Carvin X100B Back In The Pack

[brianiac5150]

After posting about this amp here in another thread recently and reminiscing about it, I think I'm gonna get a new Carvin X100B Mark IV on its way. I've tried to find an equivalent, but simply can't. Anyone have any better ideas? Here's my perspective:

American Made
$599 Brand New (!!!)
100w EL-34
100w, 50w, 25w
CRAZY clean tone
My original version wasn't the greatest for OD tone, but this has supposedly been improved on the MkIV
I ran a preamp (ADA MP-1) into mine and had tremendous flexibility. I intend to use if mostly for pre's, but it'd also be useful for other OD tones and it's incredible clean for tracking.

My main reason for purchasing an amp is to have a head to take into bars and clubs with a cover band I've recently started playing with (after seven years away from the stage) and likely run in 4CM with a JTV69/POD HD500 front.

I've tried to find other comparables/equivalents, but just haven't found anything close to this really great amp.

Thought I'd throw it out here for you more experienced amp guys, as I've very little experience with anything other than this, Mesa MkV, Ampeg VH140C and Crate XL120's. Yep…I just gave you my entire amp head history.

 

[brianiac5150]

Yeah…that's where the HD500 will help, I think.

 

[singtall]

i have an old early 90's grey carpet covered X100B that Brian from BFG amplification helped me mod, and it crushes!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL76f2nasdI

 

[brianiac5150]

See…your video really sinks it home. I really, really hope when I get to fiddlin' with it I won't feel the need for a mod, but damn your's sounds sweet. Really an excellent video. Thanks!

 

[1big1]

i've got an old x 60 b that i'm using for a pedalboard rig because it does cleans so well and has the lead channel boost. i haven't felt the need change anything with it in the last five years. the od channel isn't up to snuff with the 100's for od purposes.. but as a lead boost it's just fine.. so i get my dirt from the pedals and lead boost with the amp.