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Most esteemed SDUG amp experts:

Long story short: I need to rent a fairly versatile amp with a good amount of power for a gig. I will be using only my H/S/S Strat with no effects. I am thinking a three channel (clean/crunch/rawwwwrrrrr) is the way to go, as I will be wanting a pretty wide spectrum of tones, but I don't want to deal with the complexity of a modelling amp.

Some ideas:

- Marshall TSL60 half stack or TSL602 combo
- Fender Hot Rod DeVille 212 or 410
- Mesa Mark IV head or combo
- Mesa Stiletto (not technically three channel, but has a boost switch)

I would love to hear your input. Again, keep in mind this is only for one gig. I don't have to live with this thing.

Thanks!

Did you call any local rental companies? You'll probably be limited to whatever they have. It's a tiny bit unethical, but I'll tell you what I've done. Guitar Center has a 30 day return policy...no questions asked. As long as the piece of gear is returned in EXACTLY the same condition you bought it in, the rental is FREE!!! LOL Go there, try out all the amps, front the money, and return it in 2 weeks. I've played gigs outta town, and bought Marshall cabs there, then returned them on Monday morning. They don't like it, but then again I'm sick of Gcrep auctions on Ebay.....so we're even. That's how I justify it! haha

Being a Boogie devotee, I would strongly suggest that you NOT rent a Mesa. There's too much involved in finding your tones and using the channel switching effectively. To use it for just one day, it's not worth it.

I agree that you're going to be limited by what's available to be rented, so you should call them to see what's available to you.

Of the choices that you listed, I would go with a Deville. Straight-forward, simple to use, and sounds good.

Strange, I would have said a Mesa/Boogie single rect.

You will be hard pressed to find a rebtal, but I've been using one that has clean, dirty, and the solo switch.

Then, that's just me.


Originally Posted by chopstherockerStrange, I would have said a Mesa/Boogie single rect.

You will be hard pressed to find a rebtal, but I've been using one that has clean, dirty, and the solo switch.

Then, that's just me.

I have one, too, but that's not one of the choices.

If the choice is a Mark IV, the learning curve is too great for just one day, IMO. In the name of simplicity, I went with the simplest amp to get a good set of sounds.

A TSL should do the trick. Maybe even a DSL considering they're supposed to sound better and I think there is a boost option on the crunch channel.

yeah, DSL 50 would be a common, viable option.. the DSL 401 just has a boost for the 3rd channel, i dunno if the same is true on the bigger ones...

tom

Of those the TSL... I d recommend seeing if you can get a Hamp;K Triamp , though

The place I will be renting from will rent pretty much anything they have in their retail inventory, except for the really high-end stuff (I suspect the Mark IV may be pushing it). I know for a fact they have a wall of DeVille's available to rent, so that one's more or less my fall-back.

As for Recto's: I like the high gain sound, but it's WAY too bottom heavy for this gig. If this were a hard rock/metal gig it would for sure be in consideration.

I am open to suggestions - the list is merely my thoughts. If you have a better idea please post it (Zerb's Hamp;K recommendation is very good for example).

Thanks.

Any more suggestions? I will be giving them a try tonight.

The Rivera Knucklehead 55 with Reverb fits the bill you're looking for. Extremely easy to dial in good sounds as well.


Originally Posted by ZerberusOf those the TSL... I d recommend seeing if you can get a Hamp;K Triamp , though

Agreed! 6 channels
(got one)