Washburn VGA 15

- What type of amplification (lamp, transistor ,...)?
This is a small combo 15watts, fully transistorized. But do not run away, it's nice, real small amp.

- What is the power delivered?
15watts real. Fine watts that I do not hesitate to compare with the small tube amps 5Watt that bloom right now and that I could taste some. 15watts emerging from a closed (this is important) and powered by an excellent high-quality 6.5 ", slightly more than 16cm. I want to be clear: we are dealing with an amp "modest" but very good.

- What connection?
Just the basics: single guitar input, footswitch jack, headphone jack. No effects loop, no speaker output. But the addition of the effects loop is under consideration.

- What are the settings, effects ...?
Volume, Gain, Bass / Mid / Treble switch and overdrive.

Here are some pictures of baby ...




UTILIZATION

This amp is quite surprising (and for once endearing) because it is a replica of a single channel tube. Simply. What could be taken for a channel distortion is actually a boost-overdrive the clean channel. The same clean channel can be pushed through the GAIN crunch and distorted at will by activating the overdrive-boost. The equalization is simply the same in both cases but suffers no reproach.

The clean is as often transo good, very good quality. A clean clear but distinctive, more than Vox Fender tweed despite the look, without being tinny. This is what should be described as a clean and perfect harmony. Never pinched with with single-coils, never greasy (except the search) with doubles.

The overdrive is possible at very low volume, pushing the GAIN and forcing the volume of the guitar (or with large double or single with powerful). This gives a very smooth overdrive that thrives on a game hairline to neck pickup.
The overdrive switch pushed obtained with dedicated, no need to push the GAIN for the shot at least to seek saturation. It will get lost on the mythical lands of Marshall Plexi. Gibson Explorer with a 76 496R and 500T equipped it is easy to remove fine crunch and overdrive ranging from blues-rock and rock music today.

A good distortion pedal smoothly bill gives full access to large loadings (I'm testing now a Marshall GuvNor2 Plus with VGA15). But better yet, use the MXR Dynacomp is stunning: it is clean with the fullness, boost the overdrive to make it even creamier and lets loose the nuances of a big distortion of families. This is the best ally of this combo.

I did not have the manual, which acquired this little monster through opportunity, through the sympathetic Chokagibson forum.

SOUNDS

- Will it fit your style of music?
Tiut Absolutely. Provided take it for what it is and does not expect crazy distos nü metal.

- With what (s) guitar (s) / low (s) or effect (s) do you play?
With a Start with EMG Fernandes LE2 89/SA/SA and a Gibson Explorer 76 in 496R & 500T.

- What kind of sound you get and with what settings ("crystalline", "fat ",....)?
Beautiful sound, warm and velvety.

- What are the sounds you prefer, you hate?
All.

OVERALL OPINION

This is my eighth amplifier.
Sometimes after a big Combo All Tube 4 Channel, combos to modeling a head + cab fine quality, all-tube combos, and less high-end gear. No regrets, it's all good.

Like:
- Finish, the look
- Its size, weighing less than 8kgs (away 30 of my previous all-lamps)
- His palette of sounds, always genuine and natural
- A bargain price

Like least:
- Rarity
- The absence of effects loop
- No footswitch included original

Really a good companion for those who want the real good sound without getting any head-lamps with low-quality or overly expensive. I'm not ashamed to plug in very good guitars and gets along well with the pedals ... I'm still looking lamps even though I know there is none.
Good point, its high quality in a small volume and low level can indulge in the joys of the recovery in the microwave in a small home studio: great result in close-miking (sound with a microphone closer to the top speaker) with a beautiful and dynamic nature warm and flexible.