Shopping for a new amp - Need suggestions

[Econ]

I have a Friedman BE 100 and a Fractal AX8. Currently shopping for a new tube amp. Looking for something that will give me different tones from what I get out of the Friedman. I don't play out anymore, so whatever I get must sound good at low volume levels. I play 80's rock, metal and some fusion, so I need the amp to have at least 2 channels (clean, distortion). I thought about the following amps, but don't know what would be appropriate based on what I'm looking for.

Bogner - Ecstasy or Shiva (Probably the Anniversary model if I go for any of these)
Diezel - maybe a VH2 (when it comes out), or a Paul (don't now of the BE 100 will give me similar tones)
EVH 50w - the volume drop when channel switching would be a concern

Anyway, any recommendations would be much appreciated.

 

[harsh59]

Landry LS100/50 G3

 

[LunatiBSW]

Diezel will be the most different of your amps listed. All the others are Marshall darivatives.
The vh2 I think will be awesome and I'm waiting on one as well. The Paul will be very different from your be. Still has the Diezel characteristics, and reverb onboard also if that's something you like. The diezels fx loop is also one of the best. Just depends if you want a Marshall type tone or something modern and unique, Ala the diezels

 

[Econ]

I'm not a fan of modern type tones, but the Diezel options are certainly intriguing.

 

[jape23]

I'm not a fan of modern type tones, but the Diezel options are certainly intriguing.

I'm all about classic tones. Not really a fan of modern metal stuff at all, and I love the Diezel Paul. There are plenty of classic tones in that amp --- both clean and dirty. Worth checking out for sure if you happen to have a dealer anywhere close by.

The Bogners you're considering are great amps too, but for overdriven tones, channel 2 of the Paul will be more bright, cutting and Marshall-like than the Bogners.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Diezel VH2.

The VH4... and by proxy, I assume the VH2, is not as modern sounding as many will have you believe, depending on how you dial it in. Remember guys like Warren DeMartini RATT and Dave Meniketti Y/T use the VH4... and they play far from modern metal. Channel 3 is amazing... modded Marshall to modern, just by twisting a few knobs. The Paul or XTC would be the runners up IMHO. Both also strong amps in their own right.

 

[rokket2005]

I'd go for an AC30 variant of some sort if you want classic tones and cover heavy stuff with the Friedman.

 

[8len8]

Have you considered Soldano?

 

[Econ]

For some reason, I'm not a hige fan of Soldano amps. Even considered a Mesa Boogie JP2C.

 

[s_swanson]

I've been in sort of a similar situation with my amps, and I've been seriously looking into VHT/Fryette amps. Unfortunately, I can't give a whole lot of input since I've never owned one, but that might be another cool option to consider.

 

[Mattfig]

Kemper.

 

[Kelly]

Fryette Pittbull

 

[Econ]

Will probably go with a Diezel VH2 or Paul. Need to do some research now.

 

[Deanmachine]

Blades firebolt for the thread drama..

 

[Docster]

Get a Herbert - can get all the tones you want and is super flexible. Can also provide one of the best master volumes for home use.

 

[Econ]

Is the Herbert better than the VH4 and the Paul? Is a bit difficult to understand the difference between all the Diezel models.

 

[SpiderWars]

For some reason, I'm not a hige fan of Soldano amps. Even considered a Mesa Boogie JP2C.

My first thought when I read the op was a Mark 2c+ or JP2C. But those Diezels look sweet too.

 

[LunatiBSW]

Is the Herbert better than the VH4 and the Paul? Is a bit difficult to understand the difference between all the Diezel models.

Herbert is not better or worse than vh4, compare the features to what you would need. For me, Herbert is best, but I still want a vh2. Because they are different beasts. Herbert will remain my king of metal though! You sound like the vh2 may be more up your alley though. It may be the most familiar to you out of the Diezel lineup

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Is the Herbert better than the VH4 and the Paul? Is a bit difficult to understand the difference between all the Diezel models.

Better for metal. Definitely. The Herbert gets way heavier and more chugga-riffic low end. More versatile, the VH4. Both are killer with some overlap. You really need to play both side by side to make a definitive decision. I think if you are buying blind, the VH4 will suit you better. I've got both and really love both for different reasons.

 

[stratjacket]

Give KSR a look. The whole range from Ares up to Artemis/Colossus is amazing. I use it with a Suhr Reactive load into a FRFR speaker and perfect for my apartment. I also have a Herbert in my apartment and both are awesome, but I find myself playing the Artemis the most.