The big 3 Amplifiers

MIKA-the-better-one

So you could call this a "love thread" not a "Mine is better thread"

In my mind for modern.... say rock music...... which is generally what most of us play not matter what silly, fancy words we give it..... ?
There are two amplifiers or three that jump to mind, that even most boutique builders sort of build off of......

the FENDER The VOX The MARSHALL
(noted for its extreme power (noted for its warm (The Rock n Roll Battering Ram
and crystal cleans) slightly overdriven sound) great dostorted sounds)

So Now what do you prefer in you ideal setup?
What are the pros's and cons of each to you?
Which models Stand out amongst these different brands?
Which artists push these certain models to points you find admirable?
What boutique amps do you think capatalised on these designs?

MIKA-the-better-one

For me its the closest call between the fender and thr vox..... I love the fender clean, especially when combined with pedals......

But Vox to me sounds like the sound I really want, however the reliability and quality of the newer stuff is questionable

ezietsman

I agree these are the big 3 types of amplifier but a Fender is not a Fender is not a Fender and the same for the others. Some of these amps are 'less than desirable'. Also, I think there are numerous other brands that make better amps than Fender, Vox and Marshall but because we like to spend our money on the safe options mostly, most of us never give most brands a chance.

This thread should really produce such a varied response in favourite amp types as there would be in favourite tones / style or whatever. Fenders and Vox amps aren't that good for heavy styles and Marshalls aren't that good for clean styles (arguably). However, some manufacturers designed their amps to give you both or any style more or less (The more expensive amps comes to mind, Blackstar Series One, Mesa Dual Rect, Cornford MKII etc etc).

In the end, most of us choose an amp that 1. fits our wallets, 2. Fits our ears, usually in that order too else most of us would have owned Series Ones, Dual Rects or Vintage Fender/Marshall/Vox amps.

So for me, at the moment, I don't really have a favourite amp. My HT5 is killer, as is all the other Blackstars I have played. Some Mesa Boogies are really nice and some aren't all that for me. I would never buy a Fender Twin for example, but I wouldn't buy a Kerri King Marshall either, as neither can give me the tones I like best.

So my favourite type of amplifier thus is that kind of amp that can give me Clean, Rock, blues and heavier tones, all in one box without the need for pedals. It doesn't have to be able to switch between the tones, they must just be all in there somewhere. At the moment, from my experience and opinion, the Blackstars rule the roost as far as versatility goes. They look a bit heavy metal tho so your stage may not look as rustic at the blues gig as you might hope ?

MikeM

Vox is the middle ground. Warm cleans, great drive. Something about EL84s. With a vol knob and a drive pedal, I can get any tone I want.

MIKA-the-better-one

well my understanding of blackstar is they try to cover all bases of fender marshall and vox........ true there are alterations in brand as well... its just a general talk on preferances and all that stuff....

Dr Z make a marhsall ish amp, a vox ish amp , and fender ish.........

the big 3 just give a bit of a basis to work from

ezietsman

MIKA the better one wrote: well my understanding of blackstar is they try to cover all bases of fender marshall and vox........ true there are alterations in brand as well... its just a general talk on preferances and all that stuff....

Dr Z make a marhsall ish amp, a vox ish amp , and fender ish.........

the big 3 just give a bit of a basis to work from

Yes. the F/V/M trio is the basis of most because they were kinda the first popular amps and most of the classic guitar sounds were created using one or more of them. For that reason they are still the standard go to amps for the various styles, I just think we as players should look into the others too. Many gems to be discovered I think ?

Mr-M

MIKA the better one wrote: But Vox to me sounds like the sound I really want, however the reliability and quality of the newer stuff is questionable

Questionable? May I inquire as to your source for this allegation?

MIKA-the-better-one

I have read on various forum that they break easy .... and experienced the same, but that may have been bad luck..... plus your sqitch came off that time ? ? ?

ezietsman wrote:
MIKA the better one wrote: well my understanding of blackstar is they try to cover all bases of fender marshall and vox........ true there are alterations in brand as well... its just a general talk on preferances and all that stuff....

Dr Z make a marhsall ish amp, a vox ish amp , and fender ish.........

the big 3 just give a bit of a basis to work from
Yes. the F/V/M trio is the basis of most because they were kinda the first popular amps and most of the classic guitar sounds were created using one or more of them. For that reason they are still the standard go to amps for the various styles, I just think we as players should look into the others too. Many gems to be discovered I think ?

Oh dude I know to many different amps, and want them all........ and love them all, but I just find they all stick to older design , improving where they can.....
But if you want there to be a big 4 lets make it Fender Vox Marshal Blackstar ?

ezietsman

MIKA the better one wrote: I have read on various forum that they break easy .... and experienced the same, but that may have been bad luck..... plus your sqitch came off that time ? ? ?
ezietsman wrote:
MIKA the better one wrote: well my understanding of blackstar is they try to cover all bases of fender marshall and vox........ true there are alterations in brand as well... its just a general talk on preferances and all that stuff....

Dr Z make a marhsall ish amp, a vox ish amp , and fender ish.........

the big 3 just give a bit of a basis to work from
Yes. the F/V/M trio is the basis of most because they were kinda the first popular amps and most of the classic guitar sounds were created using one or more of them. For that reason they are still the standard go to amps for the various styles, I just think we as players should look into the others too. Many gems to be discovered I think ?
Oh dude I know to many different amps, and want them all........ and love them all, but I just find they all stick to older design , improving where they can.....
But if you want there to be a big 4 lets make it Fender Vox Marshal Blackstar ?

I used the Blackstars as an example because I like them. But I think what I said holds for many other brands too. If you really want to name the big 4 amps it should probably be Fender, Marshall, Vox and Line6 if you go by popularity alone. Because, you know, everyone can't be wrong...

MIKA-the-better-one

yeh you could include line 6, sadly tone wise they would hold there own..... but aside from all that...... its just to discuss the likes and dislikes of different fenders, vox's, and marshall's (originally I questioned whether I should include marshall) but did...... hence its existance in the thread......

For example I find yet another thing I am always terrified of with VOX is if I can use all my different dirt box's with it... when with a fender I know its like a big clean slab, you can put anything on....

Malkav

MIKA the better one wrote: But if you want there to be a big 4 lets make it Fender Vox Marshal Blackstar ?

I think realistically these days the big 4 are Fender, Marshall, Vox and Mesa Boogie. Blackstar don't have the popularity of Mesa yet, and though they share some characteristics with Fenders I think on the whole Mesa have their own identifiable sound. They may have hit the scene later than say Marshall but I consider them everybit as much of a trend setter.

Their new products like the Lonestar and Trans-Atlantic are pretty killer for more classic rock and clean sounds. Before anyone tries to jump on the "it's only for metal" vibe, just no okay just no.