Van Halen "1984 tone" type amp?

[bcgvh]

I'm looking for a new amp for $1,000 or less that does a decent job of getting that old marshall-VH type tone, specifically that Diver Down meets 1984 tone. I love that tone because it's very overdriven while at the same time very warm and CLEAN. Marshalls are just too expensive otherwise I'd just get a JCM 800. I've heard great things about Laney's, but I've never actually heard them myself and quite frankly I don't even know where to find them. I'm open to any suggestions cause I'm running out of ideas. I've played Mesa's, Peaveys, Fenders, Crates, "other" Marshalls, B-52 ATs, and I just haven't found anything that I really like. I'd appreciate any suggestions.

[ibanezcollector]

The Carvin MT series is a nice vintagy marshally hot rodded tone to it..

[RSVampire]

Get a used Peavey 5150 or a used Marshall head...

[bcgvh]

Yeah I've checked into those and the legacy, I've never played either one, but all the reviews I've read about the Carvin MTS has been that the lead channel is pretty muddy.

[IbanezGirl]

Originally Posted by RSVampire

Get a used Peavey 5150 or a used Marshall head...

I agree on the 5150, especially if you can find one with either Mullard or Phillips valves. The ones from china sound nowhere near as good as the older british valves.

[Racerx2k]

I dissagree on the MTs and 5150. The MTS has a bit more of a silky distortion, and I think the 5150/6505 is absolutely lifeless. For someone who LOVES Eddie's old tones, I absolutely HATE the 5150. I had better luck dialing in his tone on a $500 Peavey Valveking head, with a 6505 right next to it.
I love Laneys, especially the AORs. Check out E***. See them, there, all the time. They seem to have jumped up, lately, though, in price.

[Gex]

I would get a Laney Pro Tube.


I put mine on the crunch channel yesterday, and dimed it.

Sounded VERY EVH! I was surprised.

I need to get some greenbacks, and it would probably complete the sound.

I'll also need a power attenuator.

[bcgvh]

How does the Laney GH series sound?

[the.godfather]

Any with a british tube/valve tone going on. Laney or Marshall should get you there. The 5150 is obviously a clear choice as well. But I'd probably go Laney, just because I prefer their tones. The GH series would be perfect for what you want by the sounds of it.