Guitar Amp Question???

Question

I want to get a really good and loud amp for no more than $600. I hear that Marshall amps are really good, but they're kind of expensive. Is there any other brands that make really good amps for under $600??? I also want an amp with some effects on it...

Answer 1

If you want the amp specifically to have the effects, I would recommend Line 6 amps.  You should be able to get a nice one that will crank serious volume for less than your $600 top.

Here's another option to check out and it's what I did.  I first found an combo amp by Crate for about $300.  It's got 2 12" speakers and is the MX120R model.  The thing cranks man.  I've had it loud enough that I needed earplugs and it's shaken things off walls, and that's not even turned up all the way.  I'm usually playing with it around volume 1-2 out of 10.  

Then I got a great effects board, I chose the Digitech GNX3, this was a few years ago, so I don't know what the latest stuff is, but it's a choice I've never regretted.  That was also about $300, so $600 total again, just a slightly different way.

Personally I'd suggest this, cuz I feel I got way more bang for my buck.  I love my setup, and I couldn't need any more power unless I was playing a stadium.

Answer 2

Marshall has a "half stack"...the MG100HDFX Head and MG412 cab that can be had right at 600.  This is a 100 watt solid state head, with effects... and a 4X12" cab.

Randall also has one right at 600.....the RX120D head and RX 412 cab.  Solid state again, with digital effects, and a 4X12 cab.

On another side.. theres a few combo amps im really fond of, and these are tube amps,.. i cant stand the sound of solid state for guitar.  While its a touch more money, it might be worth saving a little longer for this one.  The Fender Hot Rod Deluxe.  This is a 3 channel tube amp..... 40 watts, and can be had for about 679.  Dont let the 40 watts fool ya when it comes to tubes.... neither one of the solid state amps ive mentioned can keep up with this thing.

  The Peavey Classic is a 30 watt tube amp.... and sells for 599.  This amp is probably just as loud as either of the solid state amps as well.   On a more budget friendly side.... theres the Fender Blues Jr.... 15 watts of tube power, at 479....and the Peavey Windsor Tube Combo at 399.. boasting 20 watts.

   Heres the thing with built in effects.  If you are ever going to play in a professional setting.... at best... built in effects and multi-effect processors are nothing but toys.  Sure.. some of the pros do use them.. but... they are HIGHLY HIGHLY modified from what you pick up off the shelf at your local music store.  If you ever have the opportunity to go back stage at a pro concert.. one thing might suprise you.  If you are in the crowd, and looking at the stage.. you see this big wall of amps.  Looks really impressive.  Go back stage.. chances are you just might find 30-50 watt tube amp with a mic on it.. hid from the crowd.  

     I recently purchased an 18 watt Crate V18212 tube amp.  Two 12 inch speakers.... 18 watts of tube power. (about 400 bucks) This amp walked all over our rhythm guitar players Line 6 spider 2X12... and his is 100 watts!  That amp could not keep up with this Crate Vintage Series amp.  While I am the bass player for our group.. our lead player didnt have time to go get his amp that day for practice.  He did have his pedal board in his van.. brought that in... and was shocked at how loud that puppy was.  By the way.. when we play out... depending on stage size.. he either uses Two 20 watt tube amps for small stages... or 2 Fender Twin Reverbs for larger

shows.... 1000 + seating.

One problem as well with the built in effects.  Most of the time.. if the effects go... theres usually a problem elsewhere in the amp too.  Buying an amp.. then "stompboxes"... much better way to go.  If just the chorus pedal goes.. its always easier to borrow one pedal or buy one than to be hung the day of a show with no amp.  If your playing metal only.. tubes may not be the way to go...but for classic rock, hard rock.. blues.. southern rock... ONLY WAY to go.  If you do go solid state... buy the amp with no effects.. and add a few stompboxes here and there.... you'll be much better off in the long run.

Answer 3

i went with marshall and never looked back

Answer 4

B-52. Basically, it's just the poor man's MesaBoogie. I have a Fender CyberDeluxe that I love, and I got that at $600.