Recommend me a set-up...

**RK_lover** · 09-04-2008, 12:30 PM

Alright...I would like better tone than a 15w ss Crate...but I don't know whether it's better to spend most of the money on a really nice amp and no pedals, or to get a cheap amp with a bunch of great pedals, or something in between.

I can spend somewhere from $0 to $1000, and I have a few specific needs:
1.Very high gain
2.Nice cleans
3.Not ridiculously loud
...if those are possible together.

I play every day, and I play a wide variety of styles...I need to go from heavy metal to pop ballads.

I think that's all...any other questions, let me know! Thanks in advance.

*edit* I play a Schecter C-1 Elite.

mulletman · 09-04-2008, 12:56 PM

Mesa F-30. It has all the gain you'll ever need, and then some.... Mesa, while not really famous for their clean tones, does make amps that sound very nice clean, and, well, it's a 30-watt. It will probably be loud.

They are no longer in production, but really nice used ones go for around 650 on ebay all the time.

**thesteve** · 09-04-2008, 12:57 PM

I don't have a specific amp recommendation at the moment, but I will say for now that you are probably much better off getting a solid amp than a mediocre amp + pedals.

What sort of playing situations do you see yourself being in using this amp? It's hard to gauge what "not ridiculously loud" means without a context. 100-110db at a rock show is normal, but in the average church it would be ridiculously loud.

SwitchfootRulz! · 09-04-2008, 12:57 PM

What are you going to use it for? Do you want a stack or a combo?

Most will agree that a great amp is better than an ok amp with an array of ok pedals. I sure do. You're looking at a multi-channel amp, probably tube. Especially if you buy used, you could get an awesome amp and still afford a few pedals.

Craigslist is your friend. The kind of friend that saves you a ton of money.

**nbfan** · 09-04-2008, 02:02 PM

I second mulletman, used Mesa Boogie is definitely your best bet. Generally the amps you can find in that range used are the F-series, some older Mark series, and once in a while you can find a RoadKing or Tremoverb under a grand. I'm pretty sure Single Rectos retail at $1200, but I don't see many used ones about.

**bravesfan007** · 09-04-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

I don't have a specific amp recommendation at the moment, but I will say for now that you are probably much better off getting a solid amp than a mediocre amp + pedals.

Agreed. I decided to spend more on the amp and get a quality one that would suit my needs and other than having to put down that much money initially I consider it a good investment. If you buy used you're not as likely to lose money if you ever sell (minus inflation of course). Also, a high quality amp will hold its value over time.

**RK_lover** · 09-09-2008, 12:57 PM

Ok...to answer the main question, I'll primarily be using this amp to record at the moment.
Also, thank you for the advice thus far...I've decided to go with a better amp for now, and worry about pedals later. I've sort of narrowed my field down to either a used Mesa combo (ie F30 or 5:25) or a new B-52 AT (either 212 or 100 head + cab). If people have any comparable suggestions, or an opinion either way on those, I'd appreciate it!

**bravesfan007** · 09-09-2008, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RK_lover

Ok...to answer the main question, I'll primarily be using this amp to record at the moment.
Also, thank you for the advice thus far...I've decided to go with a better amp for now, and worry about pedals later. I've sort of narrowed my field down to either a used Mesa combo (ie F30 or 5:25) or a new B-52 AT (either 212 or 100 head + cab). If people have any comparable suggestions, or an opinion either way on those, I'd appreciate it!

Well, for one, if you're worried about resale value, the Mesa will hold it better. In my opinion, the B-52 didn't hold a light against a Mesa Dual Rectifier, but there is also a substantial price difference. Also, the stock B-52 speakers are crummy so you may as well look to replace those if you get one of them. For those reasons, and I'm sure I could think of others, I would go with the Mesa.

**nbfan** · 09-10-2008, 12:16 PM

Previously B-52s would have been a good choice, but, as bravesfan mentioned, they're following the trend and putting in their own "special design" junk speakers in them, I don't see why you'd want to go through the trouble of dropping new ones in when you can get a beautiful sounding Mesa and not have to change anything.

**bravesfan007** · 09-10-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbfan

I don't see why you'd want to go through the trouble of dropping new ones in when you can get a beautiful sounding Mesa and not have to change anything.

Exactly.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-10-2008, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbfan

Previously B-52s would have been a good choice, but, as bravesfan mentioned, they're following the trend and putting in their own "special design" junk speakers in them, I don't see why you'd want to go through the trouble of dropping new ones in when you can get a beautiful sounding Mesa and not have to change anything.

Price potentially. I saw a B52 2x12 for $250 used last month. Throw a couple hellatones in their and you are way below the cost of your average used mesa.

**RK_lover** · 09-10-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bravesfan007

Well, for one, if you're worried about resale value, the Mesa will hold it better. In my opinion, the B-52 didn't hold a light against a Mesa Dual Rectifier, but there is also a substantial price difference. Also, the stock B-52 speakers are crummy so you may as well look to replace those if you get one of them. For those reasons, and I'm sure I could think of others, I would go with the Mesa.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nbfan

Previously B-52s would have been a good choice, but, as bravesfan mentioned, they're following the trend and putting in their own "special design" junk speakers in them, I don't see why you'd want to go through the trouble of dropping new ones in when you can get a beautiful sounding Mesa and not have to change anything.

According to GC's website (if I got a B-52 that would be where I'd get it from most likely), the 2x12 comes stock with Celestions, which I'd be sure to verify when I tested one. And the main reason I'm even having a tough time with the decision is the pretty sizable price discrepancy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq

Price potentially. I saw a B52 2x12 for $250 used last month. Throw a couple hellatones in their and you are way below the cost of your average used mesa.

That would be an excellent deal, if I could find one for somewhere in that neighborhood...how much do hellatones generally run?

**thesteve** · 09-10-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RK_lover

That would be an excellent deal, if I could find one for somewhere in that neighborhood...how much do hellatones generally run?

Hellatones run $85 or $90 from www.Avatarspeakers.com

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 09-10-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesteve

Hellatones run $85 or $90 from www.Avatarspeakers.com

Lead 70s or Lead 75s might fit with the OP's intent, and those are not too pricey to get the English ones. Just thinking out loud.

**RK_lover** · 09-12-2008, 03:42 PM

So...based on GC's website, it looks like they've replaced the AT-212 with the ST-212, which comes stock with Celestion's, for the same price...I think it lost a knob or two from the AT, but for the most part it looks similar. It's also only 60w, but I'm not that concerned about lower wattage.
Does this one look like a better deal? Or if they still have an AT-212 on the shelf, would it be better to get it and replace the speakers?