Solid State backup options? (For metal/high gain)

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vultures

vultures

Well-known member
In light of the millionth time a person could ever retube his amp, I'm looking for a low cost solid state option. I really like the idea of using a solid state for practice or a backup, maybe give my tubes a little longer life if I'm not using them every day to play/practice.

Right now I've got my eye on a Peavey XXL and Crate Excaibur on ebay, wondering if anyone can shed some personal experience between these two amps or perhaps suggest another. I'm not looking to spend over $300, and that's even stretching it. I'm not looking for an end all be all, just something decent
 
Marshall Mosfet Lead 100 - solid state version of JCM 800 sound (some will tell you it's harsh, doesn't sound like an 800, but I've owned two JCM 800 2204s and the amp is very similar in sound and is not harsh unless you crank the treble really high). Takes pedals really well and has a nice clean channel too. Can be had for under $200.

Randall RG80 or RG100ES head from 1980s. This amp has been used by George Lynch & Dimebag and can be found for under $300.

Ampeg VH140C - If your lucky this amp would be a steal if found under $300.
 
You know, I broke out my Marshall 40V, Valvestate combo. I have to say it had a really really good clean. I didn't try loading it with pedals, but I did think that would be an interesting experiment.

You could do a lot with the gain side, but only if you dialed back the treble knob AND the tone knob of your axe. It sounded pretty good, but man, it was fizz central. You had to dial soooo much fizz out of it.

I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to load pedals or a muti/modeler unit. The clean was impressive after all these years. Had a spring verb too.
 
i keep reading about the vh140c and how great they are.

yet one of my friends has one and says the volume is crap.

anyone have a volume issue with this head?
although, he was using an effects unit into it, and, my guess is, it wasn't set up optimally.
 
Line 6 POD? You just need to figure out how you're going to hook it up to monitors or a cabinet.
 
Thanks for the suggestions dudes, looks like the common consensus is for a VH140C, I'll try to keep my eyes peeled.



Metlupass2":3tbnqph6 said:
Line 6 POD? You just need to figure out how you're going to hook it up to monitors or a cabinet.
Click to expand...

I've used a ton of Line 6 products 2.0/XT/Pocket/UX2 and something else I'm sure I'm forgetting. I just can't dig them for a real application :aww:
 
yeti":1wk137uw said:
i keep reading about the vh140c and how great they are.

yet one of my friends has one and says the volume is crap.

anyone have a volume issue with this head?
although, he was using an effects unit into it, and, my guess is, it wasn't set up optimally.
Click to expand...

What happens is the jacks in the Effects loop get dirty. The volume will jump up and down when this happens. Common problem. A good cleaning, and they are good as new. You can also just keep a patch cable in the loop, or an effects unit. They have no problem with being loud for sure. 70 watts per side in stereo, and I mean LOUD watts. Crushing.
 
oldmanmetal":1vuxk8f7 said:
yeti":1vuxk8f7 said:
i keep reading about the vh140c and how great they are.

yet one of my friends has one and says the volume is crap.

anyone have a volume issue with this head?
although, he was using an effects unit into it, and, my guess is, it wasn't set up optimally.
Click to expand...

What happens is the jacks in the Effects loop get dirty. The volume will jump up and down when this happens. Common problem. A good cleaning, and they are good as new. You can also just keep a patch cable in the loop, or an effects unit. They have no problem with being loud for sure. 70 watts per side in stereo, and I mean LOUD watts. Crushing.
Click to expand...
This... They don't run out of headroom but you'll stop before halfway up. Trust me.
 
headlessdeadguy":23j1h2v9 said:
oldmanmetal":23j1h2v9 said:
yeti":23j1h2v9 said:
i keep reading about the vh140c and how great they are.

yet one of my friends has one and says the volume is crap.

anyone have a volume issue with this head?
although, he was using an effects unit into it, and, my guess is, it wasn't set up optimally.
Click to expand...

What happens is the jacks in the Effects loop get dirty. The volume will jump up and down when this happens. Common problem. A good cleaning, and they are good as new. You can also just keep a patch cable in the loop, or an effects unit. They have no problem with being loud for sure. 70 watts per side in stereo, and I mean LOUD watts. Crushing.
Click to expand...
This... They don't run out of headroom but you'll stop before halfway up. Trust me.
Click to expand...

Yup, they drowned out my bandmates Marshalls, Mesa, and various booteekolicious amps. I have a serious collection of nice amps, and this is the one that gets the call when it is time to bring the brutality.
 
I'd love to try a VH140C.



But I do own a Vypyr 60 Tube amp and I really like it. Clean - Blues - Metal. All of it.
 
There's a VH140C on the 'bay, I'm watching it right now. Hopefully it doesn't go too high because I'm gonna steal it :D
 
The XXL is actually a pretty badass amp. You can find them for $300 used pretty easily. I'd go with that if I were on your budget.
 
I use a pod x3live as a backup.

The Marshall Valvestate 8100 (chuck Schuldiner's sound) or Ampeg 140c.
 
iplayloudly":bzbfl75q said:
The XXL is actually a pretty badass amp. You can find them for $300 used pretty easily. I'd go with that if I were on your budget.
Click to expand...

There's a couple on Guitar Center used for $199.99, hoping maybe I can find some coupons. Does anyone know if the 5150 footswitch is compatible?
 
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