jjbankhead wrote:i can actually feel my brain melting trying to remember all these pre amp names....
i wish i had paid more attention in school... 
well I'll be looking for some of these in the future, thanks for all the info guys, for schmucks like me i just see a big speaker cabinet at the guitar shop and say "wow" and think it must be cool because its expensive...
Bro, don't get overwhelmed... Let me try to wrap things up in a nicer package...
It's better to have a fewer quality components then many low quality or mixed low and high quality (worst).
If I were to help a newer guitarist here how we'd shop:
1. The right guitar* - hums with coil tapping ability - it must sound good unplugged
2. Quality cables** - Mogami or LiveWire
3. Quality clean amp - new, 65 Fender Twin RI used Dual Showman and cab with JBL like speakers
4. Effects
--- EQ to bring up your volume when you cut to single coils
--- Quality OD
--- Quality Envelope
--- Quality Phaser
--- Quality Delay
IMO, the brand of the FX JG and BW used don't necessarily get me sounding like them or I just don't like them that's why I stayed away from any specific brands. If you are interested in my opinions:
OD = Barber LTD SR
Envelope = BYOC DOD440 (I'm currently auditioning an Emma Discumbobulator)
Phaser = Maxon PH350
Delay = ??? Gonna try the BYOC maybe
As far as vintage Fender amps go for big clean:
Twin
Showman
Pro Reverb
Current production for cleans:
Twin Re-Issue
Fender Prosonic
Hotrod deluxe (will need a more efficient speaker, tube upgrade and a quick mod to control the bass)
*Most stock guitars don't have coil tapping and a pickup upgrade will take care of this.
** The reason for these brands is that they are great and are replaced on the spot for any failure at GC.
