been debating about amps...

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NinjaRaf

NinjaRaf

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So, Ive been debating about my amp situation. I LOVE my Mako, and its awesome, but Im finding myself missing the saturation of a 5150 these days. The Mako sounds awesome and has tons of clarity, but I want more pop out of my pinch harmonics and such. Its amazing as a recording preamp. Ive been debating...maybe the k85 isnt the right speaker for this amp? I dunno. I do know that Im having an issue with the 412 with only 1 speaker...but the saturation thing isnt because of that. Anyway, Im trying to decide what to do....options are: try different speakers (this wont happen until I get my Mako 112), sell the Mako and get a 5153, sell the Mako and get a 5150 212 combo and have some cash left over (because of my ticket issues, Im leaning toward this to have that extra cash), keep Mako and get a boost. Any other options or ideas??
 
I've never played a Mako, so I can't suggest selling it for a 5150. But, the EVH 5150s still have that classic 5150 saturation with a whole new level of clarity. It might the answer if you're looking for something between Mako's clarity and the Peavey 5150 growl.
 
A boost may do what you want.

I like the idea of the 5150 III mini mentioned above also...
 
Im leaning toward a boost, right now. Cheapest and easiest, and I keep my Mako...and ill just save up for the 5150 212. I actually like the 5150 212 better than the 5153. Its the best in the series. The crunch channel is a MUCH different animal than any of the other amps in the series have.
 
I think your idea of adding a boost to the Mako is the way to go. Don't sacrifice the clarity of your rhythm tone for the sake of being able to pull off a few pinch harmonics...a pedal is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective solution to your problem IMO.
 
Word...and done. Got a way huge green rhino on the way. Thanks guys!!
 
The MAK4 takes pedals really well. Depending on the day I hit mine with either a Cusack screamer or a Majik Box Rocket fuel. You don't need much at all, I set gain=0 level=1/2 up on my boosts. It will give you the extra saturation. Adds some really nice fire to that crunch channel as well!

If it were me I'd be scheming a plan to buy the 5150 anyway because it is such a different animal compared to the MAK4.
 
Yeah, Ive got a few things on a list that I need to save up for, including a tube power amp for this beast, and, eventually, another 5150 212 combo.
 
rbasaria":3dew52ep said:
Word...and done. Got a way huge green rhino on the way. Thanks guys!!
Click to expand...
:thumbsup:

Very cool boost. I had one for a few weeks.
 
rbasaria":1p0o852y said:
Yeah, Ive got a few things on a list that I need to save up for, including a tube power amp for this beast, and, eventually, another 5150 212 combo.
Click to expand...
If you're not using tubes with the Mako, that could be the missing ingredient. It should really beef up the sound. I would gun for a cheap low-wattage Mesa or Marshall tube poweramp and a good boost before looking for another amp.
 
Yeah, a lot of people have said that, and I agree...GAH, I NEED MOAR MUNNIEZ!!
 
I say try the boost first and see if it does the trick (most cost effective). If that doesn't do the trick go for the 5150. You know what you're going to get with that amp. Since you love the Mako I say boost first then make a decision from there.
 
If you get the 5150, you could always run the Mako MAK4 through it's power amp... so if you're tight on money at the moment, maybe go for that, then you got both amp when needed.
 
I still cant believe you've gone this long playing your Mako with a SS power amp. :confused: I'm not gonna sit here and say go grab yourself a Fryette _______ power amp because they rule, yeah they might be kick ass but they are expensive and probably too expensive for a few of us here. But there are options. Grabbing a cheap tube amp head and running it through the loop or maybe an old Peavey tube power amp. Something with a Depth or Resonance knob would be best.
 
Re: been debating about amps...
Welcome to hell :lol: :LOL:

However, a Mak4 "lacking saturation"? You been hanging out on the Dorado channel at all??

Well, either way, most certainly get a stomp in front of 'er and see what happens. I think the Mak4 is tits.
 
Yeah, I do love the mak4, and Im not selling. Ive been on the verge of grabbing a tube power amp a few times, but I dont even have a cab, ATM, so there isnt much point lol. Ive looked at old peaveys and carvins.
 
I ran my MAK4 through an old Mosvalve 962 for a year before I bought a tube power amp. Sounded completely tits through the 962!
 
Word...well, financially, its more responsible for me to sell it right now and get a 5150 212 combo. Ill buy another mak4 in the future, but for now, I need to focus on getting my financial situation setup so that when my kid is born in 2 months, I wont have to worry about money.
 
if you have kids on the way that is a top priority, having said that it never gets any cheaper so if you love the Mako don't let it go thinking you will have cash in the future. Back to the actual topic, I say boost and if you got a Green Rhino that is a good unit that should sound killer with your amp. I personally boost every amp I have ever played\used period and just run the gain lower. What you say you are missing from the Mako will be there with a boost, really makes pinch harmonic's jump off the fretboard.
 
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