Considering a new amp...

Dingleberry88

Dingleberry88

Dingleberry88

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So I've just come into a bit of 21st birthday cash (:D) and think it's about time to get rid of my Marshall MG250DFX (I know, STFU :p).

I've not really got a clue when it comes to amps/cabs/combos/etc, so any help would be appreciated. :)

Looking to spend around £400-£500 max, but whatever I don't spend can go towards another guitar. :D


So where do I start? Is it best to go for a combo, or a separate amp + cab?

It doesn't need to be particularly loud as it'll be pretty much only for home use, but I still like to crank up the volume when no-one's in. :D



Or, do I forget it and go for a standard Tele instead?
 
Blackstar HT-5

5 Watt (very loud as it's all tube, but not loud enough to gig with)

£300 for the combo

Review- http://www.blackstaramps.co.uk/pdf/reviews/guitarist HT-5 review.pdf

Sound Demos- (All worth listening too)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbmrjqOjsAE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsO1-1TCchA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou4KTcdsuJc&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmdW_5RmOh4&feature=related

Dingleberry88 said:
Or, do I forget it and go for a standard Tele instead?
Click to expand...

No, your current amp needs replacing ;)

I advise you buy it from here, shipping is free

http://machinehead.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/24_27_138/products_id/2140

I'm buying this next month or so

http://machinehead.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/24_27_138/products_id/2335
 
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I can't help you specifically, but here are some golden rules of amp buying.

  • Test out several amps with your own equipment, even if you think you have the perfect match.
  • Remember that many a high-gain bedroom setting will sound utter arse in a live environment. Don't go for the filthiest beast for its filthiness alone.
  • Don't buy by the label.

Gustov, you are the world's worst sufferer of G(r)AS!
 
Nitefly said:
  • Test out several amps with your own equipment, even if you think you have the perfect match. - Very true but as long as you don't have a £50 Argos guitar it's going to sound relatively good through the blackstar
  • Remember that many a high-gain bedroom setting will sound utter arse in a live environment. Don't go for the filthiest beast for its filthiness alone.- 5 watts is a great volume for bedroom playing, the tubes will be used to their full potential. It's very versatile too!
  • Don't buy by the label. - Blackstar are a relatively new brand so have a point to prove imo :)
Click to expand...


Nitefly said:
Gustov, you are the world's worst sufferer of G(r)AS!
Click to expand...

:D

Only a American strat/tele to go guitar wise :)

Then I will have my 5 guitars of doom!
 
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Gustov said:
Blackstar HT-5
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick response, judging from the videos, it certainly seems very good (and versatile), especially for the price.

I'll give the review a read now. :)



Nitefly said:
I can't help you specifically, but here are some golden rules of amp buying.

[*]Test out several amps with your own equipment, even if you think you have the perfect match.
Click to expand...

No need to worry about that, I always make sure I try out musical buys properly (MG excluded, but I have a slight excuse as I got that when first starting out and didn't know better :D).


Nitefly said:
[*]Remember that many a high-gain bedroom setting will sound utter arse in a live environment. Don't go for the filthiest beast for its filthiness alone.
Click to expand...

I'm actually looking for something with a nice clean tone and crunch primarily (Jeff Buckleyish in particular), I've got a Big Muff and Zoom metal pedal for OD/distortion needs.


Nitefly said:
[*]Don't buy by the label.

Gustov, you are the world's worst sufferer of G(r)AS!
Click to expand...

I think I've learnt that from the MG. :p

And G(r)AS?


Edit: Anyone tried the Orange Tiny Terror? That sounds particularly nice from the YouTube videos I've watched.
 
I was going to recomend orange, but prices these days are shocking.


You could pick up a use marshall DSL or a JCM900 in that budget - both solid amps.
 
I quite like the Cornford Harlequin at this price, but being a single channel amp it's not terribly versatile. Sounds great for what it does though.
 
I can't believe gustov recommended listening to sound clips of an amp over the internet please tell me you are joking? go into any decent guitar shop and take your guitar and have a go with all the amps in your price range, honestly the best way.
 
Neoni said:
I can't believe gustov recommended listening to sound clips of an amp over the internet please tell me you are joking? go into any decent guitar shop and take your guitar and have a go with all the amps in your price range, honestly the best way.
Click to expand...

Of course it's not going to give you a great representation, but it's a start.....

High quality microphones?

Yes it's best to go into a shop and try it for yourself but listening to clips via youtube isn't a cardinal sin. If you buy the amp without trying it first, it obviously can be.
 
Gustov said:
Of course it's not going to give you a great representation, but it's a start.....

High quality microphones?

Yes it's best to go into a shop and try it for yourself but listening to clips via youtube isn't a cardinal sin. If you buy the amp without trying it first, it obviously can be.
Click to expand...

Doesn't matter what you record with, your speakers wont ever give you a representation of what your actually buying...
 
Neoni said:
Doesn't matter what you record with, your speakers wont ever give you a representation of what your actually buying...
Click to expand...

Of course not, but it's going to give you a rough idea.

It's hardly rocket science to know that you're going to get a better representation on the amp when it's right it front of you.

Geez, just trying to help...

But yea make sure you try the amp personally.
 
i tried out a tiny terror a few years ago and was pretty impressed with it even though the shop i tried it in had it hooked up to what had to be the cheapest cab i'd ever seen :( (I can't remember what it was now)

Keep hearing good things about these Blackstar amps but yet to try one
 
Gustov said:
Of course not, but it's going to give you a rough idea.

It's hardly rocket science to know that you're going to get a better representation on the amp when it's right it front of you.

Geez, just trying to help...

But yea make sure you try the amp personally.
Click to expand...

of course, im not having a dig, but i dont want the guy to listen to amps online and take a plunge because it depends on what room you play it in, what guitar your playing with, pickups, etc etc

he needs to go into a shop and have a bash!
 
Neoni said:
of course, im not having a dig, but i dont want the guy to listen to amps online and take a plunge because it depends on what room you play it in, what guitar your playing with, pickups, etc etc

he needs to go into a shop and have a bash!
Click to expand...

I'll definitely be taking one or two guitars along to try em out, don't worry about that. :)
 
Laney VC30 for more metal-oriented grind...
Marshall DSL401 for more mid-range crunch...

Those are my preferences, but I like the tone Paul Gilbert, Maiden, AC/DC get out of their hardware more than Metallica/etc.

Head down to your nearest guitar shop and plug in for an afternoon. See which one you like best and go from there. For valve amps, don't be afraid to wind them up to about 5/6 on the Master Volume (this really will make your ears hurt) to see what they actually sound like - my DSL401 is a completely different amp once the power stage gets going.
 
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