Amp Decision...

Splinter8451 · #1 11-02-2008, 07:53 PM

I am having trouble deciding what amp I want to buy around this holiday season when I finally start making money again, right now I am just a poor college student

I have narrowed my search down to 4 amps... well 2 really.

First off I am really liking what I am hearing from the Carvin x100b on youtube videos and sound clips however I do not like that I cant try it out myself :/

Next is the JSX 212 combo which I have probably played around with for a total of 3 hours at my local guitar center. I really like it but I am not sure it is right for me, plus it is most expensive out of my choices and I am not trying to spend all or most of my money if I have do not have to.

And finally 2 more options that keep coming up in my head is a Legacy or V3 combo from Carvin, which once again I can only base my opinions on reviews and clips of these :P

As for what genres...I play a lot of different instrumental guitar stuff and use a lot of pedals however I like to get my distortion from my amp. I am not looking for a ton of distortion just enough to get a nice rock lead tone. On the JSX at guitar center I usually had the gain on 1 or 2 o'clock on the ultra channel and was definitely content with the amount of distortion. I do ocassionally play some harder metal with my band but again I do not need death metal distortion.

So any suggestions or help? Anyone? Please?

ColinMmmmm · #2 11-02-2008, 09:08 PM

The JSX is pretty cool - but I think if it were me I'd go with the X100b. And they do have the return policy - it'd just cost a bunch for shipping. Think of it as a week rental fee.

michblanch · #3 11-02-2008, 10:10 PM

Do you wanna gig the amp or are you gonna play it around the house for practice?

If you want a house amp. Don't get the Legacy.
The Legacy is a monster. Extremely loud. You will need to use a THD hotplate to control the volume.

If you are gonna gig, then the Legacy is great.
Try taking a look at the Mesa Nomad. It is an extremely versatile amp. The tones on it are fantastic.
Get it in the 2 x 12 Combo.
And it won't break your bank.

If you get a chance go try one out.

Splinter8451 · #4 11-02-2008, 10:39 PM

I am not sure I am really diggin the whole Mesa sound really.

I tried most of the combos at my guitar center and I just do not think they really fit me haha.

I guess I will scratch Legacy off my list now though because I doubt I will be doing too much playing out, mostly just dorm playing.

Darin · #5 11-03-2008, 12:01 AM

Have you played a 5150?

Splinter8451 · #6 11-03-2008, 12:44 AM

No I havent played one, but that was actually one I was looking at along with the 6505 combo.

One other thing... I am definitely looking to get a combo right now, but a head and 212 cab could work too.

Thrash · #7 11-03-2008, 12:38 PM

If you can try a B-52 head. It sounds awesome at low and stage volumes. It's not pricey, about 550.00. To me it sounded as good as a lot of 1200.00 amps. (I've owned at least ten amps) Give it a try, if you like it it will save money.

Splinter8451 · #8 11-03-2008, 01:46 PM

I will look into that Thrash thanks for the suggestion.

rgr · #9 11-03-2008, 03:02 PM

You might also check out the Randall T2 heads. They sound great and no power tubes to worry about, but Egnater and Randall nailed the sound with the Valve-Dynamic power section. You can also get good low volume tones since the power section is FET based instead of tube.

uglyfuzzface · #10 11-03-2008, 03:04 PM

i have a 5150 and at bedroom levels it sounds really bad infact i nearly sold mine cos it sounded rubbish at low levels and did not consider gigging it for that reason , well anyway took it to a rehersal to decide if i should keep it and when its past two and a half on the volume it sounds great .... so for dorm amps the 6505 or 5150 is prob not a good idea ....great amp though .... i think the jsx is the best bet as it sounds good at low volume but when your ready to gig you will also be loud enough , and if you get bored of it you can change the tubes to 6l6 for a diff sound .... lord i think im talking myself into buying one ha ha ... well if i didnt have the bogner and the 5150 i might have .

michblanch · #11 11-03-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uglyfuzzface

i have a 5150 and at bedroom levels it sounds really bad infact i nearly sold mine cos it sounded rubbish at low levels and did not consider gigging it for that reason , well anyway took it to a rehersal to decide if i should keep it and when its past two and a half on the volume it sounds great .... so for dorm amps the 6505 or 5150 is prob not a good idea ....great amp though .... i think the jsx is the best bet as it sounds good at low volume but when your ready to gig you will also be loud enough , and if you get bored of it you can change the tubes to 6l6 for a diff sound .... lord i think im talking myself into buying one ha ha ... well if i didnt have the bogner and the 5150 i might have .

That is the problem with alot of tube amps. You have to crank the volume to get the warmth of the tubes. But it is ubearable at high volumes in small places.
That is why you see people use THD's or other brand attenuators. They can crank the volume on the amp, to get the tube tone, while tweaking the volume with the attenuator.

Another amp to look at, which I love, is the Line 6 VETTA. Play one, I dont think you will be dissapointed.

S-man · #12 11-03-2008, 04:05 PM

These are interesting...

Egnater Products Rebel 20 20W Tube Guitar Amp Head Features:

* 20-Watt All-Tube Head
* Variable Wattage Control from 1w to 20w
* Tube Mix Blends Between 6V6 and EL84 Power Tubes
* Master Volume, Gain, Three Band EQ
* Egnater Signature Tight and Bright Voicing Switches
* Effects Loop
* Powered by Groove Tubes
* 100V/115V/230V Switchable
* Rugged Shoulder Bag Included
* Dimensions: 14.25 " (W) x 8.25 " (D) x 7.5" (H)
* Weight: 16 lb.

Tubes:
* Powered by GrooveTubes
* 3 x 12AX7
* 2 x 6V6
* 2 x EL84

$599.00

Splinter8451 · #13 11-03-2008, 04:10 PM

I have actually played the Egnater Tourmaster combo and was fairly impressed with it. It has the tube mix knob on the back although I did not mess with it.

Seems like I am getting a lot more suggestions and then a vote for the x100b and JSX maybe I should have made a poll haha.

michblanch · #14 11-03-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Splinter8451

I have actually played the Egnater Tourmaster combo and was fairly impressed with it. It has the tube mix knob on the back although I did not mess with it.

Seems like I am getting a lot more suggestions and then a vote for the x100b and JSX maybe I should have made a poll haha.

I gave my opinion on the Legacy, because I have owned one.
I really don't want to say anything regarding the JSX or the x100, because I have never played thru them.
It just seems unfair to me when I hear people complain about a product they have never tried.

Darin · #15 11-03-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michblanch

I gave my opinion on the Legacy, because I have owned one.
I really don't want to say anything regarding the JSX or the x100, because I have never played thru them.
It just seems unfair to me when I hear people complain about a product they have never tried.

Which is why I can compare the JSX and Legacy fairly.