Hughes & Kettner Statesman Quad EL84

This is the Statesman amp series from Hughes and Kettner. These amps have a polished bluesy rock quality to them. These are not the super high gainers that most of there amps lean towards. These amps have a mild voicing for classic rock and blues based music. This is a four channel or two channel amp depending on how you look at it. You get a clean with a twang boost and then the overdrive channel with a boost. SO to me this is a two channel amp with four settings.

This is a 40 watt amp that has a spring reverb unit inside and three band EQ. If you play classic rock or just need an amp with a good overdrive but not a hot rod tone then this is a great amp to have. This amp is the exact same amp as the black tolex version but just in a cool brown oxblood tolex covering. This amp is more towards the country and clean side of amps and this country looking tolex better matches the vibe of this amp. The exact same features as the black standard.

UTILIZATION

Channels Clean + Twang, Overdrive + Boost
Power 40 Watts
Poweramp 4x EL84
Preamp 2x 12AX7
Effects Accutronics Spring Reverb
Effects Loop Serial
Footswitch/Stageboard 1x FS-2 included, 2nd FS-2 as an option
Switching Functions Channels, Boost; with 2nd FS-2: Reverb, FX-Loop
Special Features Twang and Boost Mode, adjustable Reverb Balance
Equalizer Shared 3-band EQ
Speaker Outputs 1x 8-16 Ohms, parallel
Speakers 1x 12'' Eminence Rockdriver Cream
Protective Cover included
Dimensions 620 x 490 x 250 mm
Weight 21,9 kg / 48,2 lbs

SOUNDS

There is no change in tone from this amp to the black tolex covered amp. The tone is more of a dry tone that takes pedals very well and has a great switchable effects loop. The clean is very twangy and fits for pop or country picking. Use a Fender Telecaster with this channel and you feel some great quick lead plucking. Then you click on the twang boost and then you get a nice boost in the highs and there you have perfect sparkle tone that doesn't just go with country but any style of music.

What I like about this amp is that the EL84 tubes makes this amp fit better with the voicing of the amp. The 6L6's or El34's don't match as well with the way this amp feels and is voiced towards. The overdrive channel is a good overdrive for classic rock, pop, country, and jazz. This is a good channel for the guys who just need a little gain that will compliment their guitars rather then a distortion that is just screaming. These are great amps for the simple player who loves tone.

OVERALL OPINION

At new these amps come in right at around $1099, which is a great price a very good quality build and sounding combo amplifier. There is no up charge or don charge for this color of tolex. It is the same price as the other version. This is a great two channel amp that has some good features but not too much going on that clouds the natural tone of the amp. I I would recommend this amp to anyone who need a good combo for light rock, country, or pop music.