getting divorced from my Powerball. Amp suggestions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter MisterBulbous
  • Start date Start date
MisterBulbous

MisterBulbous

Active member
Guys..
As much as I want to like my powerball, I've finally come to the conclusion that it is too complicated to set up. By this, I mean...4 channels, bright switches, LO switches, Presence, Depth, Punch, two mid-range selections, etc. I'm running it with the Genz Benz G-flex which also carries an insane amount of "thumpiness". I just play in my basement and am not really interested in impressing anybody.

I want something simple that will take a few pedals and not have to fool around with so many options. I'd really like to play out with a basic rock band. I feel if Paul Gilbert can do so many concerts and clinics with a simple combo amp and some pedals, I should be able to be satisfied with the same approach.

Was wondering if anybody had suggestions for a basic combo that covers a lot of ground but is not complicated. Been thinking about a Marshall Vintage Modern Combo amp...suggestions??
 
you could go with with something like a carvin legacy or a peavey jsx. ive owned both and thought they were easy to dial in and very easy to operate. they both took pedals very well and can be had for pretty cheap on the used market.
 
I have a Marshall Triple Super lead Combo that I want to sell if your interested.
Its the 601...just 1X12 speaker.
Pretty straight forward amp.
 
Egnater Renegade
Mesa Electra-Dyne
Blackstar
New Fender combos? (Super Sonic 22 and the new Hot Rod sound pretty good)
 
Forget about complicated to set up... it sounds like suck. Be happy you're getting rid of it :lol: :LOL:
 
there is a laney GH50L head in the classifieds that would be right up your alley? i know you said combo though. why not try a 5150 III?
 
Rivera Suprema 55. Blackface or Tweed cleans depending on how you set the push/pull on the mids. All the Marshall roar you can handle on the other channel. If I ever had to go with a combo amp, this would be the one.
 
Do you need a clean channel, and how much gain do you need?

I'm thinking a Mesa EletroDyne would be a good idea. Takes pedals really well IMO for some extra gain. Maybe even a Lonestar, but considering your coming from such a high gain amp, the Lonestar might not have enough gain for you.
 
thanks for the replies. I'm actually thinking Blackstar HT-20 or 40 or the Marshall Vintage Modern 50W combo. My days of chugging chords that make your hair move are pretty much over. I've been playing for about 25 years, just want to get something simple and have been thinking of playing out with a basic rock band. Also want to get into pedals more (fuzz octave, airplane flanger, etc...a/la paul gilbert).

I strongly disagree with the negative comments on the Powerball, as I can basically plug my guitar in on whatever setting and have fun for a few hours, but recently I have become dismayed by the complexity of 4 channels, bright, lo-end, presence, depth punch, two midrange controls, etc. It's just too much for me :aww:

Anyone got the scoop on the Blackstar's? I guess I have been ignoring them and had perceived the Blackstar as a "novelty" amp like Krank, Bugera, etc...Seems to get pretty good reviews for flexibility and simplicity.
 
MisterBulbous":24gm8cdh said:
My days of chugging chords that make your hair move are pretty much over. I've been playing for about 25 years, just want to get something simple and have been thinking of playing out with a basic rock band. Also want to get into pedals more (fuzz octave, airplane flanger, etc...a/la paul gilbert).
Click to expand...

Sounds like a Rockerverb MkII combo would be right up your street! Very good cleans, great low gain sounds right through to crunch and high gain, 'ultra transparent loop' for your pedal needs, v30's, it also has option to swap between EL34, KT88, 6L6, 6550 if you wanted to experiment a little.
 
If you already like and are accustomed to the ENGL tone, why not look into a Screamer or Thunder combo?
 
Another vote for the Mesa Electra-Dyne. The Carvin Legacy II might be a good choice as well. Also, as someone already mentioned, the Peavey JSX wouldn't be too bad either...takes pedals very well. I got my JSX combo a couple of months ago when musician's friend were blowing them out for $799 new. Good thing, because I wouldn't have gave anymore for it.
 
Tone Zone":3jpui7zn said:
Another vote for the Mesa Electra-Dyne. The Carvin Legacy II might be a good choice as well. Also, as someone already mentioned, the Peavey JSX wouldn't be too bad either...takes pedals very well. I got my JSX combo a couple of months ago when musician's friend were blowing them out for $799 new. Good thing, because I wouldn't have gave anymore for it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm kinda thinking Mesa Electra-Dyne, rockerverb, or Blackstar. Haven't heard much on Blackstar, but starting to narrow things down.
 
Check out the Bogner Alchemist 112. Pretty straightforward amp with the usual knobs plus switches under the knobs for added tonal flavors like crunch, bright, deep on clean channel and punch, bright, mid-shift on dirt channel. Built in delay and reverb with 3 functions each plus a tap tempo. 20/40 watt and parallel effect loop. The only problem I had with mine is that they're biased too cold from the factory. Not even 50% and when I put SED 6L6GC tubes in I biased it to 50% and it sounds good. It took my pedals well.
 
i know you guys might not care about my amp drama, but I sold my powerball last night for $1100 and a few pedals thrown in by the buyer. As i said, I'm looking for something much more simpler in the combo format. Getting away from the ultra high gain. So, based on some of the input you guys have given me, my head's about to explode.

Given my budget of approximately $1200, i've started considering the Mesa Electrodyne, but not sure I need the "loudness" of some of the Mesa stuff, Egnater Renegade (which looks a little too complicated), and the Blackstar HT-20 or HT-40.

Although I haven't tried any of these amps, I'm kinda headed down the path of the relatively cheap Blackstar, with extra money to spend on some cool fuzz pedals....In a strange twist of fate, I received my Ibanez Airplane Flanger yesterday, but NOW don't have an amp!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top