I Need Help Looking For A New Half Stack

GROSS28 · 01-08-2008, 10:49 PM

I just bought a les paul studio and now im looking for a decent half stack. im not exactly rolling in cash right now so i didnt want to kill my wallet with a jcm or a dual rect or anything like that. the marshall avt150h stood out to me - ive played avt combo's and was impressed with the sound based on its price. i was wondering if anyone could give me some experienced feedback regarding this amp as well as anything else thats worthing looking at within that price range...thanks.

radiomatts · 07-17-2008, 09:09 PM

I'm sorry this reply comes so long after your original post. I only became a member today.

A lot of the answer comes from what you want to do? Will you be playing out a lot, or mostly at home or just jamming with friends? Are you playing rock, metal, numetal or what? I'm going to guess harder stuff because you mentioned Mesa Rectos. There are so many ways you can go. Used is a great way because the prices are cheaper, but if you're going tube amp, then you have to worry about whether it's maintained.

Your best advice is listen to your ears. Almost nothing else. People can steer you to a number brands and models, but your ears will tell you. For example, take Marshall's budget line, the MG series. I like the combos and the speaker cabinets, but I think the 100 watt heads are garbage. The distortion isn't musical and it's harsh and tinny. They're selling well because of marketing, BUT some people like them. As much as I love my Marshalls, I love my Laney's. Some people don't like Laney's. Line 6 is another brand that people love AND hate. Used, their gear can be had for a song. Great for home, practice...they sound a tiny bit iffy live. Again, it's an issue of taste.

I say, play EVERYTHING...with YOUR guitar, not one on a wall. Let your ears and your wallet fight it out. That's all that matters.

RachelMorgan · 07-19-2008, 12:30 AM

Not rolling in dough? Mention Mesa so can we assume metal player? A good rock solid amp? Peavey 6505 Plus. $1100 new out of the box. Cleans are adequate. Crunch is fantastic. Lead is as good as any. 120W. Bypassable FX loop, but you'll probably want to use a noise gate for the Lead channel when running high volume and high gain. A used 5150 II will run you about $700 on ebay.

Can't afford that? Line 6 SpiderValve 100W head ($799 new); Valve King 100W head ($529); Vox Valvetronix AD100VT ($399) -- add cabinets. All these IMO are better than the MG series. Now here come the combos: Valveking 212 ($599); Line 6 Flextone III ($699).

DragonSarc · 07-19-2008, 02:27 AM

im selling my JCM 900 4100 half stack if your interested $900

01-08-2008, 10:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
GROSS28 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3	I Need Help Looking For A New Half Stack I just bought a les paul studio and now im looking for a decent half stack. im not exactly rolling in cash right now so i didnt want to kill my wallet with a jcm or a dual rect or anything like that. the marshall avt150h stood out to me - ive played avt combo's and was impressed with the sound based on its price. i was wondering if anyone could give me some experienced feedback regarding this amp as well as anything else thats worthing looking at within that price range...thanks.

07-17-2008, 09:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
radiomatts Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 31	Re: I Need Help Looking For A New Half Stack I'm sorry this reply comes so long after your original post. I only became a member today. A lot of the answer comes from what you want to do? Will you be playing out a lot, or mostly at home or just jamming with friends? Are you playing rock, metal, numetal or what? I'm going to guess harder stuff because you mentioned Mesa Rectos. There are so many ways you can go. Used is a great way because the prices are cheaper, but if you're going tube amp, then you have to worry about whether it's maintained. Your best advice is listen to your ears. Almost nothing else. People can steer you to a number brands and models, but your ears will tell you. For example, take Marshall's budget line, the MG series. I like the combos and the speaker cabinets, but I think the 100 watt heads are garbage. The distortion isn't musical and it's harsh and tinny. They're selling well because of marketing, BUT some people like them. As much as I love my Marshalls, I love my Laney's. Some people don't like Laney's. Line 6 is another brand that people love AND hate. Used, their gear can be had for a song. Great for home, practice...they sound a tiny bit iffy live. Again, it's an issue of taste. I say, play EVERYTHING...with YOUR guitar, not one on a wall. Let your ears and your wallet fight it out. That's all that matters.

07-19-2008, 12:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
RachelMorgan Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 103	Re: I Need Help Looking For A New Half Stack Not rolling in dough? Mention Mesa so can we assume metal player? A good rock solid amp? Peavey 6505 Plus. $1100 new out of the box. Cleans are adequate. Crunch is fantastic. Lead is as good as any. 120W. Bypassable FX loop, but you'll probably want to use a noise gate for the Lead channel when running high volume and high gain. A used 5150 II will run you about $700 on ebay. Can't afford that? Line 6 SpiderValve 100W head ($799 new); Valve King 100W head ($529); Vox Valvetronix AD100VT ($399) -- add cabinets. All these IMO are better than the MG series. Now here come the combos: Valveking 212 ($599); Line 6 Flextone III ($699).

07-19-2008, 02:27 AM	#4 (permalink)
DragonSarc Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Leandro, CA Posts: 120	Re: I Need Help Looking For A New Half Stack im selling my JCM 900 4100 half stack if your interested $900

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