Well im set on the guitar (i think), now the amp....

[Will]

Well you are going to have to go and get it, so just have one trip where you try things as much as you want.

+1 on waiting until you have the guitar etc, you're style may change and there really is no neccesity to plan this far ahead, if you feel there is, try google + Harmony Central reviews, although they are still not going to be the same as you trying it. Also, do you NEED that much versatility in the amp, personally I would rather develop the versatility as a player etc, and learn how to use the dynamics of a single channel amp

[sambo]

When you're going to be spending upwards of £1000+ on an amp, and several hundred on a guitar, I think £40 to go and try a load is a no-brainer, to be honest.


As someone else said- you're going to have to either pay for shipping or pay to go and collect it anyway, so when you're ready (i.e. when you have the money) then you can go and test loads, and buy at the same time.

I know what it feels like to fantasise about getting amazing gear NOW, but as everyone is saying, it pays to be patient, take your time, and try FIRST HAND all the gear you are considering.

"Does it have a good vintage sound" is extremely subjective, and what someone here describes as great vintage tone might sound disgusting to your ears.

Basically, without meaning to be too harsh, only you know the sound you want, and that's why there is no substitute for listening to the amps yourself.

ANYWAY- if I wanted a vintage overdrive, neither ENGL or Mesa would be on my shortlist. If I wanted modern metal, they would be at the top. You need to prioirtise what sound you really want I think.


Hope some of that makes sense! :)

[Simon D]

When you're going to be spending upwards of £1000+ on an amp, and several hundred on a guitar, I think £40 to go and try a load is a no-brainer, to be honest.


I know what it feels like to fantasise about getting amazing gear NOW, but as everyone is saying, it pays to be patient, take your time, and try FIRST HAND all the gear you are considering.

Couldn't agree more with the 'cost of testing stuff' argument. I live in Swansea, but I went to Guildford to test the amp I wanted, because the store there had one. A short hop across the Solent to Southampton will be well worth your while in the long run.

I also agree about the need for patience - I pulled the trigger on my amp after about 18 months of saving money, research and testing a load of stuff that got ditched because I didn't like it. The amp I initially thought was 'the one for me' (The Marshall JVM, if you're wondering) ended up getting binned, because when I tried it, it just wouldn't do the sound I had in my head.

You can watch all the demo dvds and Youtube clips in the world, but nothing beats being in the room with what you think you want and finding out if it's really for you.

Anyhow, don't get ahead of yourself - get the guitar sorted first, get comfortable with it, then move onto the amp.

[varkunus]

ahh guys you got the wrong end of the stick i never meant im gona splash 1k without trying the reched thing. But im trying to get your feedback as their reputation as amp builders aswell, just saying then i can try to try out all possible candidates for future amps all in one trip. And i know about trying before buying, i was set on a laney vc-30 was gona buy off woogie (hi there) but turned out when i played it, that it didnt have enough beef. Any other amps you guys would recommends even if they are stabs in the dark

[sambo]

Fair do's. Good that you appreciate the value of trying stuff first-hand! Good stuff.


As for other amps, maybe a Marshall or a Laney? A Laney GH100L maybe? Again, never tried one myself, but good by all acounts. An Orange also might be cool. They have a very thick, vintage overdrive.

Maybe even a Matamp.

[varkunus]

cool guys

[Stevepage]

+ for Laney GH or maybe even the VH100R (which is what I have).

The Orange Rocker 30 is an awesome amp too. But for the Megadeth type of stuff I'd suggest an overdrive pedal for a slight boost.

Also the H+K Switchblade is a very nice head.