Ampeg B-42X Head

1969 B42X Trem/Vibrato/ Echo w-repeat, Two channels, 4 inputs (bright and normal), Ext. Amp, Ext. speaker, Footswitch for Effects only, Ultra High and Ultra Low switches.

Only missing one feature that I really don't need MID Control. Between my modded TS-5, pre distortion EQ, and DS1 the mid is undercontrol, but it's always nice to fine tune further.

55 watts RMS/110 watts Peak is more than I'll ever need in a tube amp at this point in my tone building. Stage volume need only be so loud at bars and clubs... when I get to the arena you'll be reading my Rivera/ Hiwatt review.

This amp can take any amount of gain and compress it into sonic beauty. I don't even need to use a pedal to push the tubes, with my humbuckers I just play a little harder at about 3/4 volume, gives me alot of nuance and dynamics I love the feel.

I've got a Gibson SG special with Alnico Humbuckers and a Mexican Fender Strat SSH with Pearly Gates in the bridge.

Song writing style is progressive metal with a blues and punk influence I.E. Cursive, early Failure, Jesus Lizard. I rely heavily on responsiveness and nuance retention throughout my voicings. This amp saturates and sings in the poweramp section.

Quite noisy as any 36 year old tube amp... 570 volts is not in my plans, so I'm budgeting in a tech this month... new filter caps, contact cleaning, etc.

I'd be a fool to say I'd gig a tube amp without a backup SS. That's like depending on the windshield to keep you in the car;) I have the toolkit and a little know how to go under the hood, but not when the band and the fans are waiting. The show must go on until the break.

This amp hasn't broken down on me yet and I don't see any signs of burning on the wood enclosure or any other components, so this amp is probably just getting good. You can still read all of the original blue writing on the faceplate!

Called Ampeg and talked to service tech there... I wish I remembered his name... damn it... anyway he works in a department where they do repairs. He dug through everything they had to help me. Granted I called before (several times) and got zero response from random high turnover "Simpleton's" posing as customer sevice techs. There is a GEM at the SLM offices just hope you get lucky and he answers the phone. I give him a 10 and the rest of the "Crate" quality staff at SLM a -25... Warranty? What's that?

I've been playing about 10 years give or take a century. I've learned more about tonality and nuance playing through tube amps in the last 3 years than I knew existed the prior 7. This amp proves that a little goes a long way. The same drive everyone's tying to simulate for two or three times what I paid for my entire rig can be pulled off with seperate EQ's and a couple of good overdrive/distortion or booster pedals. As a matter of fact with this amp at the end of the chain all of the above mentioned gain textures sound phenominal and unique.

If somebody stole it the curse of the stray filter cap will electrocute them and all of their loved ones. I don't think there are any left out there and if there are please let me know. I'll buy a stock pile to get ready for the arena.