New amp advice

[kellar]

Hey folks! Was hoping the wealth of knowledge in this forum could help me out a little. I am looking for a versatile amp that can do anything from blues rock to metal well. My price range is around $1,000 and I may be able to stretch that a little. I prefer a combo but would be open to a head/cab setup if the price is right. I am trying to limit my use of pedals and would prefer to utilize the channels and distortion on the amp. The story is that I have been playing a Fender Frontman with a load of pedals out in front of it and it is not cutting it in the current band I am in that wants to play things along the line of Alice in Chains, Kyng, etc. I think it is finally time to drop a little money on the amp since I have been avoiding it for so long. I am also in a blues rock band currently so those juicy blues tones are also essential.

Anyway, thanks for the advise. I look forward to your feedback.

[gwEm]

- post removed, you are in Germany not US ;) -

[kellar]

Actually no I am not. I live in the US. I used to live in Germany. Why would you remove my post for that?

[gwEm]

Actually no I am not. I live in the US. I used to live in Germany. Why would you remove my post for that?

Ah right!

Well, I suggested in this case I would demo a Splawn. Since they are based in the US, I think you can get better value buying there.

But there are lots of other cool amp makers in the US.

[kellar]

Got it! I will check out Splawn. That is a new name for me. I have also researched Engl, Rivera, Laney, and a host of others. Still checking out a few other names as well.

[gwEm]

Got it! I will check out Splawn. That is a new name for me. I have also researched Engl, Rivera, Laney, and a host of others. Still checking out a few other names as well.

They do the boutique hot-rod Marshall thing.. 2 channels, clean and dirty, with a solo boost on some of them.

I have no idea what gear Alice In Chains use, but it always sounded Marshally to me, so I thought of Splawn. I'm sure a 2nd hand one is in the budget.

[Dmoney]

The Alice in Chains tone is meant to be a Bogner. Maybe the fish preamp and something else. Or a modded JCM800. I've seen photos of what is MEANT to be the bogner modded 800 used by Cantrell. If it is that amp, it has been very very heavily modded.

[kellar]

I have read up a bit on Bogner but never played through one. Very high end price-wise as well. Anyone have experience with them?

[Dmoney]

I used to have an Uberschall, but I ended up moving it on. I don't think it is the best amp for what want either. The XTC is probably on the right track. Very versatile. I'm not familiar with the rest of the range. You're right though. Expensive! They are very high and very well made amplifiers though.

I think you're on the right track maybe with what you have already mentioned. You might still end up with a couple of pedals depending on what you can get from any amp, but that shouldn't put you off. defo check out splawn still.

[kellar]

Blackstar and Jet City amps have been making a bit of noise over here in the States. Look interesting as well, especially the Jet City amps that are modeled after Soldano. I may see if I can track one down to give it a spin.

[Dmoney]

Both good by all accounts.

[kellar]

So I have also been sorting through Bugera (very cheap), Egnater, Laney, and the Line 6 DT25 has caught my eye which is unusual because I don't generally go that direction (modeling). I have no background on these brands as I have mostly owned Fender amps. Interested in any feedback you could offer.

[Dmoney]

Laney in the UK depending on what you find can be great value you money. Bugera I'm not a fan of the build quality in any way. They are cheap for a reason. Egnater I've not personally played but others here have. Actually I've had a go on some of the modular cards stuff.

[TheyCallMeVolume]

Maybe take a look at a Marshall 6100. Great cleans, great crunch channel for anything from 60's rock to 80's rock, and a solo channel that can very easily take you into metal territory. Lots of cool features and tone shaping options too. Great tones and great value IMO, a very overlooked and underrated amp.

[Nez]

I'm getting a Laney Ironheart tomorrow, that may fit your bill. After researching and playing it, I've found it incredibly versatile. Youtube yourself some clips.