Bad Cat Hot Cat 112 Combo

My only reason for writing this review is simple. I am an electric guitarist and mainly a les paul guy for the crunch and sustain. I went to St. Louis, MO. yesterday to Killer Vintage. The owner's name is Dave. I went specifically to check out the Bad Cat Hot Cat and see if I really wanted to spend over two grand on this thing. Like I said, this review is simple. What I wanted to say is this....The Bad Cat HOT CAT is NOT a HI-GAIN amplifier like most say. To a country guitarist yes. If you are a boogie fan or a hot rodded Marshall guy, this amp might not be what you think. I played a Gibson Les Paul white Custom 20th anniversary through it and an A/B box.
I was very confused when I turned on the amp and started playing. When I turned the Gain, Edge, Level all the way up, the Bass 3/4, the treble a little past half way, and the Brilliance 3/4 way, the amp was HI-GAIN in a way. Not at all crunchy like a triple rectifier though. Which can be a good thing. The chords were great but when I started playing a lead it just lost it. The way it makes chords sound when your rocking out it powerful and HI-GAIN like it says, then when you going into single note solo's, it's like the gain gets turned down halfway. The sound is everything it's cracked up to be, no doubt. I just wanted to warn those who were contemplating on buying this for it's " Unusuall Fat HI-GAIN" like Bad Cat describes it. The only thing I can think of is that the tubes were old and that's why the solo's were weak. But you can always run effects through it to give it that extra boost. To me, just playing it 20 minutes...... I would buy it. So if you do wan't hard crunch out of it, get a Zakk Wylde Overdrive pedal the signiture one, and that will give you the screaming leads. Hope this review gives a little insight to some people. Oh ya, and the notorious " White Noise" people complain about...Well..I don't know about this amp being " Whisper Quite" But it is as quite as can be for a 30 watt class A HI-GAIN amplifier. I was very impressed. But, I still need to spend a couple hours tweaking it and getting used to it's design and purpose.

A simple amp with the BEST quality throughout. It does what it does very very well and makes you want to play. I must say I wish there was a gain control and tone control on the clean input so I could add just a tiny bit of dirt there. The clean input doesnt break up intel its way loud. And yes there are times I miss reverb but not much. Long after I bought the Hot Cat, the Trem Cat came along and I'm looking at that. Cant afford both and I do love my Hot Cat so I have to think very hard about that.

I've been playing guitar over thirty years and got this amp over a year and a half ago now so Im not just a kid gushing over my new toy, or am I? Its been said before. Yes its a great sounding amp. The thing I like is using an A-B-Y foot control on the Hi gain and low gain inputs and running diferent effects pedels on each input. Going from clean with a little chorus to dirty with some delay with one click is cool. This amp has way more gain than I need. I play a B-bender Tele and 59 reissue Les Paul and like a classic rock tone but only need to turn the gain dial just bit to get all I need. The low gain clean input does sound nice but I use it very little. I roll down the guitar volume and pick lighter for the clean parts.

Had to change one 12ax7 tube after the first two months I had it but no other problems ever.

Randy at Tripple R guitar in Harrisburg PA gave me a good deal on it but I've had no need to contact the Bad Cat company for anything.

Great amp!

One channel amp with two imputs. Low gain imput is only controlled by the pre-amp volume and brilliance knob. The rest of the controls are only for the high-gain channel. Not alot of 'features'. This thing is bare bones and does not require endless hours of tweaking to get your sound. Personally, I don't like the approximately 400 knobs, switches and buttons on a boogie, so the simplicity of the Bad Cat is welcomed!

I use it with a 1979 Les Paul Custom Silverburst with dimarzio pickups. I am also in search of a vitage tele to replace my 80's Japan tele. I play a variety of styles, mainly original 'indie' rocker type stuff. Lots of open chords and strumming and lots in drop d.

I read one of these where the guy complained about his being noisy, he should have it checked out, mine is whisper quiet. I have a room in my house with a dedicated ground for the outlets, to take care of any pesky 60 cycle hum.

I can honestly say the search for 'my' sound is over. This is it!! This is by far the most versitile amp I have ever played let alone owned. It goes from spankin' clean to a pretty nasty distortion. NOTE: Do not buy this amp if you play nu-metal or any of that crap. This thing will not do the buzzy, annoying recto sound.

I have owned several high-gain amps the last was my trusty JCM 800 I said I would never part with. That was until I got my hands on this thing. The distortion is not 'brutal' per se. It gets pretty darn nasty, but still retains a very vocal quality about it. You can listen to it for a long, long time, and not have that annoying ringing in your ears.

One thing to note is the "active tone controls" With these, you can actually add or take away more bass and treble than the signal actually has. This allows for more textures than you have probably ever heard, let alone from one amp.

It is very loud. Honestly, it approaches my JCM 800 with a 4x12 boogie recto cab!!! Doesn't have the scooped mids and booming bass, but will blow you away for a 1x12 combo.

Built like a tank. Mark Samson wouldn't put his name on it if it weren't! I have had no problems and don't expect any. I still have a couple years left on the 5 year warranty. Thats right, 5 year warranty!

I had some questions about what tubes they thought I should use as replacements. E-mailed the service line, got a reply from the president. Try calling Marshall and getting ahold of Jim! This company is all about customers service and it shows. When you call the main man answers!

I have been playing for 12 years. I have gone through lots of gear trying to find what I was looking for. This amp has been added to my list of keepers, along with my Les Paul, 1974 Martin D-35, and a Carlson signed Flatiron mandolin.

If it were stolen I'd scrape up the money to buy another, IT'S WORTH IT!!!!

I urge anyone contemplating buying an amp to find the closest BAD CAT dealer and give one of these a try. I have played and owned alot of amps, Boogie, Marshall, Peavey, you name it. This is what I was looking for all along, it may be what you have been looking for too.

Mine is a pretty new as of 2003. This wonderful amp is 2-channels using a quality A-B-Y pedal. I've tried to use a stereo panner volume pedal but it sounded crappy. I must say this is the most enjoyable amp I've played to date! Absolutely the sweetest gain channel with an awesome clean channel concept - merely a brilliance knob and volume. The brilliance knob is like an EQ for the clean channel and has to be experimented with. That said I always like a mid knob of some sorts, but love this thing none the less. The 30W Class A is more than enough power for anything I can imagine.

I favor using my old SG junior with a single p-90 in the bridge.
It can handle seriously any style from pretty darn clean to huge metal with all notes coming through tight and focused. I only wish I could play it louder more often. It wants to sing! The versatility of the two inputs which can be switched between of used/blended together is really sweet. I've started using dedicated effects for each channel and can easily route them on my pedalboard. Switching from clean chorus to distortion with one stomp. I've tried to use an old Morley Stereo Panner Pedal to go btw channel 1 and channel 2 but the thing sucked tone..so I've been using a Loooper ABY, so far so good.
The lead channel is the sweetest I've played and ideally I'd A/B this with my Twin for the ultimate rig. By itself it is an awesome combo and the won that goes with me. It seems to like most pedals on the two channels and I keep it to a nice chorus and delay on the clean with the stranger stuff on the dirty channel. When I use the 2 channels together I can get some clean tone to come through from the other channel which works well to cut through.

Top notch quality. I don't expect any problems.

Overall this amp is truly a keeper. I can use my guitar volume knob, an A-B-Y and my Klon to get tones that inspire me to keep playing and playing. During my tone quest I have owned Jcm-800, Silver Jubilee, other older louder Marshalls, Fender Super Reverb, Twin Reverb, Vibroverb, Bandmaster, Dual Showman, Tweed Deluxe, Dr. Z Route 66, Mesa Rectoverb, Dual Recto, Guytron. Some of these have more clean headroom but this amp has BY FAR the best distortion voice of any amp I've owned or played. It is so articulate and juicy.

2003 Hot Cat 30 1x12 combo. Two inputs for two channels (switchable with an A/B box). 2 speaker outs (with impedance selector). Switchable tube/solid state rectifiers. No effects loop or reverb (nice to have, especially at this price, but no doubt left off to avoid any tone suck and every time I put effects in the loop on this thing I find I take them out again to get back to the awesome pure tone of the amp). Clean channel has one knob, really -- volume (although there is a global brilliance knob that affects both channels). Gain channel has gain and master knobs as well as bass and treble and "edge" (controls the crispness of the attack of notes) and "level" (which apparently controls the amount of power tube saturation -- turned up it's thicker and warmer, turned down it sounds more like 12AX7 distortion -- more razor sharp than fat). With all those knobs you can really tweak the gain channel. In particular, the bass and treble knobs really affect the tone. I tend to dial in a single, flexible, all-purpose tone but you can dial up some more extreme settings if you want. Plenty loud but also can give great tones all the way up and down the volume range -- so it's perfectly usable at home but then can cook at a gig.

I'm not a huge fan of the two channel/two input thing. It seems like a footswitch would have been easier to work with. However, I again presume it's set up this way to avoid tone suck and if this approach improves the tone, I'm just fine with it. It also enables you to run different effects in the clean and gain channels which is kinda cool (as I said, I'm pretty much not using effects anymore since I bought this amp but you might use them) and to run both channels simultaneously which is an interesting and HUGE sound.

Awesome, awesome, awesome tone. That's basically what this bad boy offers.

The clean, while not versatile in terms of knobs, is extremely versatile for playing. I haven't found myself wishing for any more knobs on that channel. With my Strat -- on the neck pickup is unbelievably expressive blues tone (open "woman tone" neck pickup sound but with total clarity and, when the amp is turned up, everything from total clean to a little bluesy breakup on tap and controllable totally by how hard you dig in). With my Gibson "faded" double cut Les Paul I can get (believe it or not) Telecaster-like country tones all the way to a huge rock clean tone (think Pete Townshend). And every pickup/tone and volume/setting on my PRS Custom 24 gives a different tone -- with that guitar I can get a huge array of sounds. Overall, the clean channel has an unbelievably beautifully complex high-end and a really round body with a punch in the lower mids (that low-mid punch is not in the EL84 equipped Minicat so I'm guessing it is a feature of the EL34s in the Hot Cat). Coupled with the dynamic response that captures all of the nuances of your playing it is a really inspiring channel. Also shows EVERY mistake, by the way (even the bad nuances, ahem, are captured) so it's inspired me to woodshed.

The gain channel is an animal. I cannot believe that this roar is coming from a 1x12 open back combo! Again, beautiful high end detail but now with unbelievably rich distortion and a serious low-end thump. The high end means that harmonics jump out incredibly easily. I A/Bed this amp extensively with a Soldano and found the Soldano gain tone (which I think is awesome) to be lacking in overall complexity and clarity in the comparison. Huge metal-type tones are available if you want but they have a unique and very musical voice -- it can be brutal but without sounding like an over-compressed, everything sounds the same one-trick pony. Also, it doesn't turn to mush with single coils -- even the Strat sounds fat and full (without losing it's articulate high end) through this channel. The controls on this channel are unusual and you can definitely dial up some bad sounds but set everything to 12:00 and it cooks and if you spend some time tweaking you can get some really interesting tones. You can dial it down to get more restrained gain levels but it sounds so awesome with the gain up (I have it at 1:00 so there's even more available) that you probably won't.

In a nutshell, I think if you try one of these amps (or from what I can tell, any Bad Cat) you will immediately notice how harmonically complex and dynamic they are -- a lot of that is the Class A thing but even compared to many other Class A amps (Boogie Blue Angel/Maverick, Gibson Goldtone, Vox AC30) it's a pronounced step up -- at least to my ears. Great tone.

Too new to tell -- Bad Cat's are supposed to be solid but I haven't had it long enough to tell.

Called them once and they were very helpful.

I've been playing about 8 years. I used to have a Mesa/Boogie Rectoverb head and 2x12 closed back cabinet. But I found that I had to turn up *really* loud with that rig to cut through the band which would then crowd out everyone else (including the bass given the frequency response of that amp and cabinet) and we'd always end up on that continuous ladder to WAY TOO LOUD as a result. So I commenced a long (and expensive) search for a different rig. Went through a Hughes and Kettner Puretone (great amp too but not as versatile as the Hot Cat - but introduced me to the clarity and dynamics of Class A) and a Soldano Astroverb 16 2x12 (also great and the lower wattage meant you could crank it up to get that killer power tube distortion). So I thought I was done when I bought the Soldano (I wanted a Hot Cat but it was awfully pricey) but then I bought a Minicat for recording and went totally nuts for the tone. Ended up selling both other amps (and some other gear) to subsidize the Hot Cat and I have not looked back.

If it were stolen I would swallow hard because this thing ain't cheap. But this amp is far and away my favorite piece of music gear I've ever owned (and as a former keyboard player and a slight gear junkie I've owned quite a bit over the years). This thing gives me *my* tone and I'd have to replace it.

You know the setup, mine is silver sparkle with grey cloth, very sharp. I use an A/B box and keep is set to tube rectifier. I play all kinds of gigs, form solo jazz to club rock to Bar Mitzvahs, I consider this to be the most flexible and portable Class A amp for my varied situations. For some, this amp might not have enough CLEAN headroom, it starts to break up nicely around 11 oclock with humbuckers. Sometimes I would prefer a later breakup but it is very musical.

I use this amp with primarily humbuckers, this is to avoid poor electric situations, my 2 main guitars are Baker BJC and Gibson Johnny A., my style is anything that pays! I don't find it noisy, although the distortion channel has so much gain someone could call it noisy under extreme situations. This is just a killer amp, I also own a Bad Cat Black Cat without reverb that is my favorite, but the Hot Cat is more versatile due to the gain channel and I almost use it exclusively except for larger outdoor gigs. I've owned the amp almost a year and I do @ 100+ gigs/year and it was a great choice for me. The only reason I don't give it a 10 is due to more clean headroom, BTW as already stated, the 2 channels together is AMAZING!!

Does the Pope pooh in the woods? I have owned 3 Bad Cats and never had a problem with any of them.

James has always been very cool and very helpful.

Bad Cat's Rock!! To my ears, they have a great, creamy low mid thing going on, and beautiful and very musical highs. They are the best amps to my ears, I just love the way they are voiced, they are a small step above Matchless that I really enjoy. They are so reliable, I have never had a problem and that is a huge factor for me also. I love Class A and if you do to you owe to yourself to get one, they are the best!!

This amp was made in '02. Clean channel has a volume and a brilliance control. The gain channel has gain, bass, treble, level, volume, edge, and shares the brilliance control with the clean channel. No FX loop or headphone jack. Reverb would be nice. It has more than enough power for any gig.

I'm playing a '52 Telecaster or a '57 Les paul into an Earnie Ball volume>535Q wah>analog.man bicomprossor>Tube Screamer>analog.man clone chorus>Fulltone Supa-Trem>T-rex Replica>A\B switch, all powered by Voodoo Labs pedal power 2. This is the best amp I have ever owned. The clean side is set up perfectly so the absence of tone controls is a welcome change (sometimes less is more). The gain side can go from mild crunch to blazing distortion or anywhere in between. You can really sculpt the tone of the gain side, so you will want to write down settings when you get it dialed in. It sounds great at low volumes, and sounds fantastic at high volumes. I play a variety of styles in a variety of settings and I never have a hard time getting the sounds I need. I sold my Matchless DC30 to get this amp and never regretted it. It will inspire you to play whether you are a beginner or a pro. I have had this amp for 1 year now and I can say my hunt for the perfect amp is over.

The only thing I would suggest is to carry replacement power tubes with you. This amp runs hot and depending on how much you play, the power tubes will burn up. I tried JJ tubes and was disappointed. I called Bad Cat to get their recommendation which is Ruby Tubes EL34BSTR. I'm happy again! This amp is built like a tank. If there is any gripe it would be that the tolex covering is too soft and tears too easily.

They have been very helpful in answering my questions and giving advice. Very professional!

I have played for 25 years and have had tons of gear. This is one piece I will never sell. I would replace it in a heartbeat.

Features explained by previous reviewers. It's important to note that this amp has two inputs, not two channels. To switch back and forth you need an a/b pedal. No unnecessary features. Switchable tube and solid state rectifiers. The biggest feature of this amp is TONE. Hard to give a rating for this, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, and that's why I like it. Reverb might be a nice addition, but it's true, class A amps really do have a natural chiminess that class ab amps lack, so I can honestly say I don't miss the reverb.

I've been holding off writing this review for six months. I thought the excitement of owning this amp would wear off, but it hasn't. I still get thrilled every time I play this amp. I'm not joking--I love playing this amp. My previous amp was a 30th Anniversary Marshall which was nice, but I wasn't really motivated to play. I always enjoyed playing when I had it, but with the Bad Cat I take any opportunity I can to play, even if just for a few minutes. The clean input is beautiful--very chimey and 3-D. The gain channel is the best I've ever heard-thick and chewy distortion is here is you want it. I actually don't play much high gain stuff, though. My favorite sound is to use a Lehle a/b/y pedal to play through both inputs at the same time. This gives a beatiful fat, clear, and ringing tone which must be heard to be believed. I really think this is the best sound the Hot Cat puts out, and I think a lot of Hot Cat owners don't even explore this option. The tone controls are very sensitive and just a very slight movement can change the sound dramatically. This amp does expose sloppy playing, so it really does help one to play better. Has no single coil or humbucker bias--both sound equally great. I'm playing it with three guitars: PRS Custom 222, PRS Hollowbody II, and Fender custom shop '56 strat. The distortion on the amp really works well with vintage single coils--it stays tight and focused, doesn't mush out like other high gain amps.

The Mercedes of amplifiers. Built like a bank vault. Really, you won't find a better made amplifier anywhere. The transformers on this thing are HUGE, the cabinet is 13 ply birch, the chassis is welded steel, not folded aluminum like most amps these days. Circuit is hand wired point to point. Switches are heavy duty and reassuringly solid, as as the inputs. An unbelievable piece of workmanship. Expensive, but you really feel like you got what you paid for.

Excellent. I've called and emailed Bad Cat many times. The owner always answers the phone and responds to email promptly. 5 year warranty, which I'm sure will never be needed. No problems with it yet.

I feel like this amp has opened a up a new horizon for me as far as playing goes. It has motivated me to be a better player. As I said before it makes me want to play, and puts a smile on my face each time I do. Isn't that what it's all about?

This is dual input amp (swichable with an A/B box) without a lot of extra frills. Class A 1x12 combo,EL34 powered, no reverb, no effects loop, just a simple signal path for a pure sound. Reverb might be nice but I can live without it. The clean channel has a volume and brilliance control, which works great but the brilliance is common for both channels. It would be better if each channel had it's own control. Switchable solid state or tube rectifier is nice.

The band I'm in plays mostly '70s Funk, but we cover a lot of Jazz, R&B and Classic Rock. I use a Strat, Les Paul DC and a Gretsch Setzer Signature. I've spent a lot of time and money looking for the right amp and now I can stop looking. This thing smokes!!! It gets a really nice bright clean, more like a Fender than a Vox, which is surprising for a EL34 powered amp. Lots of headroom, not much breakup. The drive channel is where this thing really shines. You can shape the sound from a thin blues break up to a thick screamin sustained tone. It sounds great at basement levels and gets better when you open it up for gigs. It works with single coils or humbuckers, but I'd have to give the edge to single coils. It loves pedals (I've had a few botique amps that sounded like crap when you put a pedal in front). I show up with different amps at gigs all the time, but everybody in the the band told me how great this thing sounded. I love the sound that comes out of this amp and I just hate to turn it off. I don't know it I'd rate any amp a 10, but for me this is a close as it gets.

That's why I bought it. I gig most weekends and I can say this thing is solid. I never bring a backup, just extra tubes. Just pull the chassis out and see how overbuilt it is.

I bought this amp used. I put all new tubes in and I was getting a weird crackling noise. I sent it to Bad Cat who figured out one of my brand new tubes was no good. They didn't charge me (even thought I bought it used). They returned my phone calls and answered my questions promptly. It only took them one week. Super nice people.

I've been playing for 25 years and I gig most weekends. The 1x12 is a perfect setup to get the sound I want without breaking my back. I'd replace it immediately if something happened. I've owned or played a lot of different amps but the Bad Cat blows them away. It has great clean sound, sweet overdrive tones, it's quiet, reliable, takes pedals and looks really cool. It's a little pricy but for a tone junkie like me it's worth it.

Mine is a 2003 model 30W Hot Cat 112 model. The controls of this amp have been well-covered in other reviews so I won't go into them. I do wish that the clean channel had a dedicated EQ section only because I find the clean to be a lot brighter sounding than the high gain and it can be difficult to find a good balance between the two. Reverb would have been really nice too (only for the clean the gain doesn't need it).

I originally got interested in Bad Cat after seeing Porcupine Tree play in Philadelphia last summer. Steven Wilson (frontman) used one and I can remember being blown away by the tone of his guitar. I don't even know if he uses the Hot Cat model, but who cares really. At any rate I finally got enough cash together to order one this past March and finally received it in early July. I have a small arsenal of guitars to choose from: PRS Custom 22, Gibson SG, Fender American Series Tele (with a SD little 59 in the bridge), Fender American reissue Jazzmaster and a really cool 70's Strat reissue which I have totally pimped out and relic-ed (main pickup is a SD Pearly Gates Plus in the bridge). I originally purchased this amp for clean tones as I already have a H&K Triamp MK II for high gain. I find that the gain channel on this amp is much better than the clean. Not that the clean is bad, but I find it a little too bright for my taste. This amp has the most brutal distortion I have ever heard (which is good cause I play very aggressive music). The tone controls are very sensitive and it can be very easy to make this amp sound bad. The plus side is that it can also sound great with the proper adjustments. The gain channel covers everything I need: early Marshall plexi tone (Judas Priest, BOC, Rush). Mid and high gain settings produce a rich creamy distortion. I've read people saying that you can't use this for metal which is complete bull. The Hot Cat provides more than enough gain: brutal like a Mesa but much more clear and defined. It has a switchable solid state/tube rectifier feature in the back. Maybe my ears aren't sensitive enough, but I can't really tell much of a difference between the two (I usually play using the tube rectifier if that matters any). I'm gonna rate the sound on this a 6.5 for clean and a 9 for the gain channel (8 overall).

I have no concerns about the reliability. Bad Cat has a reputation of being one of the most overbuilt amps around today. The freaking thing weighs a ton. I wish the leather/vinyl covering weren't so delicate looking because I can totally see it getting torn up if this becomes a regular gigging amp (which by the way, did I mention that for 30W this amp is freaking loud?)

5 year warranty. Never had to deal with them yet (and hopefully won't).

Like I said I also use a Hughes and Kettner Triamp MKII which isn't as warm as the Hot Cat. I am looking into getting an Orange AD30 TC head at some point. I've been playing since I was 12 (I'm now 23) and I feel I have a pretty good idea of the difference between a good and great amp. My overall opinion is that the Hot Cat is a great amp, but far from perfect. I don't think I'll ever be able to settle on one amp, which is why I'm not too concerned about the limitations of the Hot Cat. If it were lost or stolen I would definitely consider buying another one (altough I would also look into other products a little more).

Normal features, nothing special, except for one feature that gets a minus 5 points ... that rediculous light on the front with the cats?! What is up with that? What nutball would spend all this money on an amp with lit up cats on the logo?! Pathetic ... looks like a childs play toy. Those who designed this must still read comic books ...

Again, what is wrong with all you G.A.S.- a-holics? There is absolutely nothing, and I mean NOTHING special about the tone of this amp. Any Dr. Z El84 amp sounds a million times more rich and complex than these. Sad people out there buying these ... it would be cheaper if you had a drug addiction than G.A.S.. The clean sound at low volumes is nice ... that is it ... nice. The gain tons are funky and just plain unusable live. Crapola ... this is designed for the rich weekend warrior who otherwise does not know one tone from the other, but digs those glowing cats!!! Whoa, look at those Bad Cats!!!
So it gets 5 points for not screwing up the clean channel, and totally docked for the gain tones. Buy a Bogner if you even begin to think these sound good. They are a much better amp, more toneful, and have a better resale value. People actually have recorded and play live with Bogners ...

Who cares ... save some HUGE cash and don't find out.

Ditto ...

Please. People. Stop feeding these greedy amp makers by buying their overpriced garbage!! If you honestly think you will have this amp in your possesion in a year,you need to see somebody about your G.A.S.. This amp is MADE to sucker people in. Buy a Top Hat or Dr. Z ... they cost mucho less, and are many times more toneful and gig-worthy. Better still, go broke and buy a Victoria...but then you would actually have to learn how to play.....

The Hot Cat has 1 12" speaker, 30 watts powered by 2 el 34 tubes. 2002 model. The clean channel has just 2 controls; volume and brilliance. The gain channel has 7 controls; gain, edge, level, bass, treble, brilliance, and master volume. The rectifier is switchable between solid state and tube. Channel switching is done through an a/b footswitch. There is no effect loop or reverb. It could really use an effect loop in the gain channel.

I use a '52 Telecaster with Rio Grande pickups (great sounding pickups) and a '57 Les Paul Black beauty. Effects sound great on the clean channel, but the gain channel could use an effect loop because some effects don't sound right in front of this channel. I rarely use effects anyway because this amp sounds so great on it's own. I have been through a ton of amplifiers including a Fender Vibro King, Matchless DC/30 and a Bogner Shiva. This amp is by far the most usable and best sounding. I play a variety of music, mainly in a church setting. I finally have incredible clean AND distortion sounds at friendly volume levels. And the amp definately lets my guitars own sound come through. The clean channel starts to break up nicely at about 12 o'clock with the Tele and about 10 o'clock with the Les Paul. The absence of any tone controls on the clean channel had me concerned at first, but it is voiced so well there is no need for any. The gain channel goes from low gain to blistering gain and anywhere in between. The tone controls really help to dial in whatever sound you want. The amp sounds great at low or high volumes, miced up or not. Very versitile!

So far, so good. I gig without a backup (who can afford 2 of these things?)

I emailed them a few months ago - no response.

I have played for 25 years. I would definately buy it again. I love the tone and the feel of this amp, the great low volume definition, the size, the look, and the versatility. I wish it had an effect loop in the gain channel.

See other reviews.

Refer below to...."That phenomenon is nothing to brag about. Those aren't harmonics. They are commonly referred to as "Ghost-Notes" and they are the result of a poorly designed filter section in the power amp or a defective speaker in which case, the term "Cone-Cry" is used."

Hey genius. So, "cone-cry" is a bad thing for you? There are a lot of players and some damn good amp makers out there that actually want that to happen. Ya dig? Its a part of the players signature, or essentially, learning to masterfully control the guitar, the amp and the wave in between. Make it howl. Lord knows, Hendrix never wanted his guitar to feedback improperly. Hell. He counted on it!
I've read hundreds of these reviews. Most folks are trying to help out the best they know how. Then we have cats like you. Spare everyone the techno-crap about properly designed filters and speakers. Thats what we need....more electronics majors with a tin ear thinking they understand how "proper" music is made.
Sounds? Read my overall rating below.

A lifetime amp. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

These folks are solid. Just keep your chainsaw away from it. You CAN push your luck too far with any manufacturer.

Look. This is a great amp. If you want a pure signal with excellent gain that covers most styles other than shred, this is your amp. If your style is a Marshall, get a Germino (lays waste to any Marshall ever made). Pure blues, a Route 66. Staggeringly pure signal, an Alessandro English (it will make you sit up straight). With good technique and the right guitar this amp will do it for you.

See below

"...if you crank it high enough it will start to sound as though there's a built-in octave pedal in the circuit--but only past the 12th fret, like in Jimi's solo on "Purple Haze." This phenomenon is also noted in the high-gain mode, when the output tubes are really cooking."

That phenomenon is nothing to brag about. Those aren't harmonics. They are commonly referred to as "Ghost-Notes" and they are the result of a poorly designed filter section in the power amp or a defective speaker in which case, the term "Cone-Cry" is used.

Probably OK

Made for me and purchased brand new in December 2002. I play primarily improv-based lead guitar in L.A.-based rock/jam band Jupiter's Child. The amp is great for that, but I also play other styles, ranging from blues to southern rock to Latin to funk to fusion-type stuff to hard-n-heavy rock...with occasional dabblings in jazz and prog rock. *FINALLY*, an amp that covers all the bases I need covered--and it does so extremely well.
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The amp is 30 watts Class A, pure tube signal path, overbuilt to the hilt, point-to-point handwired, and can compete volume-wise with any half stack. Contrary to popular belief, there is NOT a linear relationship between wattage and volume...especially in the realm of Class A tube circuitry. The Hot Cat utilizes four 12AX7's in the preamp, two EL-34's in the power section, and one 5AR4 as the tube rectifier. It will also accept two other types of tubes in the rectifier circuit (although I don't know which types), to allow you to further customize your sound. One channel, two seperate input taps (Hi-gain & Clean)--can replicate two-channel operation by using an A/B box. (I highly recommend the Lehle Dual; completely silent!) No FX Loop, no reverb (doesn't need it). Switchable tube or solid state rectifier (I only use the tube, but the solid state is great if you're gonna do more hard rock or metal). It has dual speaker outs and an impedance selector, which is nice because you can buy a cabinet for bigger shows and just use the combo as a head if you want.
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I was initially concerned with the lack of reverb, but the sound quality at this level is so lush and three-dimensional that you really don't need it. I think lesser-quality amps sometimes use reverb for the purpose of simulating a quality of sound that's just not present in the types of circuits they use--if you do it right in the first place, you don't need reverb IMHO. As for the lack of FX loop, it's really proven not to be a problem. The amp responds very nicely to stomp boxes in its front end. I imagine Mark didn't put an FX loop in the circuit for the same reason he didn't make the amp channel-switching--for the sake of not degrading the purity of the signal path in his circuit. My only nit was that the amp didn't come with an A/B box. You'd think that for the amount of money the amp costs, Bad Cat would give you one. However, it can also be countered that if you're so focused on your tone that you're willing to drop over two grand on a 112 combo, then what's another 200 bucks? I just quit my bitchin' and charged a Lehle...I'm so pleased with the sound and versatility of this amp, that I can't really complain.

My main guitar is a 1991 Gibson Les Paul Custom with stock pickups. As I outlined in the "features" section, I have a lot of musical styles, and this amp suits them perfectly.
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The Hot Cat is remarkably quiet for such a high-gain circuit. If you have the gain mode set pretty high, you can hear a little noise in the background even while you're in the clean mode--BUT ONLY IN A QUIET ROOM, WHEN YOU'RE NOT PLAYING, WITH THE STRINGS MUTED. The volume of a couple people engaged in normal conversation is sufficient to cover the noise, and when you are playing it's INAUDIBLE. It's really not even an issue, but I thought I should still mention it, just to be fair.
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The clean mode can go from jazz or country clean, all the way to a beautiful "pushed" overdriven grind. Most people I've talked to (so far) haven't really emphasized just how FANTASTIC the clean mode on this amp really is. This amp would be better than most even if it had only the clean mode in it!!! There are only two knobs for the clean mode--VOLUME (no master) and BRILLIANCE. I cannot overstate the importance and utility of that brilliance knob, as it can change your sound dramatically. I was a bit concerned with the fact that there are no other EQ controls for the clean mode, but that channel is voiced so perfectly, that I find it sounds right about where I'd set it even if it did have those controls. Any further tailoring of the clean EQ is easily achieved with the brilliance knob on the amp and the tone knobs on my Les Paul. And it is supremely touch-sensitive. You can lightly strum perfectly clean "Rain Song" chords, and then dig in harder with your pick attack for a little "Custard Pie".
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As for the high gain mode, there are several knobs available to custom tailor your own sound. They are--GAIN (initial gain in the preamp); EDGE (affects your attack, kinda like an "active" midrange); LEVEL (a second gain stage, feeds right into the power section); interactive BASS and TREBLE (can boost or cut their respective frequency parameters, but one affects the other...it takes a little tweaking and a patient ear, but well worth the effort); BRILLIANCE (like a presence, but so much cooler and more useful; also the only shared control with the clean mode); and MASTER (overall volume, and can soak the power section if you desire). You can custom blend, to taste, the ratio of preamp to power amp overdrive. And with the solid state rectifier (as an option), there is an even edgier attack, quicker response time, less compression, and more sustain...perfect for hard rock and metal. But NOT a "Recto" thing--if you're trying to do death metal or any of the newer "Limp Triscuit"-type stuff, this is NOT the amp for you...it does not do that, nor was it designed to do so. This is a tried and true rock-n-roll machine!
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A word about harmonic content--this amp is a quintessential example of why tubes are always better than solid state. There are so many even-ordered harmonics pumping out of this amp that they start to jump out of the speaker as you push the amp harder! In the clean mode, if you crank it high enough it will start to sound as though there's a built-in octave pedal in the circuit--but only past the 12th fret, like in Jimi's solo on "Purple Haze." This phenomenon is also noted in the high-gain mode, when the output tubes are really cooking. And artificial harmonics (ala Billy Gibbons) seem to "leap" from the strings at my command. This is what I'm talking about here; the harmonic content is so lush that I can hear sounds that I've NEVER heard come out of any other amplifier--and with no FX!!! The gain channel is absolutely amazing. I'm mostly a straight-through, plug-in-and-play type player. I find that I can set my amp up one way and then do an entire gig without touching it again until it's time to put it back on "standby&qu

No problems yet, and I use it without a backup every time I play. I trust the reputations of Mark Sampson and James Heidrich. One of their primary objectives in deciding to build amps together (aside from the TONE) was for professional-grade roadworthiness. Besides, I can tell by looking at how it's put together that it's built like a tank. I also take painstakingly good care of my gear...that's my responsibility, not Bad Cat's. For another 80 bucks, I had Tuki make me a really nice cover for it. It's been fine.

When I was first trying out the amp at the store, I didn't quite understand what all the controls did. So the store owner got Mark Sampson (the designer) on the phone and handed it over to me. He explained everything to me in a very friendly and supportive manner. Most of my dealings, however, have been with James Heidrich (founder and president). He is the nicest, most helpful person I have ever dealt with in music, bar none. There is a five-year warranty, but I doubt I'll need it. These amps are built for a lifetime of use and enjoyment.

I've been playing for 15 years now. I also have a souped-up 1990 Korean Fender "Squier II" Stratocaster--don't laugh, it's acutally a kick-ass guitar! My other amp is a 2000 Swarty--which is a 1965 Blackface Fender Bassman (AA165), which was modded by Tim Swartz of Haslett, MI. (See his reviews on this site as well!) I use this with a matching 212 Fender Bassman/Bandmaster cab of the same period. This amp (although not so much any more) is for specialty gigs--like if I was going to play all blues or blues-rock crossover stuff. It has a specific sound which is fantastic in its own right.
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Otherwise, the Les Paul and Bad Cat Hot Cat 112 is my standard rig, with just a tuner, wah pedal, delay pedal, and A/B box on the floor. I love everything about it. I've had a lot of serious tube amps in my time, and NOTHING has come close to this one. I've owned and used Marshall, Peavey, two different Fender's, three different Mesa/Boogie's, and a Soldano. They're all gone now. I'm left with the Hot Cat, and if anything happened to it I'd try to raise the cash to get another one ASAFP!!!
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The Hot Cat is its own thing. It doesn't sound like anything else. If you're looking for something unique, fresh, and VERSATILE--this could be it for you. This amp has the sound I've had in my head for years, and couldn't find in any other amp I've tried. There's other great amps out there for sure, but this is it for me. If you're trying to re-create something or to emulate another type of amp, I'd advise you to look elsewhere. This amp is its own entity. Just as Leo Fender designed the Bassman, and Jim Marshall designed the Plexi, Mark Sampson has designed the Hot Cat. Like the other two phenomenal amps I just mentioned, it's a first of its kind...nothing quite like it has come before it.
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Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any other questions about the amp, or if you have one and wish to swap tricks or whatever. Best of luck to you in your search for your own voice...your quest for the perfect tone! May you be as fortunate as I now am....

The only thing this amp lacks is an A/B box to switch between the gain and clean channels. They make one for ~$120, but it would be cool if it was included with the amp. Aside from that, the amp is pretty well perfect. Initially I was concerned about the lack of EQ on the clean channel (only "Brilliance" and "Volume") but after playing it I was no longer a skeptic. Apparently I have been conditioned to think that good tone had to be coaxed out of an amp through hours of patient tweaking. Not so with the Hot Cat! The clean channel sounded great from the get go and the gain channel is flexible enough to dial in any degree of distortion desired.
This amp is able to span the styles I play (rock/blues/jazz/funk) very well, and has more than enough power for all the gigs we've played together. I don't really understand how they come up with the power ratings for various amps, because these 30 watts and one 12 are louder than my buddy's 100 watt head and four 12s.
I have been reading lately about power supplies for tube amps and how tube rectifiers and solid state rectifiers can sound different. The Hot Cat has both a tube AND solid state rectifier, which can be switched (you don't need to turn it off, just switch). It also can accept three different types of rectifier tubes. I haven't seen this feature on any other amps. One day I may decide to be that picky about my sound, but for now it's great to know that there's options.

Plain and simple, this amp sounds awesome. At this point I only have one guitar), a 1997 USA Strat with the stock Strat pickups. As I mentioned above, the clean channel lacks an EQ, but switching between pickups and using the tone knobs on the guitar give a wide range of clean sounds. In fact this is one of the first amps I've played where I can switch pickups and still like the tone!
The single 12 is a modified Celestion Vintage 30, which adds some great break up at higher volumes. The point to point hand wiring and class A design guarantee that whatever tone is present in your guitar and hands reaches your audience. The amp has a very clear defined sound, it is neither muddy nor harsh, just very crisp and smooth.

I have not had any reliability problems with my Bad Cat, nor do I anticipate any. Given Mark Sampson's reputation, character, and previous designs I am quite confident that this amp will last a long time, even on the road. Of course it is tubes, which are inherently more fragile than most solid state devices, but that is kind of a given.

I bought the amp on consignment, though it was a 2003 model and practically brand new. It turns out that the previous owner of the amp was the Bad Cat sales rep, so I called them up and James said he would give me the warranty (5 year). I was very impressed with this. He also answered a few questions I had regarding operation, etc... Definitely a top notch operation, very friendly and helpful.

Even with the great deal I got the amp is a bit pricey. However, most of us will pay more to have something unique and cool. The real value in this amp, though, is that it is very versatile and it sounds superb (with minimal tweaking effort). The other amps that I considered in this price range did not sound nearly as good. The guys I jam with both spent slightly less on their amps/heads, but much more on effects, cabs, and other things to try to make up for their lack of good tone. I use a volume pedal and a delay pedal, and I have by far the better sound. This is an excellent amp.

2002 model. Frankly, I still don't understand this amp. How can a little amp sound so big and be so flexible in tone?? 2 channels-Clean and Gain. It should fit any style or it's not the amp's fault! No effects loops, no reverb and no headphone jack. You don't need any of those with this amp. I've been searching for decades for an amp that can be played in the bedroom or basement and sound like a stack and this little 1x12 definitely can fool you. I can get rid of my 4x12 Bogner cabs and the two other 2x12 cabs as well! I had my guitar friends over and I had them stand outside of my living room before letting them in. I did not tell them the amp or the size. They were absolutely floored when they saw the amp. They thought I was playing thru a stack of Marshall....This little 30 watter can scream!

I have a Les Paul, Dean Hardtail, 2 Strats and an Ibanez Artist. I play blues, classic rock and some metal. This amp covers them all. Very quiet amp even with gain on 10. The distortion is brutal. I don't need my pedals any more. I can't figure this amp out! It's a monster in a size of a fender tweed!!

built like a tank. Beautiful inside and out...Had it for a month and no problem at all.

Never needed it.

I'm 45 and have been playing on and off since high school but being playing consistently for the past 9 years. Presently, I have a Roccaforte HG100, Marshall TSL 100, Cornford Fender Bassman and this baby. I have had SLO 100, Cornford, Marshalls, Peaveys, Boogies, Line 6's, Bogners, etc. This amp is absolutely incredible and I have not touched the other amps much (except for the Fender. Fender is a Fender). So much tone and flexibility in such a small package. Good luck finding one.

2002 model. This one has got everything you need to shape your tone within the limits of the amp. The fact that bad cat can't include a a/b box with the thing is a crock though. The interactive controls take a bit of getting used to.

I'm using the Hot Cat with a 59 Historic Les Paul and a 1990 les paul custom. No pedals. Just straight up. The clean sound on this thing has that signature matchless 3d sound. Really lush, transparent, and unobtrusive like a cross between a blackface deluxe and an ac30. It's killer, but you can't use it at larger performance volumes unless you mic it - at which point you lose some soul. This is unfortunate because - contrary to most other reviewers - I believe that this is the amp's strongest suit. When you crank the clean channel you get some nice blues breakup but it's got a weird, almost lazer-like quality to it. Very unique and it may or may not be for you. It's not harsh, just very linear. The "dirty" channel exhibits the same beam-like sound. Amazing clarity of the individual strings and I have a tendancy to liken it to the boogie Mk X sizzle, but more liquid than those models - so it's easier on the ears. These amps have a really unique sound - if you're thinking of buying one you really need to try it. Tone is subjective, right?

Thing's built like a tank. If it breaks down, it's an act of God or Allah or whatever.

Slow email response - sometimes I get nothing. But call them and you'll likely get James himself (the prez).

This amp is a fantastic piece of work. It can do everything very well. But when you get into this price class - you expect the amp to go beyond that, to deliver a piece of character like a plexi marshall or a 65 twin reverb or (although I HATE these things) a Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier. Unfortunately this amp just didn't deliver in that category. So if you are looking for an amp that can cover all the bases and sounds way better than average this should be your top pick. However if you're looking for a piece of history, forget it.

Others have been kind enough to go over the features before, so I won't go into them. Less is more pretty much sums it up. I've had this for about a month now and have gotten over the honneymoon but haven't lost any respect for this great amp.

I tend to get into trouble with high gain amps as I usually use as much gain as they've got. Also all the Matchless stuff that I've owned / played has very loose bottom end. For rock I require very tight crunch. That's why I use JMP's (with 6550's) and a pedal for a bit of boost. Too much gain makes a lazy player. This is not a problem wiht the Hot Cat it's tight punchy, and clear.
I'm using a 74 Strat stock with a SD rail in the bridge and an 88 LP Showcase with SD 59's. I was a little leary of this amp as it's been compared to the Ubershall and I wasn't that impressed with the Bogner. Needen't have worried. My last setup was a 70 Super Reverb for clean and a 78 JMP 1/4 stack for the dirt. I play blues - Metal and everyting in between. The Hot Cat fits most of my needs perfectly. The Clean input is very clean and can get quite loud but still retain it's clarity. I would like to have a separate EQ for this input, but the brilliance control works well and the set tone of the clean input is very nice. The High Gain channel is where this amp really puts out. As others have said, this amp can be very high gain, but you can also dial it back to old Marshall territory. The range of tones from this thing with the controls available is amazing. The Bass, Treble, and brilliance are very interactive. You can go from crunch (more than any Marhsall I've played) to smooth High Gain that puts Boogie Fizz to shame. All the while hearing every note. The articulation in this amp is astounding. This amp has by far the best gain I've ever heard. The edge control is wonderfull as it allows you to taylor the gain to your liking. This is the contol that every amp I've ever owned should have had. It's very unforgiving of sloppy playing even at the highest gain settings which is unusual but welcome. One more thing, the low end on this thing is amazing. Much more bass is available than my Shiva 1x12 or my Marshall 2x12 or 4x12. Tried some drop d tunnings with my Les Paul and the house shook.

Not concerned. Has a Solid State rectifier in case the tube goes. Overbuilt is an understatement. Appears to be even more overbulit than my 96 Chieftan.

Sent one e-mail with a question about tubes and was answered with 24 hours. That's good enough for me.

Been playing 23 years. I've gone through the usual gear plus alot of botique stuff. I feel this is by far the best EL34 amp on the market now. I'ts not going to do the dirty blues thing on the clean channel without a pedal, but I've got a Chieftan for that. It's plenty loud to hang with a half stack and it Makes my coveted Marhsalls sound lifeless. Almost as if you took cotton out of your ears. The gain is the best I've heard. Eats Shiva's and Ecastacy's for lunch.

2002 1x12 combo. Features have been covered extensively below. If you are a tweaker and into digital modeling, this amp may not be for you. However, if you are from the less is more school, look no further. Not that this amp is "stripped down". It's just that you will never get lost or distracted from your playing by trying to "dial in" your sound.
The amp is extremely versatile and can go from pristine clean to touch sensitive blues dirt on the clean channel to out of this world articulate distortion on the gain channel. No channel switching, but can easily a/b the two inputs. Wish it had an effects loop so i could use my guitar processor with it, but otherwise the amp is nearly perfect. Build quality? Forget about it. You will not find a better example of fit and finish anywhere.
Play live every couple of months, but this amp will primarily be used in the home. I am not lucky enough to be able to play "cranked" at will, so i need an amp that sounds great at low volume. The master volume control on this amp allows for that like no other i have ever heard - drive the gain and level, adjust edge control to taste, and play at whatever volume you like. Kids asleep? No problem. Riff away and just try to keep from smiling in disbelief. Does your favorite piece of music sound crappy just because you turn your stereo down? Of course not. And neither does this amp.
Plenty of power when needed. Wattage ratings are almost as useless when judging amps as they are when judging stereo equipment. This thing has enough volume on tap to cover just about any live setting except an arena in which case i guess you could mike it. Alas, i will never play an arena, but have thoroughly kicked the ass of several 100 watters in practice and club settings.

I have a wide range of influences and play just about everything except shred metal. I honestly cannot think of a single setting where this amp would sound out of place. Will not go into a laundry list of my guitar collection, but suffice it to say that with this amp the guitar is not the main issue, the player is. The response is awesome and immediate - nothing is lost. Truly a player's amp. I have read many reviews of many other amps which mention things like "inspires you to play better" and so forth. Well, this amp inspires like no other in my experience.
When i first demo'd the amp, was so engrossed by the gain channel that i never really gave the clean input the attention it deserved. What a mistake. The amp would be incredible with the clean channel alone. Very sensitive to pick attack as well as to different pickups -with hot humbuckers, may have to back off on the volume pot to clean the amp up completely, but turn your guitar up again and hello blues heaven. Love the design of this channel - volume and brilliance only. What, no treble or bass? No, and don't need them. Describing this amp as well voiced is an understatement. Play one and see what i mean.
Of course, the gain channel is an absolute moster and allows for a wide array of tonal possibilities - see other reviews and web site. If you need more gain than what is availabe from this beast, you are either deaf or need to return your copy of Spinal Tap.

Build quality is so impressive, cannot imagine a reliability problem, but it is a relatively new product, albeit with an impressive bloodline.

Sent an e-mail to the company and got a prompt response. Five year warranty. Can't imagine i will ever need it.

Been playing about 20 years. Wish I had had this amp back when - could have avoided a lot of frustration looking for "the sound". Been through a bunch of combo amps, including bogner ecstasy,two rock emerald pro, mesas, fenders, blah blah blah. In my opinion, nothing comes close.
My price paid will likely turn out to be a bargain, but after playing it for a while, would gladly pay full retail if it were lost or stolen. Have several amps which i love, but would not part with this one under any circumstance. Have never been motivated to post a review, but couldn't help in this instance. Felt it was my duty to get the word out. Go check one out and see what i mean.

2002 Model Unbelievable smoking distortion! Will peel the paint off of the walls if you are not careful. So many tones from this amp it will suit almost any playing style. 2 channels, one for fat juicy clean and the other from Stevie Ray blues to Hendrix wailings. If Eddie Van Halen is looking for what happened to his tone I have the answer. The hotcat is swimming with the tone from "chained" The amp is heavy but not unmanegeable like the 2X12. Great for club work.

Tone controls are straightforward but the secret is the edge control. You control the tone of your gain and you can go from zz top dirt to the nastiest heavy metal in this land. Amp is quiet until you stoke it with a few licks from your favorite plank. I am using a modified closet classic strat with Lindy Fralin pickups and this baby rocks. By far my favorite amp

No problems in 4 months

Have not dealt with the company.

Been playing for 10 years. I was using a Dr Z Route 66 and some pedals. I sold the 66 about a month after I got the badcat and chunked the pedal board. Now it is just guitar and amp. I played this amp in a store in NC and had to have it. Looked at all of the name brands and this had the best tone by far.

Features are kind of slim here. 30 watts, 2 x EL34 (Ruby rebranded Svetlanas), 3 x 12AX7 (Ruby relabeled Chinese), one 5AR4 tube rectifier (which you can change to any tube rectifier you wish). You have two speaker outs, 8 or 4 ohm switch, solid state or tube rectifier, two inputs (clean and high gain) and a bunch of knobs. The controls are kind of weird at first, and somewhat limiting. Volume (clean only); Gain (gain only); Edge (gain only); Level (gain only); Bass (gain only); Treble (gain only); Brilliance (both); Master (gain only). Both the clean and the gain inputs use the same pre-amp, but all but two knobs are disabled when in the clean. Kind of weird. From this it would seem somewhat limited in at least the clean tone area, but it's not true.

I had some serious doubts about this amp before I got it. I wasn't too sure how much gain it would have, how it would react with Gibson guitars (since I heard the amps favored single coils and Gibsons are all that I play), or how clean the clean would be. Well forget about all that. This is the best amp I've ever played (I've owned two Bogners, 3 Riveras, Mesa, Marshall, etc.) The clean is so deep and sparkles so nice. The best I've ever heard. Tone controls for the clean? Who needs them! You use the Brilliance knob to control the amount of high end. It's voiced so well you don't need anything else! After you hear that you assume the gain "channel" must be weak. The gain is not only beautiful, but brutal. Turned to 3:00 with the bass at 2:00 you get that low thumpy brutally thick Mesa/VHT/Bogner Uberschall sound except you can actually HEAR the notes! Plus you have the choice of with or without the buzz (or sizzle if you prefer)! The tone on both the clean and gain inputs are robust and the bass response is tight but huge, lush, and never muddy. Humbuckers? Sounds great!

This is the best built amp I've ever seen. Wiring is second best to only Harry Joyce's Hiwatts. Everything is clean, and over done. The only thing I question are the Chinese pre-amp tubes, but it sound so incredible I don't want to screw with it.

I've talked to them on the phone and via email. Always quick to respond and nice to talk to.

Many people question the idea of a buying a $2000+ amp saying there isn't that much (sometimes $2000) difference in tone or workmanship. I've gone through my fair share of "boutique" amps and this is far above the tone and quality of build the PCB Bogners types out there. This is the first boutique amp I've played or owned that I'd say is actually worth the money and is that much better than your stock Fender, Marshall, or Mesa. Construction is higher than Matchless, and the tone is different, but I'd say better. I like it so much I requested a 100 watt head version and Bad Cat will be making it as a standard product. Watch out!

OK.. this is just an add on to my review i did before.. obviously im the only one to ever try this thing out.. they dont even have it up on the website... i stand by all of my ratings from previous with the exception of the added customer service.. anyways.. there are some added features after test driving this amp some more.. it has a level knob for the gain input.. it works kinda like a second gain knob.. also. about half the knobs work for one input and the others work for the other.. the clean input (bottom) you have a volume, treble, bass, and presence(that work for the clean).. on the gain input.. the first volume doesnt work for it, but the gain, edge, level, treble, bass, presence and master volume all work for just the gain.. also.. i mentioned this thing might be just 40 lbs.. i was wrong.. its more along the lines of about 65 or around there somewheres.. but it is a LOT lighter than the black cat.. after emailing the company about the solid state and tube rectifier switch in the back.. they said when its on SS is less compressed more airy.. and Tube was more compressed a little different.. (just another way to fine tune your tone)

ok.. ill go into this more, now that ive tried it with almost every guitar i could.. i played this amp with a george fullerton model, and ASAT hollow body G&L guitars.. the Fullerton sounded really good.. like a strat should.. with just enough midrange juice to shine through the mix of the music, and the ASAT.. well.. im picky about that guitar to start with .. but it sounded really woody but good through this amp.. i played various les pauls through it: Standard, Classic, les paul Jr. and my 75 les paul deluxe... out of all of them (of course i liked my les paul) the standard sounded best.. but that just because the pickups werent too too bright.. the classic sounded a bit harsh with the ceramic pickups in it.. the standard was smooth and had a lot of output which overdrove the clean section of the amp considerably.. the jr. well it sounded good.. but ive also got a friend with a original 55 that smoked it.. he he.. anyways.. the amp sounds really good with any guitar and still has loads of low end and punch

they are very helpfull and will work with anyone on something they may want as a "custom" idea.. it takes them a little while to get back to you.. usually about 2 days email.. but thats expected.. VERY helpfull guys

Brand spankin new design from Mr. Sampson... and i have to say.. this is one of the first 1x12 amps i would buy.. no havent bought one yet, but will be soon.. talk about versatile. so many features and SOO much tone.. just tried it out today at a local music store and spent about 30 minutes with it.. Starting with the versatility of the amp, there is two inputs.. the top is the all out gain "channel" and the bottom input or input 2 is the clean channel so wiring up an A/B footswitch to channel switch is a great idea.. this amp is just like a Bad Cat Black Cat on the clean side.. but then mean and meaty on the gain side.. There are plenty enough controls to critique your tone too.. and all of the controls are extremely active! if i can remember right: Clean Volume, Gain, Edge, Treble, Bass, Presence, and Master Volume control that is NOT push pull like the DC-30's and Bad Cat black cat and wild cat amps.. There is a speaker out to power up another cabinet plus the one 12 you have in the combo.. there is no reverb but you dont need it with such a 3 dimensional sound.. awsome tone!!! there is also a solid state and tube rectifier switch on the back for the gain section.. i think thats a nice touch.. and finally the cabinet is designed the right way.. big for more low end punch.. and man does it punch.. this thing sustains for days! and the 1 12 sounds really big.. it is also really loud!!! and its light.. it only weighs about 45 lbs? but vs. the 90 lb black cat.. i would take it anyday!

I used the amp with just a les paul standard and didnt have a chance to try it with any other guitars there.. it was not noisy at all when i tried it just had an all out gain or bad cat clean.. very cool.. this amp probably fits my musical style better than any other amp on the market right now except for maybe a Two Rock, or Bogner.. and why pay that much for something when you get this for 2400?? the clean channel on the amp does exactly what the matchless does at high volumes.. but does have a lot of headroom and is very loud! and even though it breaks up .. it blends with the music SO well that you really cant tell.. i just think it actually picks up your playing even better.. if you thought a Matchless DC-30 or Bad Cat Black Cat was versatile, try this thing out.. it will blow your mind! the gain section on the amp is very "clean".. very smooth and not "fuzzy" at all.. it doesnt sound like a big muff or fuzz face or stuff like that.. its the type of gain you would get from a cranked marshall.. very crisp and not muddy at all.. the gain on this thing will make you lose sleep at night.. so be carefull.. its one of the best sounding amps ive heard in a long time.. well.. in all the time ive played.. but ive tried everything in my 6 years.. and yes played dumble, Bad Cat, Matchless, Soldano, Mesa, vintage Marshalls, Fender, you name it.. ive played it.. go try one.. you wont regret it

SOLID AS A ROCK! its built just like any matchless or bad cat.. like ive said before and being so light it will be easier to handle and carry around so you wouldnt knock it up as much.. havent had one yet so i dont know how it would treat me, he he. the ONLY problem ive seen in a bad cat amp ever was a broken rectifier tube and that was replaced by the guys at Zeagler Music when it broke.. after that it was fine. i give my opinion because i would rely on this amp more than i would rely on my marshall or fender amps.

Wouldnt know.. dont know much about his support cuz ive never dealt with him.. but i have a friend who knows Sampson and I have heard nothing but good things about the guy. I do know that he is very friendly and will help if something comes up.

Ive been playing for 6 years now and its all ive done for the past 6 years besides go to school.. wouldnt give it up for the world, i own vintage Marshalls, Fenders, boutique pedals galore and have been through about 10 guitars before finding one that fit me the best. If i bought one and it were stolen i would freak and find the money to quickly replace it! Dont hate anything about it, and i compared it to everything ive ever heard before.. kicks everything in the posterior.. there is nothing else i wish it would have and i am perfectly happy with the design.. its the most versatile purist amp.. ha ha..