Probably been asked before, but: Express 5:50 or LSC???

[VCuomo]

Sorry if this question has been asked before, but I'm trying to decide between getting an Express 5:50 or a Lone Star Classic (whichever one I get, it'll be a 2x12 combo). I'll be gigging with it (dang those 2x12 combos are heavy), mainly doing classic rock so no need for high gain but I'll definitely need nice classic rock crunch and cleans. I use humbucker-equiped guitars (PRS, Strats with Seymour Duncan stacked mini-humbuckers, Ernie Ball Music Man Axis Super Sport) and sometimes guitars with P90 pickups.

I've tried the 5:50 2x12, but haven't found a Lone Star 2x12 combo that I can demo. How would you guys compare the two and what makes one amp work over the other for you (other than the obvious "use your ears" test)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[fishyfishfish]

Welp, I have a 1-12 LSC and a F-30, and play mostly top 40 cover stuff, and although the Express series is the upgraded F series in my opinion, the LSC is the most flexible of the lot. I use two gain boxes ( B Preamp, Plexitube) out front, along with the amps drive, and there is not one sound I can't get gain wise. The clean channel is what decided it for me. I like the crispy Eric Johnson type Fender Twin sound, which I think the F-Series just sort of lacks in that department. I spent a lot of time with the Express when I was amp shopping, and although it is improved over the "F", I liked the more traditional sounding LSC for what I need. As a quick side bar, the two bands we play with use F-100's, and I thought those just kicked *** as well.
Just food for thought from an old tone junkie.

 

[wilerty]

I have a 5:50 2X12 and love it. It replaced a Twin and gives me terific cleans and a lot more. But I only play in my basement. The obvious single difference is price. You will find that the LSC will give you more clean headroom, but you'll need some large venues to need it. The 5:50 can be very loud.

If you play them side by side, I don't think you will decide the LSC is dramatically better or different than the 5:50. At lower power, I preferred the 5:50. But the LSC does have more power (headroom), more features, and the new ones have a 10 watt mode.

If I were playing out, I probably would have bought the LSC, but for my needs, the 5:50 is perfect. Good luck ...

 

[wilerty]

Soory ... double posted

 

[Artmusic]

Welp, I have a 1-12 LSC and a F-30, and play mostly top 40 cover stuff, and although the Express series is the upgraded F series in my opinion, the LSC is the most flexible of the lot. I use two gain boxes ( B Preamp, Plexitube) out front, along with the amps drive, and there is not one sound I can't get gain wise. The clean channel is what decided it for me. I like the crispy Eric Johnson type Fender Twin sound, which I think the F-Series just sort of lacks in that department. I spent a lot of time with the Express when I was amp shopping, and although it is improved over the "F", I liked the more traditional sounding LSC for what I need. As a quick side bar, the two bands we play with use F-100's, and I thought those just kicked *** as well.
Just food for thought from an old tone junkie.

Do you use the LSC and the F-30 together and blend their sounds? I also have both of these amps and was thinking about trying this. If you do this type of setup, do you incounter much noise?
Thanks,
Art

 

[Newysurfer]

Well unless someone has used both the Express 5:50 2x12 plus the LS Classic 2x12 for many live gigs (with the same guitars) in a variety of venues they can't answer VCuomo's question.

The number of people who have done that you can probably count on one hand so you'll just get replies from people who have used one or the other. I haven't used both live so I'll not crap on about how great one of them is.

However, some issues you might consider.
1) Do both amps have a series FX Loop ? Don't get caught with a parellel loop.
2) Is one much lighter and easier to transport ?
3) If the clean channels are approx equal on both which has the more gain on tap. Having more gain will make it more versatile and less need for a pedal in case you want to venture into higher gain tones.
4) What's better for home use in your situation - 5w or whatever the LS cuts to - 10w ??
5) Will you ever need more than 50w for gigs (mic'ed to PA). Remember that 100w is not twice as loud - it's about 3dB louder.
6) If you're gonna use pedals, or an MFX, which amp accepts YOUR ones better.
7) Which amp is quieter on high gain settings
8. Which amp is cheaper or is better value for money.

hope that helps you decide

 

[dannymusic]

I like having that 100w mode at my disposal. The LSC seems to do everything I ask it and more. I have a EBMM JP6/petrucci, HamerUSA Anniversary and '59 Junior. Likes em all.