Guitar amp combo

  • Thread starter Thread starter justwantyou2kno
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justwantyou2kno

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My 4x12 half stack is taking up too much room, I've decided I'd like to get a combo. I want this amp to be able to handle playing gigs (I'm not playing anywhere big, I don't need anything THAT loud). My first thought was to look at 2x12's because I'm afraid that 1x12's are going to be to small sounding, but I'd still look into getting a 1x12 if it has that big bass like bigger amps have. I'm playing mostly hard rock & post-hardcore stuff, think older Fugazi. Anyone have any suggestions on an amp for me? I really don't want to shell out more then 1,000 dollars, so I'll probably have to buy used.
 
What type of half-stack do you have? Do you want to replicate it's sound in a smaller package? Do you want a more versatile combo? Tube/SS/Digital? Recording/Live?

My friend (guitar player in my band) and I have gotten some wicked heavy tones out of a Line 6 2x12 amp on tape. It's not powerful enough for live gigs with out sound reinforcement, though, and it has no line out so we have to mic it.
 
my amp now...

My amp now is an old JCM 900 head and a makeshift 4x12 cab that a friend of mine made for me. When I got the head it wasn't in working condition, but I got it fixed, and it sounds great. I want a combo to replace my cab totally in practices and gigs. I'm not looking to get a combo that'll sound just like my half stack now, I just want something with a similar gain and feel to it.
 
Marshall does make their JCOM series in combos, too. You can get 100W or 50W, and they com ein 1x12" and 2x12". See if you can get to a large store i.e. Guitar Center or Mars, or another place that stock a variety of amps. Play a new Head/cab and a combo. (That way you can hear how the 4x12 sounds in the store, then compare to the combo) You can probably get a good deal on a combo used ro on ebay, since they've been around a while. Then also while your're at the store, check out some of the modeling amps. It's cool being able to step on a 4 button switch and go from a pretty crushing distortion to a good clean sound w/ chorus.

Either way, I'm sure you'll find something you like.
 
In the late 80's, Marshall made these 3/4 sized half stacks... Artist 3203. (Not the micro stack). 30 Watts 2x12 1/2 stack configuration. They kick ass. I love mine. Smaller than a JCM 1/2 stack, but bigger than a combo.

check out the reviews at www.harmony-central.com
 
Well the 2x12 version of the JCM 900 seems perfect, except for the fact that they're not made anymore. Does anyone know of a good website I could possibly find the JCM 900 2x12 4102, a used amp website. The only one I know I could find it is on eBay, and I'd liek to look other palces.

edit: I just found 2x12 all tube combos Crate amkes. Has anyone played one of these. I've palyed new crates and they are not very good at al, but are the all tube combos any good? What kind of tone do they have?
 
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I have an old Crate VC5310 - all tube, three 10" speakers. It sounds great, although I am not so sure that I would buy another one. I had a few reliability issues with it here and there. For the price when I bought it new, it was a great deal, and now I keep it because I know I wouldn't get much for it. It does sound good, but if I was in the market again I would look elsewhere I think.

You can get a GREAT combo for $1000. Check out Mesa, Rivera, etc. for your styles... There are tons out there.
 
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