Roadster or Road King?

[lookslikemeband]

I'm considering upgrading to the BIGGEST of the big boys.

I'm looking at the head versions

I know there are a million features and options on each - but I'm too lazy to compare and contrast.

Can someone give me an easy recommendation, or a Cliff's notes rundown?

Thanks!!

 

[chemten]

if you don't need selectable cabinet outs(a or b sets) and different power sections per channel(say ch.1 set to el34's, ch.2 and 3 to 50w 6L6's and ch.4 to 100w 6L6), then the roadster is fine. both are great amps. it's just a matter of how much versatility you want in an amp. most road king owners i've talked to set up their heads in a particular configuration for the power section and don't change it, only the rectifier settings. in this case, unless you need to change the power section for different tones regularly, it may not be worth the increase in cost over the roadster.

 

[Kaz]

In my opinion, if you're not a big fan of EL34s, need a lot of processing, and have a stage setup that would make John Petrucci grin, then the Road King's extra features beyond that of the Roadster wouldn't be of much use to you.

There's also 2 effects loops instead of just one. I honestly don't know a lot of people who would put that to use. In fact pretty much everyone I know with one, including a jam-mate of mine, thinks the RK has 'too much'

Personally, I dig the versatility of the extra 2 EL34s. The cabinet switching is cool too (like if you dig a closed back crunch but want a half back/open back cab for cleans) but, like I said, major stage setup usually.

On the other hand, there's something to be said for getting two 212s with that thing and A/Bing them with cab switching and having fun with that.

Weigh how much those things are worth to you---if it's not worth the extra few hundred for the RK then give it a skip. That's what I did.

 

[edgarallanpoe]

If you can swing the extra cash for the RK, do it. I love the EL34 sounds of my RK. I actually do use the the two loops. In loop 1 I have a Foxrox TZF Flanger and in loop 2 I am using a Lexicon MPX500. I have the Lexicon for delays, reverbs, and a touch of compression on the clean channels of the RK. The TZF in the EL34 mode can get me some seriously convincing early Queen tones.

 

[MetalMatt]

If you want the biggest and baddest get the Road King. I love my RK and I use every feature on it. Ok besides the external switching, but I'm trying to find a use for it . Anywhoo... I too use both loops, one for a EQ, and the other for delay and chorus. I use the cab a/b switching too.

Channel 4 on modern with 2x6L6+2EL34 is just insane. Then going to Channel 1 with 4x6L6 and the most beautiful cleans I have ever heard. That in itself is just amazing.

 

[gumbymage]

I've owned both. GC let me use a Roadster while my Road King was on order (it took just over 4 months to get it). I have to say I was much more impressed with the sounds I could get from the Road King. I love it. I know there's a bit much to take in, but I think it's worth it. Heck even plain old factory presets sound better on the RK.

And FWIW, the Road King cabs are possibly the best sounding cabs I've ever owned. I use 2x12s and even use one with my Marshall DSL 401 combo amp which opens it up in a big way. I've owned the Boogie Rectifier cab, Stiletto cab (still own it attached to my Deuce II), and an Avatar traditional cab with v30 and g12h30. Well, the RK cabs blow them all away. The Avatar was by far the weakest and I wanted to like it so much. I bought a g12h75 to put in it, but haven't tried it yet.

so, IMO Road King amp and cabs all the way. The extra price is worth it, IMO.

 

[CudBucket]

RKII. It's a no-brainer.

 

[JAZZGEAR]

RKII. It's a no-brainer.

I 2nd that. I owned 2 of them Head/Combo -- With a high preference to the Head version.

 

[blacklight_uk]

FWIW i sold my Roadster because i felt it had too much i didn't use. If you can afford either then go for the RK II. At least then you have the extra options if you ever do want to use them

Josh