looking for a good solid state amp.....suggestions?

arpeggio · 06-04-2007, 11:39 PM

i have been considering very seriously about the carvin sx-200....that was my main choice, kustom, fender ....but i also wanted to know what else is out there

Psalt12 · 06-04-2007, 11:47 PM

Is the Marshall AVT series worth it? I remember playing on one back in the day and I thought it was pretty sweet at the time

mt_spiffy · 06-04-2007, 11:49 PM

I've used one at a session, once. It was very muddy, I had to turn the bass all the way down.

**thesteve** · 06-05-2007, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psalt12

Is the Marshall AVT series worth it? I remember playing on one back in the day and I thought it was pretty sweet at the time

If you can find one dirt cheap, I think they have a decent overall sound.

If you can't, then I don't think they're really worth what they tend to cost.

Psalt12 · 06-05-2007, 10:11 AM

I remember playing on the AVT275 and it was pretty decent. I think it was like $899 though

That was back in the day.

telecasting · 06-05-2007, 10:23 AM

As said earlier, there are Tech 21 and Sessionette amps to consider. A general rule is that amp manufacturers are either very good at making tube or ss amps.
I would stay away in general from marshall ss amps and go for something with a 12" speaker. Either one or two.

**thesteve** · 06-05-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by telecasting

As said earlier, there are Tech 21 and Sessionette amps to consider. A general rule is that amp manufacturers are either very good at making tube or ss amps.

A few were good at both. From what I understand, Acoustic's tube amps (very short run) were of the quality that made Mesa/Boogie take notice and threaten lawsuit claiming that Acoustic was infringing on their copyrights (or something like that). ironic considering that most people consider those early 80s Boogie amps to just be Fenders on steroids.

but really it's true. for most manufacturers, SS amps are just an afterthought used to make money off of beginner guitarists by capitalizing on their nameplate.

Psalt12 · 06-05-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

but really it's true. for most manufacturers, SS amps are just an afterthought used to make money off of beginner guitarists by capitalizing on their nameplate.

So, so true.

everyman · 06-05-2007, 01:10 PM

I've been using a Roland Blues Cube 30 at church for a couple of years and it's worked well for me. I got it from the MF close out for $199. The amp is no longer in production, but you might want to consider something along that line such as a Tech 21.

If you've averse to carrying heavy amps and setting up your effects, you might give some thought to a good lightweight amp with built-in effects such as the Roland Cubes or Vox Valvetronics.

mt_spiffy · 06-05-2007, 01:10 PM

I agree. Which doesnt mean they're bad. But they could be MUCH better if there was actual attention given to these lines.

arpeggio · 06-05-2007, 11:20 PM

ok so far im looking at tech 21, fender, carvin, roland.... pretty much ruled out kustom....havent seen anybody talk much about them....so far the only better deal price wise is the carvin sx-200/ 100 watts at 299.99.....Tech 21 Trademark 60 Combo Amp $579.00....Roland Cube 60 Guitar Amp $345.00....Fender FM 212R Guitar Combo Amp $329.99....Fender FM 210R 2x10" 65 Watt Guitar Combo Amp $289.99....hummm....more research....good thing im not in a rush in deciding.....but i do appreciate the input from ya'll.....i have little experience with ss always been using the hiwatt for a quite awhile....when i first started out i had a crate g-212 but that was years ago back in the eighties....

mt_spiffy · 06-05-2007, 11:31 PM

Cut the 210r from your list . . . between it and the 212 there's no comparison.

B429R · 06-06-2007, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mt_spiffy

Cut the 210r from your list . . . between it and the 212 there's no comparison.

I wouldn't "Cut it" from the list. If you plan on using this in a church setting, this will definitely give you enough power, I use this in my band and have never had to move the volume over 5. This amp is loaded with power, and I think it is in no way out of the 212R's league.

Just my opinion.

**thesteve** · 06-06-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B429R

I wouldn't "Cut it" from the list. If you plan on using this in a church setting, this will definitely give you enough power, I use this in my band and have never had to move the volume over 5. This amp is loaded with power, and I think it is in no way out of the 212R's league.

Just my opinion.

really it's an issue of 2x10 vs. 2x12. I've found that alot of guitarists go with anything with a 12" speaker instinctively. Alot of people like the response of a 2x12 setup moreso than a 2x10.

so yeah, I agree...I wouldn't completely throw it out, but I'd definitely be open tothe idea that you might like the 2x12 model more.

mt_spiffy · 06-06-2007, 12:38 PM

My reasoning has nothing to do with the speaker size . . . I've played both, side-by-side . . . the 210 was MUCH noisier. Also the 210 lacks a midrange control that can be kind of important with the speakers they use. Spend a little extra, get the 212.