| Yeah, good stuff, Fletcher. Thanks for offering some perspective.
To put a little more context around my original question, I'm starting a project studio that I'll be using to track guitars (i'm the player in this instance) when I'm feeling inspired. So I would want this preamp to get along well with the amps I have--as described above, from AC30-ish territory to maxed out Mesa territory. This will be the ONLY preamp I have for quite some time, so versatility is important. Ideally I'd like it to go from somewhat clean to somewhat colored. A broader spectrum would be fine, but probably asking too much at the max price point I'm targeting--$1000 or so.
I had ruled out getting two different pres at the price, because I don't want to get two pieces that I'll eventually just sell because neither does anything particularly well.
After a little research here (and elsewhere), I landed on the Hamptone. Great price and well-loved in all camps, apparently. Something I could keep as my project studio fills out. I will definitely see what Scott H. himself has to recommend for this application, but if anyone else has ideas--about the Hamptone options or otherwise--please share. |