinds of switching. Very versatile and not expensive.
5 Stars
Peavey 5150: Well, it's definetly a one trick pony, but it does that trick damn well. Needs definetly a balanced right hand, and total string control. The knobs are somehow not as sensitive as many other amps, but this guy has a very nice tone.
4 Stars.
Blackstar Series One 200: A monster of an amp. A bit buzzy for my needs, but does the 80's and 90's very well. Loud and proud, easy to tweak. prefers Frontloaded cabinets, gets muddy with rear loaded. Worth a try
4,5 Stars
