Crate BX25DLX

Bought new in 2004, have seen reviews of base model with complaints about lack of features. This model is a big upgrade with front panel CD input and headphone output, two channels (one clean, the other with controlable distortion) foot-switchable, and a speaker out to drive another cabinet instead of the built-in 10". It also has a volume-adjustable octave setting, which puts out a second simultaneous signal an octave lower than what you are playing. It is pretty manageable at 39 pounds.

I bought it strictly for practice, I mean how far can you expect a little guy like this to go? Even the booklet talks about the CD/headphone jacks in terms of practice useage. The Amp is rated 27W, speaker rated at 30W (4 ohm) so you won't blow it. Still, the sound is pretty good to my ear.

This combo is used with a variety of basses and pickups, including jazz, pj and soapbar type pickups, both active and passive and mostly humbucking. It is not noisy or hissy (uses an internal noise gate), although tone can be dialed in on a 4-band EQ to whatever suits you. Several common settings are suggested in the literature. I rarely use the distortion channel or the octave feature. I like to play the E and A strings, and I don't think the speaker will accurately reproduce notes an octave lower. Freq. response of the speaker is not provided. I have no complaint about the sound or loudness, it give me plenty of both in its intended useage. I haven't gigged or jammed with it, but I suspect it would do OK in a jam setting, but be too light for a gig (except maybe a coffeehouse type setting).

In the 18 months or so I've had it, there have been no issues at all, and no indications that something may be going wrong. It just keeps doing what it was designed to do.

I have needed no contact with Mfr, so can't relate any experience there. The warranty is 5 years (2 years on speaker), and is transferrable under certain circumstances. Mine was made in China, which I dislike. Crate is a division of SLM Electronics, whatever that is worth.

I bought this product mostly because of features, price and the Crate name. I intended to use it as a practice amp, and it has done well in that capacity. It seems well put together, although I'm sure the cabinet is made of something other than plywood. To get the most use out of the features, you need to read the booklet. For the money, I have been quite happy, although I would like a little more power and would look for that if replacing this one.

This amp is brand new for April 2001. It has two differnet channels one for clean playing and another for distortion. There is a chromatic tuner on the top of the amp so one can always see what key they are in, if they are in tune etc. There is a headphone jack an external speaker out jack in the back and a jack for a foot pedal, which is only supplied in the BX50DLX model. I think the pedal only runs for about $30 dollars so you could buy it if you think you'll want it. I use it to practice on since it is only 25 watts, but don't be fooled by the numbers. I never turn it over 3!

I am a beginner, but I love most types of music. I like bands like Korn, Rush, older Red Hot Chili Peppers stuff and also fusion jazz artists like Al DiMeola. This amp will easily handle all of those demands and more. Like I had said before although it is only 25 watts it can crank! Practicing I would be amazed if you were to turn it up to 4. I have yet to hear it distort unless obviously playing through the distortion channel. On the clean channel it has adjustments for Low, Low Mid, High Mid, and High, so you'll be able to tune it in to what ever style you want. This is a perfect amp to start with and grow into.

Crate is known for making amps which can take a beating, and this one is no different. It was solid the day I took it out of the box. I'm convinced you could drop it down a flight of stairs and it would still play.

Haven't called them yet and don't think I'll need to.

This is a perfect starting/practicing amp. I was confused at first as to which amp I should buy when I was looking. I had heard so much about distorting and dull sounding amps that I was sure that any combo I bought wouldn't be that great. I was wrong. This amp is great and you will not be disappointed if you buy it. For $250. dollars you will be very happy. Honestly, they could get away with charging more for it! If you are reading this review then you must be interested in an amp this size. Look no further and buy this amp!