Metal-brutal, tube and non-tube amps, what's out there?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mokaccino
  • Start date Start date
Mokaccino

Mokaccino

New member
I'm in 2 bands; one is more classic rock, the other is more metal oriented. My main rig is fine (Fender Hot Rod + stomp boxes) for the classic band but does not make it for the metal band. I tried several stomp boxes supposed to "bring the brootz" but each time it was "meh"... On my board you can find an OCD (v4), Hotcake and Rothwell Switchblade for dirt boxes. My metal band finds none of these "aggressive" enough. I don't have a huge budget to buy another rig. The other guitarist plays a 6505/4x12 and - of course - he has more thump and aggression. We play Metallica, Airbourne, Wolfmother, Velvet Revolver, some Godsmack, some Guns'n'Roses and stuff like that.

I don't know if I should look for another stomp box or buy another amp to get to that "brootz" level.

What are my options, tube or non-tube? I know Line6 is going to pop but I'm sure there is more...

Thx
 
First and foremost I would get a closed back 2x12 or 4x12 cab (whichever you don't mind lugging around) because that is one of the largest variables in the heavy metal sound. Does your Hot Rod have a plug for an extension cabinet? If it does you could try running a distortion pedal through your Hot Rod and into the extension cab. If that doesn't work you can grab a metal head. You could skip the intermediate step and just go straight for the head and cab, not really sure how cheaply or simply you were looking to do this though.
 
JakeAC5253":wfa0sile said:
First and foremost I would get a closed back 2x12 or 4x12 cab (whichever you don't mind lugging around) because that is one of the largest variables in the heavy metal sound. Does your Hot Rod have a plug for an extension cabinet? If it does you could try running a distortion pedal through your Hot Rod and into the extension cab. If that doesn't work you can grab a metal head. You could skip the intermediate step and just go straight for the head and cab, not really sure how cheaply or simply you were looking to do this though.
Click to expand...


Thought about that too. I used to have 2 4x12 cabs - years ago - and I got fed up carrying all that shit - I was gigging a lot at that time - and my musical orientation changed a bit since then, so a small pedal board with Fender 1x12 was a "logic" choice. I will have to try that with my amp, yes it does have a plug for an extension cab (8 ohms I think).

Thx for the reply.
 
Sounds like you need something Marshall-esque to cover most of those tones up there. Maybe look at the Dave Friedmen modded Jet City JC20H heads, and and 2x12 cab. Look at Avatar and White Box cabs. Good stuff for a great price.
 
People are going to slap me for this. If you are really on a nickle and dime budget, Line 6 can do brootalz for CHEAP. It's far from the greatest, but I've used some of the Spider line to "get by" in a pinch. I've even played it live (we toured with trust company and I had a rig that was down ) and it got me through and while musicians had things to say, the crowd didn't know the damn difference.
 
Blackstar ht series dist x can be brutal om a budget and sounds pretty damn tube like. Aside from that sealed cabinet is key. Cut a piece of wood and duct tape that f'r shut! Lol

Don't forget the dime amp if solid state is your thing, $300 for dime bag approved thrashing.

Also how about the blackstar ht5 fivefold watt head. Run the preamp out into the loop in on the fender.
 
Vox AC50CPH

Lee Jackson XLS

Line 6 Spider Valve.
 
The Dime amp is GREAT, for $349 you can beat them, cabs are the same price.... or the new 2x12 combo for $499, all those prices are new.

Then you could look into the Randall RG100ES, Peavey XXX, Marshall DSL, etc.....
 
Peavey triple XXX is worth looking at. They are pretty cheap, and can bring the metal. :thumbsup: You can get them used for around $500.
 
I think the cab should be your first priority. Doesn't matter how 'brootz' the head is, if the cab is open back it's not going to give you a satisfactory final result.

I think you could could get some satisfactory results out of your Fender and a distortion pedal if you get the cab sorted out... and if the metal band evolves into a main effort keep your eyes open for a used 5150.
 
Lots of great ideas, thx a lot.

I was eyeing one of those 5150 but damn, at 1k for the 2x12 combo, it's too much for me.
 
I just bought a Peavey 6534+ head and it's a great sounding head. Channel 1 in crunch mode can do ACDC to Lynch and Channel 2 is Metal alright :rock:
 
VoodooChild24":3ae2swu3 said:
Mesa Mark IV can do the job.
Click to expand...
This was my first thought but for cheap I think the dime or 5150 are good. Or a Peavey Triumph. :yes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top