New High Gain Amp Discussion

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jbru91

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Hey all,

Newbie here. Been a long time observer but after building up my stable of gear I'd like to become more involved in the forum. I'm looking to add another high gain amp (or two) to my collection. I currently have a Mesa Mark 5:35 with the horizontal 2x12 with v30s in it. My other amp is a Two Rock Studio Signature for the cleaner stuff. Budget is fairly wide open based on the amps on the list. I've narrowed it down to about 4/5 amps and could use some insights on anyone's experience on these to provide me with their recommendation for a top 2/3 out of the list. Ideally looking to pick up a couple of these over the course of the year that are different enough to justify having both.

Genres I'm looking to cover are 80's (hard rock & hair metal), thrash, shred, up to as heavy as Death, Lamb of God, Pantera etc.

1) Friedman BE DLX (50 or 100)
2) KSR Ares / Orthos MKII
3) Monomyth Skeleton Key
4) Wizard (MCII or MTL MK2)
5) Soldano / Mezzabarba

Thanks everybody and excited to be a part of the community!

Jesse
 
I don't think I'd pick the Soldano for what you want but any of the rest will work (the Soldano could work too if you tried hard enough). So it's just down to what you're looking for.
 
I play all that kind of stuff and I use my Wizard MTL2 most . It’s definitely my favorite and feel it’s just perfect for all that music you mentioned
 
Thanks for the feedback so far everyone! I'm a fan of the Friedman sound, and I think it would make a good channel switcher covering a lot of ground (from lighter to hard rock), so I think it will remain on my list for now.

That being said, Right now I'm leaning towards one of the other 3 (Monomyth, KSR, Wizard) to supplement that - just to give everyone an idea of where my head is at.

Thanks for all the help!

Jesse
 
I've had a SLO, definitely too soft for the bands you list. Great for big open chord rock, though.

The Wizard will cover a LOT of ground. Here's a quick gain sweep clip of my MTL that's currently FS in the classifieds. Definitely enough different from a Mark to have both on hand.

 
I'm going to say you should check out a Monomyth as well when one pops up. I owned a superlead modded, by Monomyth but sold. Then Shea released the Skeleton Key and their are not a lot of videos out on it, but it's an amazing piece of gear. That thing is a super versatile high gain amp with lots of sound shaping options. I was able to get thunderous low end tones for the sledge stuff, then make it super tight going into Mesa territory. I was even able to get good cleans on it. So yea I'd check his stuff out like someone else here mentioned.
 
frontline205 said:
I'm going to say you should check out a Monomyth as well when one pops up. I owned a superlead modded, by Monomyth but sold. Then Shea released the Skeleton Key and their are not a lot of videos out on it, but it's an amazing piece of gear. That thing is a super versatile high gain amp with lots of sound shaping options. I was able to get thunderous low end tones for the sledge stuff, then make it super tight going into Mesa territory. I was even able to get good cleans on it. So yea I'd check his stuff out like someone else here mentioned.
Click to expand...
I'd agree with this as well. From your list anyway. The Wizard is also a good choice; you won't play many (if any) new production amps that can pummel you and retain this amazing clarity....the Monomyth will have better saturation and 'grease' if you will...you can boost the Wizard to get that same greasy feel/saturation. My old MC100 took boosts well.
 
KSR is a very cool and great for what you’re looking at. I’ve owned a KSR Artemis II for about 6 years and still love it. Great guy to deal with too if you buy new.
 
GJgo said:
I've had a SLO, definitely too soft for the bands you list. Great for big open chord rock, though.

The Wizard will cover a LOT of ground. Here's a quick gain sweep clip of my MTL that's currently FS in the classifieds. Definitely enough different from a Mark to have both on hand.

Click to expand...

Wizard MTL2 is king ? imo
 
I wouldnt discount Splawn Amps out of the list if you want to add other options. The Quickrod might be another good fit.

Good luck
 
jbru91 said:
Hey all,

Newbie here. Been a long time observer but after building up my stable of gear I'd like to become more involved in the forum. I'm looking to add another high gain amp (or two) to my collection. I currently have a Mesa Mark 5:35 with the horizontal 2x12 with v30s in it. My other amp is a Two Rock Studio Signature for the cleaner stuff. Budget is fairly wide open based on the amps on the list. I've narrowed it down to about 4/5 amps and could use some insights on anyone's experience on these to provide me with their recommendation for a top 2/3 out of the list. Ideally looking to pick up a couple of these over the course of the year that are different enough to justify having both.

Genres I'm looking to cover are 80's (hard rock & hair metal), thrash, shred, up to as heavy as Death, Lamb of God, Pantera etc.

1) Friedman BE DLX (50 or 100)
2) KSR Ares / Orthos MKII
3) Monomyth Skeleton Key
4) Wizard (MCII or MTL MK2)
5) Soldano / Mezzabarba

Thanks everybody and excited to be a part of the community!

Jesse
Click to expand...
The KSR or the Monomyth, any of which you choose is a killer. I've heard good things about them.
 
Thanks all!

2-3 of these amps (Friedman, KSR, Monomyth, Wizard) are in my future at some point. I'd be curious to get some insight on what two could be considered the most different from each other based on the list I have.
 
KSR would be the most different. That's American voiced, while the others I believe are all Marshall derived.
 
Candiria said:
KSR would be the most different. That's American voiced, while the others I believe are all Marshall derived.
Click to expand...

Thank you! Yea I guess the other three are all modded marshall variants - appreciate that insight.
 
For me, the MCII is it. I would like to try a Hybrid. But the new MK2 MCII with the voicing switch is probably best if all worlds. I’ve had the 50, 100, and now the 150. I prefer the 150 so far.
 
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