"Perfect" Cover Band Amp?

[jlbaxe]

20th XTC ….no pedals….Some Verb….Done

 

[Meathead]

Ok now...

I think you've now realized that there isn't a 'one perfect cover band amp' out there....there are hundreds of them.

Now just go pick the one that you like playing the most and shaddup.

 

[gkinsingapore]

I have just swapped out my PT100 for the 50w EVH this week. PT is so amazingly great but in the room I work in I cant open up the volume enough to get the sound I want.

Still early days but the 5153 mini seems to be a killer amp for the money AND easy to carry.

If you're a volume knob player, you wont have any issue with the blue and green channels sharing EQ and Gain. Actually I just leave it on the blue channel and roll the volume back on a strat if I need to play the cleaner stuff.

Resonance knob on the back of the amp is your gateway to killer tones.....works for me anyway

 

[gkinsingapore]

BTW a Suhr Badger 30 with a few pedals in front sounds killer and if I had the money I would have got that instead of the EVH

 

[IndyWS6]

Greetings
I have a rack rig and a single 4x12 cabinet that I gig with. I love the tones and the flexibility, but it is a pain in the ass to haul. The band I'm in is playing a lot more often than we thought we would, which has me thinking about a more portable rig. I don't plan on ditching the rack, but it might be nice to have something a little smaller and lighter for the places with postage stamp stages and the back-to-back-to-back nights when your back is aching.

So, what amp would you recommend that would be a good fit for a cover band that plays everything from Matchbox 20 "Push" to "Man in the Box" and "Slither"? (no brutalz, no chugga-chugga). If I went this route I would still be using the 4x12, so I'm looking for a head (50 or 100 watts) and would likely put together a small pedal board as well. Consequently, suggestions on pedals that could be used to make up for anything the amp might lack would also be welcome.

Thanks in advance...

I have been doing what you do twice a week for <damn> over 25 years. I bet I probably know 80% of your set list....I certainly currently play all the tunes you mentioned. I play in one of the most popular and busiest cover bands in the NH/MA area and we play quite a variety of room sizes. Most are 250-500 capacity.

No offense, but you might want to eject the 4x12 bro, those days are really over in the cover band scene even in the largest rooms.....I can't help it but I usually laugh to myself if I see someone rolling a 4x12 on to a stage of a 250 capacity club. Being over-amped/cabbed is worse than being under-amped. A ported 1x12 mic'ed up is perfect, great tone, small footprint, less bleed over, better overall balance for the band. My preference is an EV equipped ported cab. 3 channel amp with an efx loop. Don't go above 50W......30-35W is actually absolutely perfect in a cover band even with a loud drummer. You will play it right in the sweet spot. What you lose from dumping the 4x12 will allow you to be able to push the amp a little more so it can breath. Even a 50W with 4x12 cannot breath on 99% of the stages people play. I 've seen it so many times. It may sound cool on stage next to you, but go out front and listen to the thin 2-3KHz overspill going on fighting with the PA. Most decent cover bands will obviously mic up...this is where individual speaker choice is far more critical than the cab you are using anyway. My choices are based on 2 things. Zero cone cry and ease of mic placement.

I'm not trying to sell you anything here, just take my advice generically. However, of all the amps I build (clearly I have open access to everything you can think of) , for my own personal needs in my cover band my fave is a 30W 6L6 3 channel amp with either an EV loaded 1x12 or a Port City 1x12 loaded with a Jensen Blackbird. I play all the amps we build live and the most frustrating to use are always the 100W's in small clubs. It always seems I've got an 100w on the block for testing the week we have a small room. You have to throttle them back so much that even with a great master they are not alive like a 30W or 50W.

These are our constraints bro, they are a reality, in order to get great tone you have work within them. We all love to crank a 100W, it's just not practical in our environment.

So you can get great tone with only 2 trips to your car/truck at the beginning and end of the night. Anyone in a working cover band that plays every week knows that's one of the most vital statistics !!

Hope this helps. Let your situation drive your gear choice and just be realistic about it. Keep rocking bro !!!

The cynical folks out there will cry...."you only play in a cover band, it doesn't matter". The reality is it does...if you feel comfortable and inspired, you play your best , the band sounds better and becomes more energetic and fun, which is addictive, the girls dance, the guys buy drinks and you get re-booked.

Thanks for the detailed response - much appreciated
I can't really disagree with anything you said.

I use a 4x12 mainly because I have it. Not a great reason, but a reason none-the-less. I have an Avatar Contemporary 2x12 cabinet I could use, but it is wider and deeper than the 4x12 and consequently takes up more floor space - something I should have thought of when I bought it. It's also more difficult to carry, so I default to the 4x12. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to a more traditional 2x12 or even a 1x12 cabinet. Like you mentioned, we mic everything and a smaller cabinet could be positioned for stage monitoring more easily. It also fits the mold of something smaller and more portable.

My rack rig uses a Mesa Simul 2:90 for power. With the Eleven Rack I don't necessarily need to crank it to get the goods, but it is does sound better the harder you push it. We play in 100 -150 seat bars and there is no way I can ever push that power amp to anything above an idle. It gets "arena loud" before it breaks a sweat and that is more than I ever really need on stage. Fun? Absolutely... Necessary? Nope...

I know you didn't post to try and sell anything and I really appreciate the time you took to provide some options and details. I would be interested in what amp you would recommend to fill the niche described above. Feel free to PM me with some suggestions, links and information.

 

[IndyWS6]

By the way, for the past few years, unless I playe a larger gig, I used 2X12's exclusively (I agree with the Carol Ann amp builder). My 4X12's have mostly been collecting dust however, I'm going to purchase a DV Mark 4X12 (I borrowed the one I'm using) because it weighs the same as a 2X12 and sounds great so I will start taking a 4X12 out again even on smaller gigs. Let's face it, the look factor is way higher with a 4X12 but, without a roadie, the DV Mark cab will be the only 4X12 that leaves my house again (unless I'm lucky enough to play stadiums ).

Now if you don't mind cost here are the tube amp choices:

Marshall JVM 4 Channel (you can ge ta new one from Gainfreak by the way)
VHT/Fryette Sig:x or Ultra-Lead (I've owned both but, prefer the U-L)
Egnater Tourmaster 4 Channel (has some innovative power level switching for each channel so you can have a high headroom for clean and set a lower limit for the dirty channels if you wish)
Engl Special Edition (this is a NICE head)
Hughes & Kettner Triamp MK II (this is also a NICE head)
Brunetti 059 (this is a NICE head too)
Mesa Road King (I or II... these are NICE heads too)

I can be in any cover band using any of the above heads and be a very happy man with respect to my tone every night. I don't have any experience with Carol Ann amps so I can't offer an oppinion on them but, some of my friends whom I respect sure like them.

Oh and lastly, if you liked the Switchblade, you'd like a Spider Valve. I owned/own every amp in this post except for a JVM.

Thanks for the suggestions...

 

[IndyWS6]

IndyWS6...bro,

Lots and lots of amps you couls use. First and foremost get an amp that fits you, your playing and your style. If you take this approach, like me, you should play better and that is key! It took me some years to realize my preference is a British style amp that is chewy, forgiving and not too tight or stiff. I like tight lows, but not stiff, super tight metal...not that there is anything wrong with that. I also tend to lean toward darker, thicker tones. I know how I want an amp to feel under my fingers and how I want it to sound. I need to be able to solo well on an amp and connect. Once I have that figured out, I bet I could get most amps to work in most situations. Obviously there will always be exceptions.

I was in a classic rock banc and I used my Bogner 20th Shiva with EL34s. I could also easily use my PWE Event Horizon. I also used an Egnater Mod 50 but ended up settling on a few modules that were very Bognerish so I moved on.I was also in a modern metal band for a few years and used a Line 6 Vetta, then a Dual Rectifier before my Mod 50.

I recently started a cover band that covers 90s and grunge. I am using one of three amps depending on how I feel - 1998 Mesa Rectoverb, Bogner 20th Shiva with El34s and PWE Event Horizon. Guitar of choice, I am back to LPs.

We plat some of the bands you mentioned plus Nirvana, Pearl Jam, STP, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, 3rd Eye Blind, Metallica, Tool, Fuel, Creed, Smashing Pumpkins, Gin Blossoms, pretty much lots of 90s material.

On a side note...I tried a SIG:X. Great amp but I couldn't make it fit what I play....classic rock to rock and grunge. A little too stiff and not chewy enough if that makes sense.

I tried the AxeFX and I just don't need all those sounds and the headache of tweaking. I also did not like the feel of modular amps. I moved back to pure, plain tube amps. Two channels, clean and dirty with maybe one switch on the amp for Vintage/Modern and some pedals. I find this the easiest and easiest for me, plus not having to tweak patches, banks and crap clears my head for playing! The audience could care less if you have one clean and one gain channel and just use your volume to adjust gain. My buddy gigged with a band that played 70s - current and only used his single channel Marshall and sometimes his JCM 800 and some pedals.

One thing as I have gotten older and wiser is to not get caught in the trap of thinking I need lots of choices, channels, banks, effects, etc. You don't. I don't! I say....go simple. Maybe two channels and use your volume to adjust gain or maybe a mode switch on the amp. Much easier and way less to think about. Some of my best gigs playing all sorts of things were with a two channel amp and living on one channel all night!

One thing on cabs. The cover bands around Philadelphia, still lots and lots still use 412 cabs. They are still popular. For me, I will never own one again and happy! I am happy with a Port City 212, Bogner 212 and Stone Age 212 all with different speakers and I rotate them.

However, if lots of options, banks, settings, modules, gets you off....that route is grea too. For me, give me less! Less is more. Personally, I will never use a digital modeller or amp again...I don't even use digital effects either other than my reverb.


Good luck brother.

Thanks for the detailed response, bro. Much appreciated

 

[IndyWS6]

Ok now...

I think you've now realized that there isn't a 'one perfect cover band amp' out there....there are hundreds of them.

Now just go pick the one that you like playing the most and shaddup.

True enough, but there are a few that have been recommended by several and I've gotten some suggestions for things I hadn't even considered. Good stuff

 

[IndyWS6]

Ok now...

I think you've now realized that there isn't a 'one perfect cover band amp' out there....there are hundreds of them.

Now just go pick the one that you like playing the most and shaddup.

True enough, but there are a few that have been recommended by several and I've gotten some suggestions for things I hadn't even considered. Good stuff

 

[IndyWS6]

BTW a Suhr Badger 30 with a few pedals in front sounds killer and if I had the money I would have got that instead of the EVH

Another amp I hadn't even considered. Thanks for the response, Bro

 

[IndyWS6]

Wow - lots of responses on this. I hadn't expected quite that much interest. Thanks to everyone for providing input. Much appreciated

Now I need to digest the information, find some of these amps and take Randy's advice and "shaddup and play" to see which one(s) work for me.

To the Carol-Ann builder: Seriously, Bro, shoot me some recommendations on what you have that fits this niche. Email is actually better or me because I can't always check PM's (nelson.mark@remyinc.com). I've been listening to clips and like what I hear so far...

 

[jlbaxe]

A Mesa Mk Combo is probably louder than you will ever need and with a pedal board should do what you need. I have a Mk III but the Mk V seems great also.

I just got a pair of Cameron 1x12 ported cubes and they sound great with the Mk III, not as bass heavy as my Bogner cab, luv my Bog cab, just not with the Mk, had to dial out the bottom end. I thought the 1x12 ported would be to much bass but it is less than the V30 loaded 4x12 cab.

Combos:
Fender Twin/Deluxe
Mesa Mk III-V
JTM45

 

[IndyWS6]

A Mesa Mk Combo is probably louder than you will ever need and with a pedal board should do what you need. I have a Mk III but the Mk V seems great also.

I just got a pair of Cameron 1x12 ported cubes and they sound great with the Mk III, not as bass heavy as my Bogner cab, luv my Bog cab, just not with the Mk, had to dial out the bottom end. I thought the 1x12 ported would be to much bass but it is less than the V30 loaded 4x12 cab.

Combos:
Fender Twin/Deluxe
Mesa Mk III-V
JTM45

Thanks for the info...

 

[scredly]

Eleven Rack + one or two of these downstage pointing at your noggin...

http://altoproaudio.com/products/sxm112a

 

[IndyWS6]

Eleven Rack + one or two of these downstage pointing at your noggin...

http://altoproaudio.com/products/sxm112a

Thanks for the suggestion...

For some reason, I just never seem to be satisfied with guitar tone through a monitor or a modeling processor through a full-range cabinet. I'm not sure why... To me, it never sounds the same as it does through a guitar cabinet and it doesn't sound the same as the line-out to FOH. Seems to fall short and be thin and weak and leaves me questioning what the audience is hearing...

 

[ledvedder]

If you can find one, try the Vox Valvetronix AD60 or AD120. These are the older blue models. That, with the foot controller, is all you need. I had one and loved it. Wish I never would've sold it.

Right now, I use a DSL50 with delay and a boost, and it suits my needs for my cover band. We do anything from Skynyrd/Beatles to Godsmack/Tool.

 

[kiff]

I don't know if it's perfect but I'm using a Mark IV head. It's small,pretty light. I have a1x12, 2x12 or 4x12 depending on the venue. Three channels cover everything from clean to super hot. R1 and R2 covers the cleans and semi dirty tones pretty well for most of the more mellow stuff. I use a pretty simple pedal board, chorus,delay,overdrive,wah all on a Pedaltrain.

+1

 

[IndyWS6]

If you can find one, try the Vox Valvetronix AD60 or AD120. These are the older blue models. That, with the foot controller, is all you need. I had one and loved it. Wish I never would've sold it.

Right now, I use a DSL50 with delay and a boost, and it suits my needs for my cover band. We do anything from Skynyrd/Beatles to Godsmack/Tool.

Thanks for the info...

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I've always used 4x12's too. regardless of venue size. I like the slants for a bit of upward projection. I just prefer 4x12's at any volume level and have multiple half stacks.

 

[ashesofphoenix]

IT's a killer amp, tons of tones & FX, and actually sounds REALLY good. If I were to join a cover band, it's the first amp I'd be on the hunt for

I second the Vetta. I got a 2x12 Vetta with the long board used for $350. it has every sound I'll ever need for cover stuff and then I have me "real" amp for my original band lol. But as soon as I started doing covers again it was my first purchase.