Slightly disappointed.
And also quite impressed. I tried the 60 watt 1x12.
So, the cleans were good - I much, much preferred the Bandit, but these were loud and clean, warm, and typically of a ss amp, very dynamic - it will amplify everything you do exactly as you do it (picking hard and soft etc). I assume this is what people mean when they say an amp is 'unforgiving'.
However, it's the drive that left me wanting, which is a real shame and I think I know why.
The gain is nice - a little grainy, but it's got character and has a fat tone, and it was easy to dial in a really great rhythm sound that worked for huge chords and tight stabs. However, there is something missing in the bass. I suspect it's down to the size of the combo - it's actually quite small, where my bandit is really quite big. There is plenty of volume to get sustain though, and the drive cleans up pretty well with picking dynamics.
I've heard worse sounding valve amps, but I had really high hopes for this.
It might suit others, but I felt like it was missing the bassy punch required by me. Also, that might vanish in the 2x12 or if you used a cab. It really is quite small - I was not expecting that, and it sounds a bit small. I'd be interested to know the actual dimensions of it versus the silver stripe bandit.
It has volume enough for gigging and, most importantly, both channels sound good. So it's very nearly a full score from me. Not a negative review but incomplete - needs trying through a large 1x12 or 2x12, which I think will really let it sing.
Comments
Also use it at rehearsals with a 4x12 cab. In both scenarios it sounds huge.
Nige