Teh Amp!

the1st_fret · Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2006 12:07 pm Post subject: Teh Amp!

Hi Everyone.

I'm in desperate need of help selecting a new Guitar amp, because I have no idea what to get. Can anyone help? Here's the things I need in an amp..

1x12

All Tube

Bucketloads Of Gain

Really tight, chunky, yet clear tone.

POWER

OK thats about it really. Anyone help?

Atm I have a Flextone IIIXL, Excellent amp but its a 2x12 which makes it far too powerful for practicing and i'm not in a band or anything. Any feedback much appeciated, thanks alot!

argee · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 8:28 pm Post subject:

You state that one of your requirements is power but also say that your present amp is too loud. You also state "all tube" which will be perceived by your ears as much louder per watt than any solidstate or modeling amp.

In my studio I use an 8 watt EL84 based or a 15 watt EL34 based amp.

My "live" setup is a pair of 30 watt EL84 based amps set up in stereo. One is a Mesa F-30 1X12 and the other is a Peavey Delta Blues 1X15. The Mesa also runs a second 1X12 cab and the Peavey also runs a 4X10 cab.

For extreme volume I used to use an F-100, but, I recently sold it because of it's volume. It was switchable between 60 and 100 watts. Unless I was playing sparking clean and loud type music I never used the 100 watt setting. I got a much better high gain tone on the 60 watt setting.

If I decide to get a more powerful amp again I'll be looking at 50 watt EL34 based amps. At the present time I just don't have a use for one.

A 50 watt cranked to it's sweet spot in a bedroom studio would blow you into the hallway. If you go the high wattage path you'll also need a power attenuater to reduce the volume output. An amp with a master volume will also work but will not sound the same with the master rolled down.

Peavey, Carvin and Traynor probably provide the best cost per watt ratio.

Marshall and Mesa probably lead the popularity race for 'British" and "American" high gain respectively.

Fenders are good but are better on clean work.

Rivera amps are excellent and have models that excel in different areas. They are quite costly compared to the others listed.

Boutique amps are top quality and top dollar. If your rich check out Badcat, Carr, etc.

These are just my opinions. Others will of course have their favorites.
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Playin' since 61