So, it's that time again. Amp indecision. I picked up a Mesa Boogie Mark V:25 late last year and have had a lot of fun using it. I've played a lot of heavy rock and metal and found it to be without fault, despite the slightly difficult dialling in. I really aimed for a catch-all amp (and had coveted a Mesa Boogie for too long) that would be great for everything, although I really don't think such a thing exists.
I've since returned to playing with my band, which is much more a blues/jazz rock vibe, and have struggled to really get where I want with it, other than leads on channel two (or one with overdrive, distortion and boost kicked in on my T-Rex Soulmate). I can't quite work out how to describe what's wrong with the cleaner sounds, perhaps a little brittle, maybe over-compressed? I'm using it with a Zilla Fatbaby (oversized 1 x 12) fitted with a Neo Creamback.
Since getting a Blackstar Fly 3 for home use, which does it all at nice volumes, I've come to the conclusion that my metal band fantasies will remain just that and I need an amp focussed on a softer sound, with the ability to kick up to saturated leads.
My question is, am I just failing to dial in the clean channel? Or should I move it along and try something else? Really not sure.q
This is the band I play with. All leads recorded using either an Egnater Rebel MKii or BluGuitar AMP1. Some sounds I really like, some I wish I had re-recorded! Might be worth listening to, to get an of idea of the types of sounds would work.
Comments
Would you be looking to run your drives through the clean channel, or have a separate channel for drive? If the former, I'd suggest a Victory or - if you can find one - a Cornford. Something like the Hurricane or MK50 would suit. Even their Roadhouse series would be a good call. The MK50 gives you a switchable overdrive too. Not technically a second channel - it's just an added drive stage - but has a wide range of gain.
Another question would be price range. I'd suggest Friedman and Hamstead too, but all depends on your budget.
Budget-wise I'm not looking to throws lot more at it. As the Mark V:25 market seems to have died since I bought it, that's a big stumbling block!
My band, Red For Dissent
Maybe the Blues Deluxe is worth a look. An incredibly underrated amp, and packs a punch. Particularly the Tweed editions.
My band, Red For Dissent
My band, Red For Dissent