Top 12 Greatest Guitar Amplifiers EVER!

[@davin6175]

Really suprised Hiwatt wasn't on here. A classic British amp and so distinctly different from Marshall and Vox. Also, they were never very popular, but Laney amps had a pretty wicked tone that kind of predated all high gain amps except Orange and Boogie.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

God I love the Diezel line of amps but for $5K it should come with a record deal.

[@bradmerilic6848]

Yeah, it's basically the "boutique" metal amp. The only other amp out there I like as much is the Bad Cat Hot Cat 30R. But it's not gonna get nearly as gainey as the Diezel.

[@AB-80X]

I've owned quite a few Diezels, and honestly, I really don't get the hype. I have kept my Herbert, but the rest is gone. Last one that left was my Einstein, which was traded for a pristine IIC+:)

[@kimmolingonheimo]

I could buy a Mesa boogie amp! , but a single tube costs like 30€s, just about Nick Johntoned, and the maintenance of a tube amp....requires steady.. inflow of : mony..... : )

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

yeah that is because dollar is soo weak against Euro.

[@jeffk1212]

Ehhhhhhh......played them...was ok....but just ok in my mind...but I know many people who LOVE them...each to their own..

[@ScottyGMusic]

The Mesa Dual Rectifier has been my amp in different bands playing country, blues, and 80s rock. You can play anything through it. The Mark V and the Soldano SLO-100 are right at home on this list, for all the reasons you stated.

[@1sostatic]

I used to service Jazz Chorus Roland regularly ... and they have always been a truly under-rated amp - so glad you had it in the list ... I still have a pair in my studio

[@bozakarlin9034]

A phenomenal amplifier Jazz Chorus Roland.

[@seanbarker6478]

The best amp I have had was a boogie studio 22+, awesome tone in a compact but very heavy package.

[@barnabywilde374]

i was briefly without an amp in the early 1980s for my 1976 Ibanez 2661 Les Paul, but my buddy always had something i could play through, so it was no emergency. One afternoon i got to his place, and all he had was a Fender Bassman available for me. About 10 minutes into playing my 6-string through it, i was in love! That Fender Bassman was incapable of playing muddy, so my low strings were very well-defined. The higher notes carried through clearly and with emphasis. I could not believe what i was hearing, it was SO GOOD! I'm glad it made your list!

[@FormulaXFD]

"Rectum fryer" XD best slip up ever.

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RobertWJackson]

It was actually intentional. Just wanted to see if anybody would catch it. ;)

[@dantemancini6036]

Suuuuuuure it was! 😂🤣😂🤣

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@wpdoyle]

I’ve had my Mark V combo for 7 years. I love it more and more as time goes by. What a stunning amp. Can’t think of many amps that can go from nasty funk rhythms to Master of Puppets just by switching channels.

[@bpabustan]

VOX AC30 will always be my #1. Great amps all in that list, my personal picks will be Fender Twin Reverb, Roland Jazz Chorus, Marshall JCM800, and the Mesa Boogie Mark V

[@jordanbarney8629]

The Soldano SLO-100 always brings tears to my eyes!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Soldano is like a holy grail brand for me but my favorite is the Hot Rod that Warren Haynes plays. Back in the summer it came out that Mike Soldano had actually designed an amp for Stevie that he never got to actually play but it would have been cool to see what he could have done with a Soldano also. That's a wide variety of sounds when you think George Lynch, Warren DeMartini, Warren Haynes, and EVH all played Soldano's. Have you ever seen that Wampler SLOstortion pedal? It's based on this amp because it's Brian Wampler's favorite amp.

[@jamesball5743]

The Dual Rectum Fire for the win!

[@RobertWJackson]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@emiliomargarit1496]

Every body is entitled to their own opinion. In my case I do not like the Dual Rec at all with its sccoped mids and the fact to get a good lead sound I have to use a tube screamer. I actually sold mine and bought a Marshall JVM410 and I could not be happier. But, that is just my taste.

[@mmhutchinson]

The 6505 with a Dual rec in stereo is the best sound I have ever heard

[@jeffreymcclellan1717]

Once I found out that Metallica were getting their sound from Mesa, I was hooked. Best in-amp distortion by far in in my opinion. I've tried to find another and nothing cuts it.

[@jeffreymcclellan1717]

@@emiliomargarit1496 TUBE SCREAMER ! My 2nd favorite. It's tone is better than all of them. I just like that Rectifier crunch. I don't play alot of clean stuff. You'd think, in theory, that the triple would be better than a double right? But I didn't like it very much.

[@williamwoodward2632]

It is terribly sad that folks cannot understand that if one says something it is their own thoughts. One’s thoughts are worth considering, but do not have to become another’s.

[@RobertWJackson]

Thank you! But make sure and pay attention to this comment thread. There will be plenty of people who start complaining that I left off and will suddenly think I’m the worst KZbinr on the planet. LOL

[@RobertWJackson]

Huh?

[@jackbyrd4921]

@@RobertWJackson But it goes to eleven.

[@myob3574]

yea, now everybody has to feel they need disclaimers in front of everything they say, like we're all lawyers

[@MrShreddykruger]

Robert's Guitar Dungeon bRO!! I can’t believe you left off the peavey rage 108. That amp was a game changer!!!😂

[@jamesgross6466]

In over 50+ years of playing, I've played through and/or owned more than a few amps. I have to say, my all time favorite was a 1963 Sears and,Roebuck's Silvertone Twin Twelve (1484)that I bought, used, for $50 in 1969. Added to that was an original Dallas-Arbiter Fuzz Face and a Gibson SG. Served me well through the 80's. Wish I never sold it!

[@charlesbolton8471]

James Gross Those amps are really cool. I have one that I bought a couple of years ago. I’m not sure what year mine is but they were only made from 1963-1967, and brand new they were about $165 compared to $400 for similar Fender. I paid quite a bit more for mine and I have never seen another one in person in as good a condition as the one I bought. Ironically, about a month after I bought mine a guy had one for sale on Reverb.com that was still in it’s original cardboard shipping box. It was practically brand new, and he sold it for less than I paid for mine.

[@Madhunter87]

Love my twin twelve....made me also get 2 1481s and a 1451

[@robertwillett4122]

Yeah, I hear ya Mr. Gross, Good Sir. I've been playing and chasing that magic tone for little over 40 years. I had some great and expensive gear, just to trade it in on something I shouldn't have. I've played just about everything. I wish that I could get some of it back. But, I'm not in band anymore. I play for the enjoyment and it's something that you can really be proud of. Look man, learning guitar was like impossible, but I just wouldn't quit. Now I can play most anything. Except I don't shred. I can play fast belive me, but I'm the type that likes well placed notes and harmony. Now I'm old in my late 50s and live in a condo, hence nothing loud. I really like the rig I have now. It's a PRSse custom. 300 bucks at a pawn shop, and it didn't have a scratch on it, so I bought it and fell in love . The neck fits me perfectly. So I matched it up with a DLS1 watt tube Marshall head with a 1×12 Egnator cab, and ofcourse a vox wha. The search is over and it does, to me sound excellent. Luckily I saved some penny's, have everything payed off. Pretty much retired. Now I play every single day and it amazes me that after all these years of learning and playing, I still can't wait to play. People that know there way around the old fret board should be proud of themselves. Have a great day, stay safe and jam on brother.

[@lect0n7]

My dad’s a vintage amp collector. He’s got every embodiment of the Fender Bassman _(aside from the Bassman 60),_ he also has a 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb, 1965 Fender Super Reverb, 1965 Fender Twin Reverb, 1964 Fender Vibroverb (with the SRV Cesar Mods), a 1965 Fender Band Master, & several more… so, first off, we’re both Electrical Engineers, we personally measured his 1965 Fender Twin Reverb at 88-Watts. My dad’s close friend since middle school & the guy who I took formal guitar lessons from _(my dad’s self taught, he’s developed some _*_BAD_*_ habits)_ he has an _Evil Twin_ with Snakeskin Tolex & we were repairing it for him, we measured that amp as part of the repair we were doing, and that measured up to 100-Watts…

[@MosriteCharlie]

Good to know - thank you. Like your posts. Back in the 60's when I played in a garage band, I made a 2-12 cabinet for my Deluxe Reverb and what a difference that made.

[@Dan-gn2xo]

I've had a lot of vintage amps since I've been playing for 50 + years. This is a really good list. I had a really nice 59 Bassman and I have to say it's probably the best sounding Blues amp ever. But I currently have two fender Supersonics and they're definitely my second favorite of all time. They're just so versatile they'll do anything. If you get a chance to get one grab it you won't be disappointed.

[@Dragonblaster1]

I have had a Marshall JCM800 4212 combo (split channel, 50W 2x12) since the day I was mesmerised enough to buy it brand new in a now-defunct guitar shop in my home town. That was nearly 40 years ago, and I rocked it hard, year after year. In one metal band where I was lead guitarist and vocalist (The Uninvited), I did over 600 gigs and countless rehearsals, and I never found the need to bring a backup "just in case", and Marsha never once complained. She had beer and whisky spilt on her, there were cigarette burns, and a few times got knocked over, but she has never stopped rocking. A couple of times, I had her retubed at Marshalls (they're about a 40 minute drive from my house), and a recap, and recently, I had the Tolex, speaker fret and fittings replaced. Apart from a few battle scars on the chassis, she looks good as new, ready for another 40 years of rocking.

[@guitarzan2626]

I have found Marshall to be unreliable.

[@guitarman8686]

I like my 1968 Fender Princeton Reverb amp with the silver panel. It's what The Beatles used in the rooftop concert.

[@Gitarzan66]

I have dreamed of the JCM800 for many years, just never had the funds. Last week I got a DSL100h and it seems to be a worthy runner up. Paired up with a 1969a JCM 900 cab it roars. Now I just need that perfect overdrive pedal to boost it.

[@51MontyPython]

Gitarzan 66 Does the amp not have enough distortion on its own?

[@Stashmanfpv]

If you really wanted a great Marshall JCM 800 tone (#2204) look at the Wangs #2204. It’s an amazing hand-wired amp that comes close to sounding like a Friedman. Seriously! Cost = $821 delivered to my front door. In fact, this channel reviews the Wangs Mini 5, in which he states, “Wangs is a highly regarded company” in which the employees have stayed there for years. I purchased the Wangs #2204 and that’s after I had sold all my “tube” amps and had switched to Fractal FXIII, AX8, and Line 6 Helix, but playing the #2204 at a jam nite once, I was hooked and placed an order the very next day! Amazing amp and all hand-wired! 🔥🔥🔥 ✌🏼

[@gusgarcia4461]

Bloody brilliant channel mate. Love your breakdowns and info on equipment. I sit still and listen to you dude. Go get em.

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man! Glad you’re enjoying the channel!

[@alexnajarianmusic]

I have an original, unmodified JCM 800 (original owner) and bought 2 Diezel Herbert amps in the last 5 months. I understand the sentimental value of the Marshall dominating the 80’s but honestly, the Diezel Herbert is on another level. Even the clean sound is spectacular. No, I will not sell the JCM but the Diezel is the best amp I ever played through. Great video here

[@kickinvideo333]

Love the shirt! One amplifier that was truly everywhere in the '80s - more than the JCM800 - is the Rockman X100

[@jphillips5700]

Many people will disagree, but one of my favorite amps, is a JCM600 head with the clipping diode mod done and biased on the hot side. To me it sounds great. A real sleeper amp for the price. The first ones got a bad rap due to overheating the later ones have an extra vent over the tubes. Have had mine since I bought it in the late 90s and never had any issues with it overheating. It's probably my favorite amp right now. Very versatile.

[@johnmarshall3903]

Good job Robert, the JMP / Super Lead, Super Bass, designation started in mid 1967 and ran until 1981, when the "800" series came into play, so most Super Leads are JMP's. Mid 1977 thru 1981 "JMP" 2204 and 2203 models are exactly the same electronically as the JCM 800 run, these earlier models sound great just like 800's do.

[@RobertWJackson]

Yep, I’ve heard several of the early 2203’s and they’re awesome! It’s getting harder and harder to find one that isn’t hacked up anymore, though. :(

[@johnathanhurd3561]

@@RobertWJackson agreed!

[@johnathanhurd3561]

​@@RobertWJackson Mine would be a hacked up example, although the first choice of all guitar players without exception at community gigs or charitable events, music festivals. Is it true that Lee Jackson modified Eddy Van Halen's first Marshalls?? I was told upon buying this amp in OKC this story. He had two Marshall stacks for sale my choice $1,000 per. The JCM800 was mint unmodified condition. The 78 JMP100 had one speaker replaced, rest are original greenbacks I believe and I think the cabinets are sequential#. still has a small hole in one speaker, missing corners, torn cloth on cabinets, even some missing knobs and has an extra knob up front I believe for the supposed Lee Jackson Mod. No paperwork and just not sure of validity. I purchased in 1993ish. I'm wondering would it be worth sending the head back to Marshall to be restored? Make no doubt about it, there's a reason everyone, all the old school players want to use it at community gigs.

[@RobertWJackson]

No, I don’t believe Eddie Van Halen and Lee Jackson ever crossed paths, at least not back in Eddie’s Marshall days. It’s widely known that Jose Arredondo (the Jose mod is named after him), Kevin Brown (the man who “the Brown sound” is named after), and later Mike Soldano all modded Eddie’s Marshall heads. Even if Lee Jackson DID mod the head that you have, I wouldn’t trust that validity of that without any paperwork. As for putting it back to stock, I’m all in favor of that, but if you like the way it sounds now, leave it the way it is.

[@johnmarshall3903]

@@johnathanhurd3561 Lee usually signed and dated inside the chassis with a sharpie and glued his business card inside the head box on his modified Marshall amps. Mike Soldano and Jose's work on Eddie's amps were more maintenance than mods.

[@paulgordo7505]

Good overview, as a long time user of the 6505+ am able to get a good clean tone as well, but did swap a pre-amp tube to lower gain.

[@fastacesus8499]

This a great list, just got into your top 10s very enjoyable. Roland Jazz Chorus, very good choice. Don't even hear many tube snobs dissing these.

[@123spleege]

excellent. couldn't agree more on including a JC120 on this list. I had two. And even today, they are not cheap and somewhat hard to find used.

[@Dragonblaster1]

It weighs 10 tons, and has a thoroughly impractical top handle, but I love my Marshall JCM 800 Model 4212 50W Super Lead combo. The day I bought it in 1983, I was super-fit, and confident I could lug it to the car park in the centre of town. Pretty soon, I took it back to the shop and said I'd bring my car to pick it up. At that point, I said nobody was going to steal it. However, on one occasion, some nameless bastard did steal it from the back seat of my car when I lazily locked it in the car overnight after a gig... and they left it by the hedge outside my house, undamaged. Two years ago, after decades of uncomplaining operatic metal, Marsha was looking a tad dowdy and down on her luck. Torn speaker fret, torn, cigarette burnt Tolex that was sticky with old booze (mostly JD and Fullers ESB beer), busted knobs, rusty screws, crappy plastics and so on. She did need another retube anyway, so I took her to Marshall's Bletchley HQ, which is only about 15 miles away from my house, and paid for a full birthday, which was far from cheap, but nowhere near what I had feared. What I liked was that the guys at Marshall seemed more interested in keeping more old street warriors rocking than trying to sell you a new amp. They actually did more than I asked, but didn't charge me for it because it wasn't on their original quote. There are still old battle scars on the front panel, but otherwise, she looks absolutely cherry. I invested in a soft case to keep Marsha looking good, and now I keep my gig drinks on a dual Laney wedge monitor hard case, not on Marsha.

[@scottfraser7506]

Had a similar experience with a Mesa Boogie mkII combo. A heavy beast for its size. Found it on the front lawn once.

[@charlesrubitschung7592]

Awesome list a few Fenders, an Orange, 2 Marshalls, 2 Peavys, a Mesa/Boogie, a Soldono, a Deizal, a Randall, a Roland, and a Vox all of those amps are on my must haves list for amplifiers because they sound great but I'm a little surprised Maestro, and Frenandase aren't on this list because they sound amazing and like the JCM 800 they're one trick ponies but what a trick they've got

[@robertcrist3822]

Great choice of amps! Although I've never heard or heard of a Diezel amp. My personal fav is a 12w '57 tweed deluxe 5E3 circuit with a 75w speaker, pure tone and dynamics at lower vol. and when cranked: saturation for days! I also dig the AC15 for pure tone and 'feel' .

[@jasonbyas6150]

This is about a perfect list Robert! If you had a 12 list, I would have added the Friedman BE100 and the JEL 100 also by Friedman. DF had Ed's sound in the BE about like the SLO100. Awesome content on your channel!

[@sunsparkle8443]

I remember in high school in the 80s a guitarist had a Marshall jcm combo. I believe it was a 800. I used to be amazed at the high gain sounds he would get.

[@dappawap]

JCM800 and a Roland chorus with a AB switch...best of both worlds

[@masterrick2759]

Really digging the orange crush. I normally play at home with my guitar going through my home stereo which sounds incredible and the orange series sounds the closest to it that I tried so far.

[@MrJackal43]

Man you’re evaluations are just great, no BS, no frills, just straight to the point talking… love it! ❤

[@stevemcgee510]

I've got a 84' jcm 800, MK11, super lead. Nice.

[@teresathomley3703]

Nice compilation. And good to include the Super Sonic!! Underrated amp.

[@harryt988]

Glad that you showed pics of each amp - thank you - very smart !

[@SamB-fv6su]

Harry T - yes I agree with your comment. I loved the pics and the descriptions !

[@GTX1123]

Good list but as others have pointed out, you forgot Hiwatt - great amps for that crisp Marshall like tone but a hair cleaner. Also, you should do a vid on clones. With the prices upwards of $4 to $5K for late 1960's to mid 1970's Marshalls, Fenders, Vox etc., well built clones are great because for half the price you can get pretty close to the original in tone and you can add an effects loop into them - something that should never be done to a vintage amp.

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Thanks Robert, I appreciate it, & no problem for the shout out, I think you got great & honest info that I think people really do appreciate, I'll continue to do shout out, no strings attached bro, just think you got a good channel, rock on bro !!!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man! I make sure and return the favor.

[@looniethemoonie5353]

One of my favorite clean tones: a fender stratocaster and a vox ac-30/ac-15. (Neither of which i can afford at the moment unfortunately.)

[@gonz9278]

I love the boogie mark IV, I got one on a deal from some rich guy just throwing stuff out on craigslist.

[@Edyth_Hedd]

I still remember that in Boston in the 80s, every local "new wave" band had Roland Jazz Chorus amps all over the stage.

[@Musicman3832]

The twin is amazing. The clean tones on a twin reverb are great and you can use them as a great pedal platform amp for overdrives and many other pedals.

[@r1ckgr1m3s8]

I have a 1972 marshall 50w the tag on the chassis says bass but its a tone machine. Got the head & 4x12 cab (its from 72 also) from a guy for 500$ in the early 90s. Best 500 i ever spent.

[@johnmarshall3903]

Best deal I've heard of in a long time. Congrats, you have one of the finest, most desired half stacks out there today. Easily a $4k+ rig that's only going up in value, enjoy!

[@percussionologist]

That's a 1986 JMP then yeah?

[@r1ckgr1m3s8]

@@percussionologist the tag on it reads 1987 bass

[@mygabrielle7477]

Elmwood M60 Modena for me is easily the greatest most flexible amp I’ve ever owned after 30 years of playing. A lot of good amps do one or two things really good. This amp really does EVERYTHING good. This amp can go from blackface cleans to SLO leads and everything in between. But all the tones from clean to scream are all top notch. Magnificent but somewhat rare amp

[@joecalandrella3330]

Just got into your channel. Great topic, great presentation. I bought a JCM800 in 1985 with money I earned milking cows in college. It’s the only amp I’ve ever owned, and I love it today as much as I did on the day I brought it home. Charlie Powers in Fairmont, WV, has maintained it for many years. Am curious, though: what do you think about the solid state Fender Super Reverb? I’ve heard good things about them, and wouldn’t mind having a practice amp.

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man! Admittedly, I’m not familiar with a solid-state Super Reverb. I didn’t know there was such a thing.

[@shred5]

I own an amp that I truly believe is better than at least it's counterpart on this list and I can tell you why. It's an early '68 Super Reverb which is a silverface but before they changed the circut so internally identical to a blackface. Why did I like it better than the '67 Twin I also considered? #1) It starts to open up with the volume only at 3 where the Twin needed to be at 6 which is much louder. #2) The alnico speakers sound better. #3) A Twin on 8+ is unusably loud. Seriously though this is a respectable list and covers most of those classic amps over the years.

[@thegoldenkniet7802]

I agree with the Marshall it is in my opinion the best amp by far

[@bloodrose685]

Great vid! Nice to hear a good description of what makes them special/different. Usually vids feature one or two amps and are very biased. I know you cant/couldnt cover everything as there are sooooo many amps out there. As an 80's metal guy, I always lusted for a JCM800. Was my dream amp. I bought a Splawn Quickrod as it is a take of a modded Marshall. (Many of those on the market) I then had the chance to own an actual JCM 800. And while I LOVED that amp, I sold it as the Splawn covered it well and had options for more gain (its based on a modded Marshall circuit as many were hotrodded back in those days) and even tho it doesnt have a pristine clean, the cleans were better. So, just wanted to toss that out there for anyone who isnt familiar with Splawns. Plus they are made in USA (small shop in NC) and built VERY well!

[@Ace96x10]

I used a Roland jazz chorus amp in a Rush trib band years ago. It's the only SS amp i ever played that i didn't hate. In fact, it worked very well for a lot of the material. and yes i know that amp was used on a few Rush lp's. Having said that, I will always prefer my old Marshalls and I'm sure I always will.

[@johnathanhurd3561]

Ampeg 140 ss c combo " blue face! not the blackface redesigned to sound more tube" still my favorite amp of all time! I have a 78 JMP 100 full stack modified by Lee Jackson. eh

[@Ace96x10]

@@johnathanhurd3561 Awesome. I had a Lee Jackson 100 watt Ampeg. Wow was that amp a mega beast! Best single amp I ever played, but it blew up (wiring was to light gauge), as did most all of them.

[@mikestroud9969]

We all have our favorites. Not going to mention mine here. Good video buddy. You mentioned a lot of great amps. Great job man 😎👍👋👋🎸🎸

[@vox1966]

Hiwatt should have been on this list

[@mikecruise6991]

You are so right about the fender twin I used one for a backline and sounded fabulous 😎🎸

[@MikeyNewman1974]

Love my jcm 800s, sold my twin as it weighed more than my van!!!! I have a mk5 and a mk4 and they are both amazing amps. Great video!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man!

[@brandondickie3456]

The Mesa mark iic+ is one of the biggest reasons why I adore Master of puppets so much, the entire album as opposed to their other 80s albums to me just seems like an articulate and sophisticated masterpiece, essentially the metal album form of drinking fine wine while on a boat in France, surrounded by expensive paintings. It’s not as energetic and fast as Ride the lightning. It has that extravagant luxurious and artistically dominant sound yet Hetfield’s guitar tone on that album just sounds like it’s on fire, it isn’t the dry, brutal sound of AJFA, it has an almost angelic, grandiose type of feeling. If I wanted an amp to play older metal, I’d want a Mark series the most. That or a JCM800 but mostly a mark.

[@xpresident]

Affordability, your list is spot on, but the greatest amp ever made was a Trainwreck! It’s not even close! It’s clean tone is outstanding as well . Of course it costs the same as a house if you can find one . I know someone who has and played through it. Sickening tones!

[@oliverchapman51177]

Yup. That’s how Trey Anastasio gets the best tone I’ve ever heard. Well, it’s the fingers really

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Good video! Hard to argue your pics as they are all solid. I'd humbly suggest a honorable mention shout out to Traynor amps ( The Canadian Marshall) , Dumble of course and Framus make some killer amps as well. Peace !

[@scotthutchens1556]

I think Robert’s list here is very good although the I think the main amp that changed history after the Marshall Plexi is the Mesa Boogie Mk 1 combo. After Santana making amp history by using one on Abraxas, I saw Jimmy Lyon use a pair of Mk l’s on tour (at a local community college in my area) on the first Eddie Money album. I could not believe the huge cabinet like sound from a 112 combo amp I was hearing miked through the PA. The tones I was hearing were not the more tight sounds from the studio recordings of that first Eddie Money record but a lot like Santana’s “Hope Your Feeling Better”. The Mk V and other M/B models are great, (I had a Mk ll 60 watt head and a “Rectum Fryer” Lol) and I have a Mk lll Simul-Class head but to me there’s nothing like the original Mk l sound.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

my favorite amp that I have tried out so far is definitely the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier! Super clarity and brutal distortion.

[@scotthutchens1556]

Renaissance Man I had a Dual Rectifier Solo Head I liked a lot, wish I hadn’t sold it.

[@jppagetoo]

My list... in no special order at all 12. Silverface Fender Tremoluxe 11. Marshall Plexi Superlead/superbass 10. Vox AC30 top-boost model 9. Tweed Fender Champ 8. Peavey 5150/6505 7. Mesa boogie Mark II (all variations) 6. Marshall 18W combo 5. Hiwatt DR-103 4. Vox AC15 3. Blackface Fender Super Reverb 2. Freidman BE-100 1. Hughes & Kettner Triamp

[@thomashumphrey9797]

I love my Marshall JCM 800.

[@juno4494]

Great calls on both the Vox and Roland. Those Rolands are soooo smooooth. Regarding Fender, basically anything made before 1979 rocks! The Twin, however, is the most versatile.

[@FuzzMasterGeneral]

ROLAND for the win on that clean man! Check out the band Pallbearer they use Orange and the ROLAND for a wet dry setup. I saw them live and it's so rock solid. Video is called Dropout huge amazing sound

[@RobertWJackson]

The Jazz Chorus has also been the basis for Metallica’s clean tone for most of their career. ;)

[@danneyboy1000]

I have a Sundown SD1000 and she still kicks. She was designed by Dennis Crager and known as the Buggie killer. My favorite amp

[@ivanchernov3041]

I knew it! It was obvious that the jcm800 would be number 1

[@pierrelevesque7149]

Robert, I have exactly what you mentionned. A Marshall JMP Super Lead 100 stock #1959. Totally original, never changed nothing in it.

[@RobertWJackson]

Hang onto it and don’t mod it! LOL

[@b2bw1955]

I had a Fender Twin for many years and you are spot on with the review. However, I have not heard a Mesa that I like and they are SO over priced!

[@scottdurflinger3628]

Kazu Takeda from Demon & Eleven Children plays the Roland live quite a bit. I was lucky enough to find him on facebook and he graciously accepted my friend request! Back in the day they did Sabbath-like songs, but now Mr. Takeda does things a lot differently and is regarded a legend in Japan!

[@Mistertbones]

The JCM 800 is a legendary amp, and I don't disagree with it being number one.

[@joecalandrella3330]

Thanks, Bub. I saw it on a Beato video, and he really seems to dig the amp. I don’t think about amps very often, but it would be kinda cool to find a solid state diamond to play through at home. I think that a good-toned SS rig would be good to write with, for varieties sake.

[@Satchmoeddie]

I still have a 100 and a 50 Watt JCM800, and my first amp I bought with my own money, a Fender Vibrolux Reverb, plus twin & Quad Reverbs, Supro 1624T, Supro 1624T preamp with the T Bolt power amp (Jimmy Page Supro), Supro Supreme, Supro Glenwood, Supro 80, Fender Super Reverb, Fender Vibroverb, blonde Fender Pro 15 inch with a stand alone Reverb, Princeton Reverb, and lot of amps I built myself, like the Page Supro, Dumble ODS, ODR, Skyliner, Dumbleland, SSS, Princeton Reverb type clones, high gain 4 channel amps with as many as 6 or 7 gain stages, active EQs, etc.

[@blondoband]

I have a 1974ish(?) Bassman head (we couldn’t really confirm the year) that I took to a gentleman locally for Blackface retrospec. Absolutely the best amp I’ve ever owned. Purchased used for only $750. Just goes to show you that some of these things aren’t as unaffordable as they might seem. To your point though, Twin Reverbs & JCM800s are easily the two loudest amplifiers I’ve ever been near. The JCM800 at about 7 could be heard down the block

[@monmixer]

I had a red one, JCM 800. I sold it. Many years ago. What a dumbass mistake

[@ianbrown4386]

Great list, Impossible to list them all. Well done.

[@tomosedwards8369]

Jcm800 is godly. The one amp I would absolutely love to own. It certainly gets the adrenaline flowing

[@RobertWJackson]

Yessir, that it does!

[@xjohn1970]

my modeling VOX amp can sound just like a JCM800. I only have a 40 watt tube pre amp but u can get a 100watt version

[@RenoLaringo]

Thank you Robert I completely agree with your list although there are some of those amps I only know by hearing or saying but not self-experience. I would personally add the Ampeg Reverbrocket even though it's not that often talked about and it's also a much smaller amp (still 30w octal-tube preamp, full tube amp in the size of a Roland Cube 😲). This had one of the best tones I've ever heard (oh and that reverb and vibrato channel.....maan😍 a one of kind little amp Imo). Kinda expected one Rivera to be on the liste. One day, you'll come by your JCM800 👍 Make it happen bro. I really dig listening you go through all of those mythic amps! Very inspiring and bringing good memories too. Keep rocking mate! Hugs from Belgium 🤝

[@joelcprice]

I gig a Herbert. There is no reason you can't do ANYTHING on that amp. Insanely good cleans as well as ridiculous amounts of ferocious gain.

[@RobertWJackson]

Stay tuned, I mentioned that amp again in an upcoming video. ;)

[@kingofdragontown9680]

The Mesa Boogie Mark Series created the Stryper tone. That automatically makes it better than the Dual Rec, in my opinion. Also, I once got to play a Marshall JCM 800 Jubilee and it was without question one of the best tones I've ever gotten.

[@RobertWJackson]

Was the Marshall a JCM 800 or a Jubilee? Those aren’t the same thing. LOL

[@kingofdragontown9680]

@@RobertWJackson It was a Jubilee. I thought that was part of the JCM 800 line.

[@slider3215]

Ive had two or three AC30'S (im a Brit)...they sound fantastic, as loud as you would ever need at a gig but I never ever got through a gig without them packing up...run very hot and smelt like burning fish

[@scotthewiseman2471]

Crate Vintage 50 Made In America is tons better.

[@BlindTom61]

AC30 CC2X is a hell of amp for all seasons and sessions.

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Great video Robert, I actuall had a 212 version or the Marshall Super Lead 100 back in 1982, & a Fender Twin silver face 100w master volume with a pull pot on the master volume, it also had 212" Altec speakers, very loud & heavy amp, great video Robert, all thumbs up bro !!!!

[@RobertWJackson]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed it! By the way, thanks for the shoutout on your channel last week, I enjoyed your show!

[@SeanAttardMetal]

Metallica actually used a marshall 2203 for kill em all, ride the lightning and master of puppets. The boogie was only used for the poweramp section in master of puppets. That aside, a jcm800 reissue is gonna be my next purchase very soon

[@51MontyPython]

So which parts on MOP did they use the 2203, and which ones the mesa?

[@SeanAttardMetal]

@@51MontyPython the preamp of the 2203 into the power amp of the boogie. from what I read it said that the whole MOP was recorded this way

[@daveschaller4668]

Agreed. The JCM 800 is the finest "gain" amp of all time. I'll never let mine go.

[@AB-80X]

That really depends one what you want. I collect amps and I like my 2203, but it's not the best of the best, it's just a very iconic amp. Try a 2555 with a KT88 mod, that's about as good as Marchall gets.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

It’s hard to beat a twin reverb with a tubescreamer.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I think a Deluxe Reverb can do it. I also prefer the Bassman to the Twin as well. Although all of them will blow your brains out! LOL!

[@kellylee5842]

A Carvin Legacy does come pretty close but that's a great combination

[@kellylee5842]

And Ampeg ever. Ampeg vh140c best solid-state best solid-state Distortion ever end of discussion

[@kellylee5842]

Hey my friend I know you are very well-versed in guitars what about the Washburn 32 fret

[@kellylee5842]

I'm sorry I believe I was mistaken I believe it is 36 I believe it was 36 Frets and was offered in the red and black crackle finish

[@jhvuvnik65s24]

I'd definitely have the dual rectifier before the Mark series messa amps. It truly was the amp of a generation is why. It's become VERY iconic because of all those drop tuned bands in the late 90' and 2000's. Another amp I'd put on here that will raise some eyebrows is the Boss Katana. When this video was made, it had no business on this list, but over the last 5 years, it's become the highest selling guitar amp of all time. It's also the first digital amp to gain true mainstream success with professional musicians. Rock stars weren't using amps like the early Line 6 stuff, the Johnson Millennium, or fender cyber twin. The Katana is being played by not just the professional cover band guys, but also professional session musicians and efects heavy mainstream touring bands.

[@RobertWJackson]

The Katana is not the highest-selling guitar amp of all time. That award still belongs to the Fender Deluxe Reverb, and it’s not giving up that title anytime soon. The Katana IS, however, now the best-selling affordable solid-state modeling amp series on the market today. Boss took that title from the Line 6 Spiders that had held it for YEARS.

[@foreverpick170]

AGREED the 800 built the culture we still ❤️.

[@homegrownson]

I own a 1967 Supro Thunderbolt , Ampeg B15 and SWR California Blonde Acoustic Amp have to say I will keep Mine

[@anomalous9448]

I am a Fender Bigot. Always have been. With that said I used a VOX one weekend instead of my Twin Reverb 50+ years ago and really liked it. Tried a Marshall too and boy was it loud but no real tone quality. Back then guitar amp combinations were more important than they are today (just an opinion) considering the myriad of pedals and pedalboards available. I do appreciate your thoughts on amps as I might be in the market for another on. My Twin Reverb still works okay but it has been through several wars (not real wars but gigs, traveling, moving and several drops). This is a fun problem to have.

[@timothyholmes4588]

i love 5150/6505 s my favorite of all time. jcm 800 and recto are cool too. another you mentioned is the fender supersonic glad you have it on your list its my personal favorite fender amp. good list👍

[@kdub9918]

Any idea how much an old 1975 “Peavey vintage amp” is worth? Thanks

[@bruzzgravely3470]

I have a 40 watt Friedman dirty Shirley and it’s the closest amp I played that comes close to the jcm 800 , I can only play it on one and you can play any music with it , I would recommend anybody to try one

[@chrissmithaustell]

good info. I love my twin reverb reissue, but you video is helping me look for a future hard rock heavy metal amp. thanks

[@johnmartz9686]

The JC 120 is probably the best amp I ever used.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

My top list 1. Diezel Herbert 2. Mezzabarba MZero 3. Mesa Boogie Mark V 4. Marshall JCM 800 5. Bogner Ecstasy 6. Soldano SLO 100

[@RobertWJackson]

Definitely a solid list!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@RobertWJackson thanks and I've been blessed to have been able to try out a lot of these expensive amps and guitars for free. My Peavey 6505 and Orange 4x12 cab is great but I am saving up for a better amp. Not sure what to get. What would you go with for modern metal?

[@RobertWJackson]

If you can swing the price tag, the Diezel Herbert, no question.

[@mdskfx]

I think the Bogner Ubershall is the heaviest sounding gain over the Diezel Herbert. But a good list for sure

[@cliffords2315]

nobody can afford them,

[@wrobinson1702]

Nice list-I've owned and can comment on the following: Vox AC30(#12); Fender Bassman (#9); Peavey 5150 (#7) Fender Twin Reverb (#3). All are good, in their own way, but my all-time favorite is the Fender Bassman, particularly the Bassman 100. At lower volumes, the clean sound is just crystal clear and pristine. Crank it up and you get the coolest rock distortion you've ever heard. Play a Gibson ES-335 thru it and prepare to be dazzled.

[@richwalter5322]

You missed one of the greatest... Hiwatt DR103

[@Wooburnmusic]

Got a 79 Marshall Master volume MK2 valve 2x12 combo,owned from new but gonna have to sell due to bad hands and knees, it's a shame but I can barely lift it these days. Great video, thankyou. 🎸🎶👍

[@lostreb]

Robert, Thanks to you, I've found the perfect clean Combo Amp I've been looking for with the Roland Jazz Chorus JC-120. I've spent hours searching and cannot find the answer to this question anywhere. You have given me expert and valuable advice and information about what to do and how to do it in the past, so I think you are one of two people that will not only give me the time of day, but answer my question honestly (not giving me a blow-off answer) and the other one did not review the JC-120. The Line Out jacks on the back of the JC-120. Can they be connected to External Speaker Cabs!?!?!? I ask because if they can...I think that's great!!! You can achieve Stereo sound with the External Speakers being placed at a distance instead of, or addition to, (if the Line Out Jacks can even be used for external speakers) in the enclosure. I also cannot find what impedance speakers are compatible, or even if external speakers can be connected to the Line Out Jacks. Only someone with the "Experience" you have is qualified to answer my questions. Thank you for humoring me. You are one of two people that have taken the time to answer me and given me not only expert advice, but advice that has kept me from throwing $$$$ away because of blow-off answers from "others!!!" Thanks again, Robert!!! Please keep up your great work!!!!

[@RobertWJackson]

No, a Line Out is not the same thing as a Speaker Out, which is why there’s no impedance listing on it. The Line Out is used for sending the amp’s signal to a sound board or interface, or it can also be used to add another amp to your rig. For example, if you were to buy another JC-120 with the intention of making them into a stereo rig, you’d run a 1/4” cable from the Line Out on your current JC-120 (this one being the control amp) to the Input of the one (making this one the slave amp). I DO NOT recommend using the Line Out as a speaker output. I’m not sure it would work, and if it does, I’m not sure if the impedance would match up to your external speaker cab, which means you could blow something up. Good luck!

[@lostreb]

@@RobertWJackson Thank you for taking all the time you take answering my questions and giving me not only good and correct information, but what I consider to be extremely valuable information. Thank you again for not only your answer, but your great videos. Please keep up the Great Work!!!

[@jamesnash7262]

...in the day everyone started with the SuperReverb...and then graduated to the Twin...the beauty is you can play the Super at room lvl, and still crank it for some tone...virtually all of the rest of these, poss except Roland, which is a killer jazz amp, can only be enjoyed at volume...

[@deltawhiskey1398]

I am a fan of the Marshall JCM 900. Sounds just like a JCM 800 to me but with more available gain.