Model Year: 2004
Price: $600.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Route 60 Music, Barboursville, WV

5 band EQ with 3 band semi-parametric gain controls, incorporated compressor, active/passive input controls, and a very innovative "Room Balance" feature drew me to this combo. This amp has proven versatile and powerful enough to play in small and medium venues without the need for more push. With minor adjustments of the amp, I can achieve any sound I need for several styles ranging from Jazz and Blues to Funk and Metal. The Room Balance feature in particular drew me to this amp, considering that in the past I have played venues that resonate in certain bass frequencies, and this feature allows me to attenuate the EQ curve to the appropriate setting neede to preserve my sound but eliminate the overdriven notes.

I use no effects with this amp, the guitar and amp itself provide all the versatility I need for the blues, jazz, rock and funk that I play. This amp is suited for any style in small medium venues, and has an XLR line-out for larger venues to push through the mains. This amp is comparable to any other amp I have ever played, but may come up short in the power category compared to larger amps. It is very clean, very solid and the best musical purchase I have made to date.

This is not a programmable amp, and did take a few minutes to get the EQ and compressor settings right for the desired sound. But once it was set, it has been a dream. The only time I go to the control knobs on the amp are when I need more gain or volume, everything else is tweaked from my tone knob on the bass guitar itself.

So far, it seems as durable as any other amp I have played. It does have a felt type covering which attracts lint that does not come off easily, but that is minor. The first time out with it for a performance, a monitor tipped over in transit in the back of the van and bent two of the control knobs, but it still works like new.