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I mainly play my Hiwatt-based amp (Science Mother), I also have a Princeton Reverb in the living room. Mostly playing my Jazzmasters, sometimes my SG. I want to find something of a different variety, a bit dirtier/scuzzier without being a one-trick gain pony.

No band but eventually I aim to record something by myself. Garage-rock, psych, the indie/college-rock spectrum, post punk, that kind of thing is what I enjoy playing.

Orange OR120 - most expensive (vintage is probably out so I'd be looking at reissues), reissue transformers aren't as good as the vintage, Baxandall stack gives me a lot of tonal options. Zero chance of trying before I buy, all but one demo is doom oriented (which is cool, if I buy one I would definitely spend some time pretending I'm in Sunn O)))).

Marshall 1986 clone - cleans sound great, not as harshly bright as the lead circuit, most demos are blooz-rock oriented.

Vox AC30 handwired head - most affordable, have only tried the AC30 combos at GC, a little worried it will be too bright for me.

The original plan was a 1986 clone but I think I'm talking myself into the OR-120, if I find a deal. Throwing it out for opinions.

Not to criticise, but thems are some big, loud amps for recording!

If recording was going to be the main use, then I'd be looking for something lower wattage. Then you're almost guaranteed early break up rather than high headroom. My AC30 sounds incredible when the volume is rolled up, but for small rooms and recording I'm far more likely to turn to my 5w Laney Lionheart, where I can get the break up I want at a much more acceptable volume. I want my ears to last...

Yeah, kind of ridiculously sized but I have a house to myself and a Power Station.

What about a Matamp GT1?

No personal experience but Id love to give one a test drive.

i went with the AC30. it always worked well when our old guitar player used to use a hiwatt.

Orange and Hiwatt is a great combo.
On the other hand I really love Vox amps so I won't be much help...
You've got loud and clean covered tho', ac30 should be able to give you an other vibe.

The power station has made my life so much better.

wooderson wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 28, 2018 5:33 pm

Yeah, kind of ridiculously sized but I have a house to myself and a Power Station.

Maybe something like a vintage Supro/Valco type amp? Could make for some really nice variety. Scuzzy but also plenty musical.

(But if I had to pick from the list I'd say AC30)

I'm a big fan of the Vox + Hiwatt combo (I think the dude from The Life and Times runs these together). They compliment each other quite well.

The new Laney LA30BL sounds also like a good candidate for your sound.
A friend of mine plays a Hiwatt with either a Laney Klipp or a Laney Supergroup (oh man he owns so many amps! at least seven more...) but they are damn loud and damn heavy! With 30 Watts and optically (and hopefully acoustically as well) close to the Supergroup (Rrrrr!) it could be really nice for recording and playing non-stadium-club-shows in the near future.
Otherwise I'd always recommend a Fender head (Silverface Bassman, Showman or Bandmaster if you find one or a Supersonic) for Garage-Psych Rock.

horseblanket wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:22 am

The power station has made my life so much better.

It's not absolutely transparent but it gets so close that I don't care, love that thing.

MayTheFuzzBeWithYou wrote: ↑

Mon Dec 17, 2018 11:58 am

The new Laney LA30BL sounds also like a good candidate for your sound.

I had forgotten those came out, will definitely have to look into that.