"Perfect" Cover Band Amp?

[Meathead]

For a cover band, I like an amp that sounds great at any volume with an excellent master volume, has an effects loop, and foot switchable clean/dirty channels. Reliable and easy setup, with a quick load in/load out is a must. A 1x12 or 2x12 combo with wheels I find is best
There are a lot of great combo amps nowadays. I've used the following with great results.
All you need is a nice sounding pedal board effect unit for the loop and you you have extreme versatility to program patches.

Budda SD18 1x12 combo
Peters Polaris 1x12 combo
Kustom 72 Coupe 2x12 combo
Carvin Legacy 2x12 combo
Mesa Electra Dyne 2x12 combo

A Marshall JTM (Bluesbreaker) 2x12 combo is a notable mention, if you don't need a channel switcher or an effects loop. It has an amazing clean tone and is a great platform for pedals.

 

[IndyWS6]

For a cover band, I like an amp that sounds great at any volume with an excellent master volume, has an effects loop, and foot switchable clean/dirty channels. Reliable and easy setup, with a quick load in/load out is a must. A 1x12 or 2x12 combo with wheels I find is best
There are a lot of great combo amps nowadays. I've used the following with great results.

Budda SD18 1x12 combo
Peters Polaris 1x12 combo
Kustom 72 Coupe 2x12 combo
Carvin Legacy 2x12 combo
Mesa Electra Dyne 2x12 combo

A Marshall JTM (Bluesbreaker) 2x12 combo is a notable mention, if you don't need a channel switcher or an effects loop. It has an amazing clean tone and is a great platform for pedals.

Thanks for the suggestions...

 

[kasperjensen]

Nova System and a Marshall JVM combo.

 

[rhequiem]

The 5153 50w seems like it could be a good fit, too. I had the 100w version of it and loved it, all except for its size and the fact that 100w was just too much for small club gigs.

I will also strongly second Drew's and Mboogman's suggestions of the MOD50. Modular makes a lot of sense, especially for a cover band. I use an RM22 (2 channel 18w modular amp) with a vertical 2x12 cab. It's plenty loud, and I can load it with whatever modules I need. I am using Soldano and Marshall modules right now, and am very happy with my tones. Also, being able to move the preamps into other formats (100w head, rack with power amp, etc etc) is VERY nice.

 

[IndyWS6]

Nova System and a Marshall JVM combo.

Thanks

A combo isn't completely out of the question, but since I already have 4x12 cabs, I'd like to stick to the head/cabinet format... Unless, of course, it's the "perfect" combo

 

[IndyWS6]

The 5153 50w seems like it could be a good fit, too. I had the 100w version of it and loved it, all except for its size and the fact that 100w was just too much for small club gigs.

I will also strongly second Drew's and Mboogman's suggestions of the MOD50. Modular makes a lot of sense, especially for a cover band. I use an RM22 (2 channel 18w modular amp) with a vertical 2x12 cab. It's plenty loud, and I can load it with whatever modules I need. I am using Soldano and Marshall modules right now, and am very happy with my tones. Also, being able to move the preamps into other formats (100w head, rack with power amp, etc etc) is VERY nice.

Thanks

I need to make a trip to the music store to play a few amps. Unfortunately, living in the middle of a cornfield means that the (sort of) local GC and Sam Ash will have a few Mesa's, the run of the mill Marshall stuff and a shit ton of Line 6, Bugera and assorted no-name offerings. I'll be able to try a few things that have been mentioned, but it will be very few...

 

[///MK]

^^^ mod50 / Randall MTS. I have an Axe fx and a MTS Combo. The MTS winds up going to a lot of the smaller venues. Very versatile / great tones esp with modded mods and feels like a proper amp. get a line6 m13 or use you own pedal board and you are good to go. Right now a Randall MTS combo is the best value in gear IMO.

 

[Gainfreak]

I hate to say this but when speaking about a stripped down rig, Lugging a head around with a 4x12 and a pedalboard still sounds like a lot to haul lol


I have 2 Coverband rigs that are really easy to work with.

One is a Fortinn Marshall JVM head, a Boogie 2x12 Cab and a digitech GSP1101 & Control 2 pedalboard.
It takes about 5 minutes to setup and I have infinite sounds and since the JVM has Midi, the GSP controls the amp switching and
all the effect. If I had to do teh setup again, Id ditch the head and cab for the Combo and that would make it even easier.
My current rig still is a lot to haul if you are looking it at that way and Im only saying that because rig 2 is the fastest rig ive ever used and its light lol

My second SUPER portable rig is a Digitech Rp1000 and 2 tech 21 power engines.
Talk about quick setup and light weight. If you are not fond of Digital Modelors Ive had amazing success with
a Blackstar DISTX distortion box , a TC delay, Chorus and Reverb pedal and the tech 21's.
Talk about quick rig!


The guitarist who I replaced in the Journey tribute used a POD/ POD floorboard and 2 tech 21's and he played a gig for 70,000 people.
It worked just fine! He was the one who mentioned the stripped down rig to me.

Then you have all the other options mentioned in this thread!

all the best!
~R~

 

[Kevin11]

If you don't want to go the Kemper/AxeFX route I'd go with a Bogner Ecstasy 101B. It will cover the material you posted and is fairly versatile.

This is the route I went over 10 years ago when I was in the same situation. My 101B half stack has done every gig large and small since then. Sounds like you need an amp that sounds passable at low volumes and I think the Bogner does a fantastic job at that. EVH 5150 III and JVM are great low-volume, multi-channel options as well.

This doesn't apply to the OP...just an observation. I'm 45 and have been gigging non-stop since my teens. I really don't see what the issue is with a head, 4x12, pedalboard and a few guitars for a cover band gig. To me, that's a bare minimum, and I've always hauled my own gear. I hear players complain about hauling rigs even smaller than that and I don't get it. Lots of players in my area have ditched great sounding rigs in favor of direct modelling. Basically choosing convenience over tone IMHO. So far, I've only heard one guy out of dozens who has his sounding good at gigs (AxeFX), and that didn't happen overnight. Most players have no idea how to dial them in for a good FOH tone. Of course, you RT digital amp freaks here are the exception!

 

[Meathead]

I hate to say this but Lugging a head around with a 4x12 and a pedalboard still sounds like a lot to haul lol


I have 2 Coverband rigs that are really easy to work with.

One is a Fortinn Marshall JVM head, a Boogie 2x12 Cab and a digitech GSP1101 & Control 2 pedalboard.
It takes about 5 minutes to setup and I have infinite sounds and since the JVM has Midi, the GSP controls the amp switching and
all the effect. If I had to do teh setup again, Id ditch the head and cab for the Combo and that would make it even easier.
My current rig still is a lot to haul if you are looking it at that way and Im only saying that because rig 2 is the fastest rig ive ever used and its light lol

My second SUPER portable rig is a Digitech Rp1000 and 2 tech 21 power engines.
Talk about quick setup and light weight. If you are not fond of Digital Modelors Ive had amazing success with
a Blackstar DISTX distortion box , a TC delay, Chorus and Reverb pedal and the tech 21's.
Talk about quick rig!


The guitarist who I replaced in the Journey tribute used a POD/ POD floorboard and 2 tech 21's and he played a gig for 70,000 people.
It worked just fine! He was the one who mentioned the stripped down rig to me.

Then you have all the other options mentioned in this thread!

all the best!
~R~

You want stripped down?

I've recently just been bringing...cables, a guitar, with an iPad (using Ampkit) to gigs.
(if I know the stage monitors suck on a gig I bring a powered EV monitor wedge with me)
I played on a few shows in March with this setup on fly-in gigs to some pretty large audiences.

It's awesome at setup and tear down time and it sounds great out front (from what soundmen and the guys in my band tell me)

Next step...iPhone 4...just a cable running out of my back pocket.

 

[philnz]

Can't believe anyone hasn't mentioned the VHT/Fryette Sig:X.
That was my first thought when I read "perfect" cover band amp.

3 channels to give you wonderful cleans, crunch & heavy.
Excellent fx loop.
Intelligent footswitch, that will remember which channels you want boosted.

Ticks all boxes.

Pair it with a Deliverence 2x12 cab to avoid the back pain & your off & running

 

[Gainfreak]

I hate to say this but Lugging a head around with a 4x12 and a pedalboard still sounds like a lot to haul lol


I have 2 Coverband rigs that are really easy to work with.

One is a Fortinn Marshall JVM head, a Boogie 2x12 Cab and a digitech GSP1101 & Control 2 pedalboard.
It takes about 5 minutes to setup and I have infinite sounds and since the JVM has Midi, the GSP controls the amp switching and
all the effect. If I had to do teh setup again, Id ditch the head and cab for the Combo and that would make it even easier.
My current rig still is a lot to haul if you are looking it at that way and Im only saying that because rig 2 is the fastest rig ive ever used and its light lol

My second SUPER portable rig is a Digitech Rp1000 and 2 tech 21 power engines.
Talk about quick setup and light weight. If you are not fond of Digital Modelors Ive had amazing success with
a Blackstar DISTX distortion box , a TC delay, Chorus and Reverb pedal and the tech 21's.
Talk about quick rig!


The guitarist who I replaced in the Journey tribute used a POD/ POD floorboard and 2 tech 21's and he played a gig for 70,000 people.
It worked just fine! He was the one who mentioned the stripped down rig to me.

Then you have all the other options mentioned in this thread!

all the best!
~R~

You want stripped down?

I've recently just been bringing...cables, a guitar, with an iPad (using Ampkit) to gigs.
(if I know the stage monitors suck on a gig I bring a powered EV monitor wedge with me)
I played on a few shows in March with this setup on fly-in gigs to some pretty large audiences.

It's awesome at setup and tear down time and it sounds great out front (from what soundmen and the guys in my band tell me)

Next step...iPhone 4...just a cable running out of my back pocket.

LMAO!!

My Fly out rig is going to be a Digitech Rp1000 and 2 guitars.
Id only bring 1 guitar but my Bass player demands that I bring 2 hahahaha!

I have not tried the Ipad stuff yet but I'll more then likely be visiting that option soon hahahahaha!!

 

[IndyWS6]

I hate to say this but when speaking about a stripped down rig, Lugging a head around with a 4x12 and a pedalboard still sounds like a lot to haul lol


I have 2 Coverband rigs that are really easy to work with.

One is a Fortinn Marshall JVM head, a Boogie 2x12 Cab and a digitech GSP1101 & Control 2 pedalboard.
It takes about 5 minutes to setup and I have infinite sounds and since the JVM has Midi, the GSP controls the amp switching and
all the effect. If I had to do teh setup again, Id ditch the head and cab for the Combo and that would make it even easier.
My current rig still is a lot to haul if you are looking it at that way and Im only saying that because rig 2 is the fastest rig ive ever used and its light lol

My second SUPER portable rig is a Digitech Rp1000 and 2 tech 21 power engines.
Talk about quick setup and light weight. If you are not fond of Digital Modelors Ive had amazing success with
a Blackstar DISTX distortion box , a TC delay, Chorus and Reverb pedal and the tech 21's.
Talk about quick rig!


The guitarist who I replaced in the Journey tribute used a POD/ POD floorboard and 2 tech 21's and he played a gig for 70,000 people.
It worked just fine! He was the one who mentioned the stripped down rig to me.

Then you have all the other options mentioned in this thread!

all the best!
~R~

Thanks...

A head, cabinet and pedal board is still a lot to haul, but it would at least be manageable by one person. My rack rig weighs somewhere around 150 pounds and is awkward to carry, even with two people. I could put casters on it, but there are several places we play where you're forced to carry it nearly all the way from the trailer to the stage. It would help in some situations, though.

You bastards (I say that lovingly ) have me wanting a Fortin or Cameron modded Marshall something fierce. It's killing me to not pull the trigger on the one Hollywood has listed, but I need a good clean channel to cover the range of tunes that we play. One of those monsters would be awesome, but I'd end up hauling even more gear to get all the tones I need. The JVM would probably be more appropriate.

I just can't seem to get along with a POD. I haven't heard one yet that didn't sound synthetic and processed, although I'm sure it's just the ones I've been around. Clearly there are some that can make them sound great - the people I know that have them, well, can't

Oh, and for the record, your avatar creeps me the f$^@& out!!

 

[IndyWS6]

I hate to say this but Lugging a head around with a 4x12 and a pedalboard still sounds like a lot to haul lol


I have 2 Coverband rigs that are really easy to work with.

One is a Fortinn Marshall JVM head, a Boogie 2x12 Cab and a digitech GSP1101 & Control 2 pedalboard.
It takes about 5 minutes to setup and I have infinite sounds and since the JVM has Midi, the GSP controls the amp switching and
all the effect. If I had to do teh setup again, Id ditch the head and cab for the Combo and that would make it even easier.
My current rig still is a lot to haul if you are looking it at that way and Im only saying that because rig 2 is the fastest rig ive ever used and its light lol

My second SUPER portable rig is a Digitech Rp1000 and 2 tech 21 power engines.
Talk about quick setup and light weight. If you are not fond of Digital Modelors Ive had amazing success with
a Blackstar DISTX distortion box , a TC delay, Chorus and Reverb pedal and the tech 21's.
Talk about quick rig!


The guitarist who I replaced in the Journey tribute used a POD/ POD floorboard and 2 tech 21's and he played a gig for 70,000 people.
It worked just fine! He was the one who mentioned the stripped down rig to me.

Then you have all the other options mentioned in this thread!

all the best!
~R~

You want stripped down?

I've recently just been bringing...cables, a guitar, with an iPad (using Ampkit) to gigs.
(if I know the stage monitors suck on a gig I bring a powered EV monitor wedge with me)
I played on a few shows in March with this setup on fly-in gigs to some pretty large audiences.

It's awesome at setup and tear down time and it sounds great out front (from what soundmen and the guys in my band tell me)

Next step...iPhone 4...just a cable running out of my back pocket.

That's great

The catch is that approach requires skill on the guitar. I need layers of gear to cover up my lack there of

 

[IndyWS6]

Can't believe anyone hasn't mentioned the VHT/Fryette Sig:X.
That was my first thought when I read "perfect" cover band amp.

3 channels to give you wonderful cleans, crunch & heavy.
Excellent fx loop.
Intelligent footswitch, that will remember which channels you want boosted.

Ticks all boxes.

Pair it with a Deliverence 2x12 cab to avoid the back pain & your off & running

Thanks

I've seen them mentioned on here, but I don't know that I've ever listened to clips. I'll make a point to do some research on that one...

 

[university81]

for a half stack setup or amp/2x12 even, i'd probably go for a JVM410 ,

i'm using one at the moment, just some reverb/delay in the loop, i think it could probably cover pretty much anything

everything's midi controllable (you can select whatever modes/channels/reverb/master/fx loop setup you want) so you can have say a rack multieffects, with a midi footcontroller up front and switch everything from there,

that's how i'm running it atm, small pedalboard up front compressor/tuner and a BB preamp and a midi footcontroller to change presets on the rocktron multivalve in the rack as well as the channels, very straight forward

even tho i've got the BB preamp on the board i hardly ever switch it on, there's enough gain variations in the various channels/modes but it's nice to have in case

 

[IndyWS6]

for a half stack setup or amp/2x12 even, i'd probably go for a JVM410 ,

i'm using one at the moment, just some reverb/delay in the loop, i think it could probably cover pretty much anything

everything's midi controllable (you can select whatever modes/channels/reverb/master/fx loop setup you want) so you can have say a rack multieffects, with a midi footcontroller up front and switch everything from there,

that's how i'm running it atm, small pedalboard up front compressor/tuner and a BB preamp and a midi footcontroller to change presets on the rocktron multivalve in the rack as well as the channels, very straight forward

even tho i've got the BB preamp on the board i hardly ever switch it on, there's enough gain variations in the various channels/modes but it's nice to have in case

Thanks for the info...

 

[Robotechnology]

If you want the lightest and full sized and self contained set up in a half stack, I am going to reccomend a Line 6 Spider Valve MKII HD100 with the matching shortboard and a DV Mark 4X12 cab. You will have the BEST bang for the buck cover gig rig in existence. $2K total for all 3 pieces at new prices. I've had a DV Mark 4X12 cab on loan for a while now and I can't recommend it enough! Weighs 50 lbs and sounds as good as the 100 lb cabs! The Spider Valve is great because you would use the shortboard instead of a separate pedal board (the onboard effects are pretty good!) and the tone is great for live use.

That's what I'd do. Do I have other rigs yeah. Would I take them out once in a while, yeah. But, the above is what I'd use most of the time for something that looks good on stage, sounds great and weighs 90 lbs TOTAL!

 

[IndyWS6]

If you want the lightest and full sized and self contained set up in a half stack, I am going to reccomend a Line 6 Spider Valve MKII HD100 with the matching shortboard and a DV Mark 4X12 cab. You will have the BEST bang for the buck cover gig rig in existence. $2K total for all 3 pieces at new prices. I've had a DV Mark 4X12 cab on loan for a while now and I can't recommend it enough! Weighs 50 lbs and sounds as good as the 100 lb cabs! The Spider Valve is great because you would use the shortboard instead of a separate pedal board (the onboard effects are pretty good!) and the tone is great for live use.

That's what I'd do. Do I have other rigs yeah. Would I take them out once in a while, yeah. But, the above is what I'd use most of the time for something that looks good on stage, sounds great and weighs 90 lbs TOTAL!

Thanks for the suggestion...

 

[rlord1974]

New Fender Supersonic Twin in a heavy duty ATA case with casters + a small pedalboard.

[/cover band rig search]