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1. BOUTIQUE CL
For this amp type, we modelled the Clean channel of a very rare, very expensive
and respected 100 Watt head named the Overdrive Special. We auditioned sev-
eral top-shelf boutique amps for this model but this amp was the clear winner. Its
beautifully rounded low-end, delightfully transient mid-range attack and sweet tre-
ble make it the perfect partner for single- coil pickups. It is also incredibly respon-
sive and extremely sensitive to picking styles and pickup selection. Strummed
chords just ring out and blossom.
Original’s tube compliment: 3 x 12AX7s in preamp, 4 x 6L6s in power amp.
2. BLACK 2x12
This dual channel, blackfaced beauty is considered a “must- have” 2x12 combo for
many professionals. Its celebrated clean sound is very tight “n” twangy, with a
deep, taut, piano-like bass.
Pristine clean tones aside, BLACK 2x12 is also capable of producing that clas-
sic Chicago blues tone — especially with single coil pickups. In keeping with the
original, when pushed hard the bass tends to crumble so raise the MIDDLE and
lower the BASS. Because the EQ network of BLACK 2x12 lies before the main gain
stage of its preamp, pushing the mids results in a lovely, singing blues tone.
Original’s tube compliment: 4 x 12AX7s & 2 x 12AT7 (a.k.a. ECC81) in
preamp, 4 x 6L6s in power amp.
3. TWEED 4x10
This 4x10 combo was built in 1959 and originally intended for bass. This said, gui-
tarists were quick to embrace its smooth-yet-cutting on-the- edge tone. TWEED
4x10 is very responsive to both picking strength and guitar volume setting. By
backing-off your axe’s volume when the amp is cranked, you can produce a beau-
tifully clean and full tone. It also means that dynamic picking control allows you to
make notes or chords more distorted or clean than others, depending on how
hard or how soft you pick.
TONAL NOTE: Just like on the original, the tone controls are highly interactive.
The TREBLE, MIDDLE AND BASS controls will affect each other depending
on your settings.
Original’s tube compliment: 1 x 12AY7, 2 x 12AX7s in preamp, 1x GZ34 recti-
fier, 2 x 5881s in power amp.