Trace Elliot RA130 Head

Series 6, GP7 preamp. Pre gain, mid-scoop (called pre-shape), 7 band eq, post gain. Very simple interface. 65W into 8 ohm (I guess) 130 into 4 ohm load (I know). Has lots of patching options...1 effects loop, DI-XLR(pre or post EQ, but always post mid-scoop), preamp out/pwramp in (only difference between these and fx loop is operating voltages and impedances) and headphone output. All solid state. It's powerful for it's size (I've always heard Trace watts are a little understated), but still no match for metalhead git players with 200W Randall 1/2 stack. So I use it as preamp feeding a Crown power amp. If you play with a 4 string in a jazz combo though, it'd be plenty to feed a 1x12 cab.

Using with Peavey Grind 5-string NTB passive humbuckers. Playing modern rock (yeah, I know, ambiguous). As much jazz/funk in my playing as my more metal-ish counterparts let me get away with...think incubus/tool/chili peppers. It works very well for this, as it has a wonderful grind to it. This "grind", however, is the clean setting of this amp. It's not actually clipping, moreso just a harmonic response. When this amp DOES clip, it will make you puke. It's not a real flexible amp, even with the 7 band EQ. It actually will get several sounds, but there's really only one good one (and the settings will be different for whatever equipment you're using). That is a good tone, which I absolutely love. Will get a nice deep sound down to E, but on the B string, it starts to lose oomph, as the lowest EQ is at 50 Hz (low E is at about 40 Hz). I correct this with an outboard 10 band EQ in the effects loop (Numark, early 80's I think). Giving a 7 only because it won't boost at a deep enough frequency (GP11 models do, however). Also, due to nastiness of clip (but you know it sounds best right before it clips) MUST BE USED WITH A COMPRESSOR! I use the Art Levelar, and highly recommend it. I also hear the FMR RNC's are really nice.

I bought it in a pawn shop, the rack ears were bent to crap. Had clearly been dropped, and hard (rack ears are fairly strong, and this amp isn't THAT heavy). However, hasn't given me a problem yet. I have no backup. Really looks and feels like stout little brick. no 10 because I haven't dropped it myself yet, and have only had it for a few months (but this thing is from mid 90's I think...it's pre Gibson).

No experience. But it's dang hard to find out ANYthing about these amps. Gibson has no info on pre-Gibson models.

I would probably get another TE, but not this one. I'd go ahead and find one with a larger power amp and dump my external power amp, and I'd try to get a GP11 or GP12. For the price, i'm very satisfied. It's a robust yet smooth tone, not too boomy, with a great balance of harmonic content. Not the power of Peavey, nor the deep rumble of Eden, nor the classic tubey overdrive of an SVT. But just such a good tone. Such a nice warm, rich, harmonic tone. Would be wonderful for modern jazz and blues.