Crate V18-112

All lamp 18w 3x 12AX7 preamp 2 EL84 power +
Hp 12 "special design crate V Series
Channel 1: Gain + Level
SETTING: MIDD bass treble
effect: spring reverb you can unplug.
Nice point: Standby power +!
1 guitar input
line out
possibility of connecting a speaker 8ohms.

UTILIZATION

Using simple architecture, it's a classic combo ...

SOUNDS

I was really surprised at the power that comes out the amp! (Nothing like a Fender Super Champ XD I decided after two days, not because of the power but because of her, I'll come back ...), the sound is full of thanks to HP 12 ", an impressive light and sound is all there! (I had some good quality amps like the ENGL screamer 50, JTM 60, and currently still have my Laney LC 50 II ...). The amp has one channel it is easy to do "crunch" sounds great for blues rock! (it is possible to have a good clear sound cruncher who still have high volume .. . but it's nice !!!). side drive (gain), it was a nice distortion that may change according to our desires with a change of lights ... I think the reverb is effective from 1 2-3 Max on a knob 10, BEYOND is excessive ...
Only point that deserves a change in my idea it's HP, not clear enough for my taste ... I hesitate to change with an Eminence Red Coat governor (60 € chez Thomann), some have tried to US and compare it to high-end amps (check! although this is possible given the original qualities of the amp!) or try to approach a Jensen sound more like the right fender. .. to be continued ...
My rating is 8 version of "stock" because it has good sound but I expect more after my mods! (And here I think reaching the 10 amp for this category)

OVERALL OPINION

I just buy it so my opinion will be led to change with the use and the mods I had planned to do before you buy! Overall this is a good amp that can be upgraded (lamps, Hp), I will come back ... after the changes, otherwise it is not too heavy, not too small, very well finished (even a standby!) and what mouth (better than real photo!). I originally chose the small fender xd sc but it vibrates around! effects and amp models make you forget you have a tube amp, it seems to have sounds "wrong and modeled" for my taste and the HP 10 "is logically less deep ... for a tube amp you want to hear the grain, I like the damage the clear fender but I have made, that said, the better I discovered this great amp! sturdy without being too heavy (look on youtube what happens to the v50! ), and playback at a great price to € 269! (at that price you can afford to upgrade !!!). Value / price: excellent! (even € 299 now!)
In short I would do without hesitation that choice ...!!! I can only invite you to try and get an idea of ​​the potential of the amp ...

All tube amp 3 x 12AX7 and 2 x EL84
Power 18 watts
One channel: Gain, Level, Treble, Middle, Low, Reverb (Spring)
An entrance, a line out, an 8 ohm speaker connection
+ A power switch interregional. stanby (practice)
In short, nothing more sober

UTILIZATION

Configuration "could not be more simple". No need to book.
It gets very easily and very quickly the sound.

SOUNDS

Suited to my style. This is my first all-tube amp. I wanted a Vox AC30, but budget requires, I pulled over this little monster: TERRIBLE! First repeated yesterday after a few tries at home.
Clear sound very vintage, gain flight + 3, after equalization, is the top. The reverb is nice too, but not to exceed 5!
I play with a strato japan 86, Danelectro tuna melt tremolo, and sounds!
The receiver accepts all the distos I could put it. Ibanez TS9 an upstream, what a gas!

OVERALL OPINION

I've had only one week. Amazing value for money !!!!!!!!!! You may not believe, I bought 179 euros including shipping from guitardistribution! INCREDIBLE.
Comparable strength with my fender performer 1000 - 100 watt transistors, more than enough for rehearsals and small scenes.
My opinion reflects, of course, the ridiculous price. I still can not believe the price is generally found from 299 euros. But even at this price, do not hesitate, it is much better than a transistor.
I do it again without hesitation that choice, and honestly the price or I had, I think never sell it.

Valve amplifier, all is already said.
I realized on my model has a head from the amp and a cabinet with the cab.
I replaced the lamps with Electroharmonix and HP Jensen with a 12-70 Chicago.
With the new lights the sound is much more defined, with the per Jensen is a bit of performance but the sound is much more present and less showy of the original HP (in my opinion not great ...)
An excellent sound and above all excellent value for money!
For info: High Voltage (330 volts) was cutting output transformer over-sized, discrete component quality.
Floor preamp quite "silent"


UTILIZATION

Very simple to use, a channel, Gain, Level, Treeble, Medium, Bass, Reverb.
ON / OFF control stby
the amp gives max performance with the volume pot on Level 5, is saturated beyond too (see overload too) the EL84, the sound becomes less defined.

SOUNDS

Is an amp rather rock / blues, with a moderate gain you get to have a clean sound but not bright enough.
The reverb is pretty original summary and blur, do not hesitate to replace it with another model;
I mainly play a Gretsch G5245 equipped with Filtertron Epiphone Les Paul and with SH14 and SH1.
Gretsch sound is a bit less aggressive and a bit brighter, with Seymour is more easily attack the amp.



OVERALL OPINION

For two months he accompanied me in all my rehearsals, power is ample (gain 5 level 4) and I assure you breath away!
I also own a VOX VT50 (50-Watt modeling) between the two has full power, there are no major differences, the sound pressure is almost the same .... small 18 watts class A is felt!
Honestly I am satisfied with a small amount can finally afford a brand lamps.
With a hundred euros more, you can offer a better and HP kit lamps "serious" of JJ or EH work very well.