Help picking new metal amp

[Rock Bodom]

Hey guys, after years of not playing out, I’m back in a band like situation and need a new head.

I sold all my big amps some time ago, so my house rig stuff obviously isn’t going to cover it (literally using a Katana head in the short term).

Here’s my quandary...like a lot of guys here, I’ve owned my share of pretty decent amps. For this particular gig, it’s mostly 80’s, ranging from Dokken to Metallica. From prior experience, I would likely just grab another BE100 and be done with it.

But outside of this gig, I’m back in my “other” world of melodic and technical death metal. Children of Bodom to more Necrophagist style (Psycroptic, Gorod, Obscura, etc). No djent, a lot of melodic playing to go with the riffage.

So I’m wondering if there is one amp that would be pretty good at both. I’m leaning towards a more heavy amp, I found the Fireball 100 to be surprisingly versatile. ENGL SE I remember could kind of do it all, but I always preferred the FB slightly. Used to have a Hagen I liked, but Herbert is on the brain for some reason. Love Soldano’s, but not the flavor I’m looking for at the moment. Not a 5150 fan.

Some of these have sounded pretty good at low volumes, that would be desirable even though again it will get use at band volume. Will probably run it through my V30 Jubilee cab for now, though I also still have a Marshall GB cab as well.

Again, FB100 and Herbert kind of calling, but want to think this through before pulling the trigger. Input appreciated!

 

[ClintN667]

I would think you could do this with any 2 channel amp with a pedal or two. Im using a KSR Orthos and its given me the flexibility I've been wanting with 2 modes on 2 channels. I played some classic rock to hair metal to old school death metal today just by switching modes and boosts.

 

[DeathbyButterslax]

KSR Juno seems like it would fit the bill

 

[crankyrayhanky]

There are some sweet deals happening now on used Herberts. If that is calling, scoop one up. Or spend the big bucks for mkiii
You could also look at incorporating a synergy piece or 2 into your rig for unlimited versatility

 

[indespise]

Being a death metal player myself, I love my FB100 and would buy another one (ideally used, as some great deals pop up on them) quickly if mine was stolen or destroyed.

 

[romanianreaper]

As someone who has gigged in the past and in my late 40s, just some side notes separate from finding good tone. I'm sure you remember what a pain in the butt it can be gigging whether it be amp weight, tubes, etc. I was just going to say when you are searching, keep some of the things in mind like how easy it is to swap tubes or change a fuse if one blows. Or reliability/versatility of a certain type, etc.

You'll have the Katana as a backup which is good but just thought some things to keep in mind.

 

[PAULYC2]

Herbert. Do it.

 

[Racerxrated]

How about the matching head to your cab? Jubilees can get dark and heavy to warm and cutting, and with a boost can be as heavy as you want. Plenty of low end if you need it....I believe Gary Holt is using them now?
Plus, if you grab a reissue 2555 they can run ANY 2 pairs of octal tubes...I ran one side with KT88s, the other with 34s....then tried 6L6 with 6550s...lots of cool combinations for a changeup in tone, and the clean channel is actually pretty good esp for a Marshall.

 

[JMP2203]

if you liked the SE head then an SE preamp with a more neutral and open poweramp will be great, ENGL poweramps are scooped and compressed

 

[Meeotch]

A couple amps come to mind that haven't been mentioned:

PRS Archon - covers a lot of territory, tons of gain on tap, smoother than a 5150. Clean channel is stunning, and the effects loop is excellent.

Mesa TC-100 - again, covering lots of territory with 3 channels plus 2 modes per channel. Power soak options for playing at low volume. Unique Mesa tone and the most gain of any Mesa head (so they say).

Both of these heads are also smaller than your average full size head. Not sure what your budget is, but a used Archon 100 would only set you back around $1200.

 

[psychodave]

Go snag a Mesa Mark IV. They can be had for $800. Can do a TON of tones. Slap a pedal and an EQ into the scenario and you’ve got a killer setup.

 

[Rock Bodom]

Im using a KSR Orthos and its given me the flexibility I've been wanting with 2 modes on 2 channels.

KSR Juno seems like it would fit the bill

KSR stuff was not on my radar, the clips sound excellent!

There are some sweet deals happening now on used Herberts.

Yeah, timing does seem good for the older model!

Being a death metal player myself, I love my FB100 and would buy another one (ideally used, as some great deals pop up on them) quickly if mine was stolen or destroyed.

I hear you...it's one of the few I've let go that I miss in a big way.

 

[Rock Bodom]

As someone who has gigged in the past and in my late 40s, just some side notes separate from finding good tone. I'm sure you remember what a pain in the butt it can be gigging whether it be amp weight, tubes, etc. I was just going to say when you are searching, keep some of the things in mind like how easy it is to swap tubes or change a fuse if one blows. Or reliability/versatility of a certain type, etc.

Yeah, you're absolutely right...one of the reasons I sold off my Orange cabs, man they were heavy

Appreciate the reminder man, I do need to keep all that in mind!

 

[Rock Bodom]

Herbert. Do it.

Those 3 words have been quietly chanting in the back of my brain for the last week or so...

 

[Rock Bodom]

How about the matching head to your cab? Jubilees can get dark and heavy to warm and cutting, and with a boost can be as heavy as you want. Plenty of low end if you need it....I believe Gary Holt is using them now?

Yeah, that's a good call too, I have a soft spot for Jubilees.

For home use, one of the things I actually sometimes use is one of those 1W JCM heads and it has a Jubilee mode I usually keep it on.

 

[Rock Bodom]

if you liked the SE head then an SE preamp with a more neutral and open poweramp will be great, ENGL poweramps are scooped and compressed

I've been leaning towards the simplicity of just grabbing a head, but from time to time I take a look at the ENGL preamps. Kind of wanted to try the E530 on the cheap first, but SE could eventually be an option. Thanks for weighing in on their power amps, that was a question I had as well.

 

[Rock Bodom]

A couple amps come to mind that haven't been mentioned:

PRS Archon - covers a lot of territory, tons of gain on tap, smoother than a 5150. Clean channel is stunning, and the effects loop is excellent.

Mesa TC-100 - again, covering lots of territory with 3 channels plus 2 modes per channel. Power soak options for playing at low volume. Unique Mesa tone and the most gain of any Mesa head (so they say).

Go snag a Mesa Mark IV. They can be had for $800. Can do a TON of tones. Slap a pedal and an EQ into the scenario and you’ve got a killer setup.

More stuff to check out, appreciate the recommendations! Archon was not on my radar, TC-100 I've been a little curious about, would like to try one in person.

Mark IV, yup, yet another "been in the back of my mind" one, never had/played one.

 

[kingpinMS3]

I'm really happy with the high gain tones of my splawn nitro. I haven't used the clean channel on it yet, though.


I also have a fuchs viper en route, i've heard they're pretty fantastic.

 

[Beyond Black]

The KSR Ares is a killer that can be had for around $1400 used and can easily do everything you mentioned. It’s got a unique voicing with a ripping, pissed off midrange. Reminds me of all the good qualities of an Uber, Recto and SLO, with none of the bad.

 

[ClintN667]

I'm really happy with the high gain tones of my splawn nitro. I haven't used the clean channel on it yet, though.


I also have a fuchs viper en route, i've heard they're pretty fantastic.

I sold my Splawn Nitro before getting my KSR Orthos. I love Splawn amps but my KSR is more flexible. The clean channel on my Nitro was pretty good. The only thing I wasnt crazy about was mine had a lot of noise but I had a 2010 I believe. I will probably end up getting a single channel Quick Rod or Nitro before too long which is why I keep going back and forth on selling my Splawn 2x12