Looking for a new amp

guitarzuncc84 · #1 03-22-2004, 02:07 AM

Hey guys, I was just wondering if you could give me some advice. I'm currently using a Marshall AVT50 combo along with a RG350 with an evo in bridge and an air norton in the neck.

I have never been able to get a good full distorted sound out of the amp. To me it seems muffled and one-dimensional. I have played the AVT250 at a store and thought it sounded a million times better than my 50. Its hard to get pinch harmonics out of it and its hard to get a good "full" sound.

I was thinking about selling it and getting something else, but it has to be $500 or less (around the price of the AVT50). I think what I want is a Boggie tone, although I've never played one. I've heard great things about the Nomad 55 but I have no idea of how much it costs.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

*In case you were wondering, the AVT was a graduation gift. I didn't pick it out and buy it myself.

adamcbest · #2 03-22-2004, 02:34 AM

you're gonna be real hard pressed to get a boogie for 500 or less. unless you get lucky on ebay.. i dunno about the 55, but i know i priced the nomad 100 head for about 1000 bucks. i would say a 55 combo is probably about the same or a little less. it also depends on what kind of music you like. "boogie tone" is a pretty broad term. For example, a Mark sounds a lot different than a recto. I've heard the nomad fits right in the middle. I'm getting the Mark IV when i get the cash.. good luck man

wilch · #3 03-22-2004, 02:41 AM

Maybe take the amp + your guitar down to a shop that will let you plug a BBE sonic maximiser in the loop?

They're cheap (extremely). Plus it might alleviate the "muffled and one-dimensional" tone. Can't hurt to try one out.

What kind of "boogie tone" are you after? I agree with Adam. Boogie's sound different. A nomad can't sound anything like a dual recto.

wil..

guitarzuncc84 · #4 03-22-2004, 02:23 PM

i basically play a lot of metal. Pantera, Metallica, and then some Vai and Satriani. i guess what I mean by Boogie tone is high gain, modern sound.

guitarzuncc84 · #5 03-22-2004, 02:29 PM

On the web it says that the BBE sonic maximizer is designed for digital recording. Can I use it in live situations?

wilch · #6 03-22-2004, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarzuncc84

On the web it says that the BBE sonic maximizer is designed for digital recording. Can I use it in live situations?

Yep... I do

I plug it into the FX loop of my JCM2000 DSL 100w. It didn't really have any sort of metal tone before. Lacked definition and "chug". Since getting the BBE it now does. I was going to sell this head, but now it's a keeper.

I use the BBE 362NR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarzuncc84

i guess what I mean by Boogie tone is high gain, modern sound.

If the budget stretches (don't think $500 will at all), try a Mesa Boogie dual recto.

wil..

Gresh · #7 03-22-2004, 09:16 PM

$500 is not going to get you a dual recto, but it could get you close to a nomad 45 if you can find one and manage to add a few hundred.

Another option would be a line 6 flextone combo. It won't be identical to that tone but they sound pretty darn good and can be had at a good price. Very flexible tone-wise, great with headphones for practicing. Tube guys scoff at this stuff, but it really is pretty good. Try one out and see what you think for yourself.

guitarzuncc84 · #8 03-22-2004, 09:58 PM

Thanks guys for all of the advice. I think I might try the BBE maximizer device because of its relatively cheap price. I just threw the Boogie idea out there because I didn't really have any idea of how they're priced.

Although I am really dissappointed in the AVT50, I think I'll keep it. It was a gift from my parents and to just turn around and sell it would kind of seem like an insult, although they said they don't mind if I got rid of it.

Anyways, thanks again for the info.