[WarriorOfMetal]

Originally Posted by urklvt

Used Peavey Ultra Plus head. It has a usable, howbeit plain, clean and with a BM in front of it you'll BM yourself. (sry had to) You'll have cash left over for an ISP Decimator and a graphic EQ too (Boss GE-7).

had one of those for a couple years, cool amp, and pretty easy to get cheap.

[Drew]

Originally Posted by TheHandOfStone

You all seem very knowledgeable, so I am open to suggestions. I'm looking for a tight sound with lots of midrange cut but without harsh highs. Used is an option as long as it's still in good condition. I'm leaning towards tubes, but wouldn't be against a good solid-state head either.

The Nomad kicks ass. I own a 45 watt 2x12, too, although I'm sort of considering selling it now that I've gotten the Recto bug... It's a great amp, though, one of the most versatile Mesa has ever made, and from your description it probably fits your needs better than a Recto- it's very mid-y, can get pretty crunchy but is a bit smoother than the Rectifiers, and has a kickass almost modded marshall-y lead tone. They're also not nearly as volume-sensitive as a lot of amps I've played - you can get great bedroom tones out of it just by keeping the level down, without even using an attenuator.

[TheHandOfStone]

Originally Posted by Drew

The Nomad kicks ass. I own a 45 watt 2x12, too, although I'm sort of considering selling it now that I've gotten the Recto bug... It's a great amp, though, one of the most versatile Mesa has ever made, and from your description it probably fits your needs better than a Recto- it's very mid-y, can get pretty crunchy but is a bit smoother than the Rectifiers, and has a kickass almost modded marshall-y lead tone. They're also not nearly as volume-sensitive as a lot of amps I've played - you can get great bedroom tones out of it just by keeping the level down, without even using an attenuator.

You and a few others pretty much have me sold on the Nomads...good tone at low volume would be incredibly helpful in my situation. My only other question would be regarding the tubes, as the 100-watt model is equipped with 6L6's (can use EL34's) as opposed to the EL84's in the 45-watt version. Is there a great difference in sound and/or headroom between these two?

[OrsusMetal]

I don't know as much about the mesa stuff as others on here. I've played a few but didn't have enough time to tweak them to get a good tone for me out of them. Which, from what I hear about mesa, you do have to do a bit of tweaking to get it right, but it's supposed to be godly once you have.

I did play extensively on a Fireball last night because my first impression wasn't as great of it. But after playing it last night, I was floor. Soooo much gain. I had the gain on 4 and it was plently. Lots of tight low end, silky mids, and the treble however you wanted it. The only problem I'd see with that for you is since it shares eq, the switch between the lead tones and clean tones would most likely require re-eq-ing everything. But definately a killer amp for the price. I'm considering one.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by TheHandOfStone

You and a few others pretty much have me sold on the Nomads...good tone at low volume would be incredibly helpful in my situation. My only other question would be regarding the tubes, as the 100-watt model is equipped with 6L6's (can use EL34's) as opposed to the EL84's in the 45-watt version. Is there a great difference in sound and/or headroom between these two?

can't tell you, except that i've got a serious itch to snag a 100w Nomad head

[TheHandOfStone]

Originally Posted by Leon

can't tell you, except that i've got a serious itch to snag a 100w Nomad head

I'll likely be doing the same. FYI, both the ones up for sale now seem to be in good condition.

[Drew]

I know, I was sort of tempted to bust out the credit card and grab one.

The EL84's are described as sounding a bit like a EL34 running hard. They're lower wattage so obviously they'll break up earlier, but I think the fundamental tone of the amp shouldn't vary much, as a lot of that low volume smoothness comes from the pre, I think - the power amp seems to add crunch on this one.

[warlock7strEMG]

Originally Posted by TheHandOfStone

My only worry with the 5150 is that I won't be able to get a passable clean out of it. But I'll definitely consider. Thanks guys.

the 5150 II/6505+ will give you decent cleans, JSX has a nice clean channel as well.

[Leon]

man, that 45w head w/ 4x10 has my dad's name all over it. i wish i had the cash to snag it for him. he loves his Fender Super Reverb 4x10, but wants a hotter sound.

[TheHandOfStone]

Thanks to everyone for all your help so far.

Upon further resarch, the Vox Valvetronix series caught my eye (specifically the AD100VTH head). The price is insanely low, they've been getting killer reviews, I love the sound clips, recording options seem decent, and they are certainly very versatile. I'll also be able to demo one before purchasing. Win.

I'm thinking my rig will go something like this:
Bloody Murder -> AD100VTH -> Vader 2x12.

Will this work well? Thanks again.