Another "what amp" thread - had a few and running out of ideas

[Jaden]

Chaps,
every amp ive had has been better (usually) than the one before in terms of the tone im looking for.

im playing a laney VC50 right now, great amp but a little too fizzy and sloppy on the over drive for me.
im looking for a tight as ***k amp that is as clear as a bell on clean or distorted channels.
I cant stand fizz of any kind and you know that a lot of amp just turn to mud when you start to wind on the drive, I want to avoid that.

I was thinking about a rack, power amp and ADA MP-1 or something like that but im not sure that is really the way to go.

im off out to test a mesa stilletto now but in truth its too expensive for me - unless it turns out to be perfect in which case ill sell the kids


amps ive never had.
orange
mesa
carvin
any "boutique" amps - bognor, soldano etc
fender
rack system.

I know it sounds daft but if you've had the same problem and keep changing amps to try and chase the right tone I would like to know what the pro's and con's are of anything you suggest.

whatever the result is im sure it will be expensive so I will be selling gear

thanks
J.

[voodoo_child]

Originally Posted by Jaden

im off out to test a mesa stilletto now but in truth its too expensive for me - unless it turns out to be perfect in which case ill sell the kids

I think you'll like the Stiletto a lot, it is not a fizzy amp, actually it is quite dry with not too much saturation on tap. But before trying it, have a look at the user manual and bring a few settings with you. The tone controls are pretty sensitive, and dialing it it depends on the mode setting and also whether you are using tube/ss rectifier. So it is just quicker to have some suggested settings with you.

Also turn it up

[Jaden]

well you were right about the stilletto EQ, luckily the guy in the shop knew the score with it.
didnt like it though.

I played that and a laney GH100L and it may be an unpopular statement but the laney blew the mesa away (for me) - it was much tighter and more defined.
anyway, I already have a laney so I dont want another one really.

I was hoping to get some opinion about rack gear, ive looked about and everything I like is effin expensive - too expensive.
suggestions ?

[jemaholic]

I've had some luck with Dr.Z and Budda amps, but maybe you should see if there is a pedal that will enhance the Laney's basic sound first. I eventually dumped all my non-Marshall amps after I threw a TS808 in front of my DSL.

~j

[Brosa]

Jaden, you're in the UK mate. How about a Cornford?

Those amps costs a fortune outside the UK.

[Jaden]

all good ideas guys, ive no idea where near me stocks cornford or Dr Z - I guess ill drag my arse into london...

[HeavyMetal4Ever]

Check out the buzz about the Mesa MK5. Sounds like it's gonna be sweet. I'd love to get one myself, but i'm sure the price will be scary.

Rock on!

[OklaStar]

If you want tight, check out a randall solid state amp.

[Jaden]

the mark 5 look fookin awesome - I bet it has a price tag to match
ive checked out some of teh stuff on youtube from the namm show... really nice..

I did try a randall SS amp recently but its got to be tubes for me I think.

[waylay00]

Splawn Quick Rod sounds like what you want.

Nice, hot rodded, very tight Marshall tones. I love mine.

[YaYoGakk]

If you're looking for a tight sounding amp I gotta put a vote in for the Mark IV. Tight creamy gain. Snappy, percussive clean channel.

[mesaman]

Originally Posted by YaYoGakk

If you're looking for a tight sounding amp I gotta put a vote in for the Mark IV. Tight creamy gain. Snappy, percussive clean channel.

+1 The IV is the tightest amp I have ever owned. It handles just about every style, from clean Jazz to LOG. It's not the best amp with single coils though, too noisy. You can probably find a good deal now the the V has been released to production. They are showing up everywhere for sale.

[mesaman]

Originally Posted by Jaden

the mark 5 look fookin awesome - I bet it has a price tag to match
ive checked out some of teh stuff on youtube from the namm show... really nice..

I did try a randall SS amp recently but its got to be tubes for me I think.

The early report on $$$ of the MKV is $2099 USD for the head and $2199 for a combo. These prices are nearly the same as the MKIV before it went out of production.

[Lifeofsobriety]

If you are looking for something thats very tight and dry with plenty of saturation and an amazing clear clean I would say a VHT Sig:X. They are pretty affordable too. I love mine, but do know they are a little bit more difficult to play. They do a great job of pointing out all of your mistakes

O btw they arnt VHT anymore they are Fryette.... but you will probly still find them as a VHT as I don't think they have shipped under the new name yet, but I am not sure.

[Dazza1004]

I've just traded my stiletto for a 5153, GAK have them at good prices.

I couldn't be happier