Question:

I’m looking to buy a decent amp to play with some friends, and maybe some small gigs. My musical taste is older heavier stuff like Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, some AC/DC, etc… I want something that is LOUD enough to play with a small band and in front of some people. I am looking to spend about $550 US. Recommendations??

Response:

>I’m looking to buy a decent amp to play with some friends, and maybe >some small gigs. My musical taste is older heavier stuff like >Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, some AC/DC, etc… I want something >that is LOUD enough to play with a small band and in front of some >people. I am looking to spend about $550 US. Recommendations??

Peavey 5150 combo –  not my favorite amp but it will do what you say in the price range you ask. Thorny

Response:

I agree with this post but will add that any 50-60w Tube combo with decent gain (i.e. 5 12ax7 preamp tubes) will do the trick.  Using a good pickup selection is important as well.  I suggest either Seymour Duncan Invaders or EMG 81’s.  The EMG’s are active and will produce a much more ’saturated’ sound.  Speaker selection is important as well.  I love the sound of the Celestion Custom 90’s but people will probably flame me for that choice. I used to pull off a pretty decent metallica type sound with a Mesa Boogie Studio .22+ amp, and setup my guitar with the invader in the bridge postition and a Dimarzio Tone Zone or Seymour Duncan ‘59 model in the neck. The Studio .22+ with the internal speaker worked great for jamming but I usually used a 4×12 cab when gigging. Hope this helps, Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’m looking to buy a decent amp to play with some friends, and maybe >some small gigs. My musical taste is older heavier stuff like >Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, some AC/DC, etc… I want something >that is LOUD enough to play with a small band and in front of some >people. I am looking to spend about $550 US. Recommendations?? > Peavey 5150 combo –  not my favorite amp but it will do what you say > in the price range you ask. > Thorny

Response: