Help I need a New Amp!

[Catalyst77]

Hi

I currently own a mesa dual rec, but have never been really happy with the sound.  You can't get cleans, the sustained distortion is saggy, it does nt really work well with any pedals, and worst of all, it makes all by BKPickups sound the same!

I'm looking for an Amp with guts and punch, good string definition, but that can be pushed to get great sustain without getting fizzy.  I'd like the clean to stay clean, but i'm not looking for AC30 perfection.

I'm into all sorts of stuff, foo fighters, van halen, velvet revolver, deep purple, led dep, ozzy, AC/DC.  Anyone get any on ideas on the best rock amp with good versatility?

Cheers

[maliciousteve]

Well the Framus Dragon is surposed to be very very good for cleans and distortion. I was going to get one till I played a Laney. Yes, i know Laneys are always suggested but they are incredibly good. Especially the VH100R.

There is also the ENGL Screamer. Glassy cleans and great distortion (compressed sounding, very modern)

There is also the new Marshall JVM head which is surposed to be very good but i've not played with one yet.

then there's the Cornford MK50 which is very organic sounding (all PTP wiring i must mention) and is an incredibly versatile amp, just listen to Guthrie Govan to hear what I mean.

[Mr Ed]

Or, without going and dropping a grand or more on an amp, consider the Peavey Classic 50 - plenty of clean headroom, an overdrive that will suit all sorts of music (expect metal) and is a seriously rugged piece of ass.

[stuckin93]

or judging by the music you list - why not go for some vintage valve magic!  :twisted:

an old ac30 / JCM800/JMP50/Orange

all should be right enough for that vibe!   8)  :guitar4:

[Catalyst77]

Cheers

I like the idea of the corford, but I don't think my budget would stretch to it, even if/when I sell my boogie.

I'd never considered Laney before, an old band mate of mine had one of their combos and i didnt realy fancy it much, it was kindof like a brit pop indie thing.

I'll definately give the VH100R a try, JCM 800 was also something I was thinking about, but there's so many versions floating around at the moment.  

I need to get my ass to a music store, but its not easy to find second hand jcm 800's to try out these days, dont fancy buying blind.  

Anyone out there got any opinions on these two? or any others.

Many thanks