Combo Amp Help (3rd Power Kitchen Sink or Friedman Smallbox)

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gibson5413

gibson5413

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Hey all...hoping for some help. I have been researching combo amps for a couple of weeks. Most of my needs are met when it comes to amps. I currently have a Henning Bottle Rocket that I use with my Bogner OS 2x12 for my half stack needs. I do have an ElectraDyne combo that I leave at one of the rehearsal spaces. It is almost 80 pounds and I will not move it (I play in two bands). I also don't love the fact I have to play with the settings when I want to go from clean to the gain channels. The shared controls make it hard to even out the volume between the channels even with the clean trim on the back. Just not convenient at all on the fly.

Both of my bands are straight up rock. I wanted the Bogner Helios but have ruled it out since I can't switch channels via footswitch and the Eclipse doesn't come in a combo. I was pretty interested in the 3rd Power Citizen Gain CSR combo but it was discontinued for the Kitchen Sink. I am looking at these two amps specifically because they can be setup to work like a 3 channel amp using the footswitch. I love the ability to be able to blend the Fender and Vox tones on the 3rd Power. The Plexi tones on channel 2 are just awesome! I really like the Wilwood Smallbox too. They both have very similar features and virtually way the same. They cost about the same as well. I seem to be leaning to the Kitchen Sink because of the Hybrid Master function which is also footswitchable.

Any thoughts or things I might not be thinking about? I've spoken to the folks at Wildwood previously and seem very knowledgable. I called Dylana at 3rd Power this morning and love that she is so passionate about her work. She reviewed all of the options and does her best to fine tune the amp to your needs. Sounds like both are hand wired. Dylana is building every one of them by hand herself.



 
I own a Friedman amp and 3rd Power amp. If I had problems, concerns, or issues with the Friedman, I'd never expect that I could call Dave and talk to him about my amp on the phone, or have him update my amp and call me to give me updates on his progress. That's what Jamie did for me. ( Was Jamie Scott when I had updates done ) Not saying that Friedman isn't a great guy and company with excellent customer service...but when you deal with Dylana, which you have already, you'll see the difference.
That being said, either amp is a good choice and I don't think you'll go wrong with either one.
 
A 20th Anniversary Shiva combo would work for what you're wanting. Great cleans, can get as heavy as you need, and a boost channel. Very versatile...and sounds great
 
I'd roll with the 3rd Power. That tone just always jumps out at me every time I hear a demo...such amazing clarity. That's my most important selling point with any amp, these days.
Great choices all though.
 
Had a Smallbox combo and it is indeed a great sounding amp. I replaced it with a CSR head and 112 cab. Overall, I prefer the CSR. To me the CSR has a better clean channel, and it definitely has more gain on tap.
 
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