Can anyone give me Amp advice?

[track7]

Hi,

I've been reading (and hearing) that the best tone comes from a good valve amp...for the longest time now i have had an old marshal valvestate, and just been using it as a poweramp with various pedals, and to be honest the sound is not good.

So I am determined to buy a great amp that will give me a cool sound. Except I dont know jack about them.

The sounds I am looking for is something thats varied, got plenty of warm gain for rock/prog but is responsive enough at lower gain for the blues thing.

I've been reading about the Legacy and it sounds very interesting a possible contender for my money, if anyone has the legacy would you give me a review on it? Maybe if you are bored enough record something with it and post it for me to hear?

Also what about the classics, Marshall, Mesa, an explanation of their models and what they are good for would be most appreciated.

Oh also if anyone from UK has the legacy, where did you get it from, and how much did you pay, i cant seem to find it anywhere.

THanks in advance

Track7

[cerealk]

I have used...

Marshall valve power amps (rack mounted)
9005
9100
9200

Mesa power amp (rack mounted)
2.90

do you want reviews of any of these?

[Two hands31]

*cough* buy a Line6 POD *cough*



Oh c'mon, you knew it was coming. Let's see how long it takes for someone to mention the other frequently mentioned brand.

[cerealk]

Originally Posted by Two hands31

*cough* buy a Line6 POD *cough*

but that's not a valve amp

[Two hands31]

Originally Posted by cerealk

but that's not a valve amp

Um...run it through the FX Return of your current amp.

[jono]

Nevada Music is the official UK importer for Carvin, give them a try as to where to get your mits on a Legacy.

The pod is great and gives you a wonderful approximation of a Valve amp, but most folks who've used the real amps say they can tell the difference.

However, a Pod and a floorboard might be a useful interim step till you can afford a £3500 Boogie Road King

[mike777]

I have been a long-time Marshall fan and own a variety of them-mostly the current JCM2000 stuff. Feel free to email me off-list and I could discuss them further with you.

Mike 777 Haug

[bammbamm]

MESA BOOGIE MESA BOOGIE MESA BOOGIE
Happy?
I have a triaxis pre amp and 2/95 power amp that sound GREAT together and you can get all the sounds you need. I also play a Mesa Studio .22 combo which is really a single channel amp with a gain boost switch, its a great amp and really sounds good, especially for a 16 year old amp.
Really you should try and test out every amp you can get your hands on. Now the world don't move to the beat of just one drum, what might be right for you, may not be right for some. It takes different strokes to move the world.

I would think a Boogie Mark IV or 50 cal would do what you want pretty well and hey, its a boogie, so it should last you forever !

Good luck in your quest !

If you want more info on Boogie, feel free to PM me.

Bamm

[jerrye]

i have a Vai legacy 4x12 cab actually used by him on the 2K european tour. it has the uprated speakers as spec'ed by steve himself. its even got the stickers on and a few dings from road used by the guy.

i see you in leeds, i'm near southampton, if you can get here you can try for yourself. i run through my line6 flextone II XL 100w twin, yes i love line 6. an just to reiterate, Nevada are the guys. they supplied and customized all of SV's carvin gear for the tour and realy know there stuff. talk to Cliff there the number is 02392 660036. but your very welcome to come play this or any of theirs for yourself as there only 20mins from me and i'm well know there.
hope this helps,
jerry

[Mr Orange]

Like Bamm said, try Mesas.
They tend to be a bit smoother & warmer than Marshalls, and are pretty versatile.
I have an old .50 Caliber head, and it's pretty cool & versatile, and graphic eq helps if you need a nu-metal scooped sound. And it's a loud mutha, I don't thing I've ever cranked it much past 4 with a 1x12.
It's a class A amp so the cleans are decent as well. The best thing is that although they're almost vintage (the year on my amp's circuit board is -86), they don't cost too much in Europe yet, I picked up mine in great condition for about £380 a couple of years ago. Just try one, plug it into a Celestion-equipped 2x12 or 4x12 and off ya go...

[oooo]

You've really got to try a Budda Super drive 30. www.budda.comI highly recommend this amp. It made me sell my VHT Pittbull

[musicdr]

I second the mesa triaxis,poweramp duo.Couldn't be happier!

[Mr Orange]

Buddas are way cool if you have the cash to spend.

[gkelm]

Since you're in the UK, I'd check out the Laney valve series...they make some great heads and combos that ought to be reasonably priced and readily available there.

BTW, I considered doing a degree at the Uni of Leeds.
Greg

[texshred777]

Originally Posted by gkelm

Since you're in the UK, I'd check out the Laney valve series...they make some great heads and combos that ought to be reasonably priced and readily available there.

BTW, I considered doing a degree at the Uni of Leeds.
Greg

I'll second that one...listen to Racer X's live at the whiskey, snowball of doom album..i love paul Gilbert's tone. AND, laney's are totally inexpensive. I'm going to get one.