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Posted by: KRmachine Aug 30 2007, 07:22 PM

Ok guys, I'm not really sure what to buy next, and I could need some input.

Last year I put myself in debt and bought a nice guitar, an Ibanez SZ prestige (1500+ dollar guitar), which I am insanely happy with. I'm done with the last payment next month and was thinking I'd get something to complement it.
Right now I'm playing on a 10 year old 40W Marshall valvestate combo, which works for practicing at home but it really doesn't sound good. This fall I'm going to find a band to practice and gig with, and thus I need something That works for that.

I'm thinking of getting either of these

1) A really good amp like a h&k switchblade, i tried one out yesterday and was blown away. This would mean I could barely afford food for the next 6-12 months.

2) A Pod XT Live plus a good soundcard and a pair of monitors, as this would be good for recording stuff at home too.

3) If you have a good suggestion it may very well end up here.


My main issue is: If I get a Pod XT Live, how would it work out for rehearsing/gigging? Is there always PA or equivalent available or would I have to get some kind of amp for this one too? Or am I looking at entirely the wrong stuff here and should get something else?

Thanks in advance dudes.

Posted by: Wallimann Aug 30 2007, 09:25 PM

All depends on how often you gig...
I think I would go with the recording gear though...
If giging occasionally you can always borrow an amp for smal venues...

Posted by: Hardtail Aug 30 2007, 09:43 PM

I would HIGHLY recommend against the Podxt if you're wanting to perform and that will be your main piece of gear. A lot of bands don't have a PA for practicing and often just run a mic or 2 through solid state amps... the sound isn't great at all but at least the singer(s) can be heard. Then a lot of venues will have their own PA or you can rent one. If you were blown away by the switchblade I would use that as your ruler and try out other gear that are priced lower or the same as the switchblade. You may find a tube amp that does the same thing you liked about the Switchblade for half the price.

The only other alternative is to get the PODXT Live and a nice clean loud (100 watt minimum) amp. Then later down the road as you make more money get the recording gear. Also, remember, you are intent on getting into a band which means you will start to meet a lot more musicians, often they have recording gear of their own you can go over and use. One of my buds has an entire sound proof studio in his house and let's his friends use it whenever they want... which is why I don't own any recording gear of my own.

Just some thoughts.

Hardtail

Posted by: KRmachine Aug 30 2007, 10:55 PM

The thing is, I don't have or want to carry around a ton of effects pedals (Just sold my crappy korg multi effect). The Switchblade is the only amp I've found that's a tube amp AND has fully programmable presets and digital effects, The only thing I'd need with the Switchblade is a Wah pedal and a tuner. If I get a pure tube amp I'd need to get some effect pedals to get the same functionality, and it would end up not that much cheaper, worse sounding, and be more stuff to carry around. I think at least.
I could get say, a line6 modelling amp but that feels like a crappy compromise.

Posted by: Hardtail Aug 31 2007, 12:14 AM

I don't see how having a REAL tube amp and analog effects can possibly sound worse then a tube amp with digital effects, or a PODxt. I think you need to really sit down with some nice tube amps and good analog effect pedals and play them for a while. This combination has been highly regarded as the best possible sound by about 99.9% of professional and semi-professional guitarists.

Now if it comes down to it and you like the digital effects in the Switchblade you should really get that over the PodXT IMO. MICKeM uses the switchblade and loves it. And from what I hear it's a great amp.

Listen, I used to be a stompbox hater too but the only way to get the exact sound you want is to go stompboxes because of the way you can mix and match brands and types to get those unique tones your looking for. If you just play covers and want to sound like someone else the PODxt is a great starting place. If you think H&K has made the perfect multi-effects processor then definately get a switchblade. It is all subjective to your tastes but you should really try good tube amps with nice analog pedals before just ruling them out.

Last thought, talk about more to lug around. My Flextone II XL (which is a PODxt and amp combo) weighs close to 70 lbs while my Blues Junior (31 lbs) and bag of pedals, chords, picks, strings, amp stand, guitar stand, etc (18 lbs) weighs a total of 49 lbs. I just weighed it last night actually I now get true tube sound and stompbox versatility for less burden than my Flextone II XL. They have now become non-comparable.

Anyway, try a bunch of stuff out and let us know your thoughts. Ultimately buy what you think will suite you best but just make sure you try EVERYTHING out first. That's all i'm getting at.

Hardtail

Posted by: KRmachine Aug 31 2007, 12:33 AM

Alright, point taken. What would you suggest in the way of amp and effects? The absolute upper limit of what I'd be willing to pay would be what a switchblade costs, also i play mostly metal.

A great feature with the switchblade is you have a foot controller with presets for everything that's on the amp (gain, volume, all effects), meaning you can switch from different distorted and different clean sounds with a tap of your foot. Any way to get that same functionality out of stompboxes and a pure tube amp?

Posted by: Hardtail Aug 31 2007, 01:44 PM

You said you could spend no more than what a Switchblade cost. I am assuming you mean the 100 watt 2x12 combo amp which sells for $1600 US at musiciansfriend. This is a great option for your style, and local venues you described.

An alternative to the combo might be:
ENGL Thunderhead 50watt Tube Head ($891) +
Marshall MC212 Extension Cabinet ($340) +
Rick Franklin Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive Pedal ($70) +
Original Crybaby Wah ($70) +
MXR DynaComp Compressor ($80) +
Cables, A/C adapter, etc. ($50) =
TOTAL ($1500)

I used this example to point out an option for someone in a parallel thread but I think it applies both locations. And remember... I'm just giving ideas, not specific purchasing directions. Good luck!

Hardtail