Pignose G40V

In 2007 I bought mine new/old stock (in UK) as my then also new Fender Bassman had to go back under warranty, In the cross-over between having them side by side, the Pig gave more of what I had hoped to get from the Bassman! Consequently I moved on the Bassman and kept the Pig.

Don't turn your nose up at a PIGNOSE! They are basically the Bassman spec that became the Marshall JTM Mk1 as has the Bsssman circuit but with a MASTER VOLUME!

I Can get some great roaring tones from mine and are rated at 40W from 2x6L6 3x12AX7. Output into a 4x12 and is a massive sound.

I have followed the Premier Guitar Ask Amp Man upgrade on my G40V..

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Dusting_Off_a_Pignose_G40V

https://www.premierguitar.com/articles/Pignose_G40V_Amp_Mods

The amp is ultra portable for a loud tube amp and makes an excellent backup - or even better - part of a stereo setup with a Tweed Deluxe!



www.boss-pedals.jimdo.com

I bought this wholesale for like 250 dollars.

The tubes are sweet for such a cheap unit, they sound good undistorted. The thing is so loud, it can really haul ass.

The first time I tried to mess around with my settings, I got confused by the lack of a distortion knob or button. In order for you to get distortion out of it, you must twiddle with the volume and master knobs, no small feat because unless it is perfect, it will just bitch and whine at you until you fix it.

The thing is built rock solid, with open back construction and a nice leather-over-wood finish.

If you dont have a distortion pedal, and you want distortion, I don't reccoment this to you. However, if you have effect units at your disposal, and you want a cheap thumper, I say go for it.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This is a tube amp with a solid state rectifier. There are 3 12AX7 preamp tubes and two 6L6 power tubes. The amp is unusual in that it delivers 40 watts of power through only a 10 inch speaker. There are jacks on the back for connection to either a 4 or 8 ohm speaker or cab. There is no effects loop or reverb. There are treble, mid, bass and presence controls. There are volume and master volume controls for dialing in gain at low volume levels. Because of its size and weight the amp is easy to transport. I rate this amp high for characteristics because its a fact that simple amps with simple circuits generally produce better tone than complicated ones and that's what I care about.

UTILIZATION

This is a simple straightforward tube amp modeled somewhat after vintage designs and that is really part of the amp's appeal and good tone. The 10 inch speaker is really a mismatch for the 40 watts if you plan to crank the amp up or play in a band because 40 watts begs for a 12 inch or 2 or more speakers. But for practice the 10 inch speaker is great because it keeps the amp compact,light weight and portable.
Its easy to get a good sound out of the amp if you keep the midrange control at zero or 1 or 2. For some reason this amp (and the Pignose 60) are voiced on the trebly side so you've got to keep that midrange knob way down.

SOUNDS

This amp is a poor man's Fender amp. It is suitable for country,blues,jazz,and classic rock. It is not suitable for modern high gain rock/metal. I've used the amp with many different guitars and for many different styles. I also own a Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue and a blackfaced 72 Fender Super Reverb. The Pignose does not sound as good as the Fenders nor does it contain near the same build quality but the sound is close and has the nice benefit of master volume that the Fenders don't for getting some grit at low volumes. The sound from the Pignose in comparison to the Fenders is thinner, less rounded, less clean, less shimmering and there is a feel that is missing due to the solid state rectifier. But it is still a very good tube sound that beats the pants off a transistor amp. The amp's sound can be improved by switching to better tubes (which you can do yourself and does not require re-biasing) and using better or larger/more speakers.

OVERALL OPINION

I highly recommend this amp especially if you can find it used. I bought mine used for $150.00 many years ago and have had no problems with it. The amp is great for that kind of money. In fact I know of no other tube amp that offers such classic 6L6 tube sound in a push/pull configuration for anywhere near this kind of money. What I like most about the amp is its simplicity, master volume and small size. Its a great Fender type compact practise amp if you can't afford a Deluxe Reverb or really want a compact size.
And you can easily haul it to a friends house or hook it up to bigger speakers for loud playing.

Amp 40 watts lamps - rglages gain, volume, bass, mid, treble, presence
Exit 4 and 8 ohms, can sprinkle a 4x12 cabinet
No line output
Bought not too expensive (220) it seems to me abroad in a country that shall remain nameless.

UTILIZATION

Yes yes yes

SOUNDS

I am not a great guitarist trs (1.70 m) but I wanted something cheap that sends and I'm not. Standard sound in a small bote and even changing the original lamp and it parat bowl that's huge.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for an hour. Some grsillements (but I have lamps and rotten jacks). Sound, but sound ... huge for bte. Same attention when: it is not the mtal is typ plutt blues and rock. Other precision later.