Bad Cat Mini Cat Combo

volume, bass, treble, and master in a 5 watt amp, that's totally great.
This has a great clean voicing (unlike the mini-Z), and a great overdrive voicing. That's quite an accomplishment in a 5 watt tube amp!
Haven't used the little headphone jack, and probably won't. No reason to really. My main reason for buying this amp is to practice, and record with my band (we typically re-amp the guitar's signal) - and from what others people's responses to this amp - this is what it was REALLY built for. I'm not sure why folks are playing this amp with a drummer at a gig, what were you thinking? it's a 5 watt tube amp. A LOUD 5 watts, but 5 watts nevertheless. Now if it was miked through a PA, yeah go for it. It should do the job well.

For a 5 watt amp (also owned a Dr Z mini-Z, which was great too, but a little less vesatile) it's fantastic. I tend to like the lower wattage amps myself, and this has to be one of the best ones out there. As with the mini-Z there is a nice "zing" definition to the notes even when fully saturated (volume and master cranked). And speaking of saturation,
this little guy really cranks out a beautiful, creamy singing distortion with humbuckers (PRS McCarty with Timbuckers), with my tele (Fender standard tele pu's)it has that great sustained, honking quality when cranked. I also have a semi-hollow Artinger (www.artingerguitar.com), that really sings (has seymour duncan seth lover 59's) with this amp too. the notes also clean up nicely with your guitar's volume back off as well. What i'm really amazed with is that it doesn't sound "boxy", and you get really decent low end, not sure how they did that.

Just bought it. It's a hand-wired amp, so, I would imagine it can take a pounding.

for all the folks ******* about the little things on this amp (most make no sense whatsoever), a great amp won't make up for an inexperienced player who hasn't developed his/her ear. this amp however WILL show your flaws in your playing, that's a sign of a good tube amp. There doesn't seem to many signal buffers, and compression like a bigger amp. It is very simple in it's tone and functionality. For me, that's why I totally dig it-there very little coloring of your notes, so the guitar really shines through. I've been playing since 1985, and I am currently in a band that plays a very eclectic mix of styles. When it comes to recording at least, it shines. As far as gear is concerned I am very particular (see electric guitars above). I really don't plan to use many effects through this amp, it sounds great as it is.

Single channel, volume(gain), bass, treble, master, ohm selector, line out, alnico jensen (italy), real wood cabinet, nice handle, thick covering, matchless-styling everywhere...LED power indicator (looks a little out of place, but why not. I think it'a a 2006or7. I use tis as a recording amp in conjunction with other amps, and it is xactly what I was looking for, a miniature matchless. The main features are the hand-built quality, higher quality component selection and design, and the simplicity and purity of it. It is as versatile as it operator, due to the fact that it replicates the electric guitar almost as if it's an acoustic. In the studio environment, or along with another amp/system(that is what it was designed for,according to the Mark Sampson and the BadCat company)I can use it for vintage rockabilly, psychedelic era rock, janglepop, etc...it's a tube preamp with a speaker! With a load box you can then go into effects/mixer...

I am using it mostly with Tele's, Strat's, Harmony Rocket w/Rowe goldfoils (ahhh, yes!), and maybe a vintage type humbucker or p90 once in a while. As an early Matchless acquirer/dealer (Clubman 35, Spitfire, Lightning), I was happy to see the design live on, in a smaller more affordable package. It's quiet, reliable, pure and simple. It can reveal the best and worst qualities of its player. For crystal clear, slightly driven, crunchy and overdrive, sparkly jangle it excels; not a chunky metal amp by any stretch of the imagination, and I doubt any metalheads would even consider one. One has to consider the manufacturers mission in the overall reviewing process. For what this amp was designed for, it delivers in spades! It does sound "better" through a bigger box/speaker, but what doesn't?
The smallness is part of the appeal. I may experiment with speakers.

If it is anything like a Matchless on the inside (haven't looked YET), it will be as reliable as a manmade item could be. I will speculate tht it is ultimately reliable.

I'd guess they are pros.

I have been playing guitar since 1980-81, performing on and off since 1985, and teaching, tech-ing and so on since 88. Too much gear to list, but let;s say there are/were some holy grails of amps in the collection: brown tolex Fenders, BF's, Matchless, etc....If stolen, I'd probably build a similar amp of my own.
I love the looks, and sound of this amp.
I hate nothing about it, but as a constant experimentalist (heavy on the mental part), will putz around with tubes, speakers, etc...I will compare it to an Epiphone Valve Jr. just for kicks, but that's not totally fair, given the nature of each amp's origins.

Has everything it needs, but I wish it had a filter choke and tube rectifier, for more spongy response. Guess that's why they chose the alnico speaker.

"Reviewers" should realize what manufacturers have designed a certain product for before complaining about it's "shortcomings". THat's like saying "Hey, my overpriced lawn mower won't go 65, or handle turns like a porsche!"

Simple: just a standard tone stack of treble and bass with a master and reg volume knob. It has an ohm selector in the back so you can hook up a different speaker cab which is important for this amplifier. I found that the amp is very versatile and extremely friendly to all of my guitars. I wish it had reverb, but I imagine that it would be hard to get a good reverb in this thing and maintain its tiny stature.

Okay, so here is the deal. I think that a lot of people are giving this amp a bad rap because they can't gig with it. It is extremely loud for five watts, but it will not cut through a mix with a live band: especially if there is a drum set involved. If you are looking for an amp that is tiny and can cut through a live band, then this is not your amp. However, the amp is extremely useful for practice and one could certainly play in small venues with it. It would be good for any low volume type gig, but you aren't going to shake down an auditorium like you're Angus Young or anything with this amp. As far as tone, the thing is a demon. It got really chimy and crisp with my telecaster and stratocaster when I rolled down their volume controls, but when I cranked them, the amp went along with me and got really good overdrive. The speaker is decent in that it responds really well to bass but only to an extent--it does "fart out" after it gets pushed too hard, but then again, what do you expect from a tiny little Jensen? I have a Marshall extension cab with a celestion G12H in it and I found that it sounded much better than the stock speaker inside of the amp, but if you are looking for something portable that sounds really good, then the jensen is fine. It is kind of weird about dialing in tone, but when you find the "sweet spot" for your guitar, then you're golden. It seems that the treble can get overpowering really easily and thin out the tone if you don't have it set correctly--especially when you're running the Jensen, so beware of that. Otherwise, it is a totally outstanding tone monster for its size. I kept on saying to my buddy, "Can you believe that this little thing is doing that??" BUY THIS AMP

I don't know. I am aware that the amp is p2p and it seems to be built really tough. Other than that, I really can't say.

No idea

Once again, do not buy this thing if you are looking to gig in a rock band; that's not what it's made for unless you mic it or something. This is the perfect throw in your car and go amplifier and it sounds great without effects--this is why I bought it. I have been playing for ten years and I use the following gear right now: 1997 collector's edition Fender Strat with AVN kinman pickups in it, a Korina Gibson Flying V with Rio Grande bbq and genuine texas humbuckers with a bibsby tremolo, a 1976 Telecaster with a custom shop neck and Seymour Duncan quarter pound pickups. I play blues and classic rock style music so I need stuff that sounds great clean and dirty and this amp covers both very nicely.

Read earlier reviews for layout, controls, options.
I wish it had a separate speaker output so I can keep the 10" plugged in, but also run a 1x12 or 2x12.

I do like the lineout feature though. Sounds alright as a headphone amp, but the same thing happens with most headphone amps: Bass loss.

It does take awhile to get used to how all the knobs interact (I've never used an amp with such interactive controls). The bass and treble knobs work as cutoffs that either take out bass or treble. Interesting, but mildly frustrating. The rewards are nice though.

Nevertheless, the features meet my needs, but I'm giving it a 9 as it doesn't offer a separate speaker output.

First of all, I'm a looong time 6L6/7250 player.
Never really had many applications for EL84/El34 style amps, but wow, this mini cat rules.

Sounds like a Vox if there was a "more" button on a vox. Don't know how else to describe it.

Nice warm cleans that are fantastic for jazz, crispy distortion, and overall fantastic fidelity that would suit players of all styles (well, maybe not metal or, god forbid, screamo/hardcore/emo/numetal. Gross). Personally, I like the 10" jensen (that's what she said).

I was surprised by how clean it would remain, even at higher volumes.
If you told me this was 5 watts, I wouldn't believe you. Sounds more like 13 or 15 watts. Reacts very well to volume AND tone knobs. Yeah, tone knob! Weird, but cool.
Hooked it up to my 2x12 and it was easily loud enough for rehearsals/small club gigs.

I think a reviewer compared the output to an AC15, and I agree with that. Pretty loud, nice breakup that's very controllable with the master volume.

HOWEVER, I did notice treble loss as I lowered the master volume. It's not the best master volume, but it works decently.

Does get a bit noisy when the volumes cranked, but hey, have you seriously ever played a dead silent amp on 10?

There are previous reviews that complain about the bass. I think there's plenty of bass. Even if you only record with it, you can place the mic off axis and pick up some nice bass (in my experience). Better yet, hook it up to a 2x12. There will be plenty of bass.

Brief equipment rundown: Hollowbody, Semihollow Humbucker and P-90 equipped guitars (sounds just as good with single coils too). Old grey NKT275 Fuzz Face, Lovetone Big Cheese, Zvex Super Duper, Boss DM-2.

It's very pedal friendly.

9 for great overall amp, but weak master volume.

I believe mine is 2 years old. Might be wrong.

Been working great, no problems. I do like that the tubes are covered unlike my Supro or Silvertone.

Although, I suppose it would be smart to start bringing spare tubes to gigs.

I won't rate it because I can't speak of the longevity.

Never dealt with them, but my buddies have had good experiences with their tech support.

Never really trusted boutiques (always played vintage amps.), but am very happy with my purchase.

It's come in handy for a couple quick grab and go jams and a couple small shows where I was able to mic it. It's a bit loud for late night cranked jamming, unless you've got it somwhere mildly soundproof. It loses some definition at EXTREMELY low volume settings, but that's to be expected

I do recommend that you check it out, because it might not be for you (Vox people will love it).

It's surprisingly loud. I was expecting this baby whisper amp that started breaking up early (ala a champ) but was nice beefy, chimy and overall pleasing. Could've used a separate speaker out with an ohmage selector (I understand that the Bad Cat Mini II's have ohmage selectors, smart move Bad Cat).

I think they're 800 new, but for the price I paid to get this unique tone, it was worth it.
I personally love this little amp and have no clue why I didn't check out Bad Cat amps sooner.

Not sure when the amp was made. Isn't very versatle at all. 1 channel, no channel switching. No headpone jak.

The soud qualty of this amp isnt very good. The speeker is to smal and sounds woofy. The disrtrion is bad but probly becuase of the speeker.

The first speeker didnt work so they replced it (had to fight them for the replcment) with a new one and that one was woofy and grity sonding. Other than the speeker it seems ok.

Hard to deel with the guy at Bad Crap. He wasn't very undrstandig at all. Becuase they finaly sent me the new speeker i'll give them a 3

Not very good for any stiles of music unless you play real low volum. I don't like bad cat amps very much and will not purchse a nother one.

This review is for the older 1-10 model Mini Cat. Very basic little amp. It has a headphone jack which is nice but why would you want a tube amp to use with headphones? No reverb, channel switching, etc. It is supposed to be a simple, basic amp, so it meets that criteria well. Keep in mind, I love Bad Cat amps.

I used this thing 2 times on gigs and it was weak. It really sounded very small and could not keep up with the drummer and rest of the band. Granted, that may not be what it is supposed to do, but my idea was to have a very portable, killer sounding tone monster that came in a very small package. Well, the upshot is I sold this amp after using it twice. Do no plan on using this amp out live. It just can not cut it and sounds very small compared to just amp and 1-12 amp. Very little clean headroom and a very buzzy sounding distortion which I found annoying.

Build like a tank. Bad Cat seems to over engineer thier amps which is a good thing. Bad Cat amps in general are very heavy, extremely well made products.

These guys are very good. I also have a Hot Cat 30 and they are very helpful when questions come up. I have never had any service issues with Bad Cats, so aside from a quick query, I have had little direct contact. I get the feeling these guys live for their amps, so I would recommend Bad Cat to any one.

The 1-10 Mini Cat is just too small to be of real value as a working man's amp. I supposd it would be a good bedroom amp, but there is no way you can justify an $850 bedroom amp. It is on no value in a live setting due to no clean headroom and the 1-10 speaker which really sounds kind of lame. The 1-12 model with a bigger cabinent is probably a heck of alot better. This was a good try, but I think simple physics wins. I.E., a very small cabnent with a 1-10 speaker is never going to be enough to sound rich and full in a live setting.

This is a review of the new MiniCat 2 with the twelve inch speaker. This sounds wider and more open than the 10inch version to me that I tried in the same store.

I own a few guitars (Gretsch, Fender, Harmony etc) and quite a few amps including black face Fender Deluxe, black face Super Reverb as well as a Victoria Double Deluxe and a few others.

The amp has a Volume, Bass, Treble and Master controls and I found a number of very useable tones.

I bought this amp for the EL84 "sound" in the studio and for practice. I have been a Fender amp player for a long time but wanted something that gave me a Vox/Marshall chime.

I use a Gretsch 6120, Fender telecaster and a few other guitars. I found it worked great with the Gretsch.

The surprising thing to me was how much headroom this has. I was expecting something akin to a ?EL84 Champ?, where the sound overdrives early but this is not the case with this amp. I got a full clean tone and it was much louder than what I expected (if I needed it). By using the master and volume controls together I found that I could get just the right snarl at many different volumes.

This amp has a great tone with a bit of slap back echo in front of it (from a Fulltone tape echo) and takes other effects very well also.

Only had it a couple of weeks but seems really well built. The exterior is very sturdy and looks like it would last forever.

Not sure - have not needed them.

I have been playing for 30 years and feel I know a good sound when I hear one. I use a Fulltone tape echo which works beautifully in front of this amp, also a Fulltone Fat Boost which dirties the sound up nicely.

I love the clean sounds this produces, they have a real chime and immediacy that some of my other amps do not have.

I can get a very credible Vox sound out of it and find this is great for rhythm recorded tracks.

It is pricey but if it is a sound you are looking for it is hard to beat.

I bought this amp in 2003 for the headphone jack and Class A features. It's a single channel Amp with a 10" Jensen speaker. Very handy size, I use it almost everyday for quite to loud practise.

I play a Deluxe Strat with noiseless pickups. Mostly Rock and Blues. The Amp is very quiet and really shines with the headphones. I was glad to see that other reviewers had noticed the speaker problem. I replaced mine with a Tonetubby Alnico. This Amp and speaker belong together. The Tonetubby gives you the sound that you hear in the headphones. Great distorted and fat sounds. Works great with effects. The speaker barely
fits and makes the Amp heavier, but sounds fantastic. The other issue
is the cost. This $240.00 addition makes the my amp cost $850.00. The amp with the new speaker makes the new rating a 10.

I think it should be very reliable. I have a Hotcat and no problems with heavy use in three years.

I called for bulbs for my Hotcat and they were sent right away at no
cost. Very friendly.

I have been playing over 30 years. I have 3 others Amps and 6 other guitars. I don't know if I would buy this Amp again because of the cost
to add the Tonetubby speaker. If the Tonetubby was a cheap option I would buy the Mini Badcat again.

The Mini Cat is a niche amp. You may like it for its boutique quality. It is the best headphone amp I've ever played. I hadn't seen that mentioned on the other reviews. That's where I get the best sounds. Sort of expensive for a headphone amp, but it has great tube sound. The speaker does have to go. I don't know what they were thinking. I bought a Weber to replace it. Sounds much better, especially cranked. Still doesn't sound as good as an old cheapy sixties Silvertone Amp-in-case I have. The Silvertone of course doesn't have the headphones and convenient package.

Cranked with a replacement speaker it sounds good. Sounds best with humbuckers. It's pretty quiet. I like it because I get better than average sounds in a convenient small package. I would never suggest using this as your main around the house amp. I used a fifties Fender Champ at home for years. Sometimes, I sit down and I am pretty pleased with the Mini Cat tones, but most of the time I wish I was plugged into my Savage, Silvertone, or Bassman. Alas, none of those have headphones ability.

Seems reliable. Time will tell.

I don't really want to mention specifics, but I did not have good experience with their service when I had a problem. I am not saying it's going to be that way for you. Maybe it was a freak thing. They seemed nice enough, it just took a long time to work out 'a situation.'

Basically, play this amp before you buy it. If you can't, think about what you want it for. They are making one with a bigger cabinet and a 12" speaker. Maybe that will sound better. It is true about the mediocre quality of the Italian Jensen speakers. Just look at them compared to an older one or a Weber. The quality just isn't there. If you are making a point to point "boutique" amp it seems smart to put a high quality speaker in it. All in all, there's nothing really bad about it. I like it cause 1. it's portable 2. it has overdrive/master volume 3. it has headphones 4. point-to-point construction 5. looks kinda cool

In response to Sunil...its not the same speaker as you mention. The new Jensens are made in Italy, not the USA like they were and they sound DRASTICALLY different. I know, I have both sets and sold the newer versions. Totally different manufacturing, spec's, and quality.