Narrowing down my amp search... a month to find it. Read!

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suhrimmetal

suhrimmetal

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So really need to find an amp that inspires and suffices my gigging needs... I don't record. My band is changing directions a bit and will cover everything from Country to 80's Rock to Modern Rock... and a little blues rock as well... no Nu Metal, 7 string stuff. So a 'decent' clean would be nice.. but more importantly, a nice 2 channel+ amp with preferably a master 2 or solo boost for my leads...and a good fx loop...but tone is of course the end all! Im a lead guy at heart so I really dig that warm, sustaining, bloomy leads... but amp still has to hold together and be articulate for gained rhythm playing as well. Ive owned SO many boutique amps in the past years... some great, some good...some meh.. and have maxxed out many credit cards chasing and trying(those days are gone) Im hoping in a month to have enough funds for 1 good amp and then close up shop for a bit and just get back to playing, etc... we've all been there..lol. Here are my facts with influences, what Im looking at, etc.... Im in no hurry to snag the right amp... but it will happen at some point.

My absolute dollar cap is $2000... and that's pushing it. Some of the amps I will list I haven't seen for under that but still listing them cuz you never know when a deal may strike and I don't want to leave them out. Like stated above, my band covers alot of genres but I personally am inspired by Holmes, Aldrich, Derrico, Sfogli, Norum, Schenker, Timmons, Bonamassa, etc, etc. Im not a Diezel fan(had many).. nor most Mesa's. Here's what Im possibly considering if I can find the right one. Im all ears and eyes to those who may have feedback, opinions. Thanks... no particular order

- Friedman Smallbox
- Bogner 20th Shiva KT88
- Landry LS100 G3
- Henning
- Cameron Mod
- Suhr SE PT100
- JVM410JS

Before someone mentions a Splawn.... they are decent amps... Ive just never gotten 'it' from them.

Cheers friends :rock:
 
Best of luck on the search. You already know my recommendation =)
 
barnesjd":29xuju65 said:
What about a SLO 100 or an Ecstacy?
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Need a good loop so SLO is out... plus I will play/practice at home and the SLO need a little more air to breathe. XTC is nice but Shiva is a bit more open and probably the only bogner I will consider....maybe the helios... tho I haven't researched that 1 much. Thanks tho!
 
geese_com":2akzrzs3 said:
Best of luck on the search. You already know my recommendation =)
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Yes I do Gian :) ..thanks. You're a good dude. Cheers
 
Yo man....I played the Smallbox for a while last weekend....I wasn't a huge fan, but I wasn't using my guitars, nor did I boost it. I came home and fired up the Smallbox in the Axe and fell in love with it boosted. I think it'd work great and the tones are there. Straight out of the box though, the Pink Taco was awesome. I don't know if it'd be loud enough for you, but that thing got some great rhythm tones.

Also, the Henning is a fantastic amp....hit Steve up, he won't steer you wrong just to sell an amp. I've heard that thing at whisper volumes and it sounds good, and sounds awesome louder.

The JVM is a badass amp, especially with the changes the FS will do as far as on the fly tones and changes, but I don't think it's gonna float your boat after all the boutique stuff you've had....if you can play one for a bit with your main axe, it might surprise you though.

Just some thoughts. Good luck.
 
Steinmetzify":1ogsui51 said:
Yo man....I played the Smallbox for a while last weekend....I wasn't a huge fan, but I wasn't using my guitars, nor did I boost it. I came home and fired up the Smallbox in the Axe and fell in love with it boosted. I think it'd work great and the tones are there. Straight out of the box though, the Pink Taco was awesome. I don't know if it'd be loud enough for you, but that thing got some great rhythm tones.

Also, the Henning is a fantastic amp....hit Steve up, he won't steer you wrong just to sell an amp. I've heard that thing at whisper volumes and it sounds good, and sounds awesome louder.

The JVM is a badass amp, especially with the changes the FS will do as far as on the fly tones and changes, but I don't think it's gonna float your boat after all the boutique stuff you've had....if you can play one for a bit with your main axe, it might surprise you though.

Just some thoughts. Good luck.
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Thanks bro... appreciate the input !
 
The loop on the Shiva will suck your tone down....just sayin.
 
LP Freak":tc4rk8db said:
The loop on the Shiva will suck your tone down....just sayin.
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I Agree, but I had an older Shiva that you needed the special cables for the effects loop. Great amp though!!!
 
I am sure you cannot go wrong with the Henning amps. That would be my choice out of the amps you have listed.
 
nnajar":7fj8d1cm said:
you should also consider a PWE event horizon for your list.
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Yep... that one did cross my mind as well. Not ruling it out. Lots of love for the Landry and Shiva thus far.
 
metalmaniac93":giejcl5r said:
I am sure you cannot go wrong with the Henning amps. That would be my choice out of the amps you have listed.
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Yeah... the CherryBomb is intriguing. :rock:
 
I remember a long while ago Cory you posted a similar thread and found an amp. Maybe the Gower? BTW where has Dan been?It seemed you were content for a long time.
What amps have you had recently for reference?
 
glip22":25bndwxa said:
I remember a long while ago you posted a similar thread and found an amp. It seemed you were content for a long time.
What amps have you had recently for reference?
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Hey Gary... Yeah, that was a bit ago when I was chasing.. Found my home in the Killer Kali++ and then stupidly traded it to chase again...lol. I liked the 79 Friedman JMP I had tho limited on functions..71 friedman super trem not so much. Cornford MK50II was nice as well...remember liking the caa pt100 and 20th bogner but that was long time ago. Many other amps had a temporary home in my stable.

Ps...i still talk with Dan a bit....hes still modding and doing great work....new band project. Hes good.

Now if the guy that has my kali would sell it back to me for my budget, this thread would be over..lol. but hes not letting go...ive tried :D
 
Get an Engl Steve Morse if you can find one. Marshall flavor, ton of tone, Midi, 2 fantastic loops, sounds great at tv volumes, 2 masters etc. etc etc. Ive owned over 20 amps and will never get rid of this one, its that good. YMMV.
 
I have this same question. I play a Splawn and love it, but I still look for a different solo sound. From what I've been trying and liking (since I'm trying to cover the same sounds as you) has been the PT100. It seems the most versatile but I've only been able to spend a small amount of time with an older model. I would like to try the newer model before I lay out the cash. You know how hard that can be in Wisconsin.
 
I can honestly say my Steavens Poundcake is beyond incredible for what you are looking for its a no brainer for my asking price! :thumbsup:
 
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