MK III vs. .50 cal - can the little guy compete?

[Zoner]

I have found my tone(s) in a green stripe MKIII and Marshall 4x10 cab, but need to have a smaller rig for grab and go jamming and practices. I am wondering if a .50 cal can get me close to the MKIII tone wise and save me the hassle of lugging my stage rig around. I am mostly interested in the "quality" of the tone rather than the flexibility or volume. I like the raw, slightly abrasive drive I get from the MKIII and need to know if the .50 cal has the same character or if it is more of a smooth, saturated tone like my Maverick had. Isn't it great trying to describe characteristics of tone? Sheesh!. Thanks for any opinions. Z

 

[futurestar]

If you're looking for a raw rock n roll tone, the 50 Cal can give you that for sure. That's what it was designed for. The clean channel has a pretty sweet Fender kind of tone as well, if that's your thing (At least mine does anyway).

Mark

 

[scottcrud]

Yes it can. A couple things to keep in mind.
1. it won't be as loud ( of course)
2. It won't have the low end response
3. The MKIII will sound a little more open, it's hard to explain but they sound similar, just not the same.
4. The MKIII's tone on the clean and lead channel are more refined, again the "open" thing I mentioned above.