• Registered: 2009-07-12
  • Posts: 28

Topic: Amp searching

Hey guys,

Ever since i saw Joe Bonamassa in Feb i've been obsessed with his tone ... But i don't have 10K+ to drop on a Jubilee, VanWeeldon(sp?), Two Rock, Cat 5, Carol-Ann etc...

So what i want is something that would get me in the ballpark for around $1500 or so...

What i want in a amp is:
- a good fendery clean channel (not a big fan of marshall cleans at all...)
- a good british sounding drive channel but not as harsh as some marshalls get (ie i want a good smooth british sounding drive)
- reverb
- selectable wattages (not a deal breaker)

What i've been looking at:

Mesa Boogie Lonestar Classic
http://mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/L...r/Lonestar.htm

Ceriatone Overtone HRM (dumble ODS HRM clone)
http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubP...00_Cabinet.htm

only problem with the ceriatone is no reverb and a crappy effects loop that needs a dumbleator in the loop to sound decent

id be willing to go used, it would be used for everything ie practice/jam/gigs
, budget around 1500-1600

I would like to hear any other suggestions you guys have..

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: Amp searching

The exact amp that it sounds like you are describing is the Fargen Dual Classic.  Supposedly it mimics a Blackface Deluxe or Super on one channel and an old Plexi Marshall on the lead.  I don't know if this amp meets your budget, maybe used it would?  You may also be better off doing a dual amp rig.  A couple used combos could be had for that kind of money that would give you all of the flexability none of the compromises of single amps.  Silverface Deluxe Reverbs can be had for $500-$600, and you could always order or build a Ceriatone kit for the Marshall stuff.  If you had a stereo cab already you could really save some money.  Old Silverface Dual Showmans are KILLER clean amps with reverb, and can be had for peanuts.  Old Traynor heads can do the plexi thing on a budget.  Metro makes a killer JTM45 kit for under a grand.  There are SO many options that will get you were you need.  Best of luck!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.