Where is Time Cube when you need it?! Also, Ashwathama Hatahath, naro va Kunjaro va.

I have both a 1986 head (Marshall '74, plenty road-worn but still going strong! Possibly the best Marshall I've played or even heard) and the Ceriatone 20W Lead and Bass head. They both have the same (blendable - you know the trick) insane bite and fat bottom, only the 1986 is a bit louder (and has more of the annoying "no volume - full volume" feature). The TMB I haven't tried; I'm sure it's good too, but the 20W will *nail* the tone of a 1986 IMHO. Simplicity rules.

That said, I think your sound man would object to your turning up the 20W past "2" on stage, lest you also turn your (miked, I suppose?) cabinet backwards. Only that - and bear with me for a moment of clarity - I once did exactly that using the 1986 in a small sports bar (we crammed in ~500 beer-guzzling guests that evening and played for the friggin' door...aaah, those were the days!); the next day the bar owner had gotten notice from the hotel reception right behind the off-stage door (!!) that "the police would (yada yada retractable batons yada)" if that EVER happened again...you get the picture.

Just my 2 cent's worth, et cetera.

Peace,

/The Rev.

Starfield Altair SJ Classic (don't mention the colour, yummy!), Marshall 1936 JCM900 2x12 cab, original speakers. I've had that cab for many years and it sounded great with my 1986 monster Marshall too!

I boost the Beast with a VoodooLabs Sparkle Drive. 'Nuff said (a TubeScreamer would also do). Just back down on the "Drive" and max the output on the pedal. The Sparkle Drive has a blendable clean boost, a very neat trick to put some punch back.

The guitar sounds like a much larger Strat than it really is! 

Cheers,
/J

I agree on the "punchy" note. I tried a Marshall 20W a few years ago and was amazed how it nailed the Tone of my Marshall 1986 50W bass amp from '74, only less ear-splittingly loud. I'd describe it as a clean distortion, if that makes any sense. You have to hear it to believe it I guess, but maybe the relatively clean bass channel does the trick? Oh yeah, a patch cord between the channels is mandatory. You get to use all FOUR dials then! :-D

Also, I tried a Marshall 18W combo recently; not as punchy and I'd guess more Bluesbreaker-like. I was not as convinced. There are TubeScreamers to do that creamy thang.

Anyway, I just received a Ceriatone 20W and I am now in Tone heaven! My neighbours may agree. Or not.