Above your stated budget, but the Bogner XTC 3435 50w fits your description. Of too expensive I'll second the Boogie, Peavey Classic, and Fender suggestions.
I like the album for what it is. I prefer the less popular tracks though: Through the Never, Don't Tread on Me, Holier Than Though, Of Wolf and Man...World class production and performances. On Spotify Enter Sandman is their most played track, followed by Nothing Else Matters,then MOP, FWTBT...
I actually share that feeling about my playing, some days it's effortless, some days it's hard work. But I never hate my tone, always the contrary. Just playing a distorted D, A, and then E chord makes me smile every time.
So I guess if you don't already own one: Get a Diezel and start being...
I have one (gray black with Floyd) and like it a lot as a working horse guitar. Bought it exactly for that purpose and because imho a Floyd and PRS guitars are not a good match and this one is a rare exception. Had it for just over a year and played it mostly at home, but also took it out for a...
Imho it would be either the Recto Preamp (https://legacy.mesaboogie.com/amplifiers/electric/tube-pre-amplifiers/rectifier-recording-pre-amp/index.html) paired with a Marshall Poweramp or a Marshall JMP-1 paired with a Boogie Poweramp, whatever you prefer.
The whole Nevermore catalogue in chronological order showcases Jeff's progress well. Fantastic player and really nice dude. Good tone, too.
When a friend handed me Dead Heart in a Dead World I didn't get into it for a couple of months but one day it clicked and I listened to that album front to...
That's great news: Jeff Loomis is one of the best in my book and didn't fit in with AE, imho he is a much better musician than anyone else in that band (for my taste they are too much posing and show around a female lead singer and have not nearly the musical substance that Nevermore had). And...
I agree, that's something I never understood. Whenever I plug in I'll play a distorted d-chord and just smile. It's so much fun to have great tone and play for yourself without caring ehat the FOH will sound like. Being lazy about tone is also totally killing the attitude for me because it's...
Sounds great, thanks for sharing! IMHO the absolute key to tracking Diezels well is the right mics. Sennheiser 906 works well for me, the 421 also, as well as large dia condenser mics like Neumann for room sounds. The Shure 57 - even though it's awesome and very versatile - never worked well for...