Help A Newbie Spend, Spend, Spend - Marshall, SLO or.... ?

[Conky]

Changing my setup some, and looking for an amp to handle gain. I have - at most - $3K to spend, realistically at $2.5K but would like to be lower if possible.

While I'm thinking about just pairing my vintage Hiwatt with a gain pedal and pocketing the rest, really thinking about picking up one of the following:

1) Vintage Marshall - early SL or JCM 2203/4 - Cons: old, could go at any minute (i.e. a transformer blows, then ruins its value) not very versatile unless at insane volumes, not modern; Pros: perhaps the true sound of rock, and can't be beaten for classic rock tones, will only go up in value.

2) Soldano SLO - Cons: haven't heard a single clip or popular recording allegedly with this amp that I liked (hate Clapton's tone with it), the potential for this to be dated or for hair metal seems high, doesn't do the Marshall thing (which is pretty important to me since all my faves used a Marshall); Pros- purportedly one (if not the) best lead amplifier ever made, build quality, purportedly great clarify and definition (important points given my love of the Hiwatt), will sound different from other guitarists to an extra degree. Biggest issue - no big name star appears to be using these anymore, which is odd if it's the "greatest ever."

3) Bogner Ecstasy - Cons: Pricey and not really likely to increase in value, really disliked the Blue/Red pedals, recall tying them out years ago and thinking they sound distant, concerned they might be more Mesa DR/Tremoverb than Marshallesque; Pros - allegedly gets the classic Marshall sound, does the modern low-mids thing if needed, evidently highly versatile.

I'm not someone who flips amps, so I do want something that can be it. So what do you guys think?

 

[flash6969]

Cons - no tube amps will go up in value anymore (unless it's a Dumble). They might hold their value but the Axe FX has put an end to tube amps going up in value.
That said, the SLO is still used by Mick Mars (Motley) & occasionally by George Lynch & other players. Yes they sound amazing but they have to be loud - you've been warned!
The Ecstasy is a very classy amp with 3 channels = versatility. They are killer amps & I would highly recommend it.
The Marshall? Well, only if you want to sound like every other Marshall user.
Good luck with the purchase!

 

[jcj]

Gary Moore used a SLO, and got some fairly decent tones, as did Eddie.

 

[Conky]

Gary Moore used a SLO, and got some fairly decent tones, as did Eddie.

Gary's tone on Texas Strut from Montreux '90 is awesome, admittedly. I guess I should listen to that more and not Clapton's from the cradle (more like "from the old folks' home"). That said, I love his tone from the Phil Lynott tribute show where he used - gasp - a DSL!!!!!

Ok, you mention EVH, but really, was his tone that good on F@CK? Sounds like over-processed crud to me.

 

[Conky]

Cons - no tube amps will go up in value anymore (unless it's a Dumble). They might hold their value but the Axe FX has put an end to tube amps going up in value.
That said, the SLO is still used by Mick Mars (Motley) & occasionally by George Lynch & other players. Yes they sound amazing but they have to be loud - you've been warned!
The Ecstasy is a very classy amp with 3 channels = versatility. They are killer amps & I would highly recommend it.
The Marshall? Well, only if you want to sound like every other Marshall user.
Good luck with the purchase!

Thanks man, but you kinda make my point - Mick Mars or George Lynch = EPITOME of hair metal and the type of tone I don't want.

As to the Ecstasy, have you tried the pedals? If I didn't like them, is it likely I'd still like the amp?

 

[jcj]

Gary Moore used a SLO, and got some fairly decent tones, as did Eddie.

Gary's tone on Texas Strut from Montreux '90 is awesome, admittedly. I guess I should listen to that more and not Clapton's from the cradle (more like "from the old folks' home"). That said, I love his tone from the Phil Lynott tribute show where he used - gasp - a DSL!!!!!

Ok, you mention EVH, but really, was his tone that good on F@CK? Sounds like over-processed crud to me.

I really liked Eddie with the SLO, but I'm sure I'm in the minority.

I play a Cornford these days, so what do I know.

Good luck on the purchase!

 

[TrueTone500]

Changing my setup some, and looking for an amp to handle gain. I have - at most - $3K to spend, realistically at $2.5K but would like to be lower if possible.

While I'm thinking about just pairing my vintage Hiwatt with a gain pedal and pocketing the rest, really thinking about picking up one of the following:

1) Vintage Marshall - early SL or JCM 2203/4 - Cons: old, could go at any minute (i.e. a transformer blows, then ruins its value) not very versatile unless at insane volumes, not modern; Pros: perhaps the true sound of rock, and can't be beaten for classic rock tones, will only go up in value.

2) Soldano SLO - Cons: haven't heard a single clip or popular recording allegedly with this amp that I liked (hate Clapton's tone with it), the potential for this to be dated or for hair metal seems high, doesn't do the Marshall thing (which is pretty important to me since all my faves used a Marshall); Pros- purportedly one (if not the) best lead amplifier ever made, build quality, purportedly great clarify and definition (important points given my love of the Hiwatt), will sound different from other guitarists to an extra degree. Biggest issue - no big name star appears to be using these anymore, which is odd if it's the "greatest ever."

3) Bogner Ecstasy - Cons: Pricey and not really likely to increase in value, really disliked the Blue/Red pedals, recall tying them out years ago and thinking they sound distant, concerned they might be more Mesa DR/Tremoverb than Marshallesque; Pros - allegedly gets the classic Marshall sound, does the modern low-mids thing if needed, evidently highly versatile.

I'm not someone who flips amps, so I do want something that can be it. So what do you guys think?

There's an RT member who is selling a Cornford RK100 for $2100.00 USD. If you play single-coil and/or P90's, you'll especially love its bottom-end gain structure. It's a single channel amp with attenuation that drains signal to ground for a more JCM800 type gain response. In reverse, it acts as a boost. The preamp pot is dual-concentric that throttles gain stages 1 and 2 simultaneously. Takes 6L6 or El34.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=158927&p=1803853&hilit=cornford+RK100#p1803853

 

[Conky]

Gary Moore used a SLO, and got some fairly decent tones, as did Eddie.

Gary's tone on Texas Strut from Montreux '90 is awesome, admittedly. I guess I should listen to that more and not Clapton's from the cradle (more like "from the old folks' home"). That said, I love his tone from the Phil Lynott tribute show where he used - gasp - a DSL!!!!!

Ok, you mention EVH, but really, was his tone that good on F@CK? Sounds like over-processed crud to me.

I really liked Eddie with the SLO, but I'm sure I'm in the minority.

I play a Cornford these days, so what do I know.

Good luck on the purchase!

Thanks, man, I appreciate it. I'm being too critical non-crazy Eddie is awesome - Poundcake tone!

 

[Conky]

Changing my setup some, and looking for an amp to handle gain. I have - at most - $3K to spend, realistically at $2.5K but would like to be lower if possible.

While I'm thinking about just pairing my vintage Hiwatt with a gain pedal and pocketing the rest, really thinking about picking up one of the following:

1) Vintage Marshall - early SL or JCM 2203/4 - Cons: old, could go at any minute (i.e. a transformer blows, then ruins its value) not very versatile unless at insane volumes, not modern; Pros: perhaps the true sound of rock, and can't be beaten for classic rock tones, will only go up in value.

2) Soldano SLO - Cons: haven't heard a single clip or popular recording allegedly with this amp that I liked (hate Clapton's tone with it), the potential for this to be dated or for hair metal seems high, doesn't do the Marshall thing (which is pretty important to me since all my faves used a Marshall); Pros- purportedly one (if not the) best lead amplifier ever made, build quality, purportedly great clarify and definition (important points given my love of the Hiwatt), will sound different from other guitarists to an extra degree. Biggest issue - no big name star appears to be using these anymore, which is odd if it's the "greatest ever."

3) Bogner Ecstasy - Cons: Pricey and not really likely to increase in value, really disliked the Blue/Red pedals, recall tying them out years ago and thinking they sound distant, concerned they might be more Mesa DR/Tremoverb than Marshallesque; Pros - allegedly gets the classic Marshall sound, does the modern low-mids thing if needed, evidently highly versatile.

I'm not someone who flips amps, so I do want something that can be it. So what do you guys think?

There's an RT member who is selling a Cornford RK100 for $2100.00 USD. If you play single-coil and/or P90's, you'll especially love its bottom-end gain structure. It's a single channel amp with attenuation that drains signal to ground for a more JCM800 type gain response. In reverse, it acts as a boost. The preamp pot is dual-concentric that throttles gain stages 1 and 2 simultaneously. Takes 6L6 or El34.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=158927&p=1803853&hilit=cornford+RK100#p1803853

Don't know much about Cornfords - but your signature is hilarious.

 

[jcj]

Pretty good representation of the Cornford; obviously some delay, but a great amp.

 

[Conky]

Pretty good representation of the Cornford; obviously some delay, but a great amp.

That sounds, really really nice - better than any SLO clip I can recall....

 

[glip22]

Changing my setup some, and looking for an amp to handle gain. I have - at most - $3K to spend, realistically at $2.5K but would like to be lower if possible.

While I'm thinking about just pairing my vintage Hiwatt with a gain pedal and pocketing the rest, really thinking about picking up one of the following:

1) Vintage Marshall - early SL or JCM 2203/4 - Cons: old, could go at any minute (i.e. a transformer blows, then ruins its value) not very versatile unless at insane volumes, not modern; Pros: perhaps the true sound of rock, and can't be beaten for classic rock tones, will only go up in value.

2) Soldano SLO - Cons: haven't heard a single clip or popular recording allegedly with this amp that I liked (hate Clapton's tone with it), the potential for this to be dated or for hair metal seems high, doesn't do the Marshall thing (which is pretty important to me since all my faves used a Marshall); Pros- purportedly one (if not the) best lead amplifier ever made, build quality, purportedly great clarify and definition (important points given my love of the Hiwatt), will sound different from other guitarists to an extra degree. Biggest issue - no big name star appears to be using these anymore, which is odd if it's the "greatest ever."

3) Bogner Ecstasy - Cons: Pricey and not really likely to increase in value, really disliked the Blue/Red pedals, recall tying them out years ago and thinking they sound distant, concerned they might be more Mesa DR/Tremoverb than Marshallesque; Pros - allegedly gets the classic Marshall sound, does the modern low-mids thing if needed, evidently highly versatile.

I'm not someone who flips amps, so I do want something that can be it. So what do you guys think?

There's an RT member who is selling a Cornford RK100 for $2100.00 USD. If you play single-coil and/or P90's, you'll especially love its bottom-end gain structure. It's a single channel amp with attenuation that drains signal to ground for a more JCM800 type gain response. In reverse, it acts as a boost. The preamp pot is dual-concentric that throttles gain stages 1 and 2 simultaneously. Takes 6L6 or El34.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=158927&p=1803853&hilit=cornford+RK100#p1803853

Is that your old one?

 

[rlord1974]

^ lol. And we're off!

 

[maddnotez]

If you want the Marshall tone get a Marshall.

If you are worried about it falling apart get a Friedman or a Bray maybe? Used in your price range I'm sure you can find one.

 

[TrueTone500]

Changing my setup some, and looking for an amp to handle gain. I have - at most - $3K to spend, realistically at $2.5K but would like to be lower if possible.

While I'm thinking about just pairing my vintage Hiwatt with a gain pedal and pocketing the rest, really thinking about picking up one of the following:

1) Vintage Marshall - early SL or JCM 2203/4 - Cons: old, could go at any minute (i.e. a transformer blows, then ruins its value) not very versatile unless at insane volumes, not modern; Pros: perhaps the true sound of rock, and can't be beaten for classic rock tones, will only go up in value.

2) Soldano SLO - Cons: haven't heard a single clip or popular recording allegedly with this amp that I liked (hate Clapton's tone with it), the potential for this to be dated or for hair metal seems high, doesn't do the Marshall thing (which is pretty important to me since all my faves used a Marshall); Pros- purportedly one (if not the) best lead amplifier ever made, build quality, purportedly great clarify and definition (important points given my love of the Hiwatt), will sound different from other guitarists to an extra degree. Biggest issue - no big name star appears to be using these anymore, which is odd if it's the "greatest ever."

3) Bogner Ecstasy - Cons: Pricey and not really likely to increase in value, really disliked the Blue/Red pedals, recall tying them out years ago and thinking they sound distant, concerned they might be more Mesa DR/Tremoverb than Marshallesque; Pros - allegedly gets the classic Marshall sound, does the modern low-mids thing if needed, evidently highly versatile.

I'm not someone who flips amps, so I do want something that can be it. So what do you guys think?

There's an RT member who is selling a Cornford RK100 for $2100.00 USD. If you play single-coil and/or P90's, you'll especially love its bottom-end gain structure. It's a single channel amp with attenuation that drains signal to ground for a more JCM800 type gain response. In reverse, it acts as a boost. The preamp pot is dual-concentric that throttles gain stages 1 and 2 simultaneously. Takes 6L6 or El34.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=158927&p=1803853&hilit=cornford+RK100#p1803853

Is that your old one?

No way! I'll never let go of mine. Best 100 watt amp I've ever owned. I thought I'd sell it a few times, but ended up dropping the sale after 1 day. Members "faceforward_007" has my MK50 blackface, and I think "jcj" may have my MK50H II?

If you're into cathode-bias, the Cornford Hellcat is a great amp also. Sort-of reminds me of a Star "Gainstar 30", and is the most "Marshall" of all Cornford's. No problem getting 80's tones from the Hellcat.

 

[TrueTone500]

^ lol. And we're off!

^ Ignore this ass-hat ^ He is one several Mark Cameron fanboys who lives to stir-up shit on the forum. There are several of them here, which I'm sure will jump-in as soon as they zero-in on the thread.

 

[rlord1974]

^ lol. And we're off!

^Ignore this ass-hat^ He is one several Mark Cameron fanboys who lives to stir-up shit on the forum. There are several of them here, which I'm sure will jump-in as soon as they zero-in on the thread.

You are truly an idiot, TrueTone. I don't know how many times you need to be told something before it sinks into your feeble little brain. I don't have a Cameron amp and I am not a Cameron fanboy, as you put it.

To the opening poster of this thread: the true "asshat" here is TrueTone500. He is an on again, off again alcoholic troll that spends his time on this forum unnecessarily stirring up shit and generally pissing everyone off.

Oh, TrueTone is also widely known for tampering with his amps' internals and then selling them in the Classifieds without disclosing this fact. I would steer clear of any of his Classified listings. This will undoubtedly be followed by a response from TrueTone stating that his "tampering" was really all to improve the stock amp design/build and any buyer should be happy that he made these "improvements". Regardless, he's a lying sack of shit for not disclosing this in his Classified listings.

It won't take you much time on Rig Talk to see for yourself that everything I have posted about this moron is the truth.

Caveat emptor.

Good luck with your tone search.

 

[maddnotez]

^ lol. And we're off!

^Ignore this ass-hat^ He is one several Mark Cameron fanboys who lives to stir-up shit on the forum. There are several of them here, which I'm sure will jump-in as soon as they zero-in on the thread.

You are truly an idiot, TrueTone. I don't know how many times you need to be told something before it sinks into your feeble little brain. I don't have a Cameron amp and I am not a Cameron fanboy, as you put it.

To the opening poster of this thread: the true "asshat" here is TrueTone500. He is an on again, off again alcoholic troll that spends his time on this forum unnecessarily stirring up shit and generally pissing everyone off.

Oh, TrueTone is also widely known for tampering with his amps' internals and then selling them in the Classifieds without disclosing this fact. I would steer clear of any of his Classified listings. This will undoubtedly be followed by a response from TrueTone stating that his "tampering" was really all to improve the stock amp design/build and any buyer should be happy that he made these "improvements". Regardless, he's a lying sack of shit for not disclosing this in his Classified listings.

It won't take you much time on Rig Talk to see for yourself that everything I have posted about this moron is the truth.

Caveat emptor.

Good luck with your tone search.

I think both of these guys are awesome and funny as hell fwiw. True tone is a little weird though but aren't we all?

 

[Conky]

Awesome - this is turning into some funny stuff!

Have to admit, the chances of me going for something other than what I listed is pretty slim - regardless of how they sound. Started the whole process thinking vintage Marshall, but then a SLO became available and recalling years of compliments for the SLO has made me interested. But they just don't sound good to me from the clips I've heard - or, perhaps better said, not $1,000 to $2,000 more money "good". Is it a religious experience playing one? Do they just not record well? Do you have to be 5 ft. in front of it to "get it"?

On the flip side, if I buy an old Marshall, I'm concerned I'll be bored by its limitations and commonality and will kick myself for not getting the SLO when I had the chance.

The Bogner - sounds like a cool amp, but the naked see-through raincoat thing bothered me!

 

[maddnotez]

Awesome - this is turning into some funny stuff!

Have to admit, the chances of me going for something other than what I listed is pretty slim - regardless of how they sound. Started the whole process thinking vintage Marshall, but then a SLO became available and recalling years of compliments for the SLO has made me interested. But they just don't sound good to me from the clips I've heard - or, perhaps better said, not $1,000 to $2,000 more money "good". Is it a religious experience playing one? Do they just not record well? Do you have to be 5 ft. in front of it to "get it"?

On the flip side, if I buy an old Marshall, I'm concerned I'll be bored by its limitations and commonality and will kick myself for not getting the SLO when I had the chance.

The Bogner - sounds like a cool amp, but the naked see-through raincoat thing bothered me!

I think the SLO is just it's own beast. Love it or Hate it but it is not quite a Marshall at least I don't think.

Bogner has different grill cloths. The metal grill is my favorite but they do not make any more. There is also gray and tan cloths.

Not sure but I assume you are referring to the black metal grille?

If it was my cash and my amp I would probably go with the Bogner but our tastes may differ.