Can someone recommend an amp for my 'Ball?

[Pittman75]

Hey Guys,

I am so lost. I have used a bunch of really high-end amps, but I'm not in the place to buy something like a Marshall JVM or a Triaxis rig again. I would love to though, haha. Anyway, I'm looking for a super-versitille amp that won't break the bank. Basically, I'm not looking for something that is PERFECT with this tone and PERFECT with that, just something that will do everything well. I have looked at the Hughes and Kettner Switchblade, so stuff like that. Programmable is always a plus, and I would like at least 2 channels.

I am using a Luke right now that sounds awesome. I love to use the Neck middle position (I think its 3?) for cleans, and either absolute Bridge or Neck for leads, to give you an idea of what I'm into. I like all kinds of music, Dream Theater, The Eagles, Jack Johnson, Albert Lee, Paul Gilbert, and Dave Matthews, as well as tons of blues players. I know there are some Luke players that know a good amp

 

[glockaxis]

Mesa Mark IV.

 

[candid_x]

I love my Laney GH50L, and it's not a bank breaker, especially if bought as used for under $600. It'll go anywhere I need to.

 

[jamminjim]

check out an egnater rebel 20

 

[Twilight Zodiac]

I don't own these amps but check out:

Carvin V3
Mesa Boogie Stiletto
Fender Super Sonic
Fender Cybertwin SE


can't think of anything else right now, too tired

 

[JohnnyD19]

Anything from Mesa/Boogie
I'm partial to the Lonestar series
I'm also a backer of the mark series

 

[fsmith]

Based on what you're looking for I would recommend the Mesa Stiletto Ace... I had one and regret selling it.

I've heard some great reports on the Genz-Benz Black Pearl too.

I just bought the Egnater Rebel 20 and it's really versatile for a single channel amp. The Rebel looks like a keeper, but I could see myself buying another Ace down the road.

 

[Jonny Dubai]

Hhhmmmmm this is such a tough thread as we all have our favs. I would try the 2 chanel JVM if you cant get the 4 chan. I have played through the JVMs live and love them. To the point where i would change my Marshall Vintage Modern for one. My ASS sounded killer through it.

Enjoy your quest!!!!!
J

 

[candid_x]

This forum weighs in heavily with Mesa.

 

[dmullen]

I got a Mesa Boogie F-30 at the moment and just did a tube swap...Wow!

Also considering an Egnator Rebel 20 but the Mesa is ....wow!

 

[Pittman75]

Well here's the deal I guess.

My favorite amp I've ever had was my marshall JVM410. But it was just too much and I would have kept it anyway, but financial issues sealed the deal (boy I hate cars!) and I had to sell it. I would love to basically get back that sound that I had because the Luke absolutely SEARED through it. I just can't afford that price.

 

[mallcorn]

Fender Hot Rod Deville (2x12) and use a Fulltone OCD for the crunch. You can get this amp new for about $750 or used for about $500. In this price range, it is a great amp.

 

[Jonny Dubai]

I hear you mate. Check out the 2chan version or get a used pod and just wait till you have the cash. It could be worth it in the long run. Did you sell your cab too or was it a combo. You can pick up a used 2x12 cab for not a lot. Also think about the 50w for saving money.

All the best mate,

J

Well here's the deal I guess.

My favorite amp I've ever had was my marshall JVM410. But it was just too much and I would have kept it anyway, but financial issues sealed the deal (boy I hate cars!) and I had to sell it. I would love to basically get back that sound that I had because the Luke absolutely SEARED through it. I just can't afford that price.

 

[Smellybum]

at the risk of sounding like an idiot (again) - it depends on what you want from your tone, the Luke is very dynamic,

Marshall compliments the heaver side well - or a fender for the lighter stuff, if money is no object head to mesa-street.

that said -for the price of a tank of fuel you can get some class A amps (like blackheart) with a decent tone pedal - and you're there too

Take your Luke to a music store and bug the hell out of salesmen!

 

[Spudmurphy]

i got a mesa boogie f-30 at the moment and just did a tube swap ... ... ... The mesa is ....wow!

+1

 

[banjoplayer]

Not a Luke player myself, but: Crate Vintage Club - the ones that are about 10 years now. not the new VC´s. The old are cheap on ebay.

In my opinion one of the best kept secrets.

+ they can´t be that bad, Knopfler uses them and Steve Morse said somewhere that he also owns a Crate combo which sounds great.

I love mine so much, it´s got a great character. It is versatile. Stunning clean sound, a bunch of gain, no highgain, but with a booster/compressor you can push it a bit more.

 

[fsmith]

I got a Mesa Boogie F-30 at the moment and just did a tube swap...Wow!

Also considering an Egnator Rebel 20 but the Mesa is ....wow!

I've heard a lot of great things about the F-30's. I may have to frequent Craigslist or the 'bay to see if I can snatch one up to check out.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Fred - the Mesa F series are great amps.

You're always welcome to come and try my F50

 

[Ahess86]

I have a Mesa F-50 and a Mesa Mark IV right now both clean and both for sale

They're amazing amps but I have AC30 in my blood and need to return to my roots. I think the F-50 in particular would work well for what you're looking for, but the Mark IV is just over the top amazing.

 

[Pittman75]

How much would a Mesa F-50 be? They aren't still in production?

I like the tone of my Luke through the Crate V18 I have. Its super clean and dynamic, but I'm thinking of making a stereo rig because the dirty sound = suck