Best hot rodded Marshall tone for under 3k?

[TrueTone500]

How about Cornford? RK100 or MK50H II seem like good choices

I play my Cornford more than anything else, but it's not what I'd consider a modded Marshall...

If there's any amp I'd describe as boutique in tone, it is Cornford.

Marshall = Marlboro
Cornford = Dunhill

Marshall = Angelina Jolie
Cornford = Jennifer Aniston

Marshall = Budweiser
Cornford = Newcastle

 

[glassjaw7]

Under 3k? You're pretty much able to buy just about anything if you're willing to buy used. I've seen all the big mods go for 2500-3.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

how about an unmodded one? Plenty of sweet JMP/JCM800 2203/04's out there. Your mod will be an OD pedal of choice in front I'm serious too. I went Boger, VHT, Splawn and Mesa and forgot how sweet the 2203 with a SD-1 in front was I still have all my amps too,

THIS. Why people try improving upon what is already perfect is beyond me. A lot of these amps try to cop the lower gain tones of the Marshall. Why not just stack OD's on top. SD-1, ts-808, or ocd in the front and a koko boost or other clean boost stacked on top to get the over the top saturated lead tone. Yes it is that simple!

 

[ibenhad]

While you can't go wrong with Trace, his work is impeccable I would have to say a used Cameron. If a Cameron is hard to find I am sure Trace will do a great job getting you the tone you seek and with a real clean job and dependable amp. I have 2 of his offerings and they are top notch. He even does great mod work on the Randall MTS modules.

 

[Shiny_Surface]

how about an unmodded one? Plenty of sweet JMP/JCM800 2203/04's out there. Your mod will be an OD pedal of choice in front I'm serious too. I went Boger, VHT, Splawn and Mesa and forgot how sweet the 2203 with a SD-1 in front was I still have all my amps too,

THIS. Why people try improving upon what is already perfect is beyond me. A lot of these amps try to cop the lower gain tones of the Marshall. Why not just stack OD's on top. SD-1, ts-808, or ocd in the front and a koko boost or other clean boost stacked on top to get the over the top saturated lead tone. Yes it is that simple!

While I agree, some people are just anti-pedal. You'll never change their minds.

And conversely they'll never change the minds of those who like to use pedals/boosts.

I swing both ways depending...

Also having a modded Marshall doesn't guarantee you'll never boost it.

 

[Aidanspaghetti]

Get a dsl and a decent attenuator (if you don't already have one).
Cheap as chips and great. Easy to flip too.....
Between the Cameron and cornford and a marshall can't imagine what's let totally for you to cover?!

 

[Deleted member 13074]

Depends on your taste.
Friedman BE a bit soft for me, although a 101B player may not think so.
Quickrod is excellent at early VH.
My choice would be the PT100.
Super versatile, best clean ever which can do blues. Great amp.

 

[sahlomonic]

I think the Friedman Pink Taco deserves mention here, just for something a little different.

 

[prsplayer86]

They get bashed, but seek out a Diamond Hammersmith . I don't like most of the Diamond stuff, but that is a sweet piece of British flavor. I think they're 2,500ish and can be had much cheaper used.. Hell if you find one used I'll buy it (Miss mine!)

 

[WizardSouth-JP]

find a Used WIZARD Modern Classic or MCII

 

[bbaug14]

find a Used WIZARD Modern Classic or MCII

I second this. Awesome amps.

 

[Schaf]

Never played one but have heard they are great amps, hot-rodded marshall! Return within 30 days if you don't dig it or if you decide to keep it you don't break the bank.
https://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Us ... 3720329.gc

Also the older used 2 yr or older Friedman BE 100's Sell for closer to $2700 (you said you don't want to spend over $3000 on a Friedman) nothing wrong with used and a lot of the guys on these forums take meticulous care of their amps. Braciola here had one sit for over a month recently at $2700 on multiple forums. Was in great shape too.

Dang, That's a great price on the V-rock. What about that Friedman modded jtm 45 in the classifieds? It's like 1600? Looks clean too!

 

[harddriver]

To match what you describe. The Helios sounds very good to my ears, followed by Friedman modded Marshalls then Splawn which can be had very cheap compared to the other two, I think the B+ is more plexi like because of the lowered Plate voltage to the tubes, kind of like lowering the voltage on a Variac'ed amp.

The Helios really bends my ears though more like a fatter more plexi-like Cameron mod IMO...

 

[Les is more]

Love my Splawn-they're right about the volume though.

 

[Jofipe]

Gower Jose mod or a used Wizard MC/MCII

 

[Jdub]

Bogner Helios. I sold my Marshalls( good ones..a 71 JMP and an 81 2203) after getting the Helios. If kick ass Marshall tones of all types are what you are after and you also want a loop and the ability to get killer tones at any volume get the Helios and you chas will be over.. Its that good!

 

[evhfan]

get a used Splawn...$1200 or so. You're welcome

 

[charvelstrat81]

Plexi re-issue modded by david bray

 

[mxr2000]

Hey there is a Friedman BE-100 right now $2600 on the Classifieds!