63 articles · page 2
This is a fantastic proposition, in terms of versatility, from Hughes&Kettner. An all-inclusive package that offers power, clean tones, crunch and metal (Warp) sounds, plus a…
Polytone is one of those brands that has become legendary over time, instantly associated with jazz tones. We find a good range of options that make this amplifier a versatile…
A guitarist's needs when choosing amplification vary widely depending on several factors: the musician's stage of learning, their tastes and styles, the place or context in which…
A new and eye-catching guitar amp has landed in my hands, made up of a 50 W head with MOS technology and four tubes, plus a powerful 4x12" cabinet. Before starting the review, I…
Every guitarist dreams of getting a warm tube sound for the price of a solid-state amp. Meanwhile, current trends split sonic demand in two directions: the vintage sound of tubes…
Hiwatt is a brand with real weight in the guitar amplification world. We had long wanted to put one of these “little guys” on the test bench. In fact, at the last trade show we…
A small, scrappy combo that left us open-mouthed, especially on clean and mid-gain tones. A manageable, lightweight, easy-to-carry amp with plenty of punch and truly surprising…
Not too long ago we looked at several amplification systems of this kind: small tube amps that give us the full warmth of the big amps, but for situations where we don't need…
BlackHeart. In fiction, a powerful demon created by Mephisto. This superhero possesses unmatched abilities, such as superhuman strength or staggering speed. Following that thread…
At somewhat more affordable prices than earlier (custom) models, we once again find British elegance, which this time also includes gritty overdrive and the flexibility of two…
We've had the pleasure and the opportunity to put two models of the prestigious Hiwatt amplifiers through their paces. Truly powerful, one of them especially so. Artists such as…
Small, very small. Punchy and solid. Black, very functional and cheap. It's not a car, though it's German and technologically perfect... What is it? Sounds like a riddle, doesn't…
This little monster really roars when we give it some meat! Can you imagine mixing one of the best tube amp makers on one side with the modeling leader on the other, stirring…
After trying a great many amplifiers, it seems that when you sit down to play a new one, you don't have many expectations. Especially when you're a tube fan with a soft spot for…
A musician's life is always full of crossroads... One of them is hauling as little as possible without giving up a great sound. Of course, it depends on the circumstances; that…
In winter, more often than not, all we feel like doing is staying home and forgetting about going out. In my case, though, an invitation to spend the afternoon somewhere cozy…
We often wonder whether the amp we have in our hands is the best option we could have, or what amp a given guitarist we like is using, or simply whether we should swap it for the…
Few things beat getting up in the morning and going to try out a brand-new amplifier, plugging in your Les Paul® and, even though they're the first notes you've played all day and…
In search of little monsters that deliver the ultimate warmth of tubes, we came across the AC4TV, which was introduced at NAMM 2009 (if memory serves). It's a cute, warm-sounding…
Boutique amplifiers are hugely popular these days, and the number of brands focusing on this segment keeps growing. One of them has been working in this direction for quite some…
Gear reviews, interviews and lessons for musicians, producers and engineers. No noise: only when there is something worth telling.