Good hi gain head wanted!!

[Matt \M/]

Looking for a decent loud head for around £500, maybe a little bit more if I find something I really like. I know obviously I need to try some, but I need a few suggestions of where to start.

I'd like something with enough gain and 2 or more channels, with a smooth tone for solos. Going to be playing classic rock > modern metal with it.

I like the sound of marshalls, but not the harshness of fizzyness that seems to come with them. Also like the smooth gain of a Mesa but probably out of my price range.

Played through an engl powerball the other night and loved its responsiveness compared to my modelling amp, plenty of gain too...   assuming thats tubes?..  so i'd also assume I want a tube amp.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[indysmith]

if i were yu i'd try the ENGL screamer out for sure - sounds like just what you need. i think the head is about £600 these days (?) - look for used ones.

[maliciousteve]

I'd go for a used Laney VH100R. New, they go for about £600 but used you can get for almost half that. Amazing sounds from that amp, kinda like a much better marshall with out that fizzy cr@p.

[CaffeineJunkie]

+1 on the ENGL screamer, although personally i would have headed towards a JCM800

[deg0ey]

if i were yu i'd try the ENGL screamer out for sure - sounds like just what you need. i think the head is about £600 these days (?) - look for used ones.

I'd agree with that...I have the combo version, and it's perfect for what you were after. I paid £500 used for mine (from Tim actually :P) so I think you should be able to get one in or around your price range :drink:

[dave_mc]

i second the screamer and the vh100r. You may want to look at an engl fireball and blackmore too, though they may be a little more cash...

[Word Bearer]

I third (or is it 4th, I'm far too lazy to count) the Screamer.

Some other options are the Laney GH50L, it's only a single channel amp, but has switchable gain. If you really need a different clean sound you could always throw in an EQ pedal, and perhaps a chorus.
Ashdown Fallen Angel is in your price range, but I'd definetly try it out before making a leap and buying it, theres alot of mixed opinions on this amp.
Peavey XXX could be what your looking for. I haven;t tried one out for a long time and am not totally sure on the price, but could be something else to look out for.

[chrisola]

screamer again

will do classic rock > metal

boost it for ultra mad ARGH metal

cant go wrong :)

my combo\footboard (the big shiny treadplate weapon one) cost £550, slightly used 8)


Wouldnt do a JCM800.. had 2 and they are a bit limited and loud... but good at what they do ;)

Maybe a DSL40 or 20 if you want Marshall..

[March]

I have not tried the Screamer, but I have a Powerball head and that thing does high gain with ease. If the Screamer had just even half the gain of the POwerball it would be enough!

[Dakine]

S C R E A M E R  nuff said.

[Matt \M/]

Thanks alot for the help guys, definately going to be trying out some Engls and Laneys now, these sound promising! :D