Rock and Roll is Ugly

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GEAR NERD ALERT
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this post has gear-related content. i try to refrain from gear talk on here, but every now and then i need a little indulgence. bear with me.

thanks,

the editor.


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I spent today at play, tweaking with different guitar/pedals/amp/cab choices. Those who know me well know that I'm never fully satisfied with the way my gear sounds, and I'm always looking for new and interesting ways to set up a guitar rig. This is what my studio room looked like today. as you can see, I've been interested in combo amps recently.
(and I'm thinking about selling that Marshall Bluesbreaker in the back... email jonathansteingard@gmail.com if you're interested...)



Some of the amps I have at the moment are more expensive than others, and it's always interesting to see how they compare in a head-to-head match-up (pun intended). As happens often, the most expensive gear did not win. Here was the winning combination:


Ugly as sin, right? Well a good friend once told me that rock and roll is supposed to be ugly. I think I'm starting to agree. This looks like a 7th grade science experiment strapped to a second-hand microwave.... but it sounds great! I'm gonna play this rig all over the place this summer. I can't wait to see the scowls I get from some of my guitar-player friends... Randy Williams, Micah Sannan, Ben Kasica, Tim Roseneau, Jon Schneck, and a few others. They'll all say I'm out of my mind... but my tone will leave them running for the nearest port-a-potty.



So what the heck is this contraption, you ask? Well, it's actually the guts of a mid-90's Peavey Classic 50 stacked onto my trusty Heritage 2x12 cab. No, it's not solid state... There are EL84s and 12AX7s under there. Geez. Take it easy.

I've gone through so many amps, I can barely keep track... but this is an amp I've always been impressed with (and bought twice). There is a clarity to it that is hard to match. I can always hear every note in a chord, and the overtones are wonderful. It also LOVES pedals, and since I'm a pedal overdrive kinda guy, it's perfect for me. The EQ is very responsive as well. Here's what the combo looks like.


You can find them used for like $250-$350. There are 4x10, 2x12, and head versions of this amp. To be honest, the stock speakers are pretty awful, but the guts of this amp are fantastic. It only really shines if you use it with a separate cab or replace the speakers... but for the price?!! It's hard to beat. So if you see one kicking around, BUY IT!

So, Randy. Make fun of me all you want. Wait til you hear my freakin tone. It sounds great in the house. :)