Single Rectifier vs Express 5:50

[matt!]

both on sale in my local guitar center...which should i get?

Both are 50 watts, but the express can go down to 5 which is a plus for it...
I know the reputation of the Rectifier series, as well as being used by lots of people...
But the Express I have no idea about what other people think about it...

I already have a stiletto 412 cab, so I am getting the head versions for both...

which has better cleans?
which has a better metal tone?
which has a better blues tone?
which is more versatile?
which has a better effects loop?
If you had both at home and your house caught fire, which would you save? you can only take one of them, because you are holding your guitar on your other hand...


BTW! I don't like muddy sounding amps, I like it tight...

 

[Hendog]

They are so different. The Single Recto takes over where the Express 5:50 leaves off.

The Recto will go way deeper into high gain.

 

[Hendog]

Oh, and the Express has better cleans.

 

[Heritage Softail]

I mean this in a nice way, not trying to be a smartass. Those amps are so completely different that I get the feeling you don't know what you really want or like enough to buy either one. Not that it is bad to be unsure, it just seems that looking and figuring out what you really really want is the prudent thing. Amps will come and go, no need to let some money burn a hole in your pocket. I would play as many amps as possible, jam on friends rigs, read up on what you favorite musicians use; and then find something that will meet your needs for your tone. I am not trying to hate or be a smart ***, just maybe you can save some money where I have wasted it in the past.

Good luck on your tone quest.

Softail

 

[matt!]

what if I name a few bands, so you guys can help me decide?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nqRkAsZumc- Incubus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4fhUAMnF7c - Mars Volta
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIyoGPOwqLM - Dream Theater
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23eZMdixAuk - A Perfect Circle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chdPzz8XAMI - Bamboo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqTaNIm_uGA - Bamboo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2uZJENx7Gw - Scale The Summit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt35nOARjmw - Kjwan

I use a PRS Mira, PRS SE Custom, Epiphone LP Standard and a Gibson LP Studio.

 

[domct203]

From the bands you mentioned I would recommend the Rectifier.

Dom

 

[Heritage Softail]

what if I name a few bands, so you guys can help me decide?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nqRkAsZumc- Incubus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4fhUAMnF7c - Mars Volta
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIyoGPOwqLM - Dream Theater
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23eZMdixAuk - A Perfect Circle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chdPzz8XAMI - Bamboo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqTaNIm_uGA - Bamboo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2uZJENx7Gw - Scale The Summit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt35nOARjmw - Kjwan

I use a PRS Mira, PRS SE Custom, Epiphone LP Standard and a Gibson LP Studio.

Bamboo def sounds like Express, so does Kjwan, DreamTheater. The Perfect Circle leans Rec to me. But you can put a Triple Wreck stomp box in front of an Express and get near a Rectifier. Do yourself a favor and YouTube that think to see if it will cover that base for you. The Rec is great at what it does but you seem to want to do some other things. I don't think you can 'de-Rectifier' a Rec to get rid of the trademark sizzle.

For flexibility in the form of and better leads, cleans/dirty cleans, metal, I would go with the Express and a Triple Wreck pedal to cover the Rectifier base.

 

[Monsta-Tone]

For flexibility in the form of and better leads, cleans/dirty cleans, metal, I would go with the Express and a Triple Wreck pedal to cover the Rectifier base.

Definitely!

Also like HS said, play them both 1st and form your own opinion. What works for me might not work for you. I love my Maverick and Heartbreaker with a pedal in front for higher gain stuff.

 

[EtherealWidow]

I voted for the Express just because I own a 5:25 and personally it is my absolute favorite amp. That being said, cabinets make a huge difference. I hate my own amp through V30 speakers. I prefer something darker and smoother for it. Express has great cleans and is good for blues. The reverb is really rich, especially if you change the tubes. I love the high gain tone I get out of it. I never really got much into rectos.