Recommend a Head for Guitar Solos

+1 to the thread. Im in the exact same situation. I have 5150 II atm, but the fizzbizzZZZZZRR doesn't fit well for guitar leads. I always end up using amp sims for leads and reamp rhythm guitars.
 
Youre gonna get about as many different replies as posters for this.

JCM800, JVM, TSL, VHT pitbulls and deliverance, Cornford, engl savage/BM/invader - seriously, you can just list amps all day long. The most important thing imo is that it has a voicing that is different to but compliments the 5150 and how youre using it. Lots of options, still though. Wouldnt go with another peavey personally, however.

Also, a different cab with different speakers. Can work wonders for a different voicing or placement in a mix for leads and harmonies, even with the same amp. Running leads through a 2x12, or even a 1x12, to bring up midrage and low mid resonances and place it a little above the bottom of the rhythm guitars can help fuckloads.
 
3000 AUD =/= 3000 USD.

Conversion rates be damned, we still get charged around about 80-120% more than you do in the states for music gear. $3000 might pick you up a used XTC if you're extremely lucky - they're just rare as hell down under. Price range is well out of Diezel range, though you might be able to snag an Einstein from Europe for less than $3000 after import taxes.

To put prices into perspective for those that aren't aware, JVM410h's are ~$2100 new, JCM800's can go for anywhere from $1500 to double that. Peavey JSX's are quite rare, though usually only go for between $1000-1500 - same price-range as a 5150/6505. Mesa's are expensive as shit, second hand Dual Recs rarely sell for less than $2000 second hand - popular models like the dual channel triple recto sell in excess of $3000. Mesa Mark IV fetches $2500 minimum, I've seen a Mark V recently for $3000, as opposed to the new price of $5500. Any Mesa for that matter will cost you at least $3500-4000 in store.

Having said all that, going to +1 the JCM800. Fucking tasty lead tones. If you want to be different, a friend of mine uses a boosted Orange Thunderverb for an absolutely amazing lead sound. Pretty sure he uses a Mad Professor OD in front of it, whichever the green one is called, can't recall off the top of my head :lol:
 
To put prices into perspective for those that aren't aware, JVM410h's are ~$2100 new

That's cheaper than the US :p

He could buy something from someone in the US/Europe for a decent price and have it sent to him in Australia. I've sold quite a few things to people there and even if they had to pay customs fees, the overall price ended up coming out much less than it would if they had bought it locally.
 
it just hit me, Brett pulled a mad solo tone a while back, will have a search and see what amp he used - thanks for the suggestions, I think the JCM800 is going to be the winner here, although will spend some time in the shops trying out a range