£700 guitar amp advice.

Natima · 1 Feb 2010 at 00:44

Hi there!
I'm looking for some advice on a ~£700 guitar valve amp.
I play a '57 RI Stratocaster, and I want classic rock/blues tones.
Big beefy gains and bright crystal like cleans

Any advice?
I was looking at getting the Orange Tiny Terror, with a 212 celestion cab.
But it comes to a bit over my budget, so maybe a combo of some sort would be better. Not bothered about brand as long as I can get some roaring hendrixy tones.

just Scott · 1 Feb 2010 at 00:48

Marshall JVM410

Or this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cornford-Road...usicalInstr_Amplifiers_RL?hash=item3a5744fec1

Natima · 1 Feb 2010 at 00:52

You sound pretty confident about that.
I take it you own one?

just Scott · 1 Feb 2010 at 00:58

No, but I've played one and it's probably my favourite Marshall. The only amps I've owned in this price range is Mesa Boogie's (Mark III and Mark IV), but I don't think they're what you're after.

SexyGreyFox · 1 Feb 2010 at 07:53

Look for 2nd hand Marshall TSL602 or TSL144.

Natima · 1 Feb 2010 at 10:39

Some good suggestions that have given me some ideas, but I'm looking for something a little more vintage style. No 20 million knobs and 8 channels. Clean and OD is all I need.
I like the idea of a JCM800 2x12 combo. I looked at those TSL's and they led me in the JCM direction.

Steve2000 · 1 Feb 2010 at 11:25

Have you considered a Fender Twin / Blackface?

They can be had for about that price range and are fantastic amps for rock / blues.

SexyGreyFox · 1 Feb 2010 at 13:26

Blackstar (ex Marshall) make quality gear too.

Andelusion · 1 Feb 2010 at 15:02

H2F Scott said:
Or this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cornford-Road...usicalInstr_Amplifiers_RL?hash=item3a5744fec1

This, a thousand times this.

Fantastic tone, responds well to input so you can get a huge range of tones just from altering dynamics and using your controls on the guitar.

Be different, give the Cornford a try and if you don't like it you will have absolutely no bother selling it on as they're extremely desirable and well made amps.

Take a listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeeVIGm_08o ignore the absolute douche bag interviewer.

Toker · 1 Feb 2010 at 19:16

<3

http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/electric_amps_detail.asp?stock=04050412044418

logix42p · 1 Feb 2010 at 19:23

How about a Peavey Classic comes in a few forms 30 watt and 50 watt tube so plenty loud enough, brilliant amp for classic rock and blues etc. Might not have quite enough gain but then you can always put a nice OD pedal in front.

physichull · 1 Feb 2010 at 19:33

Andelusion said:
This, a thousand times this.

Fantastic tone, responds well to input so you can get a huge range of tones just from altering dynamics and using your controls on the guitar.

Be different, give the Cornford a try and if you don't like it you will have absolutely no bother selling it on as they're extremely desirable and well made amps.

Take a listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeeVIGm_08o ignore the absolute douche bag interviewer.

I would second this. I don't have the money for such extravagances, but I went to a gig by Hot Leg and they used Cornford amps and Les Paul's. If ever there were a match made in heaven it is this. What an amazing sound.

JonnyGLC · 1 Feb 2010 at 20:47

dmpoole said:
Look for 2nd hand Marshall TSL602 or TSL144.

Why would you go for the tsl when JVM410 can be had though?

SexyGreyFox · 1 Feb 2010 at 22:11

A random name said:
Why would you go for the tsl when JVM410 can be had though?

Because I'm not going to recommend something I've never tried.

just Scott · 1 Feb 2010 at 22:58

Natima said:
Some good suggestions that have given me some ideas, but I'm looking for something a little more vintage style. No 20 million knobs and 8 channels. Clean and OD is all I need.
I like the idea of a JCM800 2x12 combo. I looked at those TSL's and they led me in the JCM direction.

The Cornford is what you want then. Single channel with a gain and volume, really easy to use amp. Responds well to your guitar's volume control which you'll need to keep it clean at high volumes and takes pedals well in case you want more gain. Classic/vintage rock and blues is pretty much what it's made for. I don't think you'll get a better tone for the price.

More clips courtesy of Guthrie Govan again:

http://forum.racksrock.com/viewtopic.php?t=848&sid=03ffe53cea0fa1b7cfa0c8ded430d364

Andelusion · 1 Feb 2010 at 23:14

Ah nice, now those are much better examples than my link! The Roadhouse is pretty much the only amp I'd consider selling my Axe-FX for, and it's the complete opposite of what I have at the moment, pure simplicity and bags of tone.

Natima · 2 Feb 2010 at 01:01

I am liking the Roadhouse after those new clips.
The Guthrie Govan one didn't really do it much justice.
Now I just gotta wait for paypal to start working then sell my other strat and midi keyboard.

SexyGreyFox · 2 Feb 2010 at 07:53

Natima said:
The Guthrie Govan one didn't really do it much justice.

I didn't want to be the first to say it - I thought it was an awful sale.
Twiddly twiddly on one sound.

Naffa · 2 Feb 2010 at 08:53

After reading what you've written, just 'a Cornford amp' sounds like what you want.

The Roadhouse is an awesome amp, but you should be aware of level of control you have over your sound. I love it because it's simple, simple, simple and like you've said, if you just want to plug in and get an instantly great tone, Cornford is the brand for you. Obviously go and try one out, but I've never met anybody that's played a Cornford that doesn't really really really like them.

Andelusion · 2 Feb 2010 at 20:01

dmpoole said:
I didn't want to be the first to say it - I thought it was an awful sale.
Twiddly twiddly on one sound.

Aye but there's only a couple of roadhouse vids on youtube that I knew of.