Black Crowes, Zep tone for around a grand?

[guitarded_1]

So I am in love with the Matchless Clubman, but sadly, it's out of my price range. I have the high gain plexi covered with my Splawn, so I'm looking for a 50 watt or less amp that goes up to medium gain and has tone, tone, tone. Ideally, I would love it to have a bit of sparkle/chime/grit to it (Crowes), as well as some real balls and attitude (Zep/Lizzy). Any suggestions for used amps around $1000...or am I dreaming?

[stratofied]

The TopHat Emplexador.

[doctord02]

why not a Marshall?

[SlyStrat]

Yeah, why not? I love Marshalls.

[electronpirate]

Marshall.

Or copy thereof.

[59model]

A Marshall TSL601 can be made to sound really good without having to do any surgery, contrary to popular belief. I bought one just to experiment with. I only did this: bought it used for $700 in mint condition, replaced the speaker with a Classic Lead 80, thanks Bob! Replaced V1 with a Philips 12AT7, and V2 and V3 with Sovtec 5751`s. No more fizz...at all. 1st channel is clean as heck even at high gain settings, 2nd is like a JCM800, and 3rd is nu-metal. I don`t use the 3rd channel much, but sometimes it`s fun to just play around with after hearing System of a Down or the like on the radio, LOL! I use an old MIJ Boss SD1 for a lead boost. Cheap, and it works, and this is after spending countless thousands on Boutikee amps. Best of luck to you.

[sovtekking]

go with an an orange rocker 30 or ad30, they'll get you there fo sho

[Phil M]

I was just listening to that Live at the Greek album yesterday. A used Tophat Club Royale 2x12 with a good Les Paul will do ya.

[sampleinajar]

So I am in love with the Matchless Clubman, but sadly, it's out of my price range. I have the high gain plexi covered with my Splawn, so I'm looking for a 50 watt or less amp that goes up to medium gain and has tone, tone, tone. Ideally, I would love it to have a bit of sparkle/chime/grit to it (Crowes), as well as some real balls and attitude (Zep/Lizzy). Any suggestions for used amps around $1000...or am I dreaming?

Take a good look and listen to Germino. Seriously. It will get you there effortlessly right out of the box.

Steve

[gtrplayer23]

you can get a Rockytop 45H for $950 i think

[Woodshed]

This is basically the sonic territory that I live in so I've owned any and every Marshall/Vox clone across the board. Favorites that fall i that price range are Germino Masonette, Roccaforte Custom 18, Aiken Tomcat, Fargen Miniplex, and Carr Hammerhead. One of the very best Zep/Crowes amps I have owned is the Supro Thunderbolt. I was real hesitant to buy into the hype behind these amps but after owning one and playing one extensively it really hits the nail on the head for gritty, ratty Page tones. There is a certain looseness that the 15 in. speaker gives to the sound, like it's at the edge of coming apart that boutique amps can't really mimic. The hard part is finding one that has not been modded, reconed, or otherwise screwed with. Another amp I would throw out is the Nick Greer Underdog 15, specifically the mod 1 circuit. This is a traditional 5E3 Tweed Deluxe witha twist. The overdrive reaches Plexi like tones, nice solid bottom end and can really rip and cut without farting out like old Deluxe's. It can do the Zep purr and the ratty Crowes Tweed stuff. All great amps!

A note on Tophat's, I've owned a few and all were great, just not well suited to this type of music. It may have been the speaker combinations that were in the amps. I really liked the Club Royale, loaded with Celestion Blues but not very Zeppeliny or Crowesy. Had alot more Vox that Marhsll vibe going on. Great amps though.

Scott

[carltonh]

Rockytop 45H is on sale for $950.

[reddgeetarzan]

MARSHALL SILVER JUBILEE 50 watter- It can cop the Page tone and it IS what the Black Crowes used on the first album......

You can find the combo 1x12's for around $1K sometimes.......and you can use it as a head with a 4x12......

The heads are going for more than that, but its worth the investment.

[guitarded_1]

This is basically the sonic territory that I live in so I've owned any and every Marshall/Vox clone across the board. Favorites that fall i that price range are Germino Masonette, Roccaforte Custom 18, Aiken Tomcat, Fargen Miniplex, and Carr Hammerhead. One of the very best Zep/Crowes amps I have owned is the Supro Thunderbolt. I was real hesitant to buy into the hype behind these amps but after owning one and playing one extensively it really hits the nail on the head for gritty, ratty Page tones. There is a certain looseness that the 15 in. speaker gives to the sound, like it's at the edge of coming apart that boutique amps can't really mimic. The hard part is finding one that has not been modded, reconed, or otherwise screwed with. Another amp I would throw out is the Nick Greer Underdog 15, specifically the mod 1 circuit. This is a traditional 5E3 Tweed Deluxe witha twist. The overdrive reaches Plexi like tones, nice solid bottom end and can really rip and cut without farting out like old Deluxe's. It can do the Zep purr and the ratty Crowes Tweed stuff. All great amps!

A note on Tophat's, I've owned a few and all were great, just not well suited to this type of music. It may have been the speaker combinations that were in the amps. I really liked the Club Royale, loaded with Celestion Blues but not very Zeppeliny or Crowesy. Had alot more Vox that Marhsll vibe going on. Great amps though.

Scott

Okay...we're about on the same Page (HAHAHAHA...no pun intended...I'm a dork). Anyway, I'm really seeking Marshall-like balls and punch with Vox-like sparkle and chime on the top end. I think it's that whole 3D thing...which to me...really means having multiple dimensions to an amps tone. I'll look into some of those suggestions. Thanks for the help.

[TwoGeez]

Which 'Zep' tones are you talking about?? Remember that Page used all kinds of amps in the studio, especailly the first album (mainly a Supro). Plus, he miked those suckers in very dynamic ways. I heard he put a mike in a drained toilet one time twenty ft. from the amp just to see what it sounded like! Or are you talking live sound?? That's all Marshall 100w plexi, modded to put out 200w, with KT88 power tubes.

I'd go with a reissue 87x. I just bought one (modded, I should add) and it sounds fantastic. But you can pick one up used for about 8 or 9 hundred, and they sound pretty good stock. Down the road you can have someone mod it back to original plexi specs, and replace the stock OT to a Mercury Magnets OT, and you'd have an amp for the ages. You should pretty much be able to achieve all the tones you're looking for with this.

[guitarded_1]

Which 'Zep' tones are you talking about?? Remember that Page used all kinds of amps in the studio, especailly the first album (mainly a Supro). Plus, he miked those suckers in very dynamic ways. I heard he put a mike in a drained toilet one time twenty ft. from the amp just to see what it sounded like! Or are you talking live sound?? That's all Marshall 100w plexi, modded to put out 200w, with KT88 power tubes.

I'd go with a reissue 87x. I just bought one (modded, I should add) and it sounds fantastic. But you can pick one up used for about 8 or 9 hundred, and they sound pretty good stock. Down the road you can have someone mod it back to original plexi specs, and replace the stock OT to a Mercury Magnets OT, and you'd have an amp for the ages. You should pretty much be able to achieve all the tones you're looking for with this.

I'm just speaking in general terms. I'm not looking for small, ratty tone. I'm looking for more of an old plexi type thing with just a touch more gain...but I really want some added mojo and complexity on the top end.

[TwoGeez]

I'm just speaking in general terms. I'm not looking for small, ratty tone. I'm looking for more of an old plexi type thing with just a touch more gain...but I really want some added mojo and complexity on the top end.

I'm telling you, you can't go wrong with an 87x reissue. It's in your price range, it sounds great stock, and you can buy one, save another $200, and then have David Bray or VoodooAmps mod it for you down the road. You can tell them all this stuff and they will mod the amp to get these tones you want out of it. Either of these people do great jobs, and they specialize in vintage tones. Mine was modded by David Bray, and I was looking for pretty much the same tones you are, and it came out fantastic. Remember you need a good guitar and descent cab too.
:AOK

[TwoGeez]

Well, the mods might cost more like 3 or $400 -- LOL -- but it's still worth it.
:p

[stratofied]

Take a good look and listen to Germino. Seriously. It will get you there effortlessly right out of the box.

Actually this would have been my first recommendation but I think he might have a tough time staying on budget.

[catherinef]

Fargen Miniplex--very versatile amp!

[Woodshed]

The Carr is supposedly a similar circuit to the Supro Thunderbolt, not as much gain, but really nice edge of breakup tones. No death metal here. The Mini Plex I had was a 2X12 low power combo, very oldschool Marshall in vibe and sound. Could hit all the familiar Zep tones, maybe a little too tame for some Crowes. The Tomcat is very much a Marshall/Vox hybrid, having a little bit of each and a dollop of good old Aiken magic as well. It's much more chimey than the Invader/Intruder's I've had. Killer little amp! You know what I keep thinking about is how easily I got these type of tones out of my little old Trace Elliot Velocette I had, very Voxy with the ability to be overdriven into Plexi purr. Dirt cheap and pretty loud for 10 in. speaker. The coolest one I had has single ended, Mullard 12AX7 and EL34 powered, killer tones!

Scott

[DEMENTED]

Take a good look and listen to Germino. Seriously. It will get you there effortlessly right out of the box.

Steve


Not for a grand or less though.

[riffmeister]

I'm really seeking Marshall-like balls and punch with Vox-like sparkle and chime on the top end.

In an 18 watter, that's a pretty good description of a TopHat Club Royale. But I think you want a head and a higher powered amp, right? For under a grand in the booteek realm, I'm coming up empty......

[Woodshed]

Not for a grand or less though.

For under a grand in the booteek realm, I'm coming up empty......

Boutique amps that I have picked up for $1000 or less (shipping not included):

Germino Masonette 2X12 combo (stupid cheap and dead friggin' mint!)
Aiken Tomcat 1X12 combo
Tophat Club Royale 1X12 combo
Fargen Mini Plex 2X12 combo
Fargen Mini/Mighty Plex heads
Fargen Blackbird w/Tweed mod 1X12 combo (THE "Southern Harmony" tone!)
Nick Greer Underdog 15 mod 1 1X12 combo (killer "Money Maker" crunch and raunch!)
Roccaforte Custom 18 head
Carr Hammerhead 1X12 combo

Non-Boutique amps that will cover this ground for $1000 or less:

Marshall Jubilee 1x12 combo or head
Supro Thunderbolt/Airline bass combo
Trace Elliot Velocette combo
Gibson Goldtone combo
Fender Prosonic combo
Orange ad15/30 combo
Mesa Boogie Blue Angel combo

Scott

[fast ricky love]

This is basically the sonic territory that I live in so I've owned any and every Marshall/Vox clone across the board. Favorites that fall i that price range are Germino Masonette, Roccaforte Custom 18, Aiken Tomcat, Fargen Miniplex, and Carr Hammerhead. One of the very best Zep/Crowes amps I have owned is the Supro Thunderbolt. I was real hesitant to buy into the hype behind these amps but after owning one and playing one extensively it really hits the nail on the head for gritty, ratty Page tones. There is a certain looseness that the 15 in. speaker gives to the sound, like it's at the edge of coming apart that boutique amps can't really mimic. The hard part is finding one that has not been modded, reconed, or otherwise screwed with. Another amp I would throw out is the Nick Greer Underdog 15, specifically the mod 1 circuit. This is a traditional 5E3 Tweed Deluxe witha twist. The overdrive reaches Plexi like tones, nice solid bottom end and can really rip and cut without farting out like old Deluxe's. It can do the Zep purr and the ratty Crowes Tweed stuff. All great amps!

A note on Tophat's, I've owned a few and all were great, just not well suited to this type of music. It may have been the speaker combinations that were in the amps. I really liked the Club Royale, loaded with Celestion Blues but not very Zeppeliny or Crowesy. Had alot more Vox that Marhsll vibe going on. Great amps though.

Scott

I didn't know about Greer's products but they look VERY cool! The Underdog 15 Mod 1 looks like it'd be killer, hope to try one soon. :BEER

[Woodshed]

Have you seen the new Cam 18? This thing looks plain awesome!!! Nick tells me that it is extremely Voxy, a "Matchless killer" his words, not mine. They sure are easy on the eyes!

scott

[Killcrop]

The Carr Hammerhead is a really good choice for the Zep thing. With as Tim or a Klon it can get downright evil.

The Cage Corsa is a (4) EL84 head that covers this territory and has loads of bottom end. It might be the perfect blend of Marshall snarl and Vox chime.

[DualRectifier]

Nobody's mentioned Mesa....I think the only Mesa under a grand is an F-50, which I think would work for ya... or maybe even a used Lonestar?

Or save up another grand a get a Road King that can do it all.

I know they're not designer amps or anything, but Mesa was considered "boutique" way back when I started playing...and they're still great quality. Then again that's like Budweiser's ad slogan "we were a microbrew..in 1888".

I also agree with the fella that suggested a Marshall TSL....that's a right versatile amp too.

Do they still/again/out of business/back in business make Budda?

[Woodshed]

Nobody's mentioned Mesa....

Mesa Boogie Blue Angel combo :D

Scott

[guitarded_1]

EL 34's but in cathode bias??? Fargen Mighty Plex? Here's the Fargen pitch- true or false?:

EL 84's (especially cathode-biased "class A") will give you the sparkle/chime but not the balls. EL 34's Class AB fixed bias will give you the balls but not the sparkle/chime. That's a generalization, of course. A good class A/B el84 amp might do it, or, alternately a class fixed bias el 34 amp like a Germino Club 40. It's all a matter of emphasis. And if you go cathode-bias, class A for the sparkle/chime it get's harder to add more gain without getting overly compressed. Everything is a tradeoff.

Yeah...the sound I'm looking for is really nailed best by the Matchless Clubman (which is class A). I should probably just save my pennies and get the real deal. I have never come across a more affordable Matchless Clubman inspired clone, but I would love to hear about one if such an amp exists.

[sparkle**]

Yeah...the sound I'm looking for is really nailed best by the Matchless Clubman (which is class A). I should probably just save my pennies and get the real deal. I have never come across a more affordable Matchless Clubman inspired clone, but I would love to hear about one if such an amp exists.

If the clubman is the sound you want just get a clubman...only a clubman will sound like a clubman.... You an get one for $1500 +/- a few bucks.

[guitarded_1]

If the clubman is the sound you want just get a clubman...only a clubman will sound like a clubman.... You an get one for $1500 +/- a few bucks.

I agree. A store here in town is getting a Nick Greer Thundrbolt 30 in stock. I may have to go check that out.

[scottcw]

Yeah...the sound I'm looking for is really nailed best by the Matchless Clubman (which is class A). I should probably just save my pennies and get the real deal. I have never come across a more affordable Matchless Clubman inspired clone, but I would love to hear about one if such an amp exists.

The Matchless Clubman is NOT Class A, regardless of the marketing BS. It may be cathode biased, but definitely NOT Class A. Neither are any of Germino's amps.

[Nick Greer]

Have you seen the new Cam 18? This thing looks plain awesome!!! Nick tells me that it is extremely Voxy, a "Matchless killer" his words, not mine. They sure are easy on the eyes!

scott

Actually the CAM is more along the lines of a VERY chimey marshall (with Single Coils--with Humbuckers she's just mean!!!) I think you were thinking of the Thunderbolt--it's more of a M@rsh@ll meets M@tchless type sound...

Nick Greer

[fast ricky love]

Hey Nick, have you ever considered a Cam 18 combo?

[guitarded_1]

There are a few cathode-biased el34 amps that you might find for substantially less $$$ than the Clubman, but you'd have to listen to them first to be sure they are what you are looking for.

Any examples would be great. I appreciate your help.

[JJman]

Saw Page with the Crowes a few years ago. Super fantastic tone and performance all around. Page was using an Orange and a Marshall.

[Crikey]

Yeah...the sound I'm looking for is really nailed best by the Matchless Clubman (which is class A). I should probably just save my pennies and get the real deal. I have never come across a more affordable Matchless Clubman inspired clone, but I would love to hear about one if such an amp exists.

I've heard the Hughes & Kettner Puretone described as sounding a lot like the Matchless Clubman (I can't say how similar or different their tech specs may be, nor have I had the pleasure of hearing a real Clubman). Used Puretones can be had well under $1000.


Crikey

[guitarded_1]

I'm surprised to see this thread pop up again. I ended up getting a Matchless Phoenix, and holy hell, it just kills for the old school rock tone. The cleans aren't quite as nice as the Clubman, but the rock sounds are so huge and juicy that it's unreal.:RoCkIn

[zzmoore]

If you are looking for the "Blue Collar" of Rock and Roll amps and do not care who solders the parts together..... Ceriatone makes a JCM800 that will put sound in the air without murdering your wallet.
http://www.ceriatone.com/productSubPages/BSJCM800_2204/BSJCM800_2204.htm

;)

[Sparky6string]

I'm surprised to see this thread pop up again. I ended up getting a Matchless Phoenix, and holy hell, it just kills for the old school rock tone. The cleans aren't quite as nice as the Clubman, but the rock sounds are so huge and juicy that it's unreal.:RoCkIn

Nice. I guess if this question came up these days I would recommend a Ceriatone 36 watt with the ef86.

[cg]

Orange Tiny Terror and 1x12 closed-back Orange cab w/vintage 30. This is my soon to be complete rig for home use.

Here's a good video someone put together doing a bunch of Zep on a Tiny Terror. Sounds pretty good to me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Oj-1rWkC0

For a little more, I also love my Swart AST with a BB Preamp for Black Crowes. I think this little amp KILLS for this stuff.

Not a bad demo, but not as heavy as it can get with the right pedal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuIowRfSpCg

[devilrob1979]

Soldano Astroverbs sound pretty awesome too.

[BadAssBill]

Okay...we're about on the same Page (HAHAHAHA...no pun intended...I'm a dork). Anyway, I'm really seeking Marshall-like balls and punch with Vox-like sparkle and chime on the top end. I think it's that whole 3D thing...which to me...really means having multiple dimensions to an amps tone. I'll look into some of those suggestions. Thanks for the help.

This describes an Orange IMHO.

[NFB]

Marshall JCM 800 Model 2210 w/ EL-34's is my pick. The distortion channel is fantastic, clean channel needs work.

[guitarded_1]

You picked up a Matchless Phoenix for under a grand? Something tells me you raised your spending limit for this one.

Under a grand? I wish. I have since bought/sold/traded a lot of amps. This thread is pretty old, relatively speaking.

[SkydogFan81]

ceriatone clones!