bandit2013 said:
First off what are you considering giving up for something different?
Also what version of LoneStar are you considering? I would assume you are referencing the 100W version? The LoneStar is more of a country music style of amplifier. It can get dirty and do rock too. That is as much as I know about it.
The TC-50 is rude and crude but sounds great. Primarily it is geared towards the EL34 power tube, but can be used with 6L6 or 6V6 power tubes. TC-50 has two independent preamp gain circuits, one is focused on the clean channel and the other shared by the Hi and Lo gain channels which makes up two complete controls for each hi and lo gain functions. There are many features provided with this amplifier and you can review all of them on the Mesa web site. While you are there compare that to the LoneStar. CH1 (clean) is awesome for blues, and some classic rock that has a lower gain structure. CH2 is ideal for harder classic rock like Led Zeppelin, ACDC and similar bands. CH3 is has much more drive and a bit more compression that is good for modern to classic heavy metal style. There are more pro's that could be listed and way to many to list here. Con's, I can only think of two, the amp is 50W. The only way to get half power is to use 6V6 tubes. The second it is does not have 100W capability which would be ideal for me. Other than that the 50W amp is easily run low and sounds good at lower volume settings. It is a fun amp to play though.
I'm selling my Dr. Z Remedy. I love it, and I can get AMAZING cleans from it, and pretty decent overdrive if I get the settings JUST right, but the issues I have with it are:
1) No Effects Loop, and I use a lot of delay so I can't overdrive the amp or the delays are too hairy.
2) Hard to find a good clean tone at stage volume that won't break up. And if I DO find a good clean tone, it doesn't sound good with drive pedals. (FYI: I HATE using drive pedals)
3) While you CAN get good clean and good drive out of JUST the amp, you can't switch between the two since it's a single channel amp.
4) If I DO get a good driven tone from JUST the amp, it works great for rhythm but lacks smoothness and sustain for playing lead, which is what I do 95% of the time.
5) Since it's a single channel amp, and I have to run it clean and rely on pedals (BK Butler Tube Driver for main gain, Klon for clean boost, Dr. Z Variable Boost Footswitch for lead boost) I end up doing a lot of tap dancing.
Ultimately, I just really need an amp that has 2-3 channels (clean, thick drive, thick smooth lead), an effects loop (footswitchable would be nice) , footswitchable channels is a HUGE plus, and sounds good at low-ish volumes as well as larger venue levels.