Members ToTheAtom Posted March 23, 2008 Members Share Posted March 23, 2008 Hope you don't mind me posting this in the effects forum.. I've asked seom question in the Amps forum but I figured to get a different perspective here. I recently purchased a new Fender American Standard Strat and I have about $1,200.00 to spend on an amp and effects. I'm trying to figure which is the best direction to go with that money. Spend it all on the amp or go 50/50 with amp and effects? I need to be able to play at lower volumes for home playing so I figure a good master volume is a must and I also figure that means I'll need to get most of my gain from pedals. As for my desired sound: I'd love to be able to achieve a Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream-type tone (good luck, I know) or softer, more ambient tones (think Radiohead: In Rainbows) depending on my mood. That's a lot to ask for at only $1,200.00, I realize. But what would get me started in the right direction? I'm having trouble finding an amp that I'm really impressed with. My favorite thusfar was a Marshall Vintage Modern but it's out of my price range. Any advice? Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members melx Posted March 23, 2008 Members Share Posted March 23, 2008 a used JCM combo, and a handful of EHX pedals. but definatly get an amp you are happy with first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members T3 Posted March 23, 2008 Members Share Posted March 23, 2008 if you have to spend it all on the amp, do so. it's essential you get that right first. you say you need to be able to play at bedroom levels, is that as well as playing loud, or will this be the majority of the time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ToTheAtom Posted March 23, 2008 Author Members Share Posted March 23, 2008 That would be most of the time.. I don't play in a band; just at home. I don't want to anger the roommates and neighbors. I know that I don't need many watts for that but I've been told that a good master volume negates the wattage for my purposes. I originally purchased an Epiphone Valve Jr. head w/ matching cab, thinking that 5 watts would suit me perfect and ended up returning it because it was way too loud with just the one dial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members melx Posted March 23, 2008 Members Share Posted March 23, 2008 That would be most of the time.. I don't play in a band; just at home. I don't want to anger the roommates and neighbors. I know that I don't need many watts for that but I've been told that a good master volume negates the wattage for my purposes. I originally purchased an Epiphone Valve Jr. head w/ matching cab, thinking that 5 watts would suit me perfect and ended up returning it because it was way too loud with just the one dial. I would have just used an overdrive pedal with the epi. there is no point in buying a 50w marshall to play quietly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.