Author Topic: Amp Upgrade (Read 2855 times)

tomjackson · « **on:** May 28, 2008, 03:01:06 PM »

I'm thinking of a new amp to replace my Laney VC30, just looking for some ideas. The laney is a nice sounding amp but I can't help thinking something with a bit higher spec would have a bit more wow factor.

Looking for:-

15-30W
Low - med gain
single or 2 channel okay
1x12 speaker
Reverb preferable
combo

Basically looking for sweet, detailed cleans to vintage drive sounds, lots of harmonic quality to the sound (if that means anything!)

I could go up to about £1000 based on it being something I will keep for life (which could be shortened up on my missis finding out that I spen a grand on an amp!!!)

Any thoughts?

Twinfan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2008, 03:07:47 PM »

Blackstar Artisan 30 - best mass produced combo out there today in my opinion :)

No reverb unfortunately, but it hits every other spec you're after. There's a used one at Coda Music for £899 at the moment which makes it under budget...

http://www.coda-music.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=28_93&products_id=3570

tomjackson · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2008, 03:18:11 PM »

Looks good, I read a few reviews on the Blackstar amps and they seemed to be universally praised.

I'll put that on my list next time I go to Sounds Great.
I would miss spring reverb though.....

Twinfan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2008, 03:27:05 PM »

Just use a delay or reverb pedal. You can buy the Fender reverb units separately if you really must it, but they're not cheap :(

hunter · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2008, 05:42:34 PM »

Vintage Modern Combo, it is 50W, but kicks ass and is cheap and has reverb (albeit digital) - it's an amp yu hate or love, so gotta try, but really should try one. They aren't so rare.

ailean · « **Reply #5 on:** May 28, 2008, 07:09:44 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

Blackstar Artisan 30 - best mass produced combo out there today in my opinion :)

I've not heard one, but they have a great rep, I'd certainly try one out.

hamfist · « **Reply #6 on:** May 29, 2008, 08:34:58 AM »

The Blackstar Artisan 30 is a fine amp, although for £1000 I think you could get a noticeably better tone out of a head and a 4x12. BTW, be aware that the Artisan 30W combo weighs an absolute ton !
The Marshall vintage Modern 4x12 cabs are definately the resonably-priced "cab of the moment" for mainstream production "vintagey" tones. however, personally I detest the VM amps - definately something you should try before you buy.
If you were going to go for a head/cab, it depends a bit on your style. I would say both my Ceriatone 50W Plexi and the Voc AC30HH head I had through a good 4x12 would slay the Blackstar for overall deliciousness.
My Ceriatone may well be for sale BTW - fantastic amp - PM me if interested.

Twinfan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 29, 2008, 10:00:00 AM »

Quote from: hamfist

...for £1000 I think you could get a noticeably better tone out of a head and a 4x12...

He asked for a combo though Alan, plus tone is subjective. A lot of recorded old-skool tones were done with combos....

tomjackson · « **Reply #8 on:** May 29, 2008, 01:08:59 PM »

Yeah, I'd rather go the combo route, just for ease of travel really. I'm currently playing in a 2 guitar instrumental act (literally 1 acoustic and 1 electric, no bass or drums) and for that a 4x12 and head would be a bit too much. I do like the bass response from bigger cabs but until I'm back in a loud band a small combo will be best.....plus I can always plug the combo into a bigger cabinet.

I may even try a few 15w combos for what I'm after (may be wait for the new TT?). I've played most of my gigs with 15W combos on full miked up and backed the volume for clean, usually seemed to work okay, certainly better than some of the guys I met using 100w marshalls on 2 with the preamps set to fizz!!

So the head and cab come later but for now looking to just get the next step up the ladder from the Laney combo wise. I'll check the Blackstars out amongst others....

Nolly · « **Reply #9 on:** May 29, 2008, 01:47:21 PM »

+1 on the Blackstar. The Artisans are great amps.

Might also be worth looking into the new Cornford Roadhouse range.

hamfist · « **Reply #10 on:** May 29, 2008, 02:07:10 PM »

Quote from: Twinfan

He asked for a combo though Alan, plus tone is subjective. A lot of recorded old-skool tones were done with combos....

doh, missed the combo bit. :oops:

And, obviously, all tone is subjective. Goes without saying, for me.

if sticking to a combo, the Blackstar would be a cracking choice. Also maybe the new Cornford Roadhouse, as Nolly suggested. I haven't played the Cornford, but I fully expect it to be excellent, and it has received superb reviews.
It's a pity the new Bogner PCB amps are not out until the autumn, as they would have been a perfect choice too.

it really is a great time to be a guitarist - so many great amps out there !