Fryette / Rectifier / CAA / Soldano - You can only have one

J

Jimty

Well-known member
I’m always window shopping for amps but given lack of space and surplus cash to spend on more gear right now, I can only realistically buy one more amp.

My current amps are:

Stock Marshall JMP 2204 with HotMod
Bogner XTC 101b (2020s)
Boogie Mark IV
Stiletto Stage I
Headfirst (based on the MCII)
VH4 (2020s)

I like having different amps for their different feels and core tones.

Based on current pricing / affordability, I was wondering which of the below you’d choose and why to round out the stable:
  1. Fryette Pitbull 100CL, CLX or Sig X
  2. Soldano Avenger 100 (not really looking at the SLO due to cost)
  3. Custom Audio Amps OD100 SE+
  4. Mesa Rectifier MultiWatt
Use case is purely personal enjoyment. Multiple channels are nice to have but aren’t necessary, so it’s really all about core tone / feel of the amp and what would make the most interesting addition to what I already have.

Interested to hear your thoughts.
 
I've got a Mark III ( purple stripe ) ... Mark V , Mesa Fillmore 50 , Mesa DC-5 ... JCM800/JEL ( built by me ) and a Headfirst Cali ( built by me )

and just recently ( a few months ago ) picked up a Fryette Pittbull CLX ......

couldn't be happier with it ....... and it fits right in with the rest quite nicely .....but still has it's own thing going on
 
Soldano X88. 4 modes/ 3 channels/Soldano DNA plug it into the return of one of your amps or use it direct. You now have an incredible direct option.
 
I owned a brand-new VHT CLX back in 2007/2008. It was a great amp! I kind of wish I had it back. One of my favorite EL34 amps I've owned. I feel like Fryette's are polarizing, as people either love them or can't gel with them. I hear they aren't saturated enough, but I've always found it to be super tight with a very clean gain. It took pedals well. I had the version with three channels and a graphic EQ. I would own one again.
 
Can't go wrong with the Recto or CAA. They're different but both awesome.

Out of those two, the Recto is probably the most different from what you have.
 
gibson5413 said:
I owned a brand-new VHT CLX back in 2007/2008. It was a great amp! I kind of wish I had it back. One of my favorite EL34 amps I've owned. I feel like Fryette's are polarizing, as people either love them or can't gel with them. I hear they aren't saturated enough, but I've always found it to be super tight with a very clean gain. It took pedals well. I had the version with three channels and a graphic EQ. I would own one again.
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I miss my old UL as well. I keep waiting for the new one, but may pull the trigger on another OG.
The CLX is one of the few el34 higain amps I like. Another great VHT for me was the 50ST with el34’s. Been looking….😎
 
I'm a dog for Suhr's SE circuit, so 100% hands down the OD100SE+. Only thing I don't like about it is it doesn't look like a marshall. But sound wise OD100SE+ all day. The clean(blackfaceish) channel is actually a lot of fun to play, especially with the internal boost. Almost like having a classic rock and more modern voiced amp all in one.
 
Recto, I had a Pitbull Classic back when it was still VHT, Stevie is a great guy, great customer service. Never jelled with the SLO. I have a PT100 that’s great but I think the rectum fryer is different enough from your other amps that that’s the one.
 
Thanks for the thoughts all - much appreciated! Looks pretty evenly split between the Recto, CLX and CAA. Guess they’re all good choices!
 
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Jimty said:
It’s outside the US and not a 117v model. If I decide not to jump on it, I can send you a PM with details if it’s of interest?
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If the price is good, I say get it. Appreciate the thought but if it’s out of country that’s too much work for my lazy ass 😅
 
Recto would be the most different from your current amps, which could be good or bad. It also sounds amazing when paired with pretty much all of the amps you own.

CLX would be closer in feel to the Stiletto and Mark IV with a bit of the Recto bark.
 
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