My next amp.. should I go tube?

[Pwozzie]

I currently have a Crate GFX-212 and it does it's job (I don't gig except for the occasional basement show with friends), but I know I will need something bigger eventually..

Mesa's are sexy, and Marshalls are along the lines of what I want, but I'm not sure..

Money is not really an issue.. not that I'm rich or anything, but my current situation (living with mom/brother after father died, just graduated from college but managed to get a great job so saving $), but I do not feel like I deserve a new setup yet..

The EMGs and RP350 I just bought were basically Christmas presents to myself for accomplishments in the past 18 months that were absolutely HELLISH.. but musically.. I don't deserve a new amp...

So here's my plan:
Consistent playing, as well as improvement in this garbage I can consider a shred of 'skill'... but I need motivation.. the motivation is... I will meet a certain set of goals in my music... and from now on, when I reach these goals, I will reward myself.. my next reward will be an amp head... JCM800 2203 = droooooooooooooooooooooool.. but has it been overdone?

[LoKi]

You can never overdo a great organic amp like a JCM 800.

No 2 artists who use them sound the same even in the same genre. Take Zakk Wylde and Kerry King for example. They tones couldn't be more different. Tom Morello and Slash, both what I'd call 'hard rock' but 2 entirely different sounds.

Appetite for Destruction was apparently recorded with a JCM 800 *according to recent interview with Slash* and he's been using one in the studio for years now blended with some other amps *like his signature 2555*.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the JCM 800 is not a gain monster. Its a single channel soulful hardrock amp. If you want to take it into metal territory, you'll need a Boss SD-1 and a Boss GE-7 to throw in the effects loop *if you buy one of the reissues. not all the old ones have loops*.

Best of luck man!

[Pwozzie]

I guess I don't really understand how an EQ works.. and 7 bands?? AHH!!! hehe

I've heard the SD-1 + jcm800 is like bread and butter though

[lp59aholicDon]

I have tried and I once owned an SD 1 for a short time, for me one of the worst distotion pedals I have ever used, then again I am not much of a pedal guy, I would much rather go for ( if its gotta be an analong - no tubes) a Expandora, Boss Blues Driver, or Tube Screamer , I am sure there are other good ones, though if you are gonna play hard heavy heavy rock into the metal territory you might like it , just one mans judgement on tone here and I am just a blues and classic rock player

[brettk7]

The awnser is obvious sir. GO TUBE!!!!

Idk who has got you thinking you need to "deserve" this equipment, but if you work hard and pay for it... You deserve whatever you want to buy. I say get yourself a bad ass amp set-up as soon as you got the money to drop. I know if I had a new amp, I would be playing non-stop. Maybe that would be an inspiration to you as well.


Also, check out B-52. They have some really nice offerings for not a lot of money. Specifically check out the B-52 AT-100 head ($600 new), 100w tube, tri-rectifier, and 3-channels as well. Definitely a good price for what your getting.

[classic]

YES ... and as you're familiar with CRATE you should look for a Vintage Club 30 ... or Fender ... ... or Marshall ... or whatelse will provide YOUR tone ...

[lp59aholicDon]

Originally Posted by classic

YES ... and as you're familiar with CRATE you should look for a Vintage Club 30 ... or Fender ...

Or a V30 or V50, or the newer Palomino,( Same Amp white tolex)
Peavey Tube Amps Valve King or Classic Series
For me, If its got no glass, its got no class
or if it dont glow, To Gig it damn wont go !

[tarddoggy]

go ahead,get yourself a NEW amp!!! If you do more playing with your buds in the basement,you'll be suprised at yourself.Playing with other people will do more for your playing than you would believe!! BTW,TUBES BROTHER,TUBES!!!!

[Monster]

I'd recommend a tube amp, but look around and think it through first. If you're a basement player and no stadium gigs expected in the next 5 years, its easy to buy too much amp. Get something between 5 and 50 watts (the sweet spot is about 18). You can't reasonably push a 100 watt Marshall above 2 in a basement, and tube amps sound better once the power tubes are working hard. Also think through the "flavor" you want - if you lean toward Marshalls check out amps voiced that way. Go through some threads about amps on the Gear Page, and buy Hunter's book "The Guitar Amp Handbook" or Aspen Pittman's book. Or just ask me.
Having said all that, for some solid state makes more sense, and there are some great solid state amps. You don't have to go tube just because its the generally accepted wisdom, but I'd recommend you play through some to see what the fuss is about.

[brettk7]

Originally Posted by tarddoggy

go ahead,get yourself a NEW amp!!! If you do more playing with your buds in the basement,you'll be suprised at yourself.Playing with other people will do more for your playing than you would believe!! BTW,TUBES BROTHER,TUBES!!!!

+12320982734502957

Start a band with your friends and cover all your favorite songs. It will further your musicianship more than you would imagine. Worked well for me.

[JPizzzle]

I got a fender blues junior nos edition and it's a great amp that looks awesome too (has a vintage orange tweed)!

[lp59aholicDon]

Originally Posted by JPizzzle

I got a fender blues junior nos edition and it's a great amp that looks awesome too (has a vintage orange tweed)!

On Scoring one with Tweed, Makes em extra cool, if its not already shallac 'ed, do it, Helps save the tweed and also looks even cooler yet, I gotta ask my amp tech the name of that stuff again

[plexipaul]

Once on the tuberoute there is no return

[Pwozzie]

Heh, ok so I'm going tube :P

I guess 50w should be more than enough for basementing and the occasional gig.. just not sure what to get.. Marshall seems the obvious choice, but I think I'll hit up a few music stores over the next few months and just play everything.

I did, however, see a mesa rectifier and cab on craigslist for like 1900.. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm lol

[LoKi]

Just a heads up.. 50 Watt TUBE is INSANELY LOUD.

Don my friend... the SD-1 has a terrible overdrive voice, but it is one of the very few mass produced overdrive pedals that has enough 'push' to also be a clean booster, with pretty much the perfect amount of color in the tone that it pushes an 800 into heaven.

Level - Full
Tone - 11:00
Drive - Off

For some reason its just like the perfect pedal for that amp. Almost all other mass produced overdrives these days aren't 'overdrives' at all anymore, since they don't push your tube amp, they just emulate the sound of a pushed tube amp.

[dwagar]

just don't overspec yourself. Bigger isn't always better in a tube amp.

a 50 watt Marshall is a monster. If you can never turn it up past 2, you'll never get the output tubes working. As mentioned above, I'd also suggest you look at an 18 (or 15) watt. If you are used to SS wattage ratings, you are going to be surprised how loud these tube amps are.

+1 on the old SD-1. Great pedal.

[Pwozzie]

Originally Posted by dwagar

just don't overspec yourself. Bigger isn't always better in a tube amp.

a 50 watt Marshall is a monster. If you can never turn it up past 2, you'll never get the output tubes working. As mentioned above, I'd also suggest you look at an 18 (or 15) watt. If you are used to SS wattage ratings, you are going to be surprised how loud these tube amps are.

+1 on the old SD-1. Great pedal.

I guess that make sense. I did a few searches for 15 and 18, but only bass amps came up (and some expensive gretsch).. any suggestions?

[Pwozzie]

I guess I should add that I have been reading a lot about the Tiny Terror on these forums... hmmmmmmmmm.. it sounds really interesting

I guess the only thing negative I've read so far about the TT is no fx loop, but it's definitely a nice price and 15 watts / 7 switchable, it seems to fit my needs

[plexipaul]

Originally Posted by pwoznic

I guess I should add that I have been reading a lot about the Tiny Terror on these forums... hmmmmmmmmm.. it sounds really interesting

If you don`t need lots of headroom (clean tone until break-up) you are going to love it.
Note that you are going to need a cab with it for the TT is a head.

If you could mention the type(s) of music you play that would make suggestions easier. These days there are lots of good stuff on the market.

[Pwozzie]

Originally Posted by plexipaul

If you don`t need lots of headroom (clean tone until break-up) you are going to love it.
Note that you are going to need a cab with it for the TT is a head.

If you could mention the type(s) of music you play that would make suggestions easier. These days there are lots of good stuff on the market.

I mainly play metal and hard rock, but I would like the versatility (perhaps through my effects) to play other genres like blues and jazz. I don't gig much (just the occasional house party with friends).

I don't mind having a head/cab situation.. it looks like 2x12 v30's go well with the TT.

I recently bought a Digitech RP350 and I use the send/return on my existing amp to use that.. but the TT doesn't have that it seems.

[SG_Man]

just get a marshall

[lp59aholicDon]

Loki I tried the thing several ways thru several amps it really didnt sound to good thru anything, Now the Expandora, Thats a pedal I havent even tried the distortion setting yet but I did try the crunch side of it and thats more than enough I gotta agree on 50 watts My Bluesbreaker cab'ed JMP 50 could make your ears ring for days if you cranked it without an attenuator, same with my Deville I had cranked past five Only time I have ever cranked out the Mesa yet was last week past half and it was a big room I was playing in too I may trade the Rectifier though for a 59 Bassman re issue

Originally Posted by LoKi

Just a heads up.. 50 Watt TUBE is INSANELY LOUD.

Don my friend... the SD-1 has a terrible overdrive voice, but it is one of the very few mass produced overdrive pedals that has enough 'push' to also be a clean booster, with pretty much the perfect amount of color in the tone that it pushes an 800 into heaven.

Level - Full
Tone - 11:00
Drive - Off

For some reason its just like the perfect pedal for that amp. Almost all other mass produced overdrives these days aren't 'overdrives' at all anymore, since they don't push your tube amp, they just emulate the sound of a pushed tube amp.

[Pwozzie]

I was also just reminded by a friend about the Peavey Classic 50.. we were at guitar center the other night and they had a floor model (with warranty and everything) for $500.. hmmmm it's a combo (which isn't my preferred), but it's definitely a good deal...

[lp59aholicDon]

Originally Posted by pwoznic

I was also just reminded by a friend about the Peavey Classic 50.. we were at guitar center the other night and they had a floor model (with warranty and everything) for $500.. hmmmm it's a combo (which isn't my preferred), but it's definitely a good deal...

Nothin wrong with good combos and some , like the Peavey are great tone values I find giggin and jamming out with combos is a hell of a lot more convient than lugging or trying to lug around a seperate head and cab
always remember, its about good tone first, not the coolness or impressions factor

[LoKi]

Originally Posted by lp59aholicDon

Nothin wrong with good combos and some , like the Peavey are great tone values I find giggin and jamming out with combos is a hell of a lot more convient than lugging or trying to lug around a seperate head and cab
always remember, its about good tone first, not the coolness or impressions factor

Exactly! And you'd be suprised how many big name players who have WALLS and walls of amp stacks on stage are actually running tiny mic'ed up combos on the backline.

Don I think the SD-1 only works with JCM 800's or 900's, or maybe a JTM 45 Master Volume... I've tried it with a Super Lead and it sound like garbage.

One of these days, when I get a few parts lined up I'll send you one of my LoKi drives... Based on an 808 but 'LoKi-fied'.

[Pwozzie]

Originally Posted by LoKi

Exactly! And you'd be suprised how many big name players who have WALLS and walls of amp stacks on stage are actually running tiny mic'ed up combos on the backline.

Don I think the SD-1 only works with JCM 800's or 900's, or maybe a JTM 45 Master Volume... I've tried it with a Super Lead and it sound like garbage.

One of these days, when I get a few parts lined up I'll send you one of my LoKi drives... Based on an 808 but 'LoKi-fied'.

I've seen lots of tubescreamers being modded with an 808.. what are your prices? tee hee

[lp59aholicDon]

Originally Posted by LoKi

Exactly! And you'd be suprised how many big name players who have WALLS and walls of amp stacks on stage are actually running tiny mic'ed up combos on the backline.

Don I think the SD-1 only works with JCM 800's or 900's, or maybe a JTM 45 Master Volume... I've tried it with a Super Lead and it sound like garbage.

One of these days, when I get a few parts lined up I'll send you one of my LoKi drives... Based on an 808 but 'LoKi-fied'.

Hmmmmmmmm Sounds interesting bro, Yep I can believe that on some of the big pro players , Clapton did the Cream Re union tour with two 40 watt Deluxe amps and a Leslie rotationg speaker some of the best rock and blues tones I ever heard came from amps under 50 watts cranked out to the max
I tried that SD in two different JCM 900's and it just stunk out loud, I was using the settings close to what you suggested, in those it was tolerable but the amp still sounded better by itself

[Gibsonblues]

Originally Posted by pwoznic

I was also just reminded by a friend about the Peavey Classic 50.. we were at guitar center the other night and they had a floor model (with warranty and everything) for $500.. hmmmm it's a combo (which isn't my preferred), but it's definitely a good deal...

I bought a new (In the box) Classic 50 2X12. I wanted a tweed version but for the price, I got the black tolex. These are good workhorse amps for the money and they handle pedals nicely from what I've heard. I am very pleased with it as I like EL84's. Plenty loud for any gigging plus you could always plug into a bigger cab... Gibsonblues ...

[Gibsonblues]

Originally Posted by lp59aholicDon

Nothin wrong with good combos and some , like the Peavey are great tone values I find giggin and jamming out with combos is a hell of a lot more convient than lugging or trying to lug around a seperate head and cab
always remember, its about good tone first, not the coolness or impressions factor

+1

[coldsteal2]

Originally Posted by dwagar

just don't overspec yourself. Bigger isn't always better in a tube amp.

a 50 watt Marshall is a monster. If you can never turn it up past 2, you'll never get the output tubes working. As mentioned above, I'd also suggest you look at an 18 (or 15) watt. If you are used to SS wattage ratings, you are going to be surprised how loud these tube amps are.

+1 on the old SD-1. Great pedal.

Speaking of Marshalls being monsters, i was just playing
bass through my 900, man it sounded great, and with
the EQ boosting the subs and lows it sounded as good
as an Ampeg. My neighbors imediatly started banging on the walls
i was only turned on 2!