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Ampeg GVT52-212
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Ampeg GVT52-212

Tube Combo Guitar Amp from Ampeg belonging to the GVT series

arcablues arcablues

«  A beautiful baby »

Published on 07/01/13 at 06:34
All-tube amp 50w (pentode) - 25w (triode) switchable on stand by.
3 x 12 AX7 preamp and 2 x 6L6 GC power.
Rectified and solid state spring reverb.
Two 12-inch Celestion announced a weight of 28 kg.
The finish is very clean and faultless. The amp is very nice I think. I regret a little buttons knobs a little plastoc.
I sold it recently my Fender Super 112 also equipped with 6L6 that I kept for 15 years and was the (only) disadvantage tear my eardrums in our little rehearsal studio of 10 sqm. It was not progressive and did not have a general master. It also weighed 10 kg more than the Ampeg.
The characteristics of GVT therefore completely correspond to what I expected.
I note 9 and not 10 because the buttons

UTILIZATION

The configuration is very simple and complete the first 2 channels with independent settings and comprehensive. I miss the bright switch and the presence of my Super 112 but I know me go, it is a matter of habit.
Equalization is a bit confusing at first, but ultimately very responsive and efficient.
I have not read the manual. I'll see you later (perhaps never).
The sounds coming out of this thing are really good for this price range. Less flattering than some other amps with the same characteristics but flexible. I have not managed to get a bad sound, regardless of the setting. Well, at the same time, I have played a few hours on it so far.
I put 8 because of the bright and the presence and because I'm still addicted to my super 112 (but it will)

SOUNDS

So my style of music ranging from jazz / blues to rock 70 and possibly the beginnings of hard rock genre. So yes, it suits my style.
We can get almost any sound in the pre cited styles recognizing that never happen in high gain with this amp without proper pedal.
I think it add a kind Wampler Ecstasy overdrive on the clean channel and gain boost on lead.
The sounds are very pleasant at first listen. And with the EQ, you get to adjust very precisely the sounds you do not just turn the knobs like a nag.
What surprised me the most is the very large and soft knobs for volume and master race. it does not take a big slap from the beginning. This is surprising, it's hard to believe that it is a 50 w all lamps but is screwed over this issue and it's still music.
The pentode mode (50w) is slamming and clear that the triode mode (25w) it is a little muffled, or rather that is darker.
I play with a strat equipped with EMG SA 1987 is very happy with my purchase (she told me). The pickups sound warm but with clarity and precision (standard for EMG)
I also plug a Les Paul Custom 1976 inside. Here, I'll have a little more triturated machine before you say anything more. Let's say the sounds are generally pleasant but not as obvious as with the strat.
A little word about the reverb that I do not like too much (even the fault of the super 112). But with a good pedal in the loop, there appear more.
The headroom is excellent thanks to two 12 inch Celestions
I note 9 because of the reverb. For the rest, it's super ok.

OVERALL OPINION

Well, I would have come back for additional info after longer use and especially after running HP but overall I'm very satisfied, especially the crazy prices that I got (€ 389 new). The quality / price ratio is unbeatable in my opinion. Okay, we're on an Asian manufacturing and not American and I'm not even bathe you with some other amp I had and ...
I tried very few models before this one because I was looking for 6L6 and my prices, there is not all street corners. I had also not even try it because not found in stores in my area. I think I was very lucky.
For now, I would do this choice without hesitation.