$1k backup amp?

[SFW]

I'm looking to get a backup amp to my 5150 III. Would prefer a two channel, but I can do with a single if it's that good. I've got $1k for a budget, so it will probably be a used head. Think Jake's tone on Dreams In The Dark. That's the sound in my head. I'd prefer to get there without pedals.

And go!

 

[Anonymous]

I read the title and immediately said the 5153 50.
I love mine !!!

 

[SFW]

I read the title and immediately said the 5153 50.
I love mine !!!

I've thought about that as well. Though I think it might be nice to have a different flavor. Was thinking maybe a DSL or a Budda SD 30.

 

[Racerxrated]

JCM 800 2205, 87 or newer. Or single channel 800. 2205 doesn't need a pedal though. Or there's a nice voodoo modded 1987x in the classifieds for 1200. If you want Badlands tone go with a Marshall...its what Jake used.

 

[sandman]

I read the title and immediately said the 5153 50.
I love mine !!!

I've thought about that as well. Though I think it might be nice to have a different flavor. Was thinking maybe a DSL or a Budda SD 30.

For a different flavor, just get the evh 50 in the opposite color tolex than your 100 watter ...have ebony and ivory

 

[Anonymous]

I'd go the 800 with an OD before a DSL... Maybe an original DSL, definitely not the newer reissues.

800 for the win !!

 

[dirtyfunkg]

What about a Recto?

 

[rcm78]

The badlands CD is a dimed 50 watt plexi...

 

[FourT6and2]

Mark III ?

 

[Racerxrated]

Mark III ?

Another good choice..I dialed mine in to be Marshally, and has plenty of spank/midrange. Great value used....

 

[glassjaw7]

Can't really get a better deal than this right here:

http://www.rig-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=167695&p=1887464&hilit=dsl#p1887464

Another great option would be a Mesa Electra Dyne or one of the earlier JCM 900s (Mark III)

 

[squank]

The Joe Satriani Peavey sig model, the JSX, is the most underrated amp out there. You can pick them up used for cheap, and they are tanks. 3 channels with 3 separate EQs and a lead boost (all footswitchable), so it's great for gigging. Clean, crunch, and high gain, all very usable.

I've owned DSLs and 800s, and the JSX is tons more flexible. You don't need any dirt pedals for it. You can get classic Marshall crunch on ch 2, and the high gain channel has a Soldano flavor, including plenty of gain. Noise gate included..

Plus, each channel has its own ch volume, so you can set unity gain so it's more gig ready than a 5153 50w. The JSX kicks the shit out of any other amp in the price range for gigging. It's built like a tank, so it's heavy. If weight is a consideration, then pass.


Here's a huge, hi res picture

 

['63-Strat]

I'd go the 800 with an OD before a DSL... Maybe an original DSL, definitely not the newer reissues.

800 for the win !!

Have you played the newer DSLs? I don't think they're worse at all. DSL would be a good compliment to the 5153 IMO. 800s are great but dunno you'll find one for a grand.

 

[zuel69]

I'd do this for a grand..the amp just sounds great, really has "more" of everything than most of the jmp's I've owned.

Metroamp jmp 2203 '79

 

[squank]

I'd go the 800 with an OD before a DSL... Maybe an original DSL, definitely not the newer reissues.

800 for the win !!

Have you played the newer DSLs? I don't think they're worse at all. DSL would be a good compliment to the 5153 IMO. 800s are great but dunno you'll find one for a grand.

I agree with this. Get the right preamp tubes in a newer DSL and I'd take it over an 800. The only challenge with the DSL is warming up that distortion.

 

[nevusofota]

I currently own a 100w EVH, 50w EVH, an early 2204 and a 100w DSL. Definitely go with the DSL.

 

[nigelpkay]

DSL for sure
I have the newer DSL100H and it's awesome. I'm sure you can find an older DSL used for cheap as well in your local classifieds. It's one of those backup amps that sneaks up on you and turns into your main amp! I play it more often now than my Joe Satriani JVM.

 

[stompboxfreak72]

I have a Stealth and the 50 watt mini as my backup. I sometimes think I need something else in the stable but after playing every Bogner and Diezel under the sun Ive actually decided to sell my Splawn Nitro and just keep the 5153s. They do everything I want and the 50 watt slays.

I know you want something else. Dare I say a Quickrod ? Used for $1100 you'll score one easy.

 

[GuitarGuyLP]

I have a 5153 50 watt head, but I always keep coming back to gas for a Carvin Legacy 3. I know it is a completely different beast, and you have to crank the treble, and presence to get decent tones out of it, but it is a lot of amp for the price, and small, and light for a 100 watt amp. The original Legacy's are supposed to be pretty good too, and can be found used for almost nothing.

 

[blackba]

If you are looking for versatility on the voicing, than the recently discontinued Mesa ta30. Otherwise another vote for a Marshall DSL head.