What's hot on the combo-amp front these days?

[3lbMike]

Hey all,

I'm itching to buy a new guitar amp... I'd like to buy a nice combo (primarily for home recording, but also just to enjoy), and I'll be making a purchase sometime in the next month or two.

Now, I am JUST entering the research phase, and I admittedly have not done much research at all. But...that is going to change real fast, as I enjoy that part of the hunt very much.

In the meantime, I thought I'd throw up this informal thread and just get a general consensus on what "2009" combos are being talked about. I am not hell-bent on purchasing a 2009 amp (as I like vintage gear as much as the next guy), but I spend so much focus on vintage gear, that I'm really not keen on what today's quality combos are? So if you care to, please chime in.

Style = Rock (think Foo)

Attributes Desired = Strong punch and moderate Gain that does not become loose in the higher frequencies.

Desired Price = Flexible (I tend to lean toward high end)

Any tips I may not have explored beforehand are very appreciated.

Cheers...

[slashbiz]

I guess it comes down to tube or not.

If its tube you could check out the Mesa range, sure its an obvious place to look. I just got a Mesa Express 5:50 1*12, I'm happy with the clean, crunch and scream and can switch from 5w studio to 50w for a small gig. But there are some other Mesas more suited to different styles, my choice was a compromise between portability and flexibility. Its not limited to just Santana tones, more blues thru rock than metal though. And its got that feel good factor where you feel connected to the sound and I cant resist having a smell of those hot tubes, getting wierd already.

If your looking for tonal flexibility, four channels, then try Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster
Dave Grohl using Mesa Boogie Artist Gallery

And then there are the boutique ones such as 65Amp, see 65AMPS // the unmistakable sound of a generation, but I havent played those, so I cant really comment.

Have fun doing the research.

[3lbMike]

Thanks for the input...

I actually have two Mesa heads (an 85 Mark III and a 96 Dual Recto), and I'll definitely be looking at the combos.

One thing I should mention is that I'm looking for something with a universal power supply, as I'd be using it in the States as well as Europe...

So far, it seems like Orange is one of the few with this option, so I'll be looking into their combos for sure....

[Igotsoul4u]

Carr amps are pretty sick but pricey. Im enjoying my 5watt laney lionheart a lot and so is everyone that plays thru it.

[FFTT]

I understand wanting a convenient grab and go combo, but many of the best sounding
combos are simply way too heavy.

You also have greater versatility in the selection of speakers and cabs when you go to a head and cab configuration.

Are you looking for something primarily for recording and home use or something that
will cut through in a live band situation?

Are you looking for plenty of clean headroom or more interested in lead tones?

Fender BF, Tweed flavors, Marshall or Vox flavors or Hiwatt flavors?

[Musiclab]

I bought an Egnater Tourmaster combo that fits your bill pretty well. It's a crazy versatile amp. The only down side I've seen is it's wayyyyyyyy heavy

[3lbMike]

Good input and questions... thx for chiming in...

Here's my situation... I am currently living in a flat in England, but I'll be returning home to the states next year, at which time, I plan to build a nice recording enviroment in my home that allows me to be creative on a whim...

That's all well and good, but in the meantime I'd like to have a small amp (hence the combo) to utilize for recording (and enjoying) while I am in this flat across the pond. As far as heads and cabs go, I am well covered in that area, as I have quite a bit of gear in the states...Boogies, Marshalls, etc... So, I'm good for any live situation. Plus a half stack isn't going to cut it where I am now.

Back to England... I have a cozy setup for writing and recording, but I am lacking my gear back home to capture some good guitar tones. So, I had the idea to buy a high quality combo that I can use while here, and eventually take back to the states to compliment my existing collection (this is the reason I mentioned a preference for a universal power supply in a previous post).

Again, I have Boogies and Marshalls covered, and I won't dive into Fender until I return to the states. I'd like to compliment the amps stated above, so maybe I should shoot for the vox or hiwatt tones? I don't require bone crushing distortion, but I would like a solid rock amp that has punch and character for both rhythm and lead (versatily is always a bonus, but you can't have everything). One thing I really dislike in an amp is "loose" distortion...tight and punchy all the way...

I checked out the Laney mentioned above...looks like a pretty cool amp...gonna check the Egnater tonight as well...thanks for the tip.

[FFTT]

If I were in the UK, I would search for the finest vintage Hiwatt I could find
and bring it home.

In new amps, I'd still look at the UK built Hiwatts

The Studio Stage combo looks great!

A UK built hand wired AC10 or AC15 would also be excellent.

I don't know much about them, but I suppose you
should also check out the small Cornfords over there.

For U.S. built apartment worthy amps

Emery Sound Superbaby is great!
8" 10" or 12" AlNiCo and the mad scientist
tube kit with big bottles if you want good clean headroom.

65 Amps Lil Elvis is also cool.

Reeves or Reinhardt 18 with power scaling.

Swart AST Reverb

Red Iron Amps 5 watter

There are so many great options here, but I would still invest in what you
can't buy here at a reasonable price.

If your budget is tight, take a good look at the complete Ceriatone
15-20 watt amps.

[3lbMike]

I haven't had time to check all of your recommendations...yet, but I did look into the Hiwatt Studio Stage combo, and that looks pretty sweet for sure. Checked some youtube clips as well, and it definitely is punchy and tight AND has a character that would make a welcome addition to my current collection...

Excellent recommendation...thx... thumbsup

[MR4791]

Originally Posted by FFTT

you should also check out the small Cornfords over there....

+ 1 for Cornford - great hand-made UK gear - well worth checking out...

The 6-watt Harlequin is great for home recording...here's a review:

Cornford Harlequin

[JPeters86]

My hot rod deluxe is still pretty 'hot'

I do have the texas red version which has a different speaker. Love this amp. Only use the clean channel though.

I'm also looking to buy a Toneking someday.

[FFTT]

Originally Posted by 3lbMike

I haven't had time to check all of your recommendations...yet, but I did look into the Hiwatt Studio Stage combo, and that looks pretty sweet for sure. Checked some youtube clips as well, and it definitely is punchy and tight AND has a character that would make a welcome addition to my current collection...

Excellent recommendation...thx... thumbsup

If I have my facts straight, the UK built Hiwatts are still all hand wired.
Check to be sure. But you can't buy them over here.

The only NEW Hiwatt "label" amps you can buy here in the States are the Fernades built
which simply aren't Hiwatts.

Over here Reeves rules for new Hiwatt circuits.

The vintage Hiwatts are getting VERY expensive over here, so if you are looking
for amazing tone and wise investment, I'd grab a vintage DR-504 or DR-103 before you leave.

If the Studio Stage does meet your expectations, please by all means report back with
some clips of your own.

[Tommy-boy]

Originally Posted by Musiclab

I bought an Egnater Tourmaster combo that fits your bill pretty well. It's a crazy versatile amp. The only down side I've seen is it's wayyyyyyyy heavy

The Egnater Rebel 20 seems like it would be really nice for recording. I love the wattage knob! It did seem to effectively cut the volume without killing the mojo.

-Tom