Amp recommendations (need versatile head)

[TommiK]

Hi!

The other guitarplayer in my band is in need of a new amp, since his Tiny Terror just ain't cutting it. The problem isn't volume, it's the lack of headroom. Since the people here seem to have managed to own every single amp under the sun, I figured I'd ask for some input from you amp gurus.

So, what's a good reasonably priced amp head to suggest to my friend?

The requirements are:
Enough headroom to get loud(ish) cleans without the amp mushing out.
Enough volume to hang with a drummer
Two or more channels, footswitchable, that deliver both decent cleans and OD. Od should have enough gain for hard rock/metallish tones.
It shouldn't cost too much and it should be readily available, so no boutique stuff, I'm afraid.

Effects loops and switchable lead boosts are welcome bonuses.

I'm playing a VHT/Fryette Deliverance 60 through a 2x12, so the amp should be able to hang and mesh with that.

Personally stuff like the Engl Screamer and Mesa F-50, come to mind. Anything else?

Thanks.

[Kelly]

Sig.X. Youll be very disappointed moving from a Deliverance to a F-50...

[freaksho]

there are a number of amps that will fit that bill. it just depends on the flavor he wants and the budget. "boutique" can mean many different things to different people.

for Marshall 800ish gain tones i suggest what i use: Bogner Shiva. incredible cleans at stupid volumes (and i mean stupid) and great crunch tones up to hard rock range - and even metal-ish i'd say with boost engaged and a little dependent on the power of the pickups. these can sometimes be found for ~$1500 used, but maybe a bit more is typical.

other flavors i've had experience with that still meet the requirements: Orange Rockerverb, Budda Superdrive, Mesa Lonestar. all about in the same price range, with the Mesa and the Budda on the lower end if memory serves.

[dk123123dk]

The amp he has now only has one channel, can I suggest some single channel amps instead?

I think with a nice single channel clean amp, and add a one or two pedals can get him the tones he seeks.

Like an old Fender, Soundcity, Traynor, Ampeg head/combo, and a few pedals.

dk

[small axe]

i 2nd the bogner shiva since i own one, but there are so many amps out there that can give u what u want....try em out.../13, mesa, dr.z, budda etc

[mvd18969]

Look for a used Peavey Ultra Plus 120. 3 channels, reverb, fx loop, 1/2 power switching, boosts, etc. Great amp and can be had for less than $500.

[TommiK]

Thanks for the suggestions. Both the Shiva and the Orange Rockerverb would fit the bill. Too bad Bogners are really scarce and expensive here. Loved the Shiva when I tried it though.Stuff like /13, Dr. Z and Budda are pretty much out of the question, since there's no dealers here in Finland, and Buddas are also stupid expensive here.

The Rockerverb might a cool choice. The functions are there and the price is doable. Anyone have any experience with the Rockerverb, how does it sound?

Sig.X. Youll be very disappointed moving from a Deliverance to a F-50...

The amp is for a friend. I'm not getting rid of the D60, I love that thing!