I need help with choosing the right head

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brandonpaul

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Hey everyone, so i have been searching for an amplifier that will give me massive lead tone such as Eddie Van Halens tone on the first VH album, and awesome clean tone like Fender amps. Now, i have played so many amps and tried to find whats best for me, but i cant find an amp or some setup that can give me both the right clean and lead tone. Basically i went and played a soldano SLO the other day and its the best lead tone ive heard so far- however the clean was not to my liking. Its undeiable that Fender makes the best clean basically- so my question is, does anyone have any suggestions about what type of amp i could search for that has remarkable lead and remarkable clean? Soldano leads/rythmns, Fender cleans- my ideal "sound". Maybe i have to A/B? I currently play a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier with a Charvel So Cal guitar. Thanks
 
When you find out let me know! More than likely you might need a dual amp rig.
 
You just described the Krank Nineteen80.
Tony designed the clean channel to be very close to a Fender black face, the lead channel is very Marshall-y without the harsh honking mids that some modded Marshalls seem to have.
If you require super high gain though, you will need a TS or a compressor in front.
IMO it has plenty of gain for anything rock but it is NOT a metal amp.

Easily the best switcher I've ever had, both channels are really good.
 
TX6Strings":3fx81jg3 said:
PT-100
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This^

This is the first amplifier that comes to mind that meets all of your requirements. Definitely check out the Suhr PT-100.

Second amplifier that came to mind was David Bray's EVH/5150 modification for marshalls. I would give David Bray modifications a call and he could make the lead channel exactly like what you describe - his EVH modifications are the best in the business.

That is all i can think of for now.
 
Man up and get a Plexi. Boost of some kind and your volume knob is all you'll ever need. It's more work than a channel switcher, but the tone is to die for.
 
WOW the CAA PT-100 is fucking amazing!!!! Thanks for your help guys!! I love the versatility in that amp. However, is there anywhere i can play this amp before i buy it? I will more than likely buy it anyway but you know its nice to play the damn thing before you buy it lol? Guitar Center, Sam Ash? Any local music shops you guys know of?
 
Jeez, just get a SLO for leads and a Fender Twin for cleans. A/B/Y switch and you're done searching. Otherwise you'll always be looking for "the one".
 
brandonpaul":pewwieir said:
Hey everyone, so i have been searching for an amplifier that will give me massive lead tone such as Eddie Van Halens tone on the first VH album, and awesome clean tone like Fender amps. Now, i have played so many amps and tried to find whats best for me, but i cant find an amp or some setup that can give me both the right clean and lead tone. Basically i went and played a soldano SLO the other day and its the best lead tone ive heard so far- however the clean was not to my liking. Its undeiable that Fender makes the best clean basically- so my question is, does anyone have any suggestions about what type of amp i could search for that has remarkable lead and remarkable clean? Soldano leads/rythmns, Fender cleans- my ideal "sound". Maybe i have to A/B? I currently play a Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier with a Charvel So Cal guitar. Thanks
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Try a Rhodes Colossus.
 
brandonpaul":3qfi2gxg said:
WOW the CAA PT-100 is fucking amazing!!!! Thanks for your help guys!! I love the versatility in that amp. However, is there anywhere i can play this amp before i buy it? I will more than likely buy it anyway but you know its nice to play the damn thing before you buy it lol? Guitar Center, Sam Ash? Any local music shops you guys know of?
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Note likely, but the good news is that they hold their value REALLY well and Suhr knows his stuff - he is also a member here on the forum. If you did not like it you would be able to sell it pretty quick, PT-100's are great amplifiers. Surprised so many people like the 5150 III more - i would choose a PT-100 over a 5150 III 100W anyday :rock:
 
Friedman BE-100 with a dedicated clean channel or the PT-100. Never played either but that sounds like what your looking for. 5150 III would be the cheaper route. My 100 watt Einstein does the trick for me. Great clean channel and an over the top lead ch. Also has 2 master volumes. :thumbsup:
 
Find an old Mesa MKIIC. Leave it stock or send it to Mike B at Mesa for the + upgrade. $400 now. Only a IIC can be converted to a 100% IIC+. You could go MKIII+ and be kinda close. BTW, the IIC+ mode in the MKV does not really do it justice or have the great clean channel. It is the holy grail of Mesa for good reason. Can be a bit hard to find though. Play one with a few different guitars. Amazing piece of history and a great amp. Mine does not go to keg party gigs though.

I picked up a 5153 for 1200$. Pretty good amp for the money. Very usable clean channel. Will get your New country type rock blues from Urban and Paisley with a decent compressor.
 
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