Suggestions for Amps with a Naturally ‘Darker Tone’, please

[StratUp]

Just throwing this out there... might be more of a speaker question i.e. maybe you need speaker(s) without top end. That would depend on whether you really want "darker" vs. "not bright".

 

[dante1963]

An early Marshall like the JTM45 would be good. Also, swapping the speakers in any amp you might have with an Eminence Cannabis Rex will definitely warm up your tone.

 

[kdines]

With that kind of budget your options are wide open. It really just boils down to how much amp do you need.

New or used ? Head and cab or combo ? Pedals too ? No matter what you decide you can pretty well fit your needs and have money left over

Good questions and I should have been more specific. I prefer head and cab (as I can keep the head by me for aimless fiddling) and I’m good for pedals (hahaha.....although there can always be room for one more!). I’m a Strat player 99% of the time. Used is always an option. Thanks!

 

[stratosurf]

Get (or try) a Bassbreaker. Without the bright switch on they're definitely on the dark side (but not muffled).

Strats sound amazing through these amps.

 

[Bern1]

Marshall JTM 45 or clone with no bright cap. It even tames a Strat.

 

[rrben29]

This one is probably not what you are looking for but I got into a dark mood just looking at the Fender Excelsior and down right depressed after playing it.
Very Dark

View attachment 488404

This... had the pro version and that thing was DARK or BRIGHT with no in between... had to get an eq pedal to tame it right. Also has a 15 in speaker so you won't be lacking in the bass end.

 

[tanta07]

This... had the pro version and that thing was DARK or BRIGHT with no in between... had to get an eq pedal to tame it right. Also has a 15 in speaker so you won't be lacking in the bass end.

You can get the switch into an in-between position, but yeah, still not as versatile as a tone knob.

 

[T Bone Slort]

This... had the pro version and that thing was DARK or BRIGHT with no in between... had to get an eq pedal to tame it right. Also has a 15 in speaker so you won't be lacking in the bass end.

I walked away.

 

[Bladesg]

Supro Black Magick

 

[hecubus]

JTM45 or Orange OR50

 

[Sarnodude]

If you only need 3 watts... Silvertone 1451. Takes pedals pretty well.

 

[kdines]

I’m really appreciative of everybody’s posts and suggestions. Definitely looking forward to trying my brother’s Bassbreaker 15 late next week - assuming I am successful in my daring mission to travel to the UK.