Suggestions for a NON BRITISH sounding high gain head?

[Ventura]

Diezel Hagen or Herbert for the sparkly clean, otherwise the VH4 for thunder.
Fryette/VHT
Mesa's - there's a mess of 'em

Basically, anything that's got more prevalence in the low and high ranges, as opposed to a juicier midrange.
As well, 6L6 style amps over EL34

But man, you'd be surprised what something like the MXR 108S GEQ can do to *any* amp... Just sayin'.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

KSR
Fryette
Engl

 

[Markedman]

MESA/Boogie's JP2C rips!!! Great clean and TWO super high gain channels with no need for a noise gate. Two graphic EQ's, 3 independent channels. Seriously, if you haven't played one of these you don't know what you're missing. A Mark IV is not a high gain amp when put against a JP2C or C+. (I own all 3)

 

[gtr31]

I think any thread that is No UK styled high gain there is a short list

Fryette
KSR
Recto
Deizel
Archon

My choice would be KSR ..the Service , product and builds are amazing in addition to the tones

 

[PRS]

Archon or 5153

 

[skoora]

Fender Bandmaster and a ProCo Rat....

....

 

[GOHOINC]

6L6 based Bogner? Or is the dirt still too Marshally? The 6L6 Shiva I had did not sound Marshally to me but I suppose that is subjective...

 

[rstites]

When reading the first half of the OP I was thinking MkIII before he even mentioned it, so that's definitely a good way to go. After the second post, I got thinking about the VHT UL I played years ago (Fryette now, I guess) for a great multichannel, tight, dry, no boost needed, high gain head.

OP: try boosting the crunch channel of the SLO for a tighter low end rhythm tone. That's what I do. I save the OD channel strictly for leads. The amp is EQ'd around that setup IMO so that looseness on bass isn't an issue on solos. (FWIW, I do this with the MkIII too.)

 

[Mudder]

Mark V or used Mark IV

This, especially since you mention nice cleans. Otherwise I'd add an original 5150 to the list.

 

[the rossness]

My first thought would be a Fryette Sig:X. It can be tailored to your tastes modern and vintage and has a great clean channel.

Another choice might be a laney Ironheart. I loved the clean channel on mine. Dry feeling amp too. Killswitch Engage were using them for a while too.

ENGL is another consideration. I'd check out an Invader.

 

[Candiria]

Mesa JP2C
Diesel Herbert
KSR

 

[stephen sawall]

Most of the amps recommend in this thread are based off Marshall. Only one that isn't is the Mesa Marks.

 

[IndyWS6]

Most of the amps recommend in this thread are based off Marshall. Only one that isn't is the Mesa Marks.

Mesa Roadster...

 

[stephen sawall]

Most of the amps recommend in this thread are based off Marshall. Only one that isn't is the Mesa Marks.

Mesa Roadster...

The Roadster is a Rectifier and is based off the Marshall. All Rectifiers are Marshall based.

 

[IndyWS6]

Most of the amps recommend in this thread are based off Marshall. Only one that isn't is the Mesa Marks.

Mesa Roadster...

The Roadster is a Rectifier and is based off the Marshall. All Rectifiers are Marshall based.

For purposes of the OP, it doesn't sound anything like a Marshall...

 

[Racerxrated]

Most of the amps recommend in this thread are based off Marshall. Only one that isn't is the Mesa Marks.

Mesa Roadster...

The Roadster is a Rectifier and is based off the Marshall. All Rectifiers are Marshall based.

For purposes of the OP, it doesn't sound anything like a Marshall...

The Recto was based off the SLO, which was based off of a Marshall...but doesn't sound much like one.

I had a Rev G with a small logo here about 3 months ago, and it actually was Marshall-like, believe it or not. I couldn't really dial it to be very scooped at all. Nice amp.
If only any of my pedals could have helped that low end.....

 

[stephen sawall]

Has anyone made a amp other than Mesa Marks that is not based off Marshall ???

I can't think of any.

 

[CrazyNutz]

The Recto was based off the SLO, which was based off of a Marshall...but doesn't sound much like one.

Mike claims the SLO was born out of hot rodding Marshalls. But in reality the SLO and Marshalls have VERY little in common. Hence the reason the SLO really doesn't sound like a Marshall. You'll find some old Marshall/Fender DNA in the tone stack (slope is very different), and PI but that's about it.

 

[D-Rock]

It's important to not confuse being "inspired" by something and being "based" off something because those are two entirely different things.

 

[nevusofota]

I also own a 2204 and a SLO; as well as a few other Marshall’s and an EVH. My “other” amp, that actually is now my weekly gigging amp is the Bogner 20th Shiva with KT88’s. I feel it’s got the niche you’re looking for with the benefit of great cleans.