Nomad 55 1x12

[Thatguy]

Hi guys I'm new to the forum this is my first post. I'm looking into a nomad 55, and am wondering if it will do some metal tones or if it needs a boost. Also I'm wondering if anyone has tried running it through a 4x12 recto cab and what that might sound like. And any other suggestions you might have for this amp.
Thanks

 

[shytfayse]

I have a Nomad 100 combo and the red channel will do metal - no problem. I do have the extra 5 band EQ, which is switchable, which you don't have, if I want a super second order mid scoop. Rarely do I use it though. 55 watts is big enough for most gigs as I rarely push mine past 4 un-miked. Yours also has the solo, post preamp/pre poweramp, boost to give it a kick in the pants when you need it. Some people think these are a muddy sounding amp, which would not be good for metal, and there is a "mud-mod" link here somewhere, but I don't think mine is muddy at all. I find a lot of players thinking that high hashy sound is classic for metal, but, I can't stand the buzz saw anymore. I'm constantly rolling off the treble in live situations. From fixing amps and playing in working bands, I have definately found out that "good tone" is very subjective. A good closed cab should emphisize the lows which the Recto cab is famous for. It is a very versitile amp IMO. It is not a Rectifier but it will cover Jazz to AC/DC to Pantera. My band mate owns a Triple Rectifier and it will keep up with him. I would say to go for it if the price is right, but, I'm jaded because I own one - Pat.

 

[Koreth]

Depends on what style of metal and what tones you're looking for.

The red and orange channels on a Nomad have three gain stages like a Marshall JCM 800 or One-Wire-Mod JMP, and should be able to reach a comparable levels of distortion. However, if you're looking for even more gain at levels comparable to a Recto (which has four gain stages) then you'll probably need a boost.

Take the red or orange channel and bring the gain up to about 2/3s of max, and tweak EQ to taste. If that's still not enough gain, pull the gain back to oh, about halfway, and feed it with your favorite overdrive or boost pedal.

 

[drdowell]

Hi, I am new to the boards also, and recently picked up a nomad 100 head. I think it does metal very well, but I have to use an overdrive pedal to get there. It is not that the amp does not have enough gain, because it does...the gain just needs a crisp overdrive pedal to make it tight and controllable in my opinion.

There is an incredible array of tones for metal with the channels and modes. I am very pleased with my Nomad so far, alas mine also has the active EQ with I think really helps me shape and define the sound. I'm don't think I would like the amp near as much without the EQ.

 

[earachemyeye]

I've got one. If you want an eq just put one in the effects loop. I use a Boss GE-7 with a mod kit from Monte Allums. Works great for boosting the low end which a single 12 combo lacks. I also ran mine through a Genz Benz 2x12 cab when I was gigging. It was a monster with that. They are great amps for the price and cover a ton of ground tonally so you're not stuck with a one trick pony. Check the threads here about them. There's alot of info about tweaking them to your taste. Enjoy!

 

[Thatguy]

Do you think (value wise), me trading my 5150 head for a nomad 55 is about an equal trade. Not in sound but strictly value. It is a nomad 55 1x12. Mine is a signature 5150 that could benefit from new tubes.

 

[earachemyeye]

I got mine for $750 9 yrs. ago. I've seen them go for $650 and less since. Not sure what the value of a 5150 is. Tip: I get a very nice VH tone by using the Rat model in my POD to boost ch.3. But then I'm also using el34's...

 

[knottyhotman]

I would say yes dependin on your style.
A friend was usin mine for a while (playin Ozzy, Motley Crue etc). It worked very well.
Might not work as well for death metal.