Upgrade for RP1000, or new amp?? EVH or Randall Thrasher 50?

[napalmdeath]

I play mostly at home, but do get above "bedroom" levels. I also play in a studio twice a month and get even louder. I dig the RP1000, but I hate it at the same time. I can't dial out the fizz, and spend more time tweaking than playing. What's out there better, under $1000 or so?? I have power, and a stereo 4x12 cab. High gains are a must.

Really, I've narrowed amps to EVH 50, and Randall Thrasher 50.. I only do Eb, 440, Drop-D tunings. I want to cover 80's Maiden/Priest, 80's thrash, Gary Moore blues, to sledgehammer rhythm tones of Fear Factory Demanufacture, and Jon Shaffer Iced Earth tightness.

 

[paulyc]

Artist Edition. KILLER amp.

 

[napalmdeath]

Artist Edition. KILLER amp.

How's it do at lower volume??

 

[paulyc]

Ripping. Love that amp.

 

[napalmdeath]

Well, my budget just shrunk to about 1200 bucks or less..

 

[paulyc]

Used Mesa Mark series ?

 

[Chris6870]

How do you use the RP1000? Direct?

 

[napalmdeath]

How do you use the RP1000? Direct?

I've tried both, through both an amp, and poweramp, both settings.

 

[napalmdeath]

Edited title. . I'm down to 2 choices.

 

[mixn4him]

EVH 50w easily and youll have $ left over for a low as they are selling used..Picked mine up for $600 SHIPPED...

 

[napalmdeath]

EVH 50w easily and youll have $ left over for a low as they are selling used..Picked mine up for $600 SHIPPED...

Why "easily"? I'm leaning towards the Randall. It's got a more brutal, in your face character, and tighter note definition, based on the 120.

 

[CaseyCor]

From what I've read (and ONLY read), the EVH has a better build quality. I'm not a fan of the Fortin designed Randalls really....After hearing Fortin's self-build amps, the Randalls just don't do it for me. I'm not one to scream boutique over cheap 24/7 either. I don't care where it was built. If it sounds good and doesn't fall apart on me, I'm happy. Not using depressed child labor is a bonus.

I'd go EVH, as it's well built and just a better sound IMO. There is a reason so many people here have at least one, if not multiple EVH amps in their stable. They get the job done. Don't rule out the new EVH Lunchbox deal.

 

[squank]

I've owned the RP1000, Thrasher, and 5153. For amp tones, I'd skip the RP1000. The Thrasher has fewer great tones, but it definitely has some great ones. I think the 5153 has more really good usable rock and metal sounds in it. That would be my choice.

 

[Findthetone1]

See my ad in the classified if youre interested in a 5153 50

 

[ElectricVoodoo]

5153 50. Love mine, use it as my go to amp with the band, and always sounds great. Never battles with the drummer, a loud 50 watt. So far very reliable !
In my second year owning it and never had an issue.

 

[hammered]

I've had the 5150 50 watt and it sounded really good at somewhat low volumes and just great when cranked up a bit

 

[napalmdeath]

I've owned the RP1000, Thrasher, and 5153. For amp tones, I'd skip the RP1000. The Thrasher has fewer great tones, but it definitely has some great ones. I think the 5153 has more really good usable rock and metal sounds in it. That would be my choice.

What made you not keep the Randall??

 

[squank]

I've owned the RP1000, Thrasher, and 5153. For amp tones, I'd skip the RP1000. The Thrasher has fewer great tones, but it definitely has some great ones. I think the 5153 has more really good usable rock and metal sounds in it. That would be my choice.

What made you not keep the Randall??

I was downsizing and only wanted to keep one tube head (my main rig is a Kemper/CLR). The 5153 is just more versatile.

I profiled the Thrasher for my Kemper so I could keep that amazing Fortin grind!

 

[napalmdeath]

I've owned the RP1000, Thrasher, and 5153. For amp tones, I'd skip the RP1000. The Thrasher has fewer great tones, but it definitely has some great ones. I think the 5153 has more really good usable rock and metal sounds in it. That would be my choice.

What made you not keep the Randall??

I was downsizing and only wanted to keep one tube head (my main rig is a Kemper/CLR). The 5153 is just more versatile.

I profiled the Thrasher for my Kemper so I could keep that amazing Fortin grind!

That's good.. I bought the Randall, should be here Monday! I like that grind too, and I'd take that and note definition over versatility! I'd take a one channel amp, if that one channel brought the goods!

 

[squank]

I've owned the RP1000, Thrasher, and 5153. For amp tones, I'd skip the RP1000. The Thrasher has fewer great tones, but it definitely has some great ones. I think the 5153 has more really good usable rock and metal sounds in it. That would be my choice.

What made you not keep the Randall??

I was downsizing and only wanted to keep one tube head (my main rig is a Kemper/CLR). The 5153 is just more versatile.

I profiled the Thrasher for my Kemper so I could keep that amazing Fortin grind!

That's good.. I bought the Randall, should be here Monday! I like that grind too, and I'd take that and note definition over versatility! I'd take a one channel amp, if that one channel brought the goods!

I can't say enough good things about Mike Fortin and his amps. I've owned two Marshalls he modded, and they were fantastic (I profiled them, too!). I can't imagine not having that tone in my arsenal. If you like that tone, I think you will be very happy with the Thrasher.