I have to laugh at myself

Since my initial post, I haven't posted a single thing. When I thought of this blog, I had every intention of keeping it updated and actually posting a detailed list of my stuff with pictures. I had everything in one room and I started snapping pictures and I didn't like how any of the pictures came out. I get easily frustrated and defeated. So I stopped. I swear that this thing will happen by the end of the year. In the meantime, I will go through the latest happenings.

• I sold my Matamp 4x12. I didn't think that having 3 cabinets was really necessary and the money would allow me to search for some different heads. 
• Traded by ESP 7 String for an Ibanez RG. I immediately blocked the Floyd Rose System and changed the pickup. I have no idea what I am going to use it for.. but I am sure I can figure it out.  
• I got the itch to to try a different head. I started looking at high gain amps with more of a vintage voice. I looked at the following:
• Mako Makoplex - I had it before and I really miss it. 
• Roccaforte Vintage/Modern - I heard some clips via Youtube and it sounds exactly what I am looking for.
• Fortin Modded Marshalls - It's a dude out of Canada that just does amazing mods. Search for them and you'll be impressed
• Put my FJA Marshall on the chopping block to see if I can use it to prompt a trade situation for one of the above heads. I didn't have much luck.
• On one of the gear forums I frequent, I came across a guy looking to trade his Mesa Mark IV for a 5150 plus cash. I have always wanted to try one of these as they are versatile and while I can pick apart Lamb of God's tone.. it does have some really good qualities. I offered the  head and 600 (from the Matamp sale) and he accepted. I now have a Mark IV on the way and I am pretty excited about it. However, I can see it on the chopping block within 2 months unless it blows me away completely.
• In response to Twitter/Facebook post, Justin reminded me to check out Verellen. I called Ben and told him what I was looking for and what I have tried. He recommended his Skyhammer amp. First off, Ben is an extremely nice guy. When we talked, he offered to get a Skyhammer in his shop that he already built for someone (he doesn't have demos of each amp). I stopped by Friday of last week and tried it out. I am now trying to find out what I need to save/sell to place an order for a half stack (maybe even a full stack). Here are my impressions:
• The controls are very easy and very intuitive
• The Presence control is actually pleasant to work with. It doesn't just dump a bunch of ear piercing highs as you turn it up
• The Master Volume taper is great. You can get great tones at bedroom levels and it is effective the entire way through. Most amps reach maximum output around the half way point and then just add bottom end afterwards. With the Skyhammer, when you turn it up to 10.. it's actually at 10.
• His cabinets and headshells are beautiful. 
• If/when I place an order, I want...
• A tad more gain on both the crunch and lead channel
• More bottom end as I tend to like a darker tone with higher end bite
• Tighter attack/response. 
• While playing, I wondered how it would sound with a Vintage 30/gt75 X Pattern in the cabinet.  
•  Last night, I purchased one of my old Marshall cabs back. With having to cart both Mesa Cabs back and fourth, it's easier to have a third cab I can leave at home that I don't have to worry about moving. After plugging it in this morning with the Marshall... I kinda prefer this cabinet over the Recto cab. Makes me want to get another one. Or! If I go the Verellen route, I could make this cabinet mirror the Verellen with the same speaker mismatch.

I think that's pretty much it for now. Next post will be actual detailed information on my setup.