Help Me Narrow Down My Next Amp

  • Thread starter Thread starter g_giac
  • Start date Start date
glpg80 said:
Friedman BE Deluxe 100
JEL100
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I understand the two channels on the JEL are "plexi" and "modded JCM800", but what are the BE and HBE channels of the BE Deluxe best described as? I also have the Synergy BE-DLX module so I am familiar with those tones, it is supposed to be the preamp of the BE Deluxe. Just not entirely sure if it is an amp that is filling a gap in my collection.
 
g_giac said:
I understand the two channels on the JEL are "plexi" and "modded JCM800", but what are the BE and HBE channels of the BE Deluxe best described as? I also have the Synergy BE-DLX module so I am familiar with those tones, it is supposed to be the preamp of the BE Deluxe. Just not entirely sure if it is an amp that is filling a gap in my collection.
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I wasn’t aware you had the module for it. I’m not familiar with synergy enough to answer that question either unfortunately.
 
Erock said:
might want to consider a Jubilee in there as well.

edit: just realized you wrote Pantera. That might be a stretch for the Jub.
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Given the small collection I have, I don't need one amp to cover everything, just amps that fit in the realm of the stuff I like.

I never even considered the Jubilee, but I randomly came across it and I am starting to go down that rabbit hole. Looks like that's another amp debate (JCM800 vs Silver Jubilee) that really has people split. Just curious as to why they're $300 cheaper (new) than the JCM800 2203X ($2199 vs $1899)? Isn't the Silver Jubilee essentially an "improved upon" JCM800 with a few extra features?

Would the Silver Jubilee complement my collection better than an 800 or Friedman Plex type amp?
 
stratjacket said:
Are looking for something in the same vein of what you have or something different? Also, budget or range you're looking to spend?
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Honestly, just looking for something to complement my collection. Not really looking for anything "clean". I have the deluxe reverb to do anything I'd ever want to do in that realm. Looking to keep it up to $3k. Preferably something from Sweetwater.
 
If you are looking for a bit different. Ksr.

I can only speak to the orion model. I've seen other comments on their other models.

I've heard people say it's some sort of mix between mesa and SLO. I haven't played a slo so I'm not sure. But I do get the comparison to mesa.

The orion is the only lunchbox amp I've really liked. Sounds full. Good price. Channel 2 pull the gain back and tweak get a great crunch. Otherwise a big range of rock/modern sounds. The videos out there to my ears do a good job of capturing what you could expect sound wise.
 
g_giac said:
Given the small collection I have, I don't need one amp to cover everything, just amps that fit in the realm of the stuff I like.

I never even considered the Jubilee, but I randomly came across it and I am starting to go down that rabbit hole. Looks like that's another amp debate (JCM800 vs Silver Jubilee) that really has people split. Just curious as to why they're $300 cheaper (new) than the JCM800 2203X ($2199 vs $1899)? Isn't the Silver Jubilee essentially an "improved upon" JCM800 with a few extra features?

Would the Silver Jubilee complement my collection better than an 800 or Friedman Plex type amp?
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Not sure why it's cheaper, I think the Jub was more when they were in production and not RI. Never owned a Friedman plex, so can't compare, but that's exactly what the Jub is to me. They both need some volume to sound/feel their best, but the Jub has a more usable EQ IMO. Small changes can really affect the sound a lot. I believe the Jub also has some diode clipping, where the JCM doesn't, hence the increased gain. That might be a factor for you if don't like diodes. Since you are going Sweetwater, they have a pretty generous return policy if you hate it. I think any of those would compliment your collection. (y)
 
Ok ladies and gentlemen, I’m pretty sure I’ve narrowed it down to most likely either a Friedman Plex or a JCM800 2203X.

As a reminder (from my first post), I currently have:
  • Mesa Mark V:25
  • Mesa Dual Rectifier (Multi-watt)
  • Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb
  • Victory Kraken MkII (channel 1 does the JCM800/900 “thing”)
  • Marshall DSL40C (first run, not the newer CR)
  • Friedman IR-J (channel 1 does the plexi “thing” and channel 2 does the hot rodded JCM800 “thing”)
  • Synergy modules
    • Soldano SLO II
    • Uberschall
    • Friedman BE-DLX
  • Fryette Power Station PS-100 to run it all through
I’m looking for an amp that complements my collection with not too much overlap. Any reason why I should consider one over the other?

Appreciate and value the input from you all here.
 
g_giac said:
Ok ladies and gentlemen, I’m pretty sure I’ve narrowed it down to most likely either a Friedman Plex or a JCM800 2203X.

As a reminder (from my first post), I currently have:
  • Mesa Mark V:25
  • Mesa Dual Rectifier (Multi-watt)
  • Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb
  • Victory Kraken MkII (channel 1 does the JCM800/900 “thing”)
  • Marshall DSL40C (first run, not the newer CR)
  • Friedman IR-J (channel 1 does the plexi “thing” and channel 2 does the hot rodded JCM800 “thing”)
  • Synergy modules
    • Soldano SLO II
    • Uberschall
    • Friedman BE-DLX
  • Fryette Power Station PS-100 to run it all through
I’m looking for an amp that complements my collection with not too much overlap. Any reason why I should consider one over the other?

Appreciate and value the input from you all here.
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I don't have any experience with synergy. That would probably be the only legit overlap.

I had a friedman ir x. It's nice and does the sound. But to me it's not a replacement for the amps.

The jcm 800 2203x. I think its pretty damn loud. Ps100 is a great tool my only trouble with it is it gets hot esp with louder amps that need taming. It's been finicky with certain amps but besides mesa boogie it wasn't anything I couldn't fix.

I'm also under the impression newer jcm circa 2022 or 2023. The transformer was noisier. Guy from Headfirst had a video on it.

Beyond that. I think the rest is up to your budget, preferances/needs.
 
g_giac said:
Looking to add a new amp to the collection. Currently have:
  • Mesa Mark V:25
  • Mesa Dual Rectifier (Multi-watt)
  • Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb
  • Victory Kraken MkII
  • Marshall DSL40C (first run, not the newer CR)
  • Friedman IR-J
  • Synergy modules
    • Soldano SLO II
    • Uberschall
    • Friedman BE-DLX
  • Fryette Power Station PS-100 to run it all through
Have really been looking at the Soldano SLO-30, Marshall JCM800 2203X (would consider the Synergy module if it is worth it, but feel like I'd want the real deal), or some sort of modded plexi type (Suhr SL67/68, Friedman Plex, etc...), but I feel as if my collection already covers most of this ground in some form or another.

Unfortunately I don't really know exactly what I want, but hoping to get some help here.
Would also like it to be something I can grab from Sweetwater because of gift cards and their awesome card offers.

Posted this elsewhere and got a lot of recommendations for tweed / Dumble / Vox / etc... style amps, but I'm just not interested.

Appreciate any recommendations or suggestions.

Thank you!
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Your list of maybes happens to mention several amps I own.

My SLO 30 is my favorite amp, though I'll play it on crunch more often than distorted. The clean on it is fantastic (though you have that covered). If I want to play Wicked Sensation, it nails that sound easily of course.

The SL67 is my 2nd favorite amp. Literally impossible to dial in a bad sound.

I'll keep my PLEX because it's awesome at the EVH thing or some killer RATT leads. I was playing it today and lay it down slays on the plex. I sold a bunch of gear on sweetwater for gift cards and my sales rep hit me with a nice discount, so the PLEX was basically an even trade for a couple guitars I didn't enjoy.

Noticed others talking about the BE100:

I may sell my BE100 and keep the BE50. Channel one of the BE100 is awesome though I have a lot of redundancy in the lineup and the 100 is the most redundant if I keep the others.
Since I play with less gain and more clarity as I age, I never get into the HBE unless it's a small lead boost.

If I sell the 100 I'll try a Diezel or a Wizard.
 

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g_giac said:
Looking to add a new amp to the collection. Currently have:
  • Mesa Mark V:25
  • Mesa Dual Rectifier (Multi-watt)
  • Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb
  • Victory Kraken MkII
  • Marshall DSL40C (first run, not the newer CR)
  • Friedman IR-J
  • Synergy modules
    • Soldano SLO II
    • Uberschall
    • Friedman BE-DLX
  • Fryette Power Station PS-100 to run it all through
Have really been looking at the Soldano SLO-30, Marshall JCM800 2203X (would consider the Synergy module if it is worth it, but feel like I'd want the real deal), or some sort of modded plexi type (Suhr SL67/68, Friedman Plex, etc...), but I feel as if my collection already covers most of this ground in some form or another.

Unfortunately I don't really know exactly what I want, but hoping to get some help here.
Would also like it to be something I can grab from Sweetwater because of gift cards and their awesome card offers.

Posted this elsewhere and got a lot of recommendations for tweed / Dumble / Vox / etc... style amps, but I'm just not interested.

Appreciate any recommendations or suggestions.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
I really enjoy my Rivera. I have a Clubster Royale Recording Top with 6V6s. Loaded with NOS RCA Blackplates. This thing can do the cleanest cleans and roar on the lead channel w the built in boost. Very quiet as well as far as noise floor. No good demos out there really but a great amp nonetheless .
 
g_giac said:
Ok ladies and gentlemen, I’m pretty sure I’ve narrowed it down to most likely either a Friedman Plex or a JCM800 2203X.

As a reminder (from my first post), I currently have:
  • Mesa Mark V:25
  • Mesa Dual Rectifier (Multi-watt)
  • Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverb
  • Victory Kraken MkII (channel 1 does the JCM800/900 “thing”)
  • Marshall DSL40C (first run, not the newer CR)
  • Friedman IR-J (channel 1 does the plexi “thing” and channel 2 does the hot rodded JCM800 “thing”)
  • Synergy modules
    • Soldano SLO II
    • Uberschall
    • Friedman BE-DLX
  • Fryette Power Station PS-100 to run it all through
I’m looking for an amp that complements my collection with not too much overlap. Any reason why I should consider one over the other?

Appreciate and value the input from you all here.
Click to expand...

Isn't Marshall stuff; including the 2203x, on damn near perpetual backorder here in the US? Both Sweetwater and GC are showing them as backordered anyway. If you're looking to purchase soon that may default you to a Friedman Plexi.

To give you an alternative check into a Headfirst Alta. The Alta covers pretty much every Marshall tone from core Plexi to Modern modded and everything in between. It would be able to take you to the same tones as the Friedman Plexi and 2203x. There might be some minor overlap with the DSL and Friedman IR you have, but not enough to be concerned about. The Alta covers more than those two do.
I saw @SQUAREHEAD listed his in the classifieds the other day for a damn good price.
 
Ceriatone Silver Jubilee clone
Orange Rockerverb
Bogner Goldfinger
Mezzabarba Skill 30
Splawn Nitro
Headfirst
 
Fender narrow panel tweed deluxe.
It’s the only amp that even has narrow in the name. 🤷‍♂️
 
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