Racerxrated":2iq03vu6 said:
I agree with the JP as well. It is the most contrasting amp with the Friedman of the 3 you mention. Definitely the most modern toned.
I can see this argument, but Mesa gain is unique. Lots of people think they will like it, and then they get the amp and don't connect because they were looking for a Marshall-based high gain.
I have played a JP2C, I've owned a bunch of other Mesas (including a Mark V), several Friedman modded amps, and a Shiva 20th. The Shiva is your best bet, imo, because, at its heart, it is a classic rock toned amp, but it can get some aggressive modern high gain tones, too. It's just about the perfect all around amp, imo.
It's also a very well loved amp, so if you decide to sell it someday, you'll be able to move it. The market for those other amps is considerably smaller.