Gigging Amps - Combos

[satchownz]

I know it's been talked about a lot, but I didn't see a definitive thread focused on gigging combo amps.

I play in a rock'ish style band and I've been gigging around with a really terrible amp (crate212), sitting on a 4x12 that's powered by amp's external speaker. Now that I have some cash built up, I'm looking at getting a "real" gigging amp. Does anyone have any feedback, or thoughts on these:



Buy Bogner Alchemist Series 212 40W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp | Tube Combo Amps | Musician's Friend



Buy Bogner Alchemist Series 212 40W 2x12 Tube Guitar Combo Amp | Tube Combo Amps | Musician's Friend

I'd like solid, driving tone for both rhythm and leads. Nothing crazy like death metal or anything, just smooth for modern rock stuff. Also, I primarily play with a Gt8, but I'm not against getting rid of it, if the amp sounds good enough.

thanks for any input.

[Jeff]

I'd look for a used:

Mesa DC-5
Mesa Rectoverb
Peavey JSX combo
Mesa F-50

New, I'd say the Mesa 5:50 1x12.

[satchownz]

I was all about the JSX, but have actually been reading some sort of 'meh' reviews. It's very expensive, and not really any better than most.

I really liked the Bogner. The reviews are great and the drive sounds good. The fender was just a classic amp that I figured I can't go wrong with.

EDIT: I'd also like at least a 2x12 amp. I'm not a big fan of 1x12.

[Josh]

What is your budget?

The Alchemist is certainly a 'nice' amp, although I didn't really find it 'special' enough for the price.

In the price range of a new Alchemist, I'd look for (depending on what you want sound-wise):
-Used Mesa RectOVerb
-Used Budda Superdrive 2x12 (30 or 45, depending if you want smoother or crunchier)
-Used Mesa Stiletto
-Used Vox AC30 or AC30CC
-Marshall DSL
-Mesa Lonestar

If you're already hauling a Crate/4x12 to gigs, it might be worth replacing the Crate with an amp head. Any of the above are available as heads for cheaper, and it's a much easier haul in my opinion, as 2x12 combos are HEAVY.

That opens up the possibility of:
-Used Mesa Mark series (you can get some STEALS on these)
-Used Mesa Dual Rec series
-Used Marshall 6100

[satchownz]

Yeah, I'm torn on that. I'd like a half stack, but it just seemed more convenient to have a combo. I only bring the full rig when we do larger venues. Earlier this week we played at Harper's Ferry in Boston and it really tried my gear.

Now, we may have a slot at T.T. The Bears Place in Boston, and I don't think it will handle it.

I'd like it to be as cheap as possible, but I can see my range being around $1500. Also, I have this strange mental thing about buying used gear in this price range. I'd prefer new.

I assumed a nice Fender tube amp, teamed with my gt8 would be nice - but I don't really need the GT8 if I find a decent crunch tone on the amp itself. I don't use many effects. I liked the crunch on the Bogner, but don't know too much about them.

Hrmm... Maybe a head is the way to go...

[Josh]

I know you prefer new, but these are honestly killer rock amps. I'd keep an eye on this one... My Series I Superdrive 30 is incredibly touch sensitive, has ridiculous potential volume, and great cleans/mid-gain tones, beyond having a frankly ridiculous amount of gain on tap should you need it.

The SDIIs have a mid shift feature that can give you a more 'modern' distortion sound as well, and the Bright switch gives very sparkly Fender-style cleans.

Budda Superdrive 30 amplifier amp amplifier combo 2x12 - eBay (item 200360623268 end time Jul-14-09 11:55:37 PDT)

[Drew]

You STILL need to screw with my Rectoverb, man.

I'm curious about that Bogner.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by satchownz

I was all about the JSX, but have actually been reading some sort of 'meh' reviews. It's very expensive, and not really any better than most.

I really liked the Bogner. The reviews are great and the drive sounds good. The fender was just a classic amp that I figured I can't go wrong with.

EDIT: I'd also like at least a 2x12 amp. I'm not a big fan of 1x12.

Have you played a JSX? They're not very expensive at all used, and once you figure out the controls (they're active) it's a nice amp. The Bogner sounded mediocre at best, IMO, having played with it for 45 minutes. It sounds like what it is; a cheap Chinese tube amp.

And thanks TemjinStrife; I forgot about the Stiletto too. Great amp. I'd recommend the 1x12 though, as the 2x12 is hernia inducing.

EDIT

These didn't even sell at the low price they're at.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Peavey-JSX-212-C...3A1%7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/Peavey-JSX-212-C...3A1%7C294%3A50
http://cgi.ebay.com/Peavey-JSX-212-C...3A1%7C294%3A50

Or Mesa ROV's

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Rectoverb-5...3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Rect...3A1%7C294%3A50

Those sold, but it gives you an idea what they go for.

Here's a Stiletto 2x12 going on now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mesa-Boogie-Stil...3%3A1|294%3A50

[budda]

JSX212 or mesa stiletto ace would be the first places I look, given your username lol

[satchownz]

Yeah, not to mention I play an Ibanez JS.

I just don't want to buy the name. If the AMP is a solid investment, I'll gladly get it. I just want the best amp I can get for the money. Warm, smooth crunch.. killer tone.