Author Topic: New Amp Advice/ideas (Read 4212 times)

BigK · « **on:** July 10, 2007, 04:21:46 PM »

I'm looking to get a new amp to replace my cr@ppy spider 3. I'm Looking for a tube Combo preferably 1x12 but i can deal with a 2x12. I play pretty much a bit of everything, blues/funk/jazz but mainly rock-metal think tool, alterbridge that kind of thing and sometimes heavier stuff like deftones/killswitch engage, 36 crazyfists. my budget will be around £500 i might be able to stretch a little further so around 650 is my max. I was thinking maybe an engl? can the thunder's do high -gain? or would i have to go for a screamer? also what are the ashdown fallen angel's like? can a laney VC50 or something do that tool type tone? Any other suggestions i would gladly listen. my main guitars are a schecter 006 elite with a miracle man in the bridge and an ESP/LTD EC-1000. Thanks in advance...

Kieran

dave_mc · « **Reply #1 on:** July 10, 2007, 07:01:05 PM »

i haven't tried the thunder, but both the laney vc50 and engl screamer would doubtless be worth a look. ditto the laney tt50c, and maybe even the new lionheart series (haven't tried those though). I'd say any of those is better than a fallen angel, no contest.

Hell Hound · « **Reply #2 on:** July 10, 2007, 08:36:42 PM »

Engl Screamer combo

BigK · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2007, 01:58:53 PM »

I was looking at some reviews for the peavey valve king and randall rg50tc and they sound very good. has anyone had any experience with them? if they are good I could put the money saved towards my car insurance! as that looks like its going to be more than I expected.

dave_mc · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2007, 02:04:41 PM »

i guess it depends what your priority is. Not having a car is no fun (ok, maybe if you're somewhere with good public transport, like a tube or something, but here in northern ireland, believe me, a car is a godsend), and if buying the engl screamer means you can't afford to drive, i'd probably go with the cheaper amp, lol.

However, if you think you can afford both (as long as you don't have to take out a loan or something, obviously), the screamer is, in my opinion, far superior to those two amps. It may even save you money in the long run, from the point of view of not having to upgrade as soon (or indeed, perhaps ever).

EDIT: if you're willing to go used, that laney vc50 could probably be snapped up for a similar price, if not cheaper, than the valveking or randall. That's what i'd do, if you could find one in good nick. Assuming you can't afford the screamer.

Mr Ed · « **Reply #5 on:** July 11, 2007, 02:06:48 PM »

Marshall JCM900.

Crazy_Joe · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2007, 03:04:00 PM »

Laney VC50 will do all of that stuff and is cheaper than an Engl screamer or thunder, which are not worth the money imo.
Only problem is VC50's are a bit of a rarity and only come up on ebay like once in a while. I was lucky because there was a used on in my local guitar shop.

Hell Hound · « **Reply #7 on:** July 11, 2007, 10:24:12 PM »

the VC50 rules but go find one :lol: I've tried for years and never found one close enough to pick it up myself...

hunter · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2007, 01:00:35 PM »

Maybe look around of what's available in terms of JCM or silver Jubilee Marshalls, Engls, Peavey or Laney (do a search agent in ebay).

BigK · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2007, 07:24:04 PM »

Thanks for your help, went into town today and tried a few amps :the peavey valveking, a marshall tsl combo, a laney vh100r (which is basically the same as the vc50 from what i understand) into an engl vintage 30 2x12 and an engl thunder 50 combo on its own and through the cab.

I absolutely fell in love with the Engl thunder 50 its brilliant For what I need so I snapped it up as it was on offer at the time ( I got it for £475 and they threw in a combo stand as well).

I liked the laney alot but it wasn't as good as the Engl IMO the engl just felt right. the valveking was very good for the price, nearly as good the laney. It had very nice cleans but i felt the speakers were letting it down a little. As for the marshall i felt it was overpriced for what it was it was ok but I just didn't get on with it, I found it was a bit too 'fizzy'. But the Engl is awesome, beautiful cleans, great raunchy crunch and brilliant hi-gain, it has all the gain I need it might struggle with uber gainy metal stuff but thats what boost peadals are for :p

I've just got to sell my spider 3 now.

anyway thanks again for your advice , Kieran

dave_mc · « **Reply #10 on:** July 13, 2007, 04:49:15 PM »

very nice! :twisted: