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Average Price: $958
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$300
$801+
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Description
Experience the power and precision of the Randall RG100ES, a legendary piece of gear that has stood the test of time among guitar amplifiers. Known for its solid-state design, this amplifier head delivers consistent, high-gain performance that is both reliable and commanding. Perfect for metal and rock enthusiasts, the RG100ES is renowned for its ability to produce a tight, aggressive sound with plenty of punch. Its robust construction ensures durability, making it a trusted companion for both studio sessions and live performances.
The amplifier features a straightforward control layout, allowing you to easily dial in your desired tone. With separate gain and master controls for the clean and overdrive channels, alongside a 3-band EQ, you have the flexibility to tailor your sound to your specific style. Additionally, the presence and reverb controls provide further tonal shaping capabilities, adding depth and dimension to your music. The 100-watt output ensures you have more than enough power to fill any venue, from small clubs to large stages.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Randall RG100ES offers a unique blend of power, tone, and simplicity, making it a valuable addition to any guitarist's arsenal.
Key Features:
- 100-watt solid-state power
- Dual channel design with clean and overdrive
- Independent gain and master controls for each channel
- 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble)
- Built-in reverb and presence control
- Durable construction for live and studio use
Product specs
| Brand | Randall |
| Model | RG100ES 2-Channel 120-Watt Solid State Guitar Amp Head |
| Finish | Black, Red Snake Skin, Snake Skin, White Alligator |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Guitar Heads |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Black |
| Electronics | Solid State |
| Impedance | 4 ohms, 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 2 Channels |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 120 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Randall RG100ES amplifier?
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The Randall RG100ES is known for its powerful, high-gain sound, making it ideal for metal and hard rock genres. It delivers a tight, aggressive distortion with a solid low end, perfect for achieving a classic '80s metal tone.
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Is the Randall RG100ES suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Randall RG100ES, with its 120-watt output, is more than capable of handling live performances, providing ample volume and presence to cut through a band mix.
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Does the Randall RG100ES amplifier have built-in effects?
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The Randall RG100ES features built-in spring reverb, adding depth and space to your sound without needing external effects units.
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What kind of speakers or cabinets are compatible with the Randall RG100ES?
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The Randall RG100ES is compatible with speaker cabinets that have an impedance of 4 or 8 ohms, allowing for flexibility in pairing with different cabinet configurations.
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How many channels does the Randall RG100ES have and what are they used for?
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The Randall RG100ES features two channels, allowing players to switch between clean and overdriven tones, providing versatility for different playing styles and genres.
Videos
Xander Raymond Charles
DIMEBAG DARRELL'S AMP! RANDALL RG100ES AMP DEMO
DIMEBAG DARRELL'S AMP! RANDALL RG100ES AMP DEMO
Xander Raymond Charles
Pantera, Crowbar, and More: Iconic Randall Tones w/ the RG100ES!
Plague Scythe Studios
Gear Curiosities: Randall RG100ES - The Metal King of Solid State!
Plague Scythe Studios
Solid State Thrash Rig: w/ the Randall RG100ES, Graphic EQ, and More!
Plague Scythe Studios
Randall Head to Head RH200SC and RG100es
Peter The Destroyer
Marshall Valvestate 8100 vs Randall RG100ES Amp Comparison - Metal
Brokenlevel
Randall RG100ES vs Marshall Valvestate 8100 - Round 2 - Classic Metal Amp Comparison
Brokenlevel
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Randall RG100ES.
Value and pricing
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These amps are now valued around $1000, with potential for further appreciation due to their handmade, USA-built quality and association with Dimebag Darrell.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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Regular maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability, as neglected electrical components can cause issues in these vintage models.
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Comparisons
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The Fender M80 head offers an affordable alternative for thrash tones, often available at significantly lower prices than the RG100ES.
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Users compare their setups, noting the mix of V30 and DV77 speakers in a Marshall 2x12 cab for optimal tone.
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It's noted that the Orange Crush Pro 120 was chosen over the Randall RG100ES by some users, with the latter often being favored for metal tones.
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Kirk Windstein is known to have a collection of 8 RG100ES units, indicating the amp's significance in his sound.
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Users discuss the historical mix of Dimebag Darrell's sound, involving Randall amps with Wizard and JCM900 models in studio recordings.
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Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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The push/pull treble pot reduces low end and increases gain, though it decreases overall volume.
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User experience
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The combination of a Metal Zone with a Boss NS-2 into the RG100ES front end is popular for achieving desired tones.
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Owners highlight the Randall RG100ES as superior to many tube amps for achieving specific metal tones, despite the tube vs. solid state debate.
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Randall RG100ES is praised for producing excellent clean sounds with precise EQ adjustments, enhancing versatility beyond its metal reputation.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
69
A solid state gem
Solid state hot rodded marshall, with a sustain pull knob that gives you the tone that made Randall amps famous (or infamous). You get the sound of the 80’s metal with a chorus and reverb in the effects loop. Cleans are loud with plenty of headroom but the onboard spring reverb should stay off. If you’re looking for the sound chuck and dime were going for with these amps an overdrive and good noise gate is mandatory, but the results are worth it. I drive mine with a digitech bad monkey up front and tame the noise with a boss ns-2 in the loop, it absolutely screams when you play leads and the rhythm tone shakes the floorboards. This sound works for 7 strings and lower tunings as well without losing tightness or getting muddy. The only thing I would change is that odd six prong footswitch and swap the reverb out for a resonance control. I also don’t like the volume drop when the treble knob is pulled out. I’ve heard of a version of this amplifier that solves the volume drop problem but finding it has been nearly impossible. This amp isn’t for tube snobs or people who complain about 80’s metal tones being too fizzy. I for one love the fizz and appreciate the unique tonal character of this amp.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Treble knob pulled out, gain at max and volume at about 12 o clock. Mids at 12 o clock, bass at around 1 o clock, treble and presence at around 4 o clock.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this picture from February 1989 at the East Ballroom, Kurt can be seen using his partscaster Mustang alongside a Randall RG100ES Head, Soundtech 2x12 and a Marshall 4x12 cabinet
Dimebag Darrell can be seen with Randall RG100ES in this photo.
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On Weezerpedia it says,'' For an amplifier, Rivers used a Randall 120-Watt solid state head powering a matching 4x12 Randall cabinet. The speaker cabinet (pictured on the left side of the Blue Album garage picture) continues to be sold and resold. And has been spotted as recently as late 2000 in LA's "Recycler" Magazine.''
You can see the amp at 0:12
Matt Pike used a Randall RG100ES amplifier while performing with Asbestosdeath, as seen in the video "ASBESTOS DEATH December 1st 1990 full set KILL THAT CAT" shared by crypticdon on YouTube.
The amp can be seen on this video.
In this Imgur image of Head from the 1990s, he can be seen in front of a Randall RG100ES amplifier.
As seen in front of his RG100ES heads in this 80s Randall ad, and used on the first Bad English album.
Kirk uses this amp head in Crowbar. Used from '88 – present.
You can see Kirk talking about the amp in this video at 4:25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqAqmnY1B00&t=265s
Viv Campbell used the RG100ES head during the Dio years and on tour with Whitesnake.
As seen in front of his RG100ES heads in this 80s Randall ad.
"The one that started it all. My 1983 @randallamps rg100es. I bought this amp used at Fabregas music in houma lousiana in the early 1990s. This amp has a TON of history... it was used on the recordings #acidbath demos and on the debut full length "when the kite string pops" and on some of "paegan terrorism tactics" , "odd fellows rest" by @crowbarmusic, "the eclipse of ages into black" and funeral dirge for the rotting sun" by @goatwhorenola. It was also used for more shows than I can remember. It also doubles as an ashtray (see the last pic). It Was recently given a clean bill of health by @webbsbywatermusicneworleans and is still kicking ass. This might be popping up in my reverb"
Album Usage
The Randall RG100ES has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Randall RG100ES, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Randall RG100ES, curated by the Equipboard community.
$1,299.00
The red channel on the 1503 is probably the most similar sounding distortion to the 100ES you can get from amps currently being made. Add in the scoop and bass boost options buttons and you can get very close to that chuggy rhythm tone.
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