Suggestions for a NON BRITISH sounding high gain head?

[jdel77]

One of things I'm thinking of putting some money towards is another high gain amp that is firmly NOT in the Marshall or derivative camp.
I figure as I own a JMP 2203 and a Soldano SLO, I've got the Marshall and modded/high gain Marshall style sounds covered.

Here's specifically what I'm thinking of in terms of specs.

* a great clean channel
* doesn't use EL34's, EL84's or other output tubes typically associated with 'the British sound'
* smooth, high gain liquid leads and crushing rhythms that are quite tight and forward sounding

I have to say, re-purchasing my old Mesa MKIII Blue Stripe Simul/EQ head seems to be the obvious solution. I've spoken to the person I sold it to and they're open to the idea.
I have played a Diezel Herbert which was quite punchy.
Any other options I should consider?


Cheers.

 

[JimmyBlind]

Dmoll?

 

[IndyWS6]

Mesa Dual-Rectifier Roadster 100W head?

 

[jdel77]

Dmoll?

I do like the sound of that. Very different to what I've got - one to check out! Thanks.

 

[jdel77]

Mesa Dual-Rectifier Roadster 100W head?

Here's where I get confused - I've read that the Mesa Dual-Rec's pretty much borrow part for part from the Soldano SLO preamp. I love my SLO, but for real heavy stuff I need to keep the Overdrive preamp gain around 5 or 6 at most so it doesn't get flubby in the bass, then tighten it up with an SD-1 or Tubescreamer.
I know lots of metal guys do the same with the Dual Recs, so I kinda feel I'll be doubling up with a Recto - I'm thinking something tighter and drier.
I've had Mesa Marks and loved them, but there's got to be something else out there in similar territory apart from the Diezels?
Just looking for sonic options for tracking at home, really.

 

[IndyWS6]

Mesa Dual-Rectifier Roadster 100W head?

Here's where I get confused - I've read that the Mesa Dual-Rec's pretty much borrow part for part from the Soldano SLO preamp. I love my SLO, but for real heavy stuff I need to keep the Overdrive preamp gain around 5 or 6 at most so it doesn't get flubby in the bass, then tighten it up with an SD-1 or Tubescreamer.
I know lots of metal guys do the same with the Dual Recs, so I kinda feel I'll be doubling up with a Recto - I'm thinking something tighter and drier.
I've had Mesa Marks and loved them, but there's got to be something else out there in similar territory apart from the Diezels?
Just looking for sonic options for tracking at home, really.

To my ears, "Dual-Recs" and the Roadster are completely different. check out this video - this dude makes it shine. It can get a lot heavier than shown in this video, if needed, as well... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG5FELGLDEI&t=155s

 

[Mailman1971]

PRS Archon
Or the D moll
Or Engl Amps

All very different then the Marshall camp

 

[napalmdeath]

I'd second the Archon, but Mesa would be the obvious choice. Personally, I prefer the Single Rectifier. My favorite of the bunch.

Or, perhaps a Fireball 100. If dry is your pleasure, maybe a Randall Satan. Can be dry if EQ'd right.

 

[JerEvil]

KSR Orthos/Gemini or maybe PRS Archon? I want a Roadster personally.

 

[IndyWS6]

KSR Orthos/Gemini or maybe PRS Archon? I want a Roadster personally.

I have one I'll sell

 

[CrazyNutz]

fryette pittbull ultra lead

 

[Oblivion DC]

fryette pittbull ultra lead

Came in to say this exact same thing.

 

[Jack Luminous]

I have a 2203 and SLO as well. My third high-gain amp is an older two-channel dual recto (rev G). I really feel there's no high-gain ground that I can't cover with these 3 beasts. They complement each other perfectly. I do also have a Fender Vibrolux Reverb for cleaner duties.

So my advice would be :

* doesn't use EL34's, EL84's or other output tubes typically associated with 'the British sound'
* smooth, high gain liquid leads and crushing rhythms that are quite tight and forward sounding"

Older dual recto would fit that definition perfectly.

* a great clean channel

Get an old Fender of some kind. I resisted for years with multi-channel amps and various rack things. From the day I bought that silverface VR for cheap (about $600, great deal) some years ago, I couldn't play any other clean channel. It really is better than any channel switching thing you could buy.


I know it makes two amp instead of one, but it would still be cheaper (and better sounding IMHO) than most other solution.

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

Mesa MKIII & Diezel Herbert... right on the money.

 

[skoora]

You're not going to get a great clean channel from a 2 channel dual rec. If Mesa, Roadster or Roadking. A MKIII is still a compromise in dialing a clean, clean and heavy ass rhythm/lead. SLO and dual rec, similarities aside, sound nothing alike. MK V will give you great cleans and heavy tones. I much prefer mine with 34's though but I wouldn't say it makes CH3 British at all. CH 2 definitely gets more authentically British. The other day after loving my DSL40C with my Junior I plugged into CH 3 on the MK V (IIC) setting and it was just rippin'. Couldn't get the smile off my face and it was definitely not Marshall.

 

[MrFlexx]

The king above all: Diezel Herbert!

 

[dirtyfunkg]

Mesa Tremoverb. BOOM. Nice cleans, great red channel. Good enough for Jeff Buckley, Lindsey Buckingham, Soundgarden, Incubus, etc...

And it do brootz with a boost.

 

[D-Rock]

Mark V or used Mark IV

 

[FourT6and2]

KSR

 

[Redneckstomp]

KSR or Fryette