Randall RG75

[Vindication]

Hey everyone,

I still haven't been able to find some of the amps I was looking for originally, and just now I found a listing on craigslist for a Randall RG75 with a busted speaker for $150.

I'm not sure if the speaker is actually busted or if there's just some wiring that needs to be fixed; also, I'm not sure whether this is the RG75, RG75G2 or RG75G3 (I emailed asking that; I should get a response sometime soon - I'll try to keep you updated).

It's a solid state; reviews say it's good but I never trust those (they also say Marshall MGs are good :P)  I think it's got a tube in the power amp section (not the preamp), although this probably doesn't affect the sound much.

My first choice is still a 5150 combo, but $500 (at least) is a lot of money that I currently don't have, and might not get for a while.  I've been considering this as an alternative for some time, but I've been unable to find one to test (neither Guitar Center nor Sam Ash, the two major guitar dealers in the US that are near me, carry Randall).

Basically, is this worth the $150 (plus possibly additional money for a speaker)?  I would like workable cleans (nothing spectacular is needed), hotrodded Marshall-type tone (although this isn't too vital) and a heavy and thick yet articulate thrash/death type tone (think Nevermore or Symphony X, minus the EMG harshness).

Looking forward to your input; you guys are on the Bareknuckle forum, so I assume you know good tone :D

[LazyNinja]

What's your current amp?

Anyways, I'd say save up for 5150 if that's what you REALLY want. You won't be happy til you get it. A 5150 for $500 sounds like a bargain to those of us in the UK. They sell for at least £450=$900 over here.

[Vindication]

What's your current amp?

Anyways, I'd say save up for 5150 if that's what you REALLY want. You won't be happy til you get it. A 5150 for $500 sounds like a bargain to those of us in the UK. They sell for at least £450=$900 over here.

I've a Vox Valvetronix AD15VT, and the distortion on it's really feeble.

I also have an opportunity, if I buy this thing, to sell it for a friend and make some cash, although if the speaker itself is broken, then it wouldn't be much of a profit.

I got an email back, it's apparently the first RG75.

EDIT:

And what I really want is an Engl Powerball, but I'd have to save for like four years to get it :P

EDIT ONCE MORE:

Seems like the 5150 mk. II is much better compared to the mk. I - more defined gain and a far better clean channel - however, that would be even more money, so I'm not sure I could get it.

[dave_mc]

ah, you asked me to check this out, problem is i haven't tried the randall :( EDIT: i'd say best bet is to try both the 5150's if you can. I didn't notice too much difference, but i didn't try them head to head.

[Vindication]

So far, it seems like this isn't worth getting in the long run (even if the distortion's good, I'm assuming that the Randall would only be able to get one part of the tone I want), and that I should keep going for the 5150 (seems like a good plan to me) - however, I know a guy who's a bit down money-wise but has been looking for a good amp for some heavier metal (thrash, death, etc.) - I was thinking of getting this, fixing/replacing the speaker and selling it to him, in which case it would still be a good deal cheaper than buying one off Musician's Friend or a comparable site.

Would anyone recommend this amp overall?  I mean, I'd feel pretty bad for making him pay a couple hundred dollars for a total lemon :P

EDIT:  The amp is on Craigslist Indiana, while the guy I know is in California.