which amp best suited for more classic rock

[jswevers]

Dear all,

I play in a cover band, doing stuff from: Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Skunk Anansi,
Metalica, Queens of the Stone Age, Guns and Roses, U2, Rage against the Machine, Red hot
chilli pepers, AC/DC

At this moment I am using an Einstein, which I like soundwise. I need more flexibility though,
at least 3 channels: clean (which I combine often with effects pedals like chorus, delay, flanger, tremolo: I use these pedals with care, not too much effect), overdrive (think AC/DC, foo fighters)
and distortion (heavier stuff). Most of the time I play rhythm guitar (the other guy in the band
is much more talented and has much more time to practice ... I have 3 kids ;-} ).

I am considering either a VH4 or a Herbert. What is your advice?

Thanks!

Jan

 

[hunter]

Some obvious choices:

EVH5150III
Marshall JVM410
Marshall DSL100
Cornford Mk50 II
Fortin Meathead

 

[elfredoo]

you can mod your einstein.
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=24857&hilit=unofficial

i made the mod to my einstein and integrated a nobels ms4 to midi-switch all 4 modes (ch1 m1, m2, m3 and ch2 + master2). i use m1, m3 and ch2 for my 3 channel setup and a tc novasystem. but you could also use m2 with an additional level booster afront to ge the acdc-sound.

if you like it modern and tight take the herbert. if you like 80s rock, take the vh4.

 

[Zupfgeige]

Hi Jan ! I would stay with the einstein because it is a highquality amp which covers much ground!
The mod which elfredo told you can help or you ask Peter to mod channel 2 to an less compressed sound.
It also helps to work much with the volumepoti of your guitar.

I am myself in a coverband and we play from Pink to Metallica. My Schmidt does this very well.
I think the einstein is also one of the best amps for this.
Please make up your mind before changing the amp. Perhaps one time you will it back.
It is hard to find an amp with a good clean and a good distortionsound. Most of the amps can do only one ting very well.
Einstein and Schmidt can.

Sorry because of my krautenglish!

So long Rolf

 

[Gutmann]

The Schmidt can do everything you need.

Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Skunk Anansi, Metalica, Queens of the Stone Age, Guns and Roses, U2, Rage against the Machine, Red hot
chilli pepers, AC/DC,
I combine often with effects pedals like chorus, delay, flanger, tremolo: I use these pedals with care, not too much effect), overdrive (think AC/DC, foo fighters)

This nails my preferred styles and playing exactly, I use the Schmidt with a few pedals in the loop (delay, trem) and like to combine each channel with some overdrives and fuzz. I never had a better sounding amp in my life, you should really give the schmidt a try. If you have any questions, PM me as I really like to give you further information if wanted...

 

[Anonymous]

I agree!
Actually, I do not play metal, but most other styles of music and have never found any Diezel amp to not be able to cover them extremely well.

Currently, I am using an Einstein and a Schmidt, and there is no musical style these amps cannot do.

Don't look at the dials as you tune in your tone. Close your eyes and listen to what you hear in your head and then dial in the tones.

I have found no other amp company that can do it better then Diezel does it.

 

[Kev]

Well i always say any almost any amp, any guitar, any tube can do any style. it depends on the guitar player.
But if you don't feel comfortable playing in that band with the Einstein and you're considering a VH4 or a Herbert then rather get a VH4.
I personally like the Herbert more but most people find the VH4 more suitable for multiple styles.
Find a shop that has both and compare them.
But if its just about covering all these bands and not about you wanting a new amp then stick with the Einstein.
The audience won't notice a difference whether you're using a Einstein or a Vh4. They certainly won't say "ugh, that guitar sound just doesn't fit the music" as long as you play good.

ps: maybe even a dist/overdrive pedal will satisfy you.

 

[hunter]

you can mod your einstein.
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=24857&hilit=unofficial

i made the mod to my einstein and integrated a nobels ms4 to midi-switch all 4 modes (ch1 m1, m2, m3 and ch2 + master2). i use m1, m3 and ch2 for my 3 channel setup and a tc novasystem. but you could also use m2 with an additional level booster afront to ge the acdc-sound.

if you like it modern and tight take the herbert. if you like 80s rock, take the vh4.

Indeed modding the Eini can be the way to go, especially if you can switch it via Midi.

If you set master 2 higher, then you can compensate the volume difference of the three modes in Ch1, and change between a good Clean, AC/DC, Metallica (yeah Ch1 Mode3) and a fat lead tone with one step.

 

[reussen]

I'm in a cover band as well; we play about the same music. I play an Einstein, my other guitarist plays a VH-4. To be honest (and this is a matter of taste! ) I like the sound and feel of my Einstein better. Also, I have done the Channel 1 mod and it works great! Thing is: I prefer using Channel 1 on mode 2, turn the gain until I get a little edge to my sound and then add a Fulltone OCD for more crunch / distortion. Channel 2 for me is all about rhythm play.

Actually, I am in Weert (Netherlands), so it's rather close to where you are. If you care to try my friend's VH-4, just let me know.

R.

 

[jswevers]

Dear Guys,

Thanks! You convinced me! I have already introduced a lot of additional flexibility by implementing
the channel mod with midi and Nobels MS4's ...
I am planning to buy a booster to combine it with channel 1 mod2. I have seen a lot of comments on that
(some here and some on other topics) but I did not see much on the Xotic RC or AC booster. What I in fact
want is to realise the sound of channel 1 mod 2 corresponding to a gain at 3 oclock, and this
while the gain is only at 12 oclock (which is my ideal gain setting for the clean channel). So no
additional distortion/coloration caused by the booster pedal ... Any advise is welcome.

Jan

 

[Nico]

Dear Guys,

Thanks! You convinced me! I have already introduced a lot of additional flexibility by implementing
the channel mod with midi and Nobels MS4's ...
I am planning to buy a booster to combine it with channel 1 mod2. I have seen a lot of comments on that
(some here and some on other topics) but I did not see much on the Xotic RC or AC booster. What I in fact
want is to realise the sound of channel 1 mod 2 corresponding to a gain at 3 oclock, and this
while the gain is only at 12 oclock (which is my ideal gain setting for the clean channel). So no
additional distortion/coloration caused by the booster pedal ... Any advise is welcome.

Jan

IF you want the best possible boost dont waste your time and get a Suhr Koko Boost, enough said.

Works wonders with the Einstein!!!

 

[glassjaw7]

Mod the Einstein or check out a Bogner XTC 101B. Classic rock workhorse!

 

[Ventura]

Mod the Einstein or check out a Bogner XTC 101B. Classic rock workhorse!

No hijacking, you all know I am a devout Diezel fanboi, but lemme tell ya, the 20thA XTC with EL34's is just unto itself a f*ckin' masterpiece.

But if I had to name ONE Diezel to cover the MOST ground, I'd say the VH4. I believe James Lugo would agree as well. In a studio environment, the terrain it can cover is immense, and it can be loosened up and it can be changed tonally pending on the cabinets it's driving, etc. The VH4 is really an incredible amp - cleans, clears, country (blech!!), jazz, blues, rock, hard rock, metal, nu-metal, uber-metal. It's an incredible amp - period.

The saturated gain channel on the Einstein has a beautiful snarl that I've not been able to duplicate on my VH4S...or any of my previous VH4's. I am sure with some trick stomps and a lot of patience, I could get it (ie Mk4.23 + BB or something like that, ahem) but otherwise, I can nail everything else with ease.

V.

 

[elfredoo]

try a clean (simple level) booster in front... perhaps a simple boss equalizer mit eq on 0 and level up will do, but there are better booster i think.

 

[Ventura]

try a clean (simple level) booster in front... perhaps a simple boss equalizer mit eq on 0 and level up will do, but there are better booster i think.

If this reply was to my post and recommending a 'better boost', lemme tell you, there's nothing that can beat the CAL Mk.4:23 Pro 18V clean boost.

Thing is off the hook. Best boost I've ever heard and will always, always keep.

Peace,
V.

 

[jswevers]

where can I find information on the CAL Mk.4:23 Pro 18V ???

Jan

 

[mightywarlock]

try a 12AT7 preamp tube in V2 (for ch.2)of your Einstein. It will bring down the gain and make things more classic rock sounding, i would think.
If not for ch.2, you can use it in V1, or V3. Not sure which would make more difference, probably V1.
but I just put one in my VH4, and it makes a difference, i would say.

See this...for more info...
http://thetubestore.com/gainfactor.html

 

[darkhorse]

Stick with the einstein, my 2 cents.
Using the clean channel mode 1 for clean, a Mad Proffesor Sky Blue O.D for ac/dc style stuff, and channel 2 for leads and heavy metal. I find i can nail the sounds mentioned on the fly.

 

[Ventura]

where can I find information on the CAL Mk.4:23 Pro 18V ???

Jan

The Pro model has been discontinued, and is now a bit of a sought after commodity - maybe check eBay or Craigslist, but the 9V is still readily available. I have NEVER been witness to a more potent, powerful, noiseless, transparent boost in my LIFE!! It's incredible - and it pushes the front end of my amps amazingly well...so much so I almost try to use it over an OD just because it sounds so bloody incredible. Yes, I have the 48V Pro model (apologies, I mistakingly typed 18V in my previous post) offering +30dB but I've rarely pushed the knob past 3 o'clock, so I am pretty sure the 9V +24dB would be just golden.

http://www.creationaudiolabs.com/mk423

For the record - I have a LOT of stomps... All kinds. Eventides, Xotic, EHX, Fulltone, CAE/MXR, shitloads of boutique models... Of ALL the stomps I have, parting with this one would be the most painful believe it or not. It's just an incredible lil' gem

 

[elfredoo]

try a clean (simple level) booster in front... perhaps a simple boss equalizer mit eq on 0 and level up will do, but there are better booster i think.

If this reply was to my post and recommending a 'better boost', lemme tell you, there's nothing that can beat the CAL Mk.4:23 Pro 18V clean boost.

Thing is off the hook. Best boost I've ever heard and will always, always keep.

Peace,
V.

No, it was just a start to hear what a simple level boost would do to the amount of distortion