Need suggestions for new tube amp.

shogun · #1 05-28-2007, 09:17 AM

Yo.... I currently own a genz benz el diablo 100c 212 combo.. it does what its designed to do and NEVER fails.. but for lead i am not 100% sold on it----to me it sounds likea dual rectifier does when u throw it on the neck pickup (****).. sorry if that offends anyone..

So anyways, someone made me an offer on it--though i was planning on keeping it and getting a triaxis set up or maybe a mark iv in the fall.. if i can sell it now, I am going to.. the question is what should i get for an amp.. this will be an amp purely for playing live with my hardrock/prog metal band.. it needs to be loud, even for rehearsals.. my drummer hits very hard.. I also need something that sonuds great turned up, but not something you need to really really crank.. I want something that sounds good forlead on bridge or neck selection.. ive tried the jsx and xxx and didnt care for it when i turned itup,, but i will try again and tweak.. I am thinking of the 6505.. it had a very solid tone and seemed to be consistent when turned up.. the marshalls cost too much, and dont really sound that great for lead imo.. i dont plan on running any rack units with this new amp.. just a few stomp boxes..

I am on a budget right now because I am paying for a MMaxis that is being built, 2 strats i am rodding, and mods to my RG.. along with that i am saving for a car.. so i really dont want to spend a ton, but I preferably want new gear.. the 6505 seems like a good choice at the moment.. i wuold probably get a marshall 1960 a cab to go with it..

i currently own a fender supersonic combo, and love it.. but not sure if the head n 412 would have enough umphhh and response for the style i want it for.. i have a friend who would sell me his for near nothing but I dont want to make a mistake and get something lousy for the heavies.

helpppppppppppppppppppppp

jb4674 · #2 05-28-2007, 10:07 AM

Get the JSX, IMO.

Jimmy

bammbamm · #3 05-28-2007, 10:16 AM

Jimmy, he said he didn't care for the JSX.

What kind of $ are you talking about spending?
Clearly you'll need to buy used.
People talk highly of the original 5150 heads.
I 2nd the Mark IV purchase, they are VERY versatile, if you can find one for under 1000, you're doing well.

Let us know what you get.

shogun · #4 05-28-2007, 04:57 PM

mark iv would probably be my dream amp.. i kind of wanna buy new and i definitely want to try the amp out before I buy it so the bay isnt really an option.. this may not be a head that i keep for a real long time, so the mesa stuff and real high end is probably not what I want.. I want to try and get a head for 2000$ canadian including tax at the very most.. I am going to retry the xxx and jsx and eq it when i turn it up.. not sure if its what I want.. i have some friends who have 5150's and i am going to borrow one next week... what are you runnin for an amp right now bam?

heffergm · #5 05-28-2007, 05:50 PM

I'd strongly suggest buying used. You're looking at saving 20-50% over MSRP that way, which can get you the amp you really want rather than what you're willing to settle for.

Case in point: my JSX retails for something around $1500 new... I paid $850. Never would have gone near it at $1500.

shogun · #6 05-28-2007, 10:39 PM

problem is thereisnt a mesa dealer within 400km of here.. and there aren't a lot of sources for high end gear where i'm at.. especially at the quantity that i will find a good deal and not get ripped off.. i will keep my ears n eyes wide open.. thanks for ur input man

Phishphood42 · #7 05-28-2007, 11:19 PM

Strongly consider going e bay, if you like the mesa sound you can get a mk III for $700-$800

shogun · #8 05-29-2007, 12:01 PM

its too much money for me to invest in to something that may need maitenence right away... i need a secure buy, and i need ot play it and touch it b4 i buy it.

SimpleMind · #9 05-29-2007, 01:18 PM

Did you consider the Roadster from Mesa?

bammbamm · #10 05-29-2007, 01:57 PM

I'm running this rig:
Mesa Triaxis & a 20:20 power amp into an older Peavey 4x12 cab with Celestion G12-85's Pre triaxis is the Dunlop Crybaby rack. In the loop the G major and MXR Digital time delay. The tuners are run by the recording output.
Simple, but I like my tone.
I also use a Mesa Studio .22+ combo... Very toneful also.
I was running the Mesa 2/95 power amp, but it was a back breaker.
I'd consider a 50/50 if I can grab a deal on one.

racerevlon · #11 05-29-2007, 07:29 PM

One word... Hughes & Kettner...

shogun · #12 05-29-2007, 09:35 PM

good gosh bamm.. interested in selling your triaxis & power amp?!?!?!

MadRyan · #13 05-29-2007, 09:45 PM

What kind of sound are you after? I just moved into a downsized rig consisting of a JSX head and an Avatar 212. I was previously running a rack type setup and a Mesa Dual Rec. I really like the Hughes & Kettner stuff, as well as VHT and Splawn. One thing I've noticed about my JSX is that it sounds great down low but sounds much different cranked. That being said, it doesn't sound all that great cranked in my living room but it sounds awesome with the band. It's a fairly bright amp and my living room is pretty big and has hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings so it's a pretty bright room. My Dual Rec was stupid loud and had to be cranked and boosted to get that tight crunchy sound that my JSX does so easily. You might try a mesa Dual Caliber series. I'm a big fan of the DC-5.

shogun · #14 05-29-2007, 11:31 PM

i found the jsx to be very bright when turned up.. i guess i was dumb not to re-eq it after the volume change though..

shogun · #15 05-29-2007, 11:38 PM

The problem i have with rectos and my genz is that i dont get that crisp, bluesy, MUST HAVE, pick attack--- especially when i am on the neckpickup.. if my tone is off, i dont play good.. i need something great for lead of anykind.. bluesy, shreddy.. a few players that tone sticks out to me:

petrucci ( i know i cannot achieve that sound though.)
vinnie moore
paul gilbert
frank gambale
shawn lane
srv
andy timmons
vai's older stuff
marty friedman