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Published on 09/20/12 at 22:14The Egnater Tweaker series was expanded recently with a 40 watt and 88 watt model. I tested all three and found that each had it's own place. The Tweaker 88 has 2 separate channels that share a global EQ section yet retain independent master volumes and assignable/foot-switchable boosts. These features make the amp essentially a 4 channel offering. A buffered effects loop is present with level selection.
UTILIZATION
The choice to go with 3 separate tube selections for each offering was a smart choice by Egnater. The Tweaker 88 is a kt88 design with two separate channels and an assignable boost that can offer added clean volume or gain. I found the layout to be more than useable with the shared EQ. The secret is in controlling the volumes and boosts and finding balance between all the sounds offered. The foot-switchable features make the amp perfectly giggable compared to the original 15 watt Tweaker model.
SOUNDS
I played through the Tweaker 88 with a Gibson Explorer Traditional Pro. Egnater 2x12. No effects.
I found the Kt88 output tubes delivered a warmer low end presence to the sound that was missing in the 15 and 40 watt models. The clean sounds, while being fine in their own right, were the least appealing of the three amplifiers. As with all of the Tweaker amps, the guitar you choose plays a great part in the sound you get. The explorer traditional pro I chose had very high output pickups, and this made for very good high gain tones. To contrast with this, I also played through the 88 with a Gibson Les paul Traditional. The sounds with the Les Paul lacked clarity to the point of making the playing experience less enjoyable.
OVERALL OPINION
The Egnater Tweaker 88 is a great update to the Tweaker line. Offering more power and options for the gigging musicians while maintaining an attractive price. The amp is competitive with it's features but it's distinct tonality forces me to suggest that you try before you buy. Not everyone is going to love the sound of this amp-- or more specifically, the sound of their guitar selection through this amp.
UTILIZATION
The choice to go with 3 separate tube selections for each offering was a smart choice by Egnater. The Tweaker 88 is a kt88 design with two separate channels and an assignable boost that can offer added clean volume or gain. I found the layout to be more than useable with the shared EQ. The secret is in controlling the volumes and boosts and finding balance between all the sounds offered. The foot-switchable features make the amp perfectly giggable compared to the original 15 watt Tweaker model.
SOUNDS
I played through the Tweaker 88 with a Gibson Explorer Traditional Pro. Egnater 2x12. No effects.
I found the Kt88 output tubes delivered a warmer low end presence to the sound that was missing in the 15 and 40 watt models. The clean sounds, while being fine in their own right, were the least appealing of the three amplifiers. As with all of the Tweaker amps, the guitar you choose plays a great part in the sound you get. The explorer traditional pro I chose had very high output pickups, and this made for very good high gain tones. To contrast with this, I also played through the 88 with a Gibson Les paul Traditional. The sounds with the Les Paul lacked clarity to the point of making the playing experience less enjoyable.
OVERALL OPINION
The Egnater Tweaker 88 is a great update to the Tweaker line. Offering more power and options for the gigging musicians while maintaining an attractive price. The amp is competitive with it's features but it's distinct tonality forces me to suggest that you try before you buy. Not everyone is going to love the sound of this amp-- or more specifically, the sound of their guitar selection through this amp.