Bronx Tube 12

(Originally written by Don_Viviano/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
All-tube amp for blues players.

2 channels: clean and master

Low-impedance and high-impedance inputs, FX loop.

Classic settings: high, mid, low, master gain, presence and reverb controls plus volume on each channel.

I miss a separate EQ per channel and a master boost function.

This amp is expensive!

[edit 04/27/2008]: The EQ makes me angry. The lead channel sounds very bright so I turn the high control up halfway, but the clean channel has not enough high-end with this setting... That's why I only use the lead channel and adjust the sound with the guitar's volume knob.

UTILIZATION

Wait 5 minutes before starting to play so that the amp warms up (important if you don't want to replace the tubes very often). The clean sound is impressive but watch out for the highs (especially if you use distortion pedals).

Play with the settings and you'll find nice sound variations for blues, jazz and rock.

I didn't get the user's manual although I bought it new. That's not good because it's my first tube amp and I could have damage it.

[edit 06/25/2006]

I brought it three times to the store already because the fuse burned and it needed to be repaired! This amp is not reliable at all! I'll keep you informed.

[edit 11/26/2006]

No problems anymore. I won't revise my last rating (6/10) because it was a wee bit alarming...

[edit 04/27/2008]

I've had problems with a couple burnt fuses but nothing else.

I increase the mark to 8/10.

SOUNDS

Fender-like, crystal-clear clean sound.

I only use the lead channel with a boost pedal (Marshall BB2 in boost mode). Very present, ACDC-like distortion sound.

I play with high output level pickups (one Les Paul with 500T pickups and an other with Schaller 50 Golden humbuckers).

For clean sound I simply turn down the guitar's volume control.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for one year. I hadn't had problems until a few days ago when I noticed volume losses and a burnt smell. Since then it has happened several times. When it happens I switch off the amp, let it cool down and power it on again. It makes me a bit uneasy so I will bring the amp to the shop for a check-up.

I tested the Fender HOT ROAD Deluxe, the Marshall 40 DSL, the Peavey Classic 30 and I found the Bronx has a much better clean sound, as well as a lighter and less aggressive overdrive (except for the Peavey).

It's the perfect amp for clean sounds but you'll need some pedals to get a real rock sound.

I would have bought the Fender if the guy at the shop had offered me the same discount as on the Bronx!!

[edit 06/25/2006]

After one year of use the technical problems start to surface (burnt fuses, repairs, etc.) It's already working again but it's annoying... I'm not sure if this amp is reliable...

8 ---> 5

[edit 11/26/2006]

I'll increase the mark because I've had no more problem since June.

5 ---> 7

All Tube Amp, 50W
Similar in appearance to the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, with panel controls situated on top. 
1/4" standard Jack connector
Effects loop (not folder)
2 Button Footswitch included.

Two channels: clean / distorted
Equalization: tri-band for both channels
High, Medium, and Low 

Presence Knob   

A volume knob for the clean sound (with bright button for more crystal clarity)
A gain and master knob for the distorted channel .

Large on / off  and bypass switches

UTILIZATION

Extremely easy to use, the knobs are effective without excs trs: you can easily find the sounds that sound good, and we changed easily, without spending hours noting rglages on a paper not have his crap.
Not need the manual must be observed prchauffage a time that I fix at least 5 minutes (one technician told me that two more than sufficient). 'Worse dplacer with the prcautions.

08/2005: rgulirement trend sputter APRS ignition. In this case, stain, allow to cool 15 ', restarting, leave heat 5-10'. Ah! too, not like at all, to work the floor of amplification (he gets "curtain" that the master Exceeds ds 6 / 12 with the gain of prampli background). In this case, see the procedure a little higher: 20 minutes - half an hour in the view ... Rating: 10 -> 7

SOUNDS

I play rock ax trs 60's - 70's, and I was looking for an amp with a sound and a nice hot trs distortion. To play things like The Doors, Pink Floyd, Stones, Beatles and many more.
There are no sounds problem is sought. This amp is for the blues, but it goes well trs style I cit above. I mainly use the distorted channel (I get my clear sound in the amount of fiddling with the guitar). the sound is warm, both round and rough, after all, trs rock. The maximum gain (which I'm almost always) gives a very big but does not change Figure sustain of the guitar. which is quite Gnant on certain passages of certain songs. This means rarely. Also, playing on a stratum, has nothing to thundering. With the same background distortion, the amp, adding the characters, although the return of his guitar, without dnaturer. The distortion allows play to hard rock, stoner or if you have good humbuckers. In any case useless to think of playing metal. Because of the low sustain it will be difficult replay the same modern rock. Personally I think that's good, but ...
About the clear sound, I would point out that if I prfr the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe, it's because I prfr the clear sound of more equilibrated Bronx in his clear, trs certainly good, but with low matriser difficult, the Fender.

ah, another thing: this amp made me redcouvrir my wah pedals, which is the only effect that I mount on it (until a compressor and a good quality for Big Muff pedals playing "Echoes")

(Addition) That's it, I tried with humbuckers (Epiphone Les Paul, Seymour Duncan pickups I do not know what). Well, no need to add one pedals, all things considered. Oh yes, for the stratum.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for the past five months.
I am satisfied with TRS:
- Sound
- The ease of use
Since I have, I have my CHL pdalier RP7: the sound of the amp is only 90% of cases it even. Too many effects dnatureraient his sound. However, I prvois to add a compressor and a Big Muff but Manir occasionally, to increase versatility.

I am not satisfied:
- The quality of a technical point of view, reliability. December bought beginners, I DEFINITIONS lche ds home the first test (called "running a Bronx"). Replaced with a time limit of about one month (the discharge to the VAS, it is nol of FTEs), he is again trying to make me Misra (crachottements, losses momentary power enough ...). inquitantes and dsagrables It's really unfortunate for trs an amp with great sound for me. In my opinion, if the problem of quality are confirmed in other users, they justify turning to fender or other manufacturers. If however they are more reliable than this: this is my first amp lamps, and I know people who can tell me if these problem come on all the amps or not.

This is a fairly typical amp but still versatile enough unless large distortion issue, and therefore buying preferences APRS test. It does not seem to hlas trs well distributed in France.

this choice would you do?
Dilemma: the problem with the IDAL technical problem or less, but with the least IDAL? I believe that good looking I could find an amp to sound quite similar (the Hot Rod is close trs), a price close to (the Hot Rod has a price close), with a look as good (the Hot Rod the same look as the Bronx copy the look of the Fender, you follow?), and especially a better quality.
Won this amp be known without its technical problem. If it holds up, I'll do a long road with.

08/2005: persistent problem: note: 8 -> 7

Last edit, 11/2005: RIP my Bronx: APRS great Lumire the rear, followed by a smell of brl he joined the rparateur, who diagnoses a problem capacitors and switching relay. Back. Jouage music. Ptag fuse. Turners store, diagnosis: bp ct the output transformer. The store shall decide to unplug the machine, and signs the dcs.
I have not the courage to change the note, put the one you like.