Cheap @$$ amps that rip?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MadAsAHatter
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anomaly said:
You can make a .50 cal + sound pretty damn good.
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It has the Metallica, COC vibe in it. Does the Nirvana thing with a DS-1 on the clean channel, basically close to a good bf Fender sound.
Gets that Santana singing, middy lead tone.
It's really a fine amp. It's not as articulate or punchy as something like an SLO, Wizard, but it's really hard to beat for $700+
 
This still sound crazy but one night I used an Ibanez Toneblaster live in a blockbuster video . That amp actually sounded great . They are like $200 . I liked it more then my Randall SSs and Marshall vs 100 for metal
 
Techdeth said:
This still sound crazy but one night I used an Ibanez Toneblaster live in a blockbuster video . That amp actually sounded great . They are like $200 . I liked it more then my Randall SSs and Marshall vs 100 for metal
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I played through one of those at Sam Ash when I bought my Gibson V. I was shocked at how good it sounded.
 
LPMojoGL said:
It has the Metallica, COC vibe in it. Does the Nirvana thing with a DS-1 on the clean channel, basically close to a good bf Fender sound.
Gets that Santana singing, middy lead tone.
It's really a fine amp. It's not as articulate or punchy as something like an SLO, Wizard, but it's really hard to beat for $700+
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I had one, it was very Mark like in it's tone and dialed in much the same way. You're right, it nail's the COC tone. Pepper Keenan used them for years.
 
The Redbear MK60 or MK120 heads, but they are just getting more and more collectable and the price keeps creeping up. Some are over a grand now, but they should be $200 amps. That's how great they sound.
 
I don't know how much Laney GH/VH series cost in the US, but here in Norway you almost can't give them away. The past year I've bought a VH100R for $350, a GH100L for $250, and a GH100TI for $250. I've previously owned GH50L and GH100L, and never paid more than $400 for them used.

At the same time, a used 2203 or 2204 will cost minimum $1000. You get a lot of bang for the buck when it comes to those Laney amps.

Peavey Ultra is another one. I got a Ultra 60 combo-to-head convert for like $80 used. Sounds killer.

ENGL Screamer seem to go for as low as $300 used. The Powerball 1 is also cheap on the used market.

As far as Marsahall goes, the original JCM2000 DSL 50/100 is still somewhat affordable. The JVM410/205 is also cheap over here. I've seen a couple of 205's go for $350-$450.
 
Peavey Valveking. I'm currently recording a solo project using it and it's crushing. Used to be able to get a 100w head for under $250. Not sure about nowadays
 
Vintage Bassman + 1/2 boost/distortion pedals.

I'd put this above all the others mentioned; only because I prefer the vintage tone + a boost. I'm seeing the early 70s versions coming back down to reality; 5-600. Through a greenback cab they sound glorious. If I had to sell everything for some reason, I'd be happy with one of these without regret.
 
Racerxrated said:
Vintage Bassman + 1/2 boost/distortion pedals.

I'd put this above all the others mentioned; only because I prefer the vintage tone + a boost. I'm seeing the early 70s versions coming back down to reality; 5-600. Through a greenback cab they sound glorious. If I had to sell everything for some reason, I'd be happy with one of these without regret.
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There’s a ‘73 4x10 combo for $800 local to me I was considering checking out but I haven’t gone down the Bassman rabbit hole enough to know the differences in years. I’ve got a DRRI kicking around I’m not too keen on that I’m either going to try to turn into another Edwards, an SV20 or a Bassman.
 
RevDrucifer said:
There’s a ‘73 4x10 combo for $800 local to me I was considering checking out but I haven’t gone down the Bassman rabbit hole enough to know the differences in years. I’ve got a DRRI kicking around I’m not too keen on that I’m either going to try to turn into another Edwards, an SV20 or a Bassman.
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Even the early to mid 70s version are nice amps…they all have that vintage vibe and love all boost/distortion pedals imo
 
MadAsAHatter said:
I have a DT25 and it does sound pretty darn good. It's a really cool feature to be able to change up the power amp topology. The downside is the volume can be a challenge to manage. Some settings are much louder than others.

Did you get the MIDI to USB cable and have that DT edit software?
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Yeah I actually hooked that up a few weeks ago. Really opens up the options. Still not as uber high gain as it's predecessor Spider Valve series, but they can sound really good if you spend a little time with it. I wish it had some more on board effects options though, but it's very usable with the limited reverb on it. I guess I really need to get a POD HD unit to fully expand it. I don't understand why there's such a discrepancy in amp model volumes, though. That's aggravating to manage if you're changing on the fly.
 
I would also add a lot of Peavey solid state amps. I gigged with an XXL for a couple years until I got a XXX. The Bandit and Studio amps are also really good for just about anything.
 
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