A n00b and his quest for an amplifier

[Koreth]

Well I did follow the advice offered here - I went out and picked up a new guitar. I picked up an Ibanez RG5EX1. I also tried out a Jackson DK2, which had a different, but nice tone, and a beautiful blue finish, but the Ibanez felt a little easier to play. I think I liked the sound of the Seymour Duncan pickups in the Jackson, but the Ibanez still sounds much better than the Wal-Mart Guitar does.

But that's not the best part of it. In order to qualify for Guitar Center's financing, I had to spend at least $500, and the Ibanez was under $400. So I also picked up a Peavey ValveKing 112. It is a tube amp - I checked and saw the 6L6es in the back. It's no Rectifier, but it is a tube amp with a decent tone that is certainly nicer than the Wal-Mart amp or the solid state one I blew up.

Though I realize that this is a board mainly for discussing Mesa/Boogie amps, and that Peavey != Mesa, but I figure I can continue to practice with it and my new Ibanez, and worry about getting a Mesa down the road.

 

[art_n_music]

Way to go! You made the right choice. Of course, everyone here wants you to get a Mesa, but all in good time....you've got a guitar you like and an amp that will get you through to the next level. Just keep an eye out for used Mesas when your ready for the next GAS plunge! 8)

 

[PreventThis]

Yeah a Mesa is a very big purchase especially since you dont have much extra money for one it seems. Just keep looking out for a used Mesa and when you see a deal jump on it.

 

[clutch71]

mmmm (ala Homer Simpson)....A line of credit at Guitar center...mmmm.

That's the equivilent of eating beans brother!

 

[rvschulz]

one piece of advice i would like to give every person lusting after that music equipment is ... if it is not a work equipment item (like you are not a professional musician ) then SAVE your money until you can afford what you want.

DO NOT DO THE DEBT ... repeat that all the time. think about the money you will save over the years. you can get a R8 or R9 LP, or a 54 strat if you can count your interest down to zero.

i only owe on my house - everything else is saved for and paid by cash .... try that for financial sanity.

 

[jtb226]

nice work on the guitar/amp combo. i've heard great things about that peavey. congrats and good luck on your mesa quest! make sure to hang around here. some great information and great people here!

i know personally i've learned an incredible amount by just being a regular visiting member here.