All user reviews for the Matchless NH-112 Nighthawk

Power: 15 Watts
Channels: One Channel
Controls Ch.1: Volume, Tone Switch, Master Volume
Power Tubes: 2 x EL84
Preamp Tubes: 1 EF86, 1 x 12AX7
Rectifier Tube: 1 x 5AR4
Features: Dual inputs – high and low gain
Speaker Output: Switchable Impedance of 4, 8, and 16 Ohms
Weight: 35 lbs.
Dimensions: 7.25 x 18 x 8.25

UTILIZATION

This amp is part of my "portable small gig rig" so to speak. I use it with a medium sized pedalboard and a couple of guitars, usually a PRS hollowbody and a tele of some kind. It is actually fairly heavy at 45 lbs, but this isn't too bad considering it's a combo. The speakers matchless uses are great. I know a lot of people swear by them. I tried an alnico blue in mine and ultimately went back to the stock speaker.

The controls on the nighthawk are stupid simple. You have volume, master, and the tone notch thing. Yep that's right. No actual tone controls. But it's okay!


SOUNDS

In a lot of ways this is the anti amp. Many players in the modern world will laugh at the notion of paying 2k for a 3 knob amp that's 15 watts. The nighthawk is truly a quality over quantity amp. Sure I have a few channel switcher amps, and they are great. But the purity of tone you get with the nighthawk is something special. The tone I would say is like a really ticked off AC15. I don't know any other way to put it. Think classic rock having an angsty day off. For those of you looking for the U2/hillsing AC30 style tone, this isn't really that kind of thing. I would recommend the Matchless Lightning for that sort of thing. This is more of a mid to higher gain rock amp with a nicer Vox edge. The tone notch control works great actually. Not complaints about it. Just add a few overdrive pedals and you are soaring.

OVERALL OPINION

I will say my only gripe about this amp is that it is a little overpriced. I realize they are handwired and all that, but this is not much amp for the money. I have no complaints with the amp itself obviously. I just think there are better deals out there. (morgan/top hat) anybody? Still, this amp is a cool idea that's a nice change from the usual AC15 ripoff crowd. I still prefer my tophat supreme 16 I think. But it's all peanuts at the end of that day. Play it and see for yourself.