I mostly play and enjoy the sound of “classic” metal. 1980s Judas Priest. Metallica. Maiden. Etc.

What’s a good amp/fx setup to reproduce this sound at modest volumes?

I have a friend with a Marshall stack, which sounds amazing but I have neither the budget or the space for something like this. I currently have a Fender amp with a Boss GT-1 effects pedal, which is quite good but no matter what I do I never quite get this to reproduce the tone I’m looking for.

Will a small Marshall combo amp like a MG30GFX work for me? Does it make sense to go for low-wattage tube amps over solid state? Thoughts?

  • @farcasterOPEnglish
    2•6 months ago

    Thanks. Hoping to figure this out around $500. I don’t need loads of power so that should help the budget.

    I don’t have experience with amp modellers in the FX loop. This works differently from multi-fx pedals with preamp simulations? I plug my guitar into my GT-1, which goes into the instrument input of my amp (a Rumble 100). No matter what I tweak with this setup, I fail to get it to sound believably “classic rock” so far.

    • rustydominoEnglish
      3•6 months ago

      With an amp modeler you need some way to output the signal. I plug mine into my computer via USB and play through a DAW (Logic on a Mac) and monitor speakers. Some modelers have a headphone jack but in my experience it doesn’t sound very good. If your amp has an effects loop you can plus the modeler output into the effects return jack and use the power amp section only of your amp. If you have a PA you can also play through a PA. Finally you can get a cab specifically designed for use with modelers.

      The Line6 Pod Go fits your budget and is immense value. It not only models a bunch of popular amps but also various popular stomp boxes. Since you play metal, I think it has various Marshall and Mesa Boogie amp models, as well as various other boutique amps. It even has a great Dumble model - just that alone is worth the price!