What are some rackmount tube amp options for guitar?

  • Thread starter Thread starter sixstringking713
  • Start date Start date
sixstringking713

sixstringking713

New member
I'm trying to figure out the best way for me to have a little rig that sounds good. Sick of carrying 50 things to a gig to play for an hour.. I have a rackmount echo pro so I need to bring a rack. If you guys have some good amps that are rackmountable, it'd make me have to bring one less thing possibly...

Any suggestions?

I'm trying to figure out if I should buy the splawn quickrod with the B+ voltage option or an EVH5150 III or a rackmount amp? Then it's a question of if I should buy a 1x12 speaker, get a combo amp like the budda, or just use the 2x12 avatar cab I have now...

Right now my rig is a TSL100, small pedalboard, a cabinet (I have 2- marshall 4x12 cabinets, and an avatar 2x12 cabinet), and a rack (still need to buy) but it will have an echopro in it so far.. So right now I basically have to bring 5 items including the guitar. I would like to bring less stuff and I'd like to finally upgrade to a better amp.

So many choices...
 
You can rack mount a Mesa Mk III and I believe a Mk IV. Takes up 4 spaces so how ever many spaces you need for your effects, cabinet and you are done.

I think there is a Rhoads rack amp and a Elmwood Modena M60 or M90. Just a few rack amps I can think of off the top of my head. :yes:
 
Hahaha, nice one Dave.

There are many options and one determining factor is $$. What are you looking to spend? Quick Rod is $1950, for example. You have even more options if you go with a preamp and power amp thing.

I would need to know a bit more info to give clear comments. The type of music or kind of tones that you are after would help. However, if you are looking for the easiest, it is a combo for it's compact size and built-in speaker. Then, rack options because it is another self-contained unit, other than speakers. Yet while a rack is a self-contained unit, racks can get heavy very quickly. So they only MAY be easier to move. Some will definitely benefit from a helping hand for load in and load out.

Some of the ideas already mentioned are good ones...I have a Mark III rack and had a Mark IV rack, yet they are heavy on their own and if you want other pieces in there too, you will need wheels, IMO. You will also still need your cab(s).

Good luck, I enjoy putting a good rack together. It is a fun project and can give excellent tones.
 
GtarLover":21f74vuk said:
Hahaha, nice one Dave.

There are many options and one determining factor is $$. What are you looking to spend? Quick Rod is $1950, for example. You have even more options if you go with a preamp and power amp thing.

I would need to know a bit more info to give clear comments. The type of music or kind of tones that you are after would help. However, if you are looking for the easiest, it is a combo for it's compact size and built-in speaker. Then, rack options because it is another self-contained unit, other than speakers. Yet while a rack is a self-contained unit, racks can get heavy very quickly. So they only MAY be easier to move. Some will definitely benefit from a helping hand for load in and load out.

Some of the ideas already mentioned are good ones...I have a Mark III rack and had a Mark IV rack, yet they are heavy on their own and if you want other pieces in there too, you will need wheels, IMO. You will also still need your cab(s).

Good luck, I enjoy putting a good rack together. It is a fun project and can give excellent tones.
Click to expand...


I'm willing to spend $2k if it warrants it. I like buying stuff once and using it until it blows up. Whatever amp I go with, I would like it to be able to do classic rock tones such as VH, ACDC, floyd, etc.. But I like the splawn because it can cover those tones but put a slight modern sound on it. Yeah the only things I'd have in the rack would be this amp and a line6 echo pro.. so i'm hoping it's not too heavy but wheels are always good.

The thing about mesa - everytime I've played through one, I wasn't satisfied with the tone. Seemed too modern sounding for me I suppose, not sure.. :aww: I havent played thru a Mark III or Mark IV I don't think so I will try to play through one before I say anything about them specifically..
 
There's definitely a better selection of preamps out there. Some you might like are the Marshall JMP-1, Mesa Tri-axis, CAE 3+, and the Egnater M4 modular system. The cool thing about the Marshall and Mesa is you you have more presets than you'll probably ever need, as opposed to just a couple channels. As far as power goes, Peavey has some great stuff built to last from the 90's under the "classic" name, the Mesa power is fantastic and they even have a one space 20-watt amp if you want to keep the rack smaller, there are some Marshall tube amps on the used market, people dig the VHT 50/50 as well.
 
Rivera TBR-1SL(if you can find one)
Mesa Mark IV with rack mount kit
 
Mesa Triaxis or maybe a Rocktron with a rack power amp.
 
If your looking to lighten the load, a Mesa 20x20 power amp in a rack with a good preamp is a killer little setup that will be plenty loud and depending on the preamp, should be very flexible. If weight is no object, the Dual rectifier Rack mount(mentioned above) is a killer amp. The one I had wasnt great for cleans, but it was a nice amp and lasted in my rig for several years.
 
sixstringking713":1mntet8v said:
I'm willing to spend $2k if it warrants it. I like buying stuff once and using it until it blows up. Whatever amp I go with, I would like it to be able to do classic rock tones such as VH, ACDC, floyd, etc.. But I like the splawn because it can cover those tones but put a slight modern sound on it. Yeah the only things I'd have in the rack would be this amp and a line6 echo pro.. so i'm hoping it's not too heavy but wheels are always good.

The thing about mesa - everytime I've played through one, I wasn't satisfied with the tone. Seemed too modern sounding for me I suppose, not sure.. :aww: I havent played thru a Mark III or Mark IV I don't think so I will try to play through one before I say anything about them specifically..
Click to expand...

OK, that helps. I don't think the Mark series is too modern sounding, you must have played a recto or something. Anyway, would be definitely worth checking out the Mark IV, very versatile amp and I played the head for years...doing lot's of different cover tunes. Mark IV rack versions can be had for $1200 or less these days. Pretty good price and all you need to make it midi capable is a switch like the RLM amp gizmo or similar.

Others mentioned the Triaxis and those can be had for $1000 or so. They are programmable and midi capable, so that's nice, yet you will obviously need a power amp for any pre you choose.

That said, if you are after a more "old school" Marshally tone and options foir some more modern tones as well, Splawn is AWESOME!! I have an early QuickRod that just kills on those tones. I actually sold my '72 Marshall to buy it. Scott Splawn just has something cool in those bad boys, HA! I have also heard the newer QR's (2012 or newer) have an improved clean channel (mine is difficult to get really clean, more Fender clean with hair) and also the effects loop has been improved. That was my only complaint with the QR. The loop just sucked the tone right out, but that is fixed I hear. There is even a 4-button foot switch now, so you can change the 3 gears on the amp from the foot switch, another excellent addition.

Now, I haven't personally tried a newer QR, but if those things have been "fixed" or tweaked, the QR may be the sweetest amp in that price range. Certrainly there are other boutique amps that do those tones very well, Friedman comes to mind. However, a Splawn will still be under $2000 and a Friedman is $3400, minimum. Used both will be less, hint hint...

Be sure to post your choice when you make it and how it works for you.

Amp shopping is FUN :rock:
 
There's this little guy. No speakers even necessary, if you want to go direct to FOH or recorder




http://www.laney.co.uk/products/product_details/156

IRT-15-studio-right.jpg
 
If your in need of a poweramp ive got a Peavey Classic 50/50 Stereo poweramp in mint condition for sale!
-mp-
 
I've seen a local AC/DC tribute band play before and their Angus uses a dual rec and it sounds spot on for AC/DC...wouldn't have though that before seeing it myself, but it's true.
 
paulyc":19suvyrw said:
I've seen a local AC/DC tribute band play before and their Angus uses a dual rec and it sounds spot on for AC/DC...wouldn't have though that before seeing it myself, but it's true.
Click to expand...
Well ... there is something to be said for learning how to dial in your amp! LOL.

I get some great classic rock/metal tones out of my Dual Rec which I previously though impossible.
 
While my FIRST suggestion would be the Soldano SLO100R, I just spoke with the guys at Soldano this morning, and they can make a rackmount face plate for their new HotRod 25...which may be a great option!?!?!
 
jlbaxe":d32xpx68 said:
Since you have all of them :gethim: i didn't mention 'em :lol: :LOL:
Click to expand...

LOL, nah I've sold off 3 the last couple of years. But the 2 above are going no where. ;)

Mudder":d32xpx68 said:
Shark Diver":d32xpx68 said:
These are ok I guess:

Dick. :lol: :LOL:
Click to expand...

:D

1923ford":d32xpx68 said:
While my FIRST suggestion would be the Soldano SLO100R, I just spoke with the guys at Soldano this morning, and they can make a rackmount face plate for their new HotRod 25...which may be a great option!?!?!
Click to expand...
Click to expand...

Ooh, now I want one! Seriously. Was already thinking about it. :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top