Help!
Not sure what my budget is, definately dont want to spend more than $1500, but I need a gigable amp with good tone for as little $$ as possible
I'm thinkin trademe is the only way to go, cos amps seem to sell for alot less on there, but if i were to buy new, what would be a good amp to look for?
I like Marshalls, but any brand is considered
even ashton/ibanez if there are good reliable ones out there? those are two I've been recommended by a MW guitar specialist but i dont trust him some how, $1300 for head and quad box was his quote
Laney do a tidy little class A tube amp for around a grand. I think the LC30 is the cheaper one, then the VC looks flasher and adds a few extra $$. Worth a look.
Have you a preference for combos or head/quad head/2x12 setups?
Bang for buck would be something like an Ashton VP50 combo for portability, or a VP100 head and quad for wank factor. Not many come back for repairs so far, but they're still fairly new, so there's plenty of time for them to crap out yet...
High reliability would be something solid state like a Marshall Valvestate or one of the many equivalent other brands.
I'd be tempted to go for a VP50 combo with a 1x12 extension cab and something that can DI for backup just in case! Maybe a cheap Zoom 505 or something like that.
I think the first question should be 'what style of music do you play' no point recommending a bogner ecstasy if he plays jazz and i realise he hinted at a preference for marshalls, which narrows it down in most peoples minds
I bought a Marshall JCM 900 and a 4X12 of TM for $1500. There isn't always the good deals, but if you can snap up a head for about a grand or so, then spend a few hundred on a small cab (4X12's are huge to lug around anyway).
"I told you, pedals sound twice as good when they're stacked on top of other pedals" - Mike Einziger
I got me one of those Viper 50 Ashtons that Ash is talking about for $750...have gigged with it and it's great. I know ChCh Mainline or whatever they are called has one...$1000 I think...otherwise the Classics and the Laneys as mentioned are also great.
Should be able to get jazz and rock tones from that selection and have some change left over.
"Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible god and destroys a visible nature. Unaware that this nature he's destroying is this god he's worshipping." - Hubert Reeves
Its actually an impossible question to answer, IMO.
For instance, I have a Fender Studio 85 which I picked up for $300 through TM, which does all I need from an amp. I play that in a loud band and I find it very giggable and highly portable.
Others wouldn't find it suitable for their needs at all. Its all way too subjective.
If I had $1500 to spend on an amp, my choice would likely be different, but I don't find it to be necessary to have to have 'the best' of anything. All I need is something which suits my needs. If I can get that for less money - all the better. ymmv.
He hit a chord that rocked the spinet and disappeared into the infinite ...
Yeah I agree with Rog, basically I want to spend as little as possible and still be able to gig.
Tonewise I just want something that isnt gonna sound too piercing, I want warm and solid rather than bright and thin(which is what im assuming Fender would give you?), Marshall does this well, I dont know what else is available though. Sing rather than scream? similar-ish to Slash's tone on VR - Slither.
Greg wrote:Yeah I agree with Rog, basically I want to spend as little as possible and still be able to gig.
In that case, head to your local music shop and try out everything with 50+ Watts in the Marshall Valvestate, Laney Tubefusion, Peavey Transtube and similar ranges, then look out for your favourites on TM.
Geez, Gred, don't let the Twin Reverb crowd see you suggesting their sound is thin... LOL
Ash's advice is sound. Find what you like, then pay less than half on Trademe and have more money left over - you WILL need is - GAS is teminal!
Example - I have a friend who just bought a Vox 120 new in Wellington last month. He paid $2700 for it. There was one for sale last week on TM - 3 months old selling for $1600. I almost bought it myself, but basically I have no need for it, my Fender does it all for my tastes. Used amps are not worth very much, just like cars - take it out of the shop and around the block and you've lost about a third of its value.
He hit a chord that rocked the spinet and disappeared into the infinite ...
