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Published on 09/21/08 at 09:15
I'll repeat what 's been said already, but it's not that bad.
50W all-tube combo with a celestion vintage 30 speaker (excellent speaker, by the way), at least on my version, I think previous versions had another speaker.
Regarding the controls:
- Front panel:
Volume control and EQ (3 bands: treble, middle, bass) for the clean channel, clean/lead switch, soak (=gain), volume control and EQ (3 bands: treble, middle, bass) for the lead channel, reverb.
- Rear panel:
On/off switch, stand by/on switch, "acoustic presence" control for the clean channel, send and return for the effects loop, line out, footswitch jack, impedance switch (4/8/16 ohms), 2 speaker outputs, one of which is used by the combo's vintage 30.
Vintage look with a very nice-looking tweed coating. This combo gives a very sturdy impression, unlike many other combos at the same price point: The pots are perfectly linear and are smooth throughout the entire travel, all switches are extremely robust, neither the jacks nor the switches feel wobbly... In short, it's all good!
The only drawback is the lack of a Presence control for the lead channel, but that's being really picky, and given its price...
USE
PLUG AND PLAY!
That really nails it.
It sounds great regardless of the position of the controls! This amp can really make anyone who has a hot rod deluxe, bugera, or any other combo at the same price point and with similar manufacturing quality point, weep. It's simply awesome! It can really get the best out of any quality guitar, be it a strat, lespaul, ES, sg, they all sound great!
SOUND
THE SOUND!
Well, okay, death metalheads won't feel the same, which is quite logical, but it's perfect to play anything from jazz to hard rock. Personally, I use it with an MXR zakk wylde overdrive for sharper Metallica-like sounds.
It sounds great with pedals, too, which is great news for people who have 9ft long pedalboards
.
I play a strat highway one with a duncan sl-59 (humbucker) at the bridge and, for the time being, not even the mesa boogie haven made me change my mind.
Both channels have a warmth seldom (or never) found on a combo at this price point and that's why I chose it!
I've been using it at home and for rehearsals two years, since you can easily get a good sound at low volumes thanks to the two master volume controls.
OVERALL OPINION
If you are looking for versatility, ease-of-use, compact dimensions, a warm sound, and your budget is nowhere near $3000, this combo is for you.
This is the best combo I have ever tested. If 50w aren't enough for you, try the carvin legacy, which is just as good but has more power!
50W all-tube combo with a celestion vintage 30 speaker (excellent speaker, by the way), at least on my version, I think previous versions had another speaker.
Regarding the controls:
- Front panel:
Volume control and EQ (3 bands: treble, middle, bass) for the clean channel, clean/lead switch, soak (=gain), volume control and EQ (3 bands: treble, middle, bass) for the lead channel, reverb.
- Rear panel:
On/off switch, stand by/on switch, "acoustic presence" control for the clean channel, send and return for the effects loop, line out, footswitch jack, impedance switch (4/8/16 ohms), 2 speaker outputs, one of which is used by the combo's vintage 30.
Vintage look with a very nice-looking tweed coating. This combo gives a very sturdy impression, unlike many other combos at the same price point: The pots are perfectly linear and are smooth throughout the entire travel, all switches are extremely robust, neither the jacks nor the switches feel wobbly... In short, it's all good!
The only drawback is the lack of a Presence control for the lead channel, but that's being really picky, and given its price...
USE
PLUG AND PLAY!
That really nails it.
It sounds great regardless of the position of the controls! This amp can really make anyone who has a hot rod deluxe, bugera, or any other combo at the same price point and with similar manufacturing quality point, weep. It's simply awesome! It can really get the best out of any quality guitar, be it a strat, lespaul, ES, sg, they all sound great!
SOUND
THE SOUND!
Well, okay, death metalheads won't feel the same, which is quite logical, but it's perfect to play anything from jazz to hard rock. Personally, I use it with an MXR zakk wylde overdrive for sharper Metallica-like sounds.
It sounds great with pedals, too, which is great news for people who have 9ft long pedalboards
.I play a strat highway one with a duncan sl-59 (humbucker) at the bridge and, for the time being, not even the mesa boogie haven made me change my mind.
Both channels have a warmth seldom (or never) found on a combo at this price point and that's why I chose it!
I've been using it at home and for rehearsals two years, since you can easily get a good sound at low volumes thanks to the two master volume controls.
OVERALL OPINION
If you are looking for versatility, ease-of-use, compact dimensions, a warm sound, and your budget is nowhere near $3000, this combo is for you.
This is the best combo I have ever tested. If 50w aren't enough for you, try the carvin legacy, which is just as good but has more power!