Author Topic: Combo suggestions (Read 8509 times)

Stevepage · « **on:** April 04, 2008, 01:08:46 PM »

Hey guys. I'm getting a little frustrated with having to lug around my Laney head and not being able to use my own cab. I usually end up using some shitety cheap cab at rehearsals. I don't drive yet, I get driven by the bass player to and from rehearsals but soon within the next few months I'll be driving. But even then the car won't be too big and a 4 x 12 half stack is just going to be too big.

So I'm considering selling my Laney head (which is something that is going to be very difficult as I love it) and getting a 1 x 12 or 2 x 12 combo.

Which combo would you suggest that would get me a nice clean tone, a good mid gain tone and a full on metal tone? Versatility is a big reason why I got the VH100R so I'd like to be able to have that versatility with my next amp (that's if I do decide to do this).

An FX loop would be great with level control. I don't use rack gear but I just use a Boss DD-3 so I don't need alot of FX loop options.

So you guys get an idea of what tone I want, I play in a band that has influences from Nevermore, Carcass, Megadeth and FF but in my own time I like to play Blues, Jazz (badly ) and anything else I like to have a go at.

My budget is probably going to be £700 at a push. So far I've been looking at the Mesa Nomad, H + K Switchblade, Engl Screamer and the Line 6 SV. I'm open to any suggestions you guys have....

Roobubba · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2008, 01:20:13 PM »

I know this isn't what you were asking, but I lug my 4 x12 cab and 5150-II head in a Renault Clio (or in the bassist's Ford Ka!) every week. Sure it's not ideal, but it makes such an amazing sound that I wouldn't dream of not using it (considering that I drive).

You might well be able to manage when you drive with your 4 x 12, then you won't have to even thinking about parting with the Laney, which you say you really like!

Another option is to get a 2 x 12 cab, which would be considerably easier to port about.

Lastly, I find it's about the same amount of hassle to carry my 4 x 12 and head as it was to lug around the Randall RG200G3 combo I had before - that combo was REALLY heavy!! Not saying my current cab (especially with EVM12L Black Labels and Celestion G12K-100s in there) and head aren't heavy, mind, but the sound is just so much better that I don't mind! :)

Sorry it's not quite what you were after!

Roo

Jonny · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2008, 01:32:06 PM »

You could wait for your new car and see if it fits inside? If not then you could consider getting something else.

But I would wait, if the reason being is that it might not fit.

And the last time I checked for a H&K Switchblade, it was £900+ for a 50W

Dazza1004 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2008, 01:36:04 PM »

you could get a 1x12 for your head and mic it up through the PA if you need to.

Lord Blakers · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2008, 01:50:56 PM »

Likewise, I've used the missus' Seat Arosa to cart my Orange 4x12 (very bulky), amp head and two guitars around before.

The car's tiny, but squeezed it all in with little trouble.

Or are you just looking for an excuse to buy a new amp :D

Mr Ed · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2008, 01:53:05 PM »

When I go to gigs, or have all my equipment to move around, I have to fit all my stuff in my Vauxhall Corsa:

1 x girlfriend in the front seat.
1 x 2x12 cabinet in the boot.
1 x pedalboard on the back seat.
1 x JCM900 head on the back seat.
2 x guitars fastened to the backs of the front seats with bungee cords.
1 x camera case (full of cables, leads and spares) on back seat.

PHEW!!

As for combos, what about the JM900's or the Peavey Valvekings?

MDV · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2008, 02:08:43 PM »

Engl Screamer would be my first choice.

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2008, 02:14:53 PM »

If you like the head, I'd get a good 2x12. 2x12 combos are VERY heavy to lug around, and unless you're mic-ing up a 1x12 doesn't have a lot of spread if you're playing in a rock and roll band.

I'd suggest an Orange, Matamp, Mesa, THD or similar 2x12. You can swap speakers if need be, but I'd buy a cabinet with good construction.

LazyNinja · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2008, 02:19:40 PM »

Why don't you try hunting down a used Laney VC50 or 100 and keep your sound? They are relatively cheap used (about £350). Just get a full service done on it with new valves and you'd be set. :)

Or get a 2x12 to use instead of your 4x12. Im sure a head and a 212 cab would fit in most cars easily enough.

Theres also a guy selling his JVM combo for £650 on HCAF which is within your budget.

PPPMAT · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2008, 02:53:09 PM »

Marshall vintage modern 2x12! heavy as feck though :twisted:

Simon D · « **Reply #10 on:** April 05, 2008, 06:15:17 PM »

+ 1 on getting a decent quality 2x12 cab for the Laney. If you like what you have in terms of tone and useability, don't sacrifice it for something that you can carry but don't like the sound of.

Plus, as has been pointed out already, all valve combos weigh a frickin ton. For example, the new Blackstar Artisan 30 weighs 34kg.

ailean · « **Reply #11 on:** April 05, 2008, 07:42:36 PM »

Personally I'd wait and see if I can get the 4x12 in a car, that way you don't end up thinking 'this would be better if...'. If it turns out to be a practicle 'mare then look at another amp.

Plus if you CAN use your 4x12 you've got a good budget left for another head to plug it into :twisted:

hamfist · « **Reply #12 on:** April 06, 2008, 07:51:02 AM »

Quote from: ailean

Plus if you CAN use your 4x12 you've got a good budget left for another head to plug it into :twisted:

And lets face it, as Rich knows you can never have too many amps !!

BTW, Stevepage, I may be having a very high quality 2x12 cab for sale in the very near future if you enter the market for one.