Best Amp for a 500-700 Dollar Budget

[Alec Galler]

I am guitar amp hunting currently and I am on a bit of a low budget.

I was thinking of something like the Marshall MG100HDFX/MG412 Slant Cab Half Stack Package, http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...age?sku=482807

But I want someone elses input on this before I go out and spend this money.

[AdamJay]

well, first thing is first. what kind of sound are you after?

[Alec Galler]

Originally Posted by AdamJay

well, first thing is first. what kind of sound are you after?

Thats a toughy, I would like a good all around amp, something that can give me enough power to play lead, a few effects liker reverb wouldn't hurt.

[AB3]

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with upgraded tubes is awesome - can be fairly clean to a really nice tubey sound. Personally, I liked it better than amps costing more, and you do not need a lot of power for studio recording.

Check out this link for details. I got mine for less at GC:
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--FEN0213202000

[tmarra]

Stretch your budget a little to $750, and check out a B-52 amp.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...Amp?sku=481309

It's really hard to beat this amp for the money. That solid state Marshall your looking at is not even in the same league.

-Tony

[Alec Galler]

Originally Posted by tmarra

Stretch your budget a little to $750, and check out a B-52 amp.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...Amp?sku=481309

It's really hard to beat this amp for the money. That solid state Marshall your looking at is not even in the same league.

-Tony

Wow, that looks pretty impressive, but I will have too wait a couple extra paychecks.

[sweet_vendetta]

Good grief!

i've had a Marshall MG100HDFX half stack, it's good if you like fake clean sounds and ultra cheap hardcore/metal deepfryer distortion..tutt

don't get a b52 man...tutt

do yourself a favor and get an ampeg vt120 or a carvin legacy/mts3200

the ampeg is really versatile, 120 watts splittable to 60, 3 channels from clean to crunch to heavy distorion. i own both the mts and the vt120, and use both with a marshall 4X12 and that gives my band plenty sounds to choose from

[Benmrx]

Originally Posted by AB3

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with upgraded tubes is awesome - can be fairly clean to a really nice tubey sound. Personally, I liked it better than amps costing more, and you do not need a lot of power for studio recording.

Check out this link for details. I got mine for less at GC:
http://www.zzounds.com/productreview--FEN0213202000

thumbsup

I've had one of these around my studio for a little while now (although it's going back to its owner in a couple days), and I gotta say it's pretty nice. I'm really thinking of picking one up fairly soon to have as a decent versatile studio amp. The thing has a real nice sound, especially when you push it hard.

I will say this particular one has had some issues with it dieing out after using it for a couple hours.

[6strings]

+1 on the Fender HRD. Nice clean tone, and lately I'm liking the drive channel (set to low gain) even more than my tube screamer re-issue. The third channel (More Drive) sounds like poo though (Fender's attempt to cover all bases falls short on the harder-rock sound). I kinda wish I went with the two channel Blues Deluxe re-issue.

For harder-rock/metal leads, a Line 6 modeling amp will probably best a solid-state Marshall.

[Soulbrother]

But I just bought a Vox AD100VT amp. Models everything from a Blackface Twin to a Mesa Boogie. And I think it rocks.

[big country]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-So-Cal-50
-Watt-Amp-Head?sku=480289
what I would do

[Guitarzan]

I am really liking my Fender deluxe reverb (used), it takes pedals nicely. If you want something versitile take a look at the Tech 21 trademark 60. It's and all analog amp (not tube, not digital) that emulates fenders, marshalls, and mesas.

[Blindside]

Well, If you don't wanr to play metal, try this.
Get a Fender Blues Jr. amp. They are only 15 watts, but they are alot louder than it sounds. It sounds pretty good right out of the box. The advantage is this: Tube driven amplifiers sound better turned up. With this amp, you can turn it up and not blow your ears out but still get that ripping tube sound. Sounds really good with just an SM57 or audix i5.

If you really want this thing to rip, replace the stock speaker with a Celestion Vintage 30. You will be very impressed with this upgrade. The sound is incredibly clear and gets some beautiful cleantone out of a nice guitar.

Also replace the tubes with JJ's or Mullards.

So for:

$350 for Blues Jr.
$100 for Celestion Vintage 30
$70 in tubes

you have a GREAT sounding amp for about $520 dollars.

You could get a hot rod deluxe, but then you have a more powerful amp with the stock speaker and tubes for more money. The Jr. will sound better, I promise.

[InfidelSix]

Used Mesa Boogie Mark III combo? Records great.

For recording, an emulator unit might work nicely for you.

[Nu-tra]

I would get the Fender Devil 2x12 or you can get a used Ampeg Super Reverb Rocket combo off of ebay and it sounds pretty damn good! You can get a nice blues sound and and fat queens or the stone age distortion too.

If you like that sorta thing but the The Deville is a great work horse and is road worthy as well.

V

[RCM - Ronan]

Unless you really live out in the middle of no where. Buy a used tube amp. There are tons to pick from, but in your range you can find amazing used amps.

I would avoid buying some fancy new amp with a bunch of cheasy FX in it. Buy a nice tried and true amp. It should serve you for years and it will hold its resale value should you decide its not the right sound for you.

[liquidorange]

look for a used peavey classic 50. 2-12 inch speakers. way more option than a fender. i had the hot rod deluxe and it isint as versatile. the classic 50 does from elvis to metallica. get the cream colored version cause it sounds better. if you need smaller look at the classic 30 but it doesnt get as heavy in the metallica department.

[Alec Galler]

So I bought the Vox AC15 Custom Classic Tube Amp for 600 dollars, it sounds incredible.

[Blindside]

Originally Posted by Alec Galler

So I bought the Vox AC15 Custom Classic Tube Amp for 600 dollars, it sounds incredible.

Awesome amp, great deal, lucky you. I didn't think you could get a nice VOX like that in your budget. Way to go.

[Benmrx]

Nice purchase. Are you using this srictly as a recording/studio amp?

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by Alec Galler

Thats a toughy, I would like a good all around amp, something that can give me enough power to play lead, a few effects liker reverb wouldn't hurt.

okay.. .so you want Versatility... i havent really seen anyone recommend a versatile amp in this thread.

take a look at the Randall MTS series.
http://www.randallamplifiers.com/pro.../mts/index.asp

i got an RM20b (single 12" greenback all tube combo) for $375, and tube preamp modules run about $125-$150 used. I went with the Top Boost (VOX throw back), XTC (Bogner throw back), and 1086 (Marshall Plexi / Boogie Rectifier throw back) modules.

In the end i paid about $800 and i've got lots of different tones to choose from, plus a tube overdrive section, and a direct from preamp output (mixes great with the mic'd cab signal). I have a few other amps, some that are mentioned in this thread.
Peavey Classic 50 (4x10), Blackface modded Twin Reverb ('72), Vibro Champ ('77) and an old Harmony H303A ('62). And even with all those in the stable, for great recordings my Randall MTS combo gets picked first and is used 9 times out of 10.

a great place to find used MTS amps and modules is here (its where i bought my combo and 1 module):
http://mtsforum.grailtone.com/viewforum.php?f=12

[The Spark]

Originally Posted by liquidorange

look for a used peavey classic 50. 2-12 inch speakers. way more option than a fender. i had the hot rod deluxe and it isint as versatile. the classic 50 does from elvis to metallica. get the cream colored version cause it sounds better. if you need smaller look at the classic 30 but it doesnt get as heavy in the metallica department.

Good call. The Peavey Classic 30 isnt a bad little amp for not a lot of money either.

[Harley-OIART]

I'm Strapping MY Flame Suit ON!

I mean this seriously... very seriously! If it is for Recording purposes ONLY, and only recording, THINK About Guitar-Rig 2 Software. Granted, this suggestion will not help you in the slightest way if you need an amp for live gigs, or for any amplification at all for that matter, but it will give you access to a world of great tone.

One more point : You can use it for live too... just insert Guitar Rig 2 Software, or Any Good AmpModeling Software, in your effects loop or before your amp. I know of a few Major Label Metal Bands that use Guitar Rig 2 Live for clean tone... they just use a A/B switch and then play back the output through either the guitar amp, or the mains.

Sorry for the off-topic-ness, just wanted to throw the suggestion out there.

Now if u need a real AMP : I do like the Peavey Classic Series, and the "30" is right in your price range. I'd at least give one a try as many like them.

-Happy Hunting
-Scott