I've always been a rock player and as such have gear that is suited for that. In the past several years, I have become predominately a listener of modern country and would like to make the jump to join a country band. I just quit my "alt-rock" band and I have an audition coming up in a couple weeks with a newly-formed country band.
I currently have a Line 6 Spider Valve 212 and a Robin Medley II--not exactly the best rig for the tones I will be needing if I get the gig. I am assembling a new Strat. I have a Fralin Blues Special-loaded pickguard (had this for a while), a used Fender body and parts en route and will soon be ordering my first Warmoth neck. I have been wanting a Strat for a while but the new band kinda ramped up the pressure to finish the build. I hope to build a Tele if the tax man is good or the Robin sells for a decent sum.
My issue now is with the amp and effects requirements. The SV might do a "passable" job getting a country tone but it is really more of a rock amp. It was great for a band that covered Cheap Trick, Weezer and Metallica in one set. It is a bit lacking in the modern country arena and I'd like to replace it. For one, the built in effects are not tweakable and are really limited. More importantly, the basic tone isn't great.
I know that Paisley uses Dr. Z. Love to but can't afford that. I really like the sounds of the Ceriatone clones--particularly the Dizzy 30 or the LiverPull. They're on the high end of my price range once you get the kit, build it, put in trannies and tubes, build/buy a cabinet and get a speaker cab. It would leave little money for effects pedals, which I know I'll need. I also worry about buying a kit from a place in Asia having never heard it. I've heard that they make great amps but it just makes me worry.
I would really like to hear if anyone out there has any suggestions about a good amp--preferrably one that I could buy used--that would get a great modern country tone. Requirements are that it be all-tube, low wattage (15-30??), easy to transport (head and cab preferred), and takes pedals well. I also would like to know what pedals are a requirement and others that may be recommended. Brand-specific would be helpful. Any advice you can provide would be great. I've seen sites that will show you EVH's or Hammett's rig (Guitar Geek comes to mind) but I can't seem to find any that also include country players. I'm at a loss to figure out how to build up a country rig.
I currently have a Line 6 Spider Valve 212 and a Robin Medley II--not exactly the best rig for the tones I will be needing if I get the gig. I am assembling a new Strat. I have a Fralin Blues Special-loaded pickguard (had this for a while), a used Fender body and parts en route and will soon be ordering my first Warmoth neck. I have been wanting a Strat for a while but the new band kinda ramped up the pressure to finish the build. I hope to build a Tele if the tax man is good or the Robin sells for a decent sum.
My issue now is with the amp and effects requirements. The SV might do a "passable" job getting a country tone but it is really more of a rock amp. It was great for a band that covered Cheap Trick, Weezer and Metallica in one set. It is a bit lacking in the modern country arena and I'd like to replace it. For one, the built in effects are not tweakable and are really limited. More importantly, the basic tone isn't great.
I know that Paisley uses Dr. Z. Love to but can't afford that. I really like the sounds of the Ceriatone clones--particularly the Dizzy 30 or the LiverPull. They're on the high end of my price range once you get the kit, build it, put in trannies and tubes, build/buy a cabinet and get a speaker cab. It would leave little money for effects pedals, which I know I'll need. I also worry about buying a kit from a place in Asia having never heard it. I've heard that they make great amps but it just makes me worry.
I would really like to hear if anyone out there has any suggestions about a good amp--preferrably one that I could buy used--that would get a great modern country tone. Requirements are that it be all-tube, low wattage (15-30??), easy to transport (head and cab preferred), and takes pedals well. I also would like to know what pedals are a requirement and others that may be recommended. Brand-specific would be helpful. Any advice you can provide would be great. I've seen sites that will show you EVH's or Hammett's rig (Guitar Geek comes to mind) but I can't seem to find any that also include country players. I'm at a loss to figure out how to build up a country rig.