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im lookin for a cheaper stack [half or full doesnt matter]that i could probably buy used. it doesnt really matter to me if its tube or solid state...... i play heavy metal like ozzy ,pantera, metallica, ect. any help appreciated

Both the guitarists in my band have Hamp;K Vortex half stacks. It's not my cup of tea, but I'm quite impressed for how they work for them, and they're probably lighter than either my head or my cab.

Try and find a used Vox Valvetronix AD60 or AD120 head, then put it on whatever cab you can afford, and pickup locally. Even though the Vox has a somewhat retro look, it'll give you better metal tones than any other head in that price range $350-$600 used. If you ever try one in the store, make sure you combine one of the 2 main overdrive models with Recto, UK 70's, UK Modern.

As you can see, the top panel is laid out neatly, so you'll find hundreds of great tones. You can literally copy the exact tone you hear off your favorite metal albums......just turn knobs till you find it.B-52 solid state head and 4x12 cab is like $600 new at MF/GC.

Best solid state amp I've heard since the 80's Marshalls and the old Randall RG's from then too.

5150

Those Ibanez ToneBlaster amps got good reviews, but I've never played one. That, Crate, and the B-52 might be the way to go if buying new.

Used, and REALLY cheap? I would look at Music Man heads, either the 65- or 130-watt versions. Matching 412s are hard to find, but these are really great amps. They are a hybrid-design, with SS front-ends and tube power.

My other favorite here would be darn near anything from Peavey! Mace, Deuce, Butcher, VTM, Ultra, XXX, XXL, Triumph, Road Master, Rock Master, 5150--there are a lot of really good sounding amps here, that can be had for a song. Peaveys are great value, very reliable.

Another amp that you can find dirt cheap these days that can really rock are the the old SUNN amps. The tube models are getting collectible (translate as expensive), but the Concert, Coliseum, and Beta Lead heads will still pin your ears back. SUNN had some of the best speaker cabs in the biz, too. The old V-baffle 612 or 610 cabs project unbelievably well--way better than a standard 412 cab.

These amps won't have a lot of the bells and whistles of modern-day amps; but if you are looking for amps with a lot of clean power for use with a pedal board or processor, you may find something here that will sound great--not only to your ears, but to your pocketbook, too.

Good Luck!

Bill

Whatever you do man DO NOT get one of those Ibanez Toneblaster heads. They sound like overprocessed mud. Not enough clarity or balls. All that gain comes through sounding really sterile...really good clean channel though.