Looking to buy my "dream" head!

[FourT6and2]

I am biased, because Mike Fortin is the greatest high-gain mind I think and have for years (but I also work for Fortin), but KSR amps are fucking awesome, and I just got the M-Zero OD, and it is pretty brutal.

Looks a lot like an SLO copy.

It REALLY has an SLO flavor. So that makes a lot of sense.

Yeah, it's an SLO Clone with the addition of a variable NFB control. Maybe a few other voicing changes, but nothing major.

 

[thegame]

The MCII I have takes OD pedals like a fuckin champ, and can get uber saturated to get you into that more polished sound, but it's still way more raw/organic sounding than most amps out there.

Uber saturated by itself or with an OD pedal ? I've owned 4 Wizards, the newest one being from 2001 so none were up to current specs but also none had particularly saturated gain structures. Unless newer ones are way different, uber saturated gain is not really a Wizard trait in my experience.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

The MCII I have takes OD pedals like a fuckin champ, and can get uber saturated to get you into that more polished sound, but it's still way more raw/organic sounding than most amps out there.

Uber saturated by itself or with an OD pedal ? I've owned 4 Wizards, the newest one being from 2001 so none were up to current specs but also none had particularly saturated gain structures. Unless newer ones are way different, uber saturated gain is not really a Wizard trait in my experience.

I didn't say by itself, I said with an OD type pedal it definitely saturates up nicely. And like I said, it's still way more raw/organic sounding than most amps out there, even when you do saturate it with a boost.

 

[nevusofota]

To the OP, we have all been on this quest. Things to know:

- there is no “perfect amp”, only the ideology that one exists.
- there is no amp that does everything perfectly. Besides, “perfect” is different for everyone.
- the only way is to make a list and set out to play them.....or let the flipping adventure begin.

 

[jco5055]

Hey guys, thanks for all the suggestions so far!

So far I feel, after doing quite a bit of research, listening to clips etc, that it's going to come down to a KSR model or a Wizard model. That's not set in stone, but that's what my research has narrowed it down to.

I want to try out both before I make my decision obviously, but especially the Wizard because 1) it seems like KSR models are generally agreed to have more of the "Mesa" sound I prefer over Marshall, but 2) everyone that's tried one seems to think it's the best amp by far and no other amps compare.

If only a used one appeared on Reverb or the classifieds, it's my understanding that if for some reason I hated the "raw/organic" sound I could pretty much sell it immediately for no loss right?

 

[japetus]

If you want all of those sounds why not just buy an Axe Fx?

 

[jco5055]

If you want all of those sounds why not just buy an Axe Fx?

I've thought about it, but I don't know call me old fashioned but there's just something I like more with analog, not to mention I feel like literally having every amp/sound available would be too much for me, it's kind of like how setting boundaries can help you creatively a la "I'm going to write a song that changes time every section", like I feel like having everything I'd be forever tweaking and never have my own "signature".

 

[japetus]

If you want all of those sounds why not just buy an Axe Fx?

I've thought about it, but I don't know call me old fashioned but there's just something I like more with analog, not to mention I feel like literally having every amp/sound available would be too much for me, it's kind of like how setting boundaries can help you creatively a la "I'm going to write a song that changes time every section", like I feel like having everything I'd be forever tweaking and never have my own "signature".

Well from what you have commented on, if you REALLY want "metal to jazz" you are never going to be happy with some new head. You will tone chase forever and just keep buying forever, which is a pit people unfortunately fall into. I do use 1 or 2 tones, so an old Bassman/6L6 head is fine for me personally, but if I were you, I would rather just buy a used Axe FX, find the tones you really want...and then narrow it down.

 

[jco5055]

If you want all of those sounds why not just buy an Axe Fx?

I've thought about it, but I don't know call me old fashioned but there's just something I like more with analog, not to mention I feel like literally having every amp/sound available would be too much for me, it's kind of like how setting boundaries can help you creatively a la "I'm going to write a song that changes time every section", like I feel like having everything I'd be forever tweaking and never have my own "signature".

Well from what you have commented on, if you REALLY want "metal to jazz" you are never going to be happy with some new head. You will tone chase forever and just keep buying forever, which is a pit people unfortunately fall into. I do use 1 or 2 tones, so an old Bassman/6L6 head is fine for me personally, but if I were you, I would rather just buy a used Axe FX, find the tones you really want...and then narrow it down.

Definitely something to keep in mind! But also I'll admit it doesn't have to be perfect for each style, like I almost like the idea of like my version of jazzy stuff that would still have rock bite etc.

 

[FourT6and2]

...

Whoops, that was meant for PM.

 

[dirtyfunkg]

I'm in Chicago if you want to try a D-Moll, Fryette CLX or Fryette Sig:X. I have a room at Music Garage.

Based on your desire for a pre-produced sound, Diezels do that. Great clean and heavy sounds. I haven't been impressed with it's mid gain and vintage (Van Halen esque) high gain tones, but otherwise it's a wonderful amp.

You may want to find a Dual Rectifier Multi-Watt to demo.
It may be just the ticket for you. Those amps rock. Put an overdrive up front to tighten it up for the brootz and you have a great rig.

 

[jco5055]

Thanks for the offer! I also realized that the Chicago guitar center has a Friedman be-100, I assume that should be good enough for me to tell if I like more wizard like tones? It’s my understanding that Friedman has that more “open” Marshall sound that wizard also has.

 

[GCKelloch]

Thanks for the offer! I also realized that the Chicago guitar center has a Friedman be-100, I assume that should be good enough for me to tell if I like more wizard like tones? It’s my understanding that Friedman has that more “open” Marshall sound that wizard also has.

AFAIK, the BE-100 is Dave Freidman's take on the early EVH sound. The BE stands for "Brown Eye" -- a campy innuendo pertaining to the "brown out" sound EVH got running his old Marshall SLP at lowered supply voltage. It's a more saggy and softer sound with some wildness to it you won't get from a more modern design like a JCM800. I personally love the whole idea, but it doesn't sound like what you after after.

This may be sacrilege, but have you considered the Axe FX III? Something about the new version sounds incredibly amp-like. There are some new parameters that cover virtually any aspect of the signal path, but I think it might be how the higher bit resolution signal path eliminates any audible aliasing or low end anomalies. Just run it into any good FRFR class D powered speaker cab. The tube/OT/speaker interaction and even speaker compression and distortion are all covered in the algorithms, but you might get lost in option paralysis if you're not careful. This brilliant and talented fellow has some great tips on that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoAeGty4Xg8

 

[gtr31]

If we are talking modelling as a suggestion
You could always try a Synergy 50 watt dual head
Basically you can pick the sounds you want
I houses 2modules so like 4 sounds
They have SLO Freidman Dzl modules
With more on the way
It’s like a modelling amp but they use tubes and preamps built and designed by the actual designer of that amp

For that produced tone KSR or DZL are going to be better than a Marshall variant
Also Engl And the PRS Archon although it only does 2 things
Clean and modern it does them very well

 

[FourT6and2]

In the end I think KSR or Diezel are the way to go. KSR is like everything good about the Rectifier, SLO, 5150, and those types of circuits rolled into one, with none of the bad things.

Diezel is great too, but the feel and compression are very unique. So you need to play them to understand.

 

[jco5055]

Thanks for the offer! I also realized that the Chicago guitar center has a Friedman be-100, I assume that should be good enough for me to tell if I like more wizard like tones? It’s my understanding that Friedman has that more “open” Marshall sound that wizard also has.

AFAIK, the BE-100 is Dave Freidman's take on the early EVH sound. The BE stands for "Brown Eye" -- a campy innuendo pertaining to the "brown out" sound EVH got running his old Marshall SLP at lowered supply voltage. It's a more saggy and softer sound with some wildness to it you won't get from a more modern design like a JCM800. I personally love the whole idea, but it doesn't sound like what you after after.

Ahh thanks! I guess it’s the butterslax and JJ that are more like the wizard? And I was wondering if brown eye meant well y’know haha

 

[jco5055]

Also guys, are any of these amps similar to a Wizard, where I could at least definitively say "I don't like the Marshall-esque" tone, regardless if I can actually try one? These are what are available at my local stores:

Carol-Ann SD-60
Dr Z Z-LUX, Therapy,
Friedman Buxom Betty, JJ-100, Small Box, PhilX sig, Runt, Dirty Shirley
Marshall 1971 JMP 50
Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII
Magnatone Lyric 12 Cathedral
Suhr SL-68, Hedgehog, SL-67, 22-44W, Badger 30
Swart ST-45
Victoria Sovereign
PRS Archon
EVH 5150III
Morgan MVP23

Thanks!

 

[gtr31]

Also guys, are any of these amps similar to a Wizard, where I could at least definitively say "I don't like the Marshall-esque" tone, regardless if I can actually try one? These are what are available at my local stores:

Carol-Ann SD-60
Dr Z Z-LUX, Therapy,
Friedman Buxom Betty, JJ-100, Small Box, PhilX sig, Runt, Dirty Shirley
Marshall 1971 JMP 50
Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII
Magnatone Lyric 12 Cathedral
Suhr SL-68, Hedgehog, SL-67, 22-44W, Badger 30
Swart ST-45
Victoria Sovereign
PRS Archon
EVH 5150III


Morgan MVP23

Thanks!

None of those are really close to Wizard IMO
Maybe if you can find a Suhr Se100
A Fargen Olde 800 A Victory Kraken You need to find
A hot Rodded British modern plexi 800 basically

Edit. If you can find the new Fortin Hiwatt Maxwatt
That would be closer to a wizard

 

[sjk]

This thread is sort of funny? Going from a Marshall Valvestate (op's current amp) straight to a $4000 amp lol. People got tons of suggestions for ya I guess. Hell you can get Killer 100 watt tube amps for MUCH less dough that are world class amps.

 

[Steinmetzify]

Hit up SuckerFreeGear on eBay and ask if he has any modded Cameron’s for sale. Massive punch and gain for days. You won’t be disappointed and it’ll be below your cost.

EDIT: fuck is up with YT vids on RT? This is gay...