Amp dilemma... not sure what i want!

[Oli]

Well, as i've been selling some unused gear, i'm left with some disposable that i'd like to put to good use, in the form of a new amp. I'm after something that isn't high-gain, tight and modern sounding, but rather something older sounding, like the classic tones on Appetite for Destruction and Blizzard of Oz. I don't really need anything that's channel switching, as my rack rig caters for all those needs. 50w amps are more my kinda thing, as are EL34s, though I haven't tried an amp with any of the KT series valves. An MV amp is a preferable thing, rather than having to run an attenuator. My budget is £1000, but as i'm still working part time while at uni, I can save up some more if the ideal amp is a couple of hundred more. I'm not adverse to building a kit, but i'd be concerned as to whether it's A) as good as a professionally built amp and B) likely to hold it's value over time, as i don't want to lose money on an amp if i've dropped 1k on it :)

Any suggestions or ideas from you guys would be great, and much appreciated too!

Cheers,
Oli

[Denim n Leather]

Sounds like you want either an older Marshall or a Marshall clone. My advice is wait until you can get a separate head and cab.

The amps that I like that will do what you're looking for, and are within your budget:

1. Marshall JCM800 (they can be problematic, however, as the main board tends to warp)
2. Splawn Quick Rod (used)
3. Bruno Pony 50 (doubt you can find one in your budget, however)
4. Matamp GT1

You will need an OD or boost for all of those amps aside from the Splawn.

You didn't mention anything about clean tones.

[psy]

Marshall JCM800 or perhaps Silver Jubilee?

[DimeZakk]

Marshall JVM 205, they do the JCM800 sound and sooo much more... More bang for the buck can't be bad right?

[Will]

I am thinking a MV 2204. JMP or JCM really. I have one that I could sell if the price was right ;)

[hamfist]

I instantly though of a Marshall SIlver Jubilee, 50 Watter. An 800 on it's own won't give you the gain you'd need for AFD tones.
  You could go for an original Jube (still "only" 20 years old), or Ceriatone are now doing a Jube clone - http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPages/2250/BS2550.htm . I thoroughly recommend everything by Ceriatone. - get them to build the entire amp and cab - that's "cabinet, package 4" on their website. With a used cab, that should still sneak in within your budget.

[Twinfan]

Another great option would be to buy this for £350 and have Martin at Martamp (or someone else) mod it to Marshall spec (like I've done with one of my old Klipps).  You'd be all in for £500, leaving £500 for a good 4x12 cab......

http://officialmatampownersclub.yuku.com/topic/2908

[d1dsj]

Cornford MK50.... excellent amps and more versatile than you might think.

[Lew]

Theres a mk50 with 4x12 for 1200 at world guitars

[ChunkyMunky]

I personally think the JVM would be ideal for your sort of spec. :)
Doesn't matter if it's the 410H or 210H, both very similar sounding..

[PPPMAT]

Ceriatone now make the silver jubilee 50w heads. Get Martin to make one for you. That will give you later GNR tones. If you want earlier AFD style tones then ideally a JCM 800 or a jmp50 with an extra gain stage I would think.

I thought that the Blackstar amps also nailed a hot rodded 800 sound - they might be worth a look

[The Sorbz]

I have both a JMP 100W MV and a JVM 410H. I think you'd be more than happy with the JVM. It'll give you just about all other Marshall tones.

[hunter]

Spontaneously I thought Marshall Vintage Modern 2266.

I owned that head and if you're into no frills just rock tones, it's pretty freakin awesome!!

However, one poster mentioned Cornford Mk50H, and indeed, if you find one used for a grand, that would be in a different league - less crunchy and badass than the VM, more organic and refined.

[Davey]

splawn competition

[Twinfan]

Forgot to say, you could always tell Martin at Martamp what you're after and he'll build you something to fit  :)