Carlsbro GLX40

This is a follow-up review to my review about 2 years ago, so the features etc. have already been dealt with. The only feature I don't use is the "crunch" feature on the clean channel, although if it were foot-switchable I might use it. As far as power goes, 40 watts is ample for the gigs I do - smaller venues. If I need more power I use my 50 watt Bassman head through a 2 X 12 cab. I don't want to go into the whole "tubes v. soid state" thing. I use both, and each has its pros and cons.

It took me a while, but I discovered why I was not getting a good tone with the lead channel. The problem was that I was using effects pedals between the guitar and the amp. If I bypass the pedals, or route the pedals through the amp's effects loop when using the lead channel - no problem. So now, when playing live, I just turn off all effects except the amp's reverb before switching to the lead channel, and I can get excellent tones with either single coils or humbuckers. Its not a valve amp but it gets mighty close.

I have now gigged with this amp without backup for 4 years. I have complete confidence in its reliabilty.

Nothing to add to previous review - probably because of reliability aspect, I have not had to deal with the manufacturer.

See previous review. If it were lost or stolen, I would look at the Marshall MG50DFX, but that would be twice the price. Lots to love and little to hate, apart from the issue with effects and the lead channel. I did consider selling this amp at one stage, but am glad I didn't.

I'm the first reviewer again. After 1 year of thorough using this amp, I've found out that no distortion can be compared to its bulit-in one in this price range. For cheep gear this distortion is the etalon for my taste. if you have troubles setting up a good distortion, try the following ones: Eric Johnson like - gain 2 bass 12 lomid 2.5 himid 3.5 treble 1 (o'clock). early Santana like - gain 10-12 bass 12 lomid 3 himid 12 treble max. cool rock sound for guitar virtuoso music gain 3 bass 1 lomid 2.5 himid 3.5 treble max. very-very dynamic sound and it is not as harsh and aggressive as a boss pedal. perfect harmonic response.

Where else in this price range do you get 2 footswitchable channels (footswitch supplied), 3-band passive eq plus "crunch" circuit on the clean channel, 4-band active eq on the lead channel, master volume and reverb, and the usual complement of effects loop and line out jacks. The master volume is especially useful. Plus you get a 12" Celestion speaker. I can't think of another amp which gives you more bang for the buck.

I use a '62 Strat and a '75 Gibson Les Paul Custom (Black Beauty) re-issue, with Alnico V pickup at back and P90 in front. I play in a covers band doing gigs for the 35 - 55 age group, so cover 60's, 70's and 80's pop, with some jazz and show tunes. I use an Ibanez PT3 for effects - od/dist, digital delay and chorus, plus a Boss GE7 for volume boost for solos. The clean channel is great, but the lead channel, with its active tone controls, has taken a bit of getting used to. I don't use the "crunch" feature on the clean channel, and I use the Ibanez overdrive rather than the amp's - TS9 rocks! Let's face it, this is not a tube amp, but I think it is more versatile than the tube amps I have used in the past - I have an original AC30 and a blonde '62 Bassman - and it is certainly more portable (especially when you are over 50 and don't have a roadie!) and less temperamental

I have gigged with this amp without a backup for two years, and have had no problems with it whatsoever. My band also uses a Carlsbro GRX7 PA, and the keyboard payer uses a Carlsbro keyboard amp. Carlsbro gear is built tough.

I bought my amp second-hand, so there is no warranty. I live in Cape Town, South Africa, so contact with the company is limited to e-mail, but they have always responded promptly to queries. As I said, my amp has to date been 100% reliable, so have not had to worry about repairs. If something goes wrong, there is a local dude who repairs everything, so I am not concerned about authorised service centres.

I bought this amp to replace a Park G25R, firstly because of its increased power, and secondly because of the 12" Celestion speaker. After fighting with the lead channel for a while, I got a Fender Princeton 112Plus, but soon found that the Carlsbro was more suited to my needs - the Fender was too loud and noisy. I sometimes miss the Park, even though it does not have as many features. If the Carlsbro was stolen or destroyed, I would probably look at one of the Marshall solid state or Valvestate range, or get a roadie and use one of my vintage valve amps for gigs! I am sure that if I persevere with the lead channel, however, I will find the right sounds - they must be in there somewhere, because I can find them at home - its just a matter of getting them to come out at a gig. I think that Carlsbro make a great product for the working musician on a budget.

2 channeled tube amp. A clean one with bass, middle and treble knobs and a crunch switch; and an other channel for distorted sounds -- gain, bass, lo mid, hi mid, treble, volume.
It features a master volume and reverb knob also.
It's very easy to use. With a footswich you can switch the channels. I wish I could switch on the crunch by pedal...

It's small and not heavy.

I've tried it with single coiled guitars and I was not satisfied. However, guitars with humbuckers sound very good with it. The reason is that the preamp's sound is very warm, and the Celestion speaker kills the trebles.
The crunch (overdrive) and the distortion are very good, if you turn up the gain the later has plenty of feedback. The reverb is useless.

I've used it on gigs, in studio, at home... never had any problems with it.

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I love this combo. It's very good for an SG or a Les Paul. The built in overdrive/distortion are much better than my Zoom707's effects.
Good for all styles (eg. jazz, blues, rock, metal)-- I think...
I use a Laney combo for my single coiled guitars. If you have a strat for example, I don't recommend you this Carlsbro amp.