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Do I need a new amp? Help, please!

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:54 am
by Sebastian
OK, I love the sound of my Marshall DSL50 (though I prefer my old 1959SLP, but it had to go as it was far too loud in almost every situation, even with two EL34s removed!!!!), but sometimes I think of being more flexible with a smaller setup... I already sold my old 4x12 and bought a 2x12 instead. I also found out that only the classic Marshall head + cabinet combination sounds "good", all those Marshall combo amps somehow don't work for me. And I had many amps and never found a better amp than a Marshall for all my fuzz/overdrive/distortion boxes until now.

When we gig with other bands in smaller venues, most of their guitarists have a little combo amp, one guitar, two or three stomp boxes, that's it. Now I need three instruments, a huge pedalboard, and this damn big two-piece old school halfstack (or maybe quarterstack, with the 2x12 ;) ) Don't get me wrong, I really love the sound, but I feel more and more uncomfortable when transporting the whole equipment of the band in one car. And sometimes I want a smaller setup on stage - so should I start with the biggest part, do I need a new amp?  ???

I think of a 1x12 or 2x12 combo amp that works for both: my Jags AND the Bass VI. I already tried some of the usual suspects: Vox AC30 - no balls & too much mids. Mesa Boogie F50 - smooth, nice, but far too expensive here in Germany. Fender Twin reissue - too big, too loud and too clean. I like a slightly overdriven basic sound (think of John Frusciante in "Under The Bridge"), only one channel - OK, maybe a second one (for different volume, not distortion), Reverb effect. I never tried the Deluxe Reverb reissue, it may be good for the Jags, but only 22 Watts for the VI? I don't know...  :(

Which amp would you recommend? Should I keep my Marshall? Thanks for your help! :)

Re: Do I need a new amp? Help, please!

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 2:33 pm
by RumorsOFsurF
Only a Marshall sounds like a Marshall...If you are looking for that specific tone, that's the only place you'll find it. 
Have you tried the Marshall combos?  They probably sound good, but combos don't seem Marshalley  :-[ enough to me...If that means anything to you.

If you use pedals for OD and Distortion, a Fender Pro Reverb might be good.  40 or 70 watts...  2-12's 
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http://www.ampwares.com/ffg/pro_reverb_sf.html


If you are looking to go budget, you could try a Hot Rod Deluxe.  Some people talk badly of them, but I gigged one for over a year (70+ shows)  with no probs. 
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The Peavey XXX combos are cool.  Built in effects. 
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I do like their ValveKing series, also.  Very budget, like 100 watt 2-12 tube combo  $619.99 from MF.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=481443

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Re: Do I need a new amp? Help, please!

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:10 pm
by mjet
zhivago is selling his Tremolux that is housed in a 2x10" cab - check it out in the for sale ads. It's US voltage but it is already in Europe so shipping would be reasonable and no customs...

index.php?topic=3814.0

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Re: Do I need a new amp? Help, please!

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:10 pm
by JazzBlaster
the thing you need to ask yourself "Is the sound I am getting enough to warrant carrying all of this gear around?" We could tell you anything, but in the end it is your choice.