Long Term Amp Decision

[Cameron]

Originally Posted by Chris

* Chris remembers Leon's Nomad

Me too It has served me well for 2 years and I am not selling it anytime soon

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by Drew

One of the things I really like about the Roadster is that it sounds like what you'd expect of a Recto, but Channel 3 gets surprisingly Mark-like. If it wasn't for that, I'd be interested in a Mark V as well.

That said, they're not well known as djent amps - not a problem in my book, mind you.

Yeah, if it were me, It'd be a short list of the Mesa Mark V and the Axe-FX, depending on the route to be chosen (modeling vs. real tubes).

I can't think of any other amp to consider, that's still made.

[Valennic]

So I shall add Mesa Mark V to my list of things to try. Is there anything on the list that you guys would hands down say get it the fuck outta here?

[Vince]

Originally Posted by Chris

* Chris remembers Leon's Nomad

me too, I've played it with Cam

[Vince]

Originally Posted by Valennic

So I shall add Mesa Mark V to my list of things to try. Is there anything on the list that you guys would hands down say get it the fuck outta here?

Mind you, the Mark V is a $2000 head. It's awesome, but if you want added flexibility, you could go with a rack system of a Mesa Triaxis and Mesa 2:90. You'll have the same mark tones you get in the mark V, and you'll have the added flexibility of MIDI support and 99 saved presets. What you lose is a little flexibility in the graphic EQ (the Dynamic Voice on the Triaxis replicates from flat to V on the mark style graphic EQ but no other variations).

The Mark V and a Triaxis/2:90 have identical modes and sound practically the same to my ears, and I owned the latter for a couple years. You can score a Triaxis and 2:90 on eBay for the same or less than a Mark V, and IMO you have increased flexibility in a live setting.

[eleven59]

The other option is to try as many heads as you can find and pick one that will cover 90% of what you do, and snag a Line6 POD HD500 for the other 10% of tones you'll only ever use while goofing around at home. It's not as good as the AxeFX, but it sounds pretty great for the price and will be good enough for those times when you just have to jam through something that sounds like a Fender Twin or JCM800 and all you have is a Mark V or Herbert.

[Vince]

Originally Posted by eleven59

...and all you have is a Mark V

yeah, for when "all you have" is the most versatile amp on the planet

[eleven59]

Originally Posted by Vince

yeah, for when "all you have" is the most versatile amp on the planet

If it can sound like an AC30 or JCM800, then I'll retract my statement, but I don't recall it having multiple switchable power tube options

And really you're just illustrating my point: with a good tube head of any kind, you'll probably be more than happy with "close enough" for any tone you're looking for that you won't crave a modeller, and if you have to have a modeller at that point, the HD500 hurts the bank less than an AxeFX

[budda]

To the OP, I'm curious - why did you list 3 high-end units and the V3? What about it made it sound like it can hold a candle to the other options?

I'd be between the Axe FX II and something else. I own a Roadster as well, but I'd really like the Axe FX simply to get my JCM800 (closer then ch2 Brit) and my 6505 on, plus having the options for Orange Rockerverb, Mark IV, Fender reverb and effects as well.

[Valennic]

Originally Posted by Vince

Mind you, the Mark V is a $2000 head. It's awesome, but if you want added flexibility, you could go with a rack system of a Mesa Triaxis and Mesa 2:90. You'll have the same mark tones you get in the mark V, and you'll have the added flexibility of MIDI support and 99 saved presets. What you lose is a little flexibility in the graphic EQ (the Dynamic Voice on the Triaxis replicates from flat to V on the mark style graphic EQ but no other variations).

The Mark V and a Triaxis/2:90 have identical modes and sound practically the same to my ears, and I owned the latter for a couple years. You can score a Triaxis and 2:90 on eBay for the same or less than a Mark V, and IMO you have increased flexibility in a live setting.

Oh I'm aware it's pretty pricey, then again, so is 90% of the list I have up there :P. As a matter of fact, the Mark V would be cheaper than about 80% of my original list.

However, you have piqued the curiosity of my inner jew with the mention of saving money. I will definitely check out both the Triaxis and the 2:90.

Originally Posted by eleven59

The other option is to try as many heads as you can find and pick one that will cover 90% of what you do, and snag a Line6 POD HD500 for the other 10% of tones you'll only ever use while goofing around at home. It's not as good as the AxeFX, but it sounds pretty great for the price and will be good enough for those times when you just have to jam through something that sounds like a Fender Twin or JCM800 and all you have is a Mark V or Herbert.

That was something I was considering as well, but the reason I was even considering the Axe-Fx was because of it's direct in capabilities, and how good they actually were. I have a POD, so if all I wanted was some effects while I'm weedling, I have those, but if I'm going to have a reason to drop the cash on another modeler, it's going to be for recording purposes, and live purposes. I'd basically want it to do it all.

Originally Posted by budda

To the OP, I'm curious - why did you list 3 high-end units and the V3? What about it made it sound like it can hold a candle to the other options?

I'd be between the Axe FX II and something else. I own a Roadster as well, but I'd really like the Axe FX simply to get my JCM800 (closer then ch2 Brit) and my 6505 on, plus having the options for Orange Rockerverb, Mark IV, Fender reverb and effects as well.

I've had a soft spot for the V3 for years now. I've always liked the tone it got, and I've heard that a tube change really tightens up the low end. For the price I think it's a stellar amp, but the others could probably do what I want much better. Hence my issue

If I could get a hold of the Axe Fx II it would be no contest. However, I'm not big on waiting on a massive list for something like that, when the Ultra is floating around ebay right now.