Bruno Underground 30 Reverb

This is an Underground 30 Reverb head and matching 2/12 cab with Blue celestions built in March of 08.
Three Knob reverb Volume, Treble, Bass, presence.
Treble and bass interact . Simple layout that works fine.
I'm giving this a ten because this is the kind of amp it is.
If you get this kind of amp, you are not looking for FX loops and gadgets. Tone and usablilty are its two best features.

I Play Rock, Blues and Country 90% of the time and dabble in Jazz, Fussion and phycodelic wierdness. This Bruno has got me covered.
Sound quality is wonderful.It sounds like a cross between a Vox, Matchless C 30 and a tad bit of Fender. Closest to a Matchless only it holds togther better and sounds fuller and has a tighter bottom and sweeter highs. My Matchless( though it is a very good amp) sounds brittle ,midrangy and raspy compared to the Bruno UG 30. Any guitar or pedal I plug into just sounds great through this amp. Humbuckers =the amp starts to break up just past 11:00, Single coils just past 12:00
The reverb is as good or better than any I have heard
This is my go to amp for 85% of my gigs, Practice and studio situations.

have had no issues at all, expect to have no issues, It is built by one of the best in the busuiness.

Tony Bruno has been very curtious to me from the start, No reason to think any different.He has much pride in his amps.

IMHO this is a great amp. The best in it's class. All my complaints I had about my other EL 84 amp, this one remedied. I still have my Matchless C 30 which is a very good amp but, the Bruno is my Favorite with out a doubt. I gave up on channel switching amps long ago, I use od pedal and varius FX infront of a basic fairly clean tube amp. There are quite a few great amp builders out there and I concider Tony Bruno to be one of the best of them. For what I play , Bruno amps suit me fine. I am saving up for a Cowtipper 45 next.

See other reviews. However, Tony Bruno recentlyupdated the Underground 30 circuit, The frst one was on display at he Amp Show in LA. I've had a chance to play both the "old" one and the new, and while they are both on the shortest possible list of very best amps ever, the "new" one is even better than the first. More dimension, more I don't know but I'm on the floor like all the other lucky few who have heard it. Tony Bruno's amps (I've played about 8) are all amazing, and he belongs in, or even BEYOND, the company of Dumble and Ken Fisher (Trainwreck). And this Underground 30 is probably really his signature design.
Re versatily, I;ve had it for a few mnts and play it every day and I kleep finding new tones ans sweet spots.It's a one channel amp, but it's really in a class byu itself.

Every time I plug anything into it and set the eq anywhere, I am floored. This is a stunning musical instrument and makes pretty much everything else out there sound like cardboard. I have and like other amps, but this one just bowls me over every time. I'll kepp my other Bruno (CT45) and probably get a tweedy 18 and a Super 100, but this amp is the core of all. Here's how I' describe it: take the chime and detail of a Vox, then add the HUGE low end of a Super reverb (but even more and better), add the sweetness of a blackface deluxe, then add the modern high performance of a Matchless but WITHOUT ANY harshness at all ever even with a tele, then add a mind numbingly good reverb, touch sensitivity, a fantastic gain structure, a great no -pedals-needed overdrive when turned up above 11:00, very good clean headroom, and verstaile eq and you start to get the idea. But it's better than that. It doesn't need pedals but takes them very well and has great input sensitivity, so it works well with my Hermida Zendrive and Mosferatu, RC Booster and Katana, but it doesn't need them at all really. I find that if I keep the treble and bass just below noon and the presence at 2:00, it's more in Vox-vile, and if I boost bass and treble and cut presence a bit I'm more in Fender land with open mids, but making those comparisons is really like describing fine wine with references to grape juice.
Seriously, this amp is truly one of the very best amps on the planet, ever. It doesn't do the traditional bebop tone as well as a 6L6 or 6V6 amp (check out Tony's Cowtppers wich are also wonderful), but it gets pretty close if you need it. But this amp simply changes the game. And, duh, not a metal amp.Good for all other styles.

Tony's amps are lovingly built to the highest qulaity standards known to man. I expect no problems. If it EVER needs servicing, I hope tony isn't retired because there are many subtle details that the average tech wouldn't appreciate and they could mess something up. But I figure my heirs will have to deal with that.

Ken Volpe at Ultrasound, Tony's distributor, is a prince. Period. I also had occasion to meet Tony and he is a VERY dedicated guy, and very nice indeed. He is making a major contribution to amps and tone, and unlike Dumble and Ken Fisher, he actually makes amps. But please don't ask Ken, or for that matter try to learn from Tony, WHY the amp sounds like it does. he doesn't reveal technical information, and NOR SHOULD HE. Let's face it, many of us have tried to become amateur designers, with all our talk of circuitry. Let me say that after reading reviews, forums and articles, and trying everything, it all goes into the ether after playing the work of a master like Tony. Ken will bend over backwards. He's knowledgeable (listen to him!) and nice.

I've played since 1969. I have good ears. I have a great studio. I've played everything. Then I spent all day at Ultrasound to play everything else. I've owned several vintage Fender and Gibson, and several new boutique builders, but Tony Bruno is in my opinion the best, most versatile builder of amps active today, and perhaps ever.
This amp changes the game. I find that with each day, all my past references go away and I just treat this amp as my tone wife.

My Underground 30 Reverb head is a 2004 model with matching Bruno 2x12 cab loaded with Celestion Blues into an 8 ohm load. As mentioned before, it has a great 3 knob reverb and the standard tone controls. My head differs in that it only has one input. It is a strong 30 watts but not overbearing compared to some of my other amps. I have used the amp in my Pro Tools studio and at one live gig. I wanted a straight ahead amp so it has all the features I ever use. Using the guitar's volume knob is key to the amp's versatility, ranging from shimmering clean to incredible saturated leads.

This amp is hard to describe because it has it's own sound. Kind of Voxy with a Fender-type clean, but a very smooth saturated lead tone. It does not sound like any of my other main amps, a Fuchs Overdrive Supreme SLX , a Bad Cat Wild Cat combo, and a Budda Superdrive 80II. I have owned a Germino, Aiken Invader, Vox Handwired, Matchless Chieftain, Bad Cat Hot Cat, Victorias, Clarks, Dr. Z Route 66 and Maz Jr., old Marshalls, etc. This amp is unique in that it does it's own thing but sounds similar to the classic amps. The one thing I like, especially through the Bruno cab, is that even cranked all the way up, the tone does not "irritate" your ears. It is very smooth, not shrill even when very bright. You can get an incredible throaty lead sound by just turing down the treble knob and increasing the bass.

I use Grosh Retro Classic strats, a Grosh Setneck, a Grosh Tele, a Gibson Johnny A. and an old SG, all sound great.

It has a perfect volume for most club/rehearsal situations, although you would need to mic it for larger outdoor gigs. My other amps seem much louder, but most of the time I use a Dr. Z Airbrake, which I don't need with the Bruno.

I spoke to Gene when I bought it and he suggested the Bruno cab, and although it is costly, Gene was absolutely correct. The UG 30 sounds much better through the Bruno cab as compared to my early "70 Marshall 4x12 with original 30 watts Celestions, my Bad Cat 2x12 with V 30s, and a new handwired Marshall 2x12. Unfortunately, you should by the correct cab to get the maximum tone out of the amp. It is only a 30 watt cab so it eliminates using my higher powered heads with it. Tony Bruno believes in matching his amps with the correct cabs and speakers, and I must agree in this case, but it can get expensive, especially if you own some other cabs.

My style is along the lines of Jimmy Herring, Robben Ford and Doyle Bramhall II although those guys just kill. I like a touch sensitive amp, but one that can get mean when needed and the Bruno is perfect for this. The lead tone is to die for, incredibly rich and full, yet clear and not muddy. It is not crunchy like my old Silver Jubilee head, but refined and somehow still agressive.

Aside from a broken preamp tube during shipping, the amp has worked great, although I've only had it about a month. Gene immediately sent me a preamp tube to replace the broken one.

Customer service has been stellar, Gene has answered all my questions, given me great advice about my other amps, and handled the one problem I had without question. Bruno is a pro-level company.

Nathan from Eddie's Guitar has been great to deal with and is another great resource when it comes to highend gear.

I have been playing pro for about 30 years. I mainly do larger outdoor gigs or opening act gigs. I will take the Bruno for smaller things but will probably take my larger amps for the outdoor gigs. My amps are always mic'd but outdoors I do need some extra punch unless there are great sidefills.

I love this amp. It is almost hypnotic once you start playing it. Very 3-D sounding, rich and throaty with a great reverb. I could play a gig with only a guitar, cord and the Bruno. You really don't need an overdrive unless you don't like to play with your guitar's volume knob. I use a Fulldrive Custom Shop or a new Proanalog Dual Drive when I need an extra kick, but lately I just plug straight into the amp, which is rare for me. At $3900 for the rig it is still worth every penny. If you can find a used one, buy it.

2004 UG 30 with 3 knob reverb. Most killer reverb. Great EL 84 sound.
I was thinking to get a Matchless or Badcat, but I really like this amp. You can get such great ringing chiming chords that will just ring forever. The 1st channel seems kinda useless to me, but who cares. Works great for my use in contemprary christian worship. Not over powering. I can get some great overdrive sounds with my Visual Sounds J/H pedal, mostly use 1st stage. Has NOS tubes, the rectifier tube went out prematurely; switched to a generic and can't really hear a difference.

This amp seems to shine with humbuckers, but my 60's Tele, with some DiMarzio Tel pickups sound pretty awsome also. My strat doesn't sound as good with this amp. You can get that great British style EL84 CARRRANG out of this amp. LOVE IT! With Vol at 10 o'clock this puppy starts to purr, and there is no turning back. If you want pristine cleans, go with Tony's Cowtipper 45.

So far the only problems I have had is (1) the pilot light burned out pretty quick. (2) The Mullard NOS GZ34 failed prematurely, in my opinion.. I replaced it with a stock tube; and couldn't really hear a difference.

Haven't used it.

I have been playing over 30 years, many different amps, Dr Z,Vox, Fender, Bogner, Fargen, Mesa Boogie, and now I own TWO Bruno's, they are everything they are cracked up to be. I have an Underground 30 reverb and a Cowtipper 45, and think they are the greatest amps I have ever played through. I sold my Bogner to get the UG 30, the Bogner was a great amp too, but, for me the Bruno just has more to offer.

I have owned this amp for 4 years. It is very flexible. While it does not have multiple channels and rows of knobs, each knob works to shape tone. There is a shor learing curve that goes with a class A amp with interactive controls. Once past that (a few hours) the amp produces world class tone.

World class distorion, clean tones, and every where inbetween. The three knob reverb is outstanding. sound great with all of my pedals (Klon, Fulldrive 2, HotCake, TS 9, Barber Direct Drive). Works well with Fender Strats, Teles, and Gibson les Pauls, SG, and 335. Amp is amazing. It will cover ALL tipes of music (other than Metal) from rock, blues Jazz Fussion and country.

Only probles with the tubes, never the amp.

Very good

The amp is A+++ I have been playing for 31 years, and have a small collection of amps and guitars, and this could be my best amp.

This review is in addition to the review of the same amp I posted several months ago. The honeymoon is over, I have played the amp no less than 25 hours per week at all sorts of levels with a variety of guitars and efx boxes.
I have never heard or played an amp in 30+ years that is as versitile as the Bruno.
It has a normal and bright input. The former provised a flat sound and only the presence works (no reverb either)
The bright channel has Treble, Bass, Presecene and AN AMAZING 3 knob reverb control on the rear of the amp.
When the amp is at 12:00 or above ya don't need any boxes what so ever.
I can coax anything from very smokey Wes Montgomery to early Page and all styles in between.
I shit you not.

See previous review.
In addition did you ever try an amp with all tone set flat?
This even sounds good then!!!!!!!!!
I tried to get a bad sound, I can't. Period.

Like any tube amp, carry extra tubes. You never know what can happen.
Has not let me down, It has only impressed me.
Lets see what happens down the road, but I can say that from my eye, this is built with an amazing amount of pride and integrity which translates to extremely high quality.I saw Tony building em.

Thats another issue that I won't comment on.

I played years ago. . alot.
I have owned or tried for an extending time, every "boutique" manufacturer out there. You know em all.
The only amp that stands without equal is the Bruno. Frankly it smokes anything that I have a/b'd it with on all levels.
I know a few folks have been selling tham off on h/c. To each his own.
This amp has more tricks than Merlin.
I did find a tone more suitable for me when I removed one of the Celestion Blues from the Bruno 2x12 cab and replaced 1 of them with the Bruno label Fane Alnico. That is a SWEET combination.
I have a Bruno Tweedy Pie oddball from 1991 that is in his shop as I write and a 62 Fender Super (thanx Dan) and a Superchamp that I also got from Tony.
I would recommend anyone who is serious about serious tone and quality to check out a Bruno. They are costly but well worth it in the long run.
Its funny, I read the H/C reviews when people rate their purchased with low numbers.Poor tone, quality etc.
I then say " so why did you buy it dumbass"?? Why did you leave the store with it??
Being his product is available on a build to order basis, I would not hesitate reccomending it.
Bottom line. . . you get what you pay for.
Thanx Tony!!!

This is a hand made 36 watt Class A Amplifier. Two channels - One channel which is basically a flat input, it can be tweaked slightly by the presence control the second input sends the signal through the reverb which has three controls (mix, tone, dwell) and the preamp which features bass, treble and presence. I had my head built with an impeadence selector to support 16-8-4 ohm configurations. Aside from the power, standby and ground switch that's it for "features". This amps real feature is BIG tone. I suspect in large part due to the design of its circuits and the type and quality of the components used.

There are 11 tubes in this unit including a very nice telefunkan 12AX7 for the reverb. Clearly this not an amp for the player that seeks lots of buttons and sound shaping circuits. This is an Amp for those that have already been there and realize that this is the sound all those amps with buttons are trying to achieve.

I think my Heritage Les Paul sounds best but I usually use the strat when playing out. I have a few other guitars (Gretsch, ASAT, etc) and the all sound great with this amp. Though I must say it took me some time to dial in the right tone for each guitar. The Treble, Bass, and Presence control along with th reverb can cover more useful range than most amps with twice the knobs, so it takes time to experience all your options.

I generally play blues rock and the clean chime that comes out of this amp with the volume at 1/2 on the amp and 7 on the guitar is unparalleled. Crank the volume on your ax and you'll soon realize you don't need no stinking pedals. It's all there in the amplifier. Punchy compact growl and wide warm full clean tone. Note the price I listed included a seperate speaker cabinet holding 2-12" Alnico Celestions. I have also been using a THD Hot Plate to reach distorted tone at lower volume levels. What amazes me most is how clean the dirt is... I mean you can strum chords and really here each note... then tear of a lick that sounds oh so nasty.

I've only had it a couple of months but it looks and feels like it's built like a tank. Keep some tubes and fuses handy if you're really worried and roll. Cabinet is all jointed work with a good tolex cover and metal corner protectors.

Gene handles all the sales and business issues it's the only way other wise Tony Bruno would be talking with clients instead of desiging and building amplifiers. Both Gene and Tony know sound. After receiving my Underground 30 Combo with 2-12 Celestion Alnico Blues I had but one regret, it weighed almost 80 lbs. To much for me to handle on a regular basis. I spoke with Gene about my dilema, no questions asked he arrainged to have Tony re-install the amp and speakers in 2 seperate cabinets which worked out fantastic for my use. Gene and Tony are very cool to speak with, you can learn a lot from these guys. The amp is covered by a lifetime Warranty. Customer support? How can it be better than dealing with the guy who designed and built it.

I'm a serious enthusiast not a playing professional. When I/we play out it's for fun. I have been playing for about 20 years. I used other amps my Fender HotRod Deluxe $400 is a great amp. You could use that amp gigging out anytime. But once you've heard the Bruno... we'll it's just a matter of time before you start figuring out how you'll come up with the scratch to buy one.

This amp is short on features but long on tone. Really, the only feature it has is a great-sounding 3-knob reverb patterned after the old fender stand-alone units. The amp is rated at 30 watts, but is quite loud.

I play British-style power pop, and this amp is perfect for this music. At low volumes, the amp sounds Vox-y; if you dial in reverb, suddenly it sounds like a black-faced Fender; as you turn up the volume in the Bright channel, the amp roars like a non-master volume Marshall or Brian May's AC30. For a class A amp, it is pretty quiet. With humbuckers and P90's, you can get a lot of raunch; however, I think this amp sounds just as good with single coils.

so far, I've used the amp for 6 months with no problems. one of the volume pots has gotten a little scratchy.

i dealt with Rich for a long time over the phone, and he was quite patient with me as i tried to determine whether to take the risk of ordering an amp i'd never heard. apparently, tony bruno hates talking on the phone and lets rich handle all the calls. rich assures me that tony will continue to be able to supply the phillips EL84's and Mullard rectifiers this amp comes with.

I would buy this amp again in a heartbeat. I have owned many other amps, including a rare 1960 tweed Deluxe and an AC30 Top Boost, and this is by far the best-sounding. It makes every guitar I own, including Gretsches, Strats, Tele's, PRS etc. come alive. It may help that I'm playing the amp head through a homemade 2x12 cab with Re-issue Vox/Celestion Blue speakers. I bought this amp over a Matchless HC30 because: a) cheaper b)smaller company c) has reverb d) I don't like amps with a master volume.

This is a 2 ch. 30 watt Class A amp, built on the lines of a Vox AC-30, and has the reverb unit first in the signal chain. No channel switching, no effects loop, no headphone jack. Not even a master volume. Ch. 1 is straight forward,non-reverb, and ch. 2 is the Bright one, w/ reverb. I use the amp in club and festival settings playing blues. It is more than loud enough for every situation. Using my guitars volume control and a few pedals more than meets my versitility requierments.

I play pretty much rock influenced blues, and do duty in the band alternating rhythm w/ solos, and the land in between. The amp is not dead quiet, esp. w/ single coil pickups. Distortion starts around 10 o'clock, and boy, is it sweet! I play a Telecaster through it, and it produces a very complex and harmonicaly musical tone. I know its not just me loving this sound, as I have many people approach me at breaks asking about the amp, even jaded fellow guitar players.

Well.........This is a brand new amp built by one guy, so I haven't been surprised by a mysterious rumble which occurs after the amp has been on 2-3 hrs., and lasts 5 sec. or so when taking it off standby. More about that in the next section.

Working with Tony and his sales rep Rich has been great! They have been very accessable by phone to help sort out the problem. I have every confidence that they will do whatever it takes to get things right, so I ain't sweatin' it.

Oh hell yes I would buy it again! This amp is the tone paragon. AC-30 meets Marshall is how Guitar Player Magazine put it, and that will have to do as words cannot describe how wonderful this amp sounds. I am already saving my money for one of Tony's combos.... I own other amps, which get great tone, but none that get what the Bruno does. Yeah, they cost big green, but IMHO it was worth it.