Trading a Landry LS100G3 for a Soldano HR100 Plus: Opinions?

[gman1951]

Long time member, first time poster.

So I have an opportunity to trade a newly updated Landry LS100G3 for a Soldano HR100 Plus and wanted to get some opinions from some Rig Talk Folk. The Landry is an older version that I bought a couple of months ago and immediately ushered it off to Bill for the latest updates/upgrades and, of course, it sounds incredible. I also have a BE-50 Deluxe so much of the modded-Marshall territory is already covered. I've also had many of the Soldano offerings (SLO100/30 HR25) but have never had an HR100+ and, AFAIC, they were some of the best sounding amps I've ever played. The only reason I flipped them is the lack of a good clean channel (I need for my band). Now, I know that the HR100+ doesn't have a great clean channel either, but, I'm thinking about adding a Synergy Syn-1 with my T/DLX module to the mix to give it the clean channel I need. The most appealing aspect is the different voice it would offer, but I understand the HR series is based more on a Marshall platform than an SLO.

So, my question is one of value. I have about $1900 into the Landry and would like to get at least that much from the HR100+ if I were to flip it in a fit of GAS frenzy. Are they roughly the same value on the used market? Any input would be helpful and appreciated.

BTW, this is one of the more recent versions with the Depth pot and it also has the Haynes mod.

 

[harddriver]

If you need a great clean channel the G3 Landry has one of the best cleans out there, the gain channel is alot more of an open sounding less compressed Marshall than what I hear with the BE50 or BE100. That being said the BE50 deluxe is alot less compressed than the standard BE100.

I loved all the clips of the HR25 and SLO30 so I understand your affinity to the Soldano tone, I'm not 100% sure the HR100 lives up to the SLO though.

I think the Soldano gain structure can get grating to the ear after a while, the Landry seems to to do a really great lower gain plexi Marshall and higher gain Marshall plus the great clean channel. If I were you I would play them side by side before making the trade, but if you feel the BE50 covers all that and you love the Soldano tone and know what to expect then it's really up to you if you love Soldano tone.

I played an HR100 years ago and it seemed harsh but I didn't spend much quality time with it, I'm sure someone here has played an HR100 plus to give you a better opinion.

 

[SoooRad]

I think you are more likely to get your money back out of a Soldano than you are a Landry.

 

[gman1951]

I'll get a chance to try them out side by side tomorrow.

I do agree that, if I do sell, the Soldano would be an easier sale than the Landry simply because of the name.

 

[DanTravis62]

Definitely play them side by side.

As mentioned, it will be easier to sell the Soldano, but on the flip side it will be a lot harder to find another Landry if you miss it.

 

[gman1951]

Yeah, I keep going through this with Bill's amps. This is my 4th visit to the realm of Landry. Someday, I'll come and stay rather than come and go. They are such great amps!

 

[Racerxrated]

I've had an HR 100+, and 3 SLOs. The HR is like a SLO clone...decent amp, nice but is really nowhere near the 3D/Harmonics/push of the SLO. To me they are pretty far apart tone wise. Again, it is a nice amp but there's a big jump between it and an SLO. Don't buy one thinking you will get SLO tone at a discount, you'll be disappointed. But, with a boost it's a nice sounding amp for sure. Different camp than the Landry of course, and I do think with what pre BAD Soldanos are going for these days you won't have any problem getting 2K for it if you sell.

 

[gman1951]

I'm not really expecting it to sound like an SLO, I'm more looking for an amp with a different flavor from what I currently have (BE-50 DLX, JP2C, PT-15, and a bunch of Synergy stuff). I'll know more after trying it out. Thanks to all for your input.

 

[Samhain]

Keep the Landry.

 

[harddriver]

Well, how did the Soldano compare to your Landry?

 

[RockyStar]

Landry all day on this deal. If it isn't the SLO don't bother. YMMV

 

[JF Scarfi]

Second on keeping the Landry.

 

[timmat]

I also own an LS100G3. I’m curious how it compares to your BE 50 Dlx? Similar feature set.

 

[blackba]

When does the Soldano HR100+ come in to compare to the Landry?

 

[panhead]

Keep the landry. Had a HR 50 plus and honestly I think a 5150 sounds better.

 

[gman1951]

So, I got the HR100 yesterday and, I have to say, I really like it very much. It's not an SLO, it's not a Modded-Marshall, it is an amp with a unique sound that kind of falls between both the SLO and the MM camps. Generally, it is not as mid focused as the Landry due, I'm sure, to the difference in the power tubes. It does have a voice that is very different from my other amps (haven't compared to my JP2C yet-it's in the shop) which is kind of what I was looking for. BTW, Channel 1 can be set up for a very nice clean or crunch tone. I may end up flipping it because I'm GASsing for a Les Paul Axcess Custom but, at the same time, I'm not in a big hurry to sell and will enjoy it while it's in the barn.

As far as how the Landry compares to the Friedman, the Landry has more of an open, less compressed tonal quality and, because it has fewer switching options, it's a bit easier to dial in. IMO, one of the main appeals of the Landry is in the "bang for the buck" category. There are few, if any, amps out there that will give you the kind of tonal quality evident in a Landry, especially at a used price-point. While both are Great amps, and comparable in many ways, one can buy a new Landry at the same price as a used BE-50 DLX.