Carvin Legacy Head

This amp was made this year 2005, I got it brand new from the Carvin Factory store in San Diego. I am a complete freak about tone, and this amp is definitely versitile enough for the music I play and the sound I want to hear. I play mainly virtouso gutiar music... as in Vai (I bet you would have never guessed would you?), Satriani, Petrucci, Yngwie, Paul Gilbert, and Jason Becker to name a few favorites of mine... But I do like to draw from as many different musical styles and tastes as I can, so I also enjoy playing Classical, Blues, Classic Rock, and of course some Heavier Stuff... so I give it a good mix.

This amp has 2 channels (thank god!) a "Clean" Channel and a "Lead" channel, it does have channel and effect switching capabilities if you buy the FS-22 Footwitch (which I highly reccommend, it's so convienent) it has an effects loop which I tend not to use, because I don't use many effects and the ones I do use I run in to the front of the amp... However it does work quite nicely when I did use it, so it's cool.

There aren't any features I wish it had... It is absolutely perfect for me, no endless digital paramaters to tweak, just a simple 2 channel set-up, 100 watts, all tube, and badass tone out the wazoo.

I use the amp in my room at the moment... but when it's time to jam, this thing can completely overshadow everyone else, this thing is insanely loud! SO MUCH POWER! Jeesus, I can't possibly over-emphasize the power this thing puts out...

Other than the features mentioned above it has a master reverb control for both channels, and it sounds great! I love a hint of reverb on my tone to take up space in the mix and add that ambience to lead work and clean tones... and this has one of the most natural, soothing sounding reverbs I've ever played through.

If you want to get straight to the point and "plug-in and play" without having to tweak settings for hours, there isn't a better amp on the face of the earth in my opinion... You can't beat it...

I've got two axes I run through this amp... one is my Trusty 21 fret Fender Stratocaster with stock single coil pickups, and the other is my Custom Shop 24 fret Carvin DC-727 7 String with C-22 Humbuckers. Both guitars have different textures that I love, and I use them for different purposes. This amp lets the true tone of you guitar and fingers shine through... it rewards precise playing and it really lets you hear mistakes, so you've got to keep the chops up to sound good through this thing...

The amp is very quiet actually, I was pleasantly suprised... very minimal amp noise, unless you've got the gain knob dimed - which is totally un-necessary. Noise tends to come from the guitar's pickups anyway... and my Fender hums righteously. So I've got a Boss NS-2 Noise supressor that I run into the front of the amp, and that completely solves the problem...

This amp's tone can not be beaten in my opinion... very, very warm and full... the way the amp is voiced is absolutely brilliant! The tone of this amp is seriously reminiscent to that of the Bogner Extacy... the way the mids are voiced especially. It's a very mid-rangey amp, even with the knob set lower you've still got a good bit of midrange in your sound, which I love... mids let your little nuances and playing techniques come through. The Treble reacts quite differently from any other amp I've ever played through... even set to what is typically "very high" it never gets over-bearing. I've actually got it set on "7" all the time and it sounds wonderful. The Bass knob has it's own thing going as well... it doesn't so the Mesa "BOOMING BASS" thing... it really fattens up the sound while maintining definition, and the clarity is un-beatable.

The clean channel is heavenly, it's by far the best I've ever heard from an all-tube amp... I've simply never heard a tone this clean come from an all tube amp. I don't know how they did it, but it's beyond words... there is absolutely no distortion in the sound whatsoever, and for an all tube amp that is quite an accomplishment. This, along with the way the tone of the amp is voiced, makes for THE BEST clean channel I've ever had the privilege of playing through.

Now for the lead channel... Wow, where to begin? It's the most fluid sounding distortion I've ever heard, there is no harsh high end or muddy bass to be found, the tone as I said before is incredibly warm and full, and there is a lot of midrange... and it really doesn't have a whole lot of gain on it's own, even with the gain set fairly high it's just a "cruchy" distortion. It's not a "brutal" distortion by any means... It's a lead guitarist wet dream...

I can't over exagggerate the quality and durability of carvin's products... this amp is no different... it's 120% ready to tour the world, man... excellent...

Carvin has the vest customer support in the world, they are always very good and informative to talk to... and you can always get a hold of someone when you've got questions, comments and concerns... great guys...

I've been playing for 3 years... Religioulsy, every chance I get. This amp completely out-did my expectations, it's absolutely perfect in every way for me, very user-friendly... There isn't one thing I don't like about it, and I tried dozens of amps until I found this one... Mesas, Marshalls, Peaveys, Crates... e.t.c. and None of them even came close to this beast... I HIGHLY recommend this amp if you play some rippin' leads and you want a tone that can't be beaten...

I bought the 100w head w/2x12 cab back in 1999-2000.

I can't say enough about how good this amp sounds! From the minute I pulled it out of the box, it sounded amazing. It has tons of headroom, and a very warm and punchy quality to the tone, no matter what type of sound you set it to. It's also extremely loud & powerful.
I shoot for a Steve Lukather/EVH meets Dimebag kind of tone, thick and crunchy with good definition. This amp hits it for me!
If I have one gripe about this amp, it's that they need a 3-channel set-up, like Mesa Boogie has, (that is the only reason I give it a 9 here).

I am playing a Music Man Luke with EMG's (81-85) and running through Boss/MXR pedals that are placed in front of the amp chainwise (Boss chorus, delay, compressor, DS-1 Distortion, MXR Zakk Wylde overdrive).
The distortion tone on this amp is very nice. It's not a buzzsaw, scooped-mid thing, (which might turn a lot of metal players off), but rather it's really thick & warm EQ-wise.
Even though I run the amp fairly quietly (1.5 to 2 on volume), I still use the 100w mode rather than the 50w mode, because the amp sounds punchier that way.
As good as it sounds, the amp could honestly use a little more gain, but there is still enough for me to work with.
The only reason that I use the Zakk is because I need a solo boost for the lead channel (see my above gripe about no 3rd channel on amp). I use the DS-1 in front of the clean channel so that I have two basic distortion tones to choose from, the DS-1 or the amp's distortion tone.
The clean channel is also very good sounding. it's loud and punchy with lots of headroom.
Whoever (along with Steve Vai) voiced the EQ on this amp did a fabulous job!
The EQ is very responsive, but yet none of the frequencies are excessive. No shrill highs, nasally mids or muddy lows here. Everything is clear and pretty pleasing to the ears.

I've retubed this amp twice since 2000, and I've had to use some contact cleaner on a couple of the input jacks, but other than that, this thing has given me no trouble at all.
I play rehearsals/gigs 3 nights a week on average, and have done so as long as I've had the amp, so it definitely gets a lot of use.
No neglect here.

I've only called Carvin when I have questions. They've been pretty cool when I do call.
Luckily I've found a great amp repair guy here in Austin who can retube or tune up my amp very quickly. Carvin wants 3 weeks typically for any service they do.

I have been playing for 25+ years and have had a chance to play and own a lot of different amps. This one is one of the best that I've ever used. I would buy another one in a second if I had to. The only amp that I might consider using as an alternate to this one would be a Mesa Boogie Road King. Outside of that, you can keep everything else, I like my Legacy better.

It seems like most of the criticisms about this amp are coming from metal guys who buy it expecting Ozzfest-style crunch tone.
This is not that kind of amp. You can get good metallic tones out of it if you try, but it's voiced to be much fatter and richer than your typical amp.
If you want a metal amp, get a Boogie or Rivera or something crunchier.
If you want a versatile amp with lots of warmth that works for most any gig, get this one.

Built at the Carvin factory in California. A really versatile rock amp that sincerely covers most everything. I play mostly fusion, rock, blues, and country. 2-channel clean and lead and switches either on the head or with the optional FS-22 footswitch that can also operate the Reverb and Effecst Loop. Has a voiced line out and switches to 100watts or 50 watts (only -3db). I've always liked an amp that included an adjustable solo boost (soundman will hate you but, oh well) but, my Boss DS-1 with the level all the way does just fine. I don't use the voiced line out and don't often use the effects loop. There is also a bright switch on the clean channel that is cool if you need it (a reall acoustic bell like tone from a boost in the high frequencies) but, generally, I don't. I use the amp everywhere and anywhere; more than enough power it is REALLY LOUD and the wattage makes almost NO difference! I'd really like Carvin to house the Tube Sockets a little better and maybe encase all the tubes so they don't shake, rattle, or roll. . . Pretty standard overall but, done very well with some nice options that work. . .

I have switched strictly to Fender American Telecasters with Dimarzio Pickups (Twang King neck and Special Chopper-T bridge) and this amp suits my eclectic styles (rock, fusion, country, jazz, heavy metal) very well. I will say a great deal of its versatility is from my guitar and the pickups with generous use of the volume knob. But, this amp just cleans up really well and gives you a lot of tones to discover from just the guitar and your hands. It will not give you Steve Vai per-se but, it will give a good player a lot of expressive tones.

It isn't noisy with my guitar and setup but, any high gain amp with paltry shielded single coils will no doubt be noisy and hiss. My Twang King has just a bit of hiss (mostly on the lead channel) but, the Chopper T is DEAD QUIET. I have to say that is probably my pickup and guitar tech more than the amp. My now sold Laney GH50L and Mesa Boogie Rectoverb seemed much more noisy and I used good EMG humbuckers at the time (the Laney is especially noisy). It seems that having a good surge protector and plugging into good grounded sockets really help in addition to shielding the inside of the pickguard. With the Legacy I don't have to worry about the hiss near as much. Very responsive to pick attack and nuances with volume and tone knob. Reacts kinda unpredictable to different guitars, I can't anticipate what certain brands or style of guitars will sound like; they all take on new character than you've become accustomed too.

This amp is such a strange beautiful creature. I wasn't sold on it the first time I plugged it in because like the quirky dude that designed it, it is very unique. A poor man's Bogner? Well, Steve was using the Bogner 100B as the starting point but, I'll just say it isn't a Bogner and it isn't anything else just a Legacy. With the right guitar and a professional player that can use the volume and tone knobs on the guitar I don't think there is anything the amp isn't capable of. I got great classic rock, hard rock, jazz, and Hendrix type tones. Great variety if your a good player with the patience to use the EQ (they actually do something and are interactive especially the presence and treble on the lead channel) and experiment alot. . . don't get satisfied or unhappy too quick really dig into this amp and you'll be rewarded. Many people that dog this amp (especially the lead channel) I think are either too impatient or just "young" as players/musicians. The accusation of muddiness comes from not using the eq properly and no doubt using too much drive; even the modest instruction manual warns about this. . .

The Clean stays clean at high volumes (or I should say higher there is no medium just off or LOUD) and is just gorgeous with lush reverb. I can't find a bad setting for the clean channel.

The Lead channel is, well, unique and really variable depending on the knowledge of the player. I know what the controls do and I know what I want out of the amp but, I experimented for months and found not one or two "right" sounds but, a palette of usable tones. I will admit it sounds best above 2.5 but, I rarely get there even in the medium sized venues. Brutal, is not a good way to describe the Legacy it isn't a harsh overdrive. The lead channel rewards good technique with brilliant articulation from varied pick attack and synchronized hands. The Legacy really doesn't let you cover up flaws in technique which is cool because when you want to sound rough or on the edge it really let's that come out. So if that's what your going for (i.e. classic rock or blues type soloing) anyway it'll give it too you. Generally, as the drive goes up the volume is better down. Also, the presence and treble don't act like a Marshall JCM800----You can use them pretty high (6-8) and move the midrange up and the bass down it isn't a Mesa Boogie and it just responds to the EQ controls differently than one may be accustomed. Overall, lots of variety and great

Only regular servicing of tubes, lots of reviews have talked about this amp blowing up and stuff. Well, all tube amps can blow up or catch fire or just smoke and die. . . and in proportion to the number of reviews I'd say I feel comfortable with the reliability of this amp as much as any other. Bogner, Randall, Mesa, Marshall, Fender, they all blow up just the same but, Carvin will fix or replace it. . . you won't get that from anyone else but, Cornford, or perhaps Bogner. . .

Without a backup? No way, I'm a pro-----never want my junk in my hand half way through the night. I usually bring a Boss GT-8 or Carvin Bel-Aire just in case.

No amps are perfectly reliable and tube amps cannot be more reliable than an 8.

1 Year warranty. I have purchased a used Legacy as well and they made it tip top and retubed round trip for about $200. Cool guys there mostly, but, like all big places there are occasionally some uninformative sour pusses. I just hang up and try again for someone else and don't take it personally. Joseph is #1 and I recommend using his polite tempered demeanor to help with any of your concerns. Only service is in California unfortunately but, I haven't needed them much besides on the used Legacy. Nobody's perfect in this department but, at least you'll get to talk to SOMEONE! Try that at Fender or Ibanez. . .

15 years of pro playing and Berklee alumni; Graduate in performance from Webster (classical) and studied at Washington University. The only stuff I have after trying it all (literally): Two Fender American Telecasters w/Dimarzio pickups, Boss DS-1 and TU-2, Carvin Legacy VL100's, Carvin Legacy 2x12 cabinets, Monster cables. I never knew good tone was so simple. I accredit alot of it to my hands and experience but honestly, there is definately something special about this amp.

Stolen or Lost I'd buy it again.

I love the reverb and clean and love the simplicity. Mostly, it gives me my own sound and vibe (I wouldv'e never guessed that from a signature amp designed by a Martian). Hate, well I disliked the fact the tubes aren't enclosed and socketed as well as I'd prefer for the road but, that can be fixed or just get a good road case. Also, it is not for inexperienced players or the easily frustrated (read: impatient). Not getting tone right out of the gates upset me but, I just didn't give up on this amp (annoying the time it took though).

It was compared to everything from custom amps, standard brands to boutique amps to off brands and modded one-offs. All with or without rack mount/pedals and with every known style of guitar known to man. The only thing that I would have considered other than the Legacy was Cornford but, sweet Jesus that's alot of silver pieces and I get real close for 1/4th the price.

Maybe an adjustable lead boost that automatically gave just a bit more gain, midrange and sustain; also, caps for the tubes. . . really nit-picking here. A separate button on the footswitch for effects but, they say you can modify the pedal to do that and show you how. . .

To Close this amp is not for everyone, not for just anybody, not for alot of people probably, but, it isn't just for STEVE VAI either; It is for me, and maybe you too. . . just know in advance that the money you save not buying a Bogner or Cornford will be paid for in time getting this thing to sing the way you want. . . don't give up it's worth the $2600 savings. . .----------D

I bought my Legacy Half-Stack in September 2004. I had been (and still have) using a rack mount system consisting of a TriAxis/20-20/G-Force for about 4 years. My rationale for purchasing another rig was simply, it was simple. 2 channels, a few knobs, and that's it. No menus and endless parameters to tweak.

I know it has an fx loop, but I haven't even used it yet. I do play a Jem through it, and there is the "roll off" feature, where you can put the guitar volume on 2 or 3 and even with a distortion level of 7 or 8 on the amp, it cleans up nicely with just a little added bite. I can not achieve this with any of my other guitars (Strats).

This amp sits in a 4th bedroom with my makeshift recording set up, consisting of a Presonus Firepod, a computer, mics, and some keyboard gear. The amp is incredibly loud. When I'm laying guitar tracks, I use Shure E5's to monitor with. They do a good job of sealing out the noise when I have the amp cranked to 4 or 5 for recording purposes.

Don't be fooled though... even on 1, the Legacy is very loud. It doesn't matter if you're in 50W or 100W mode either. A lot of times when I'm just messing around, I don't put the volume past 0.5.

I've been playing for about 8 years now. I went through a period of maybe a month where I only played through the Legacy and then went back to my Mesa Boogie rig. Wow, I did not like the way it sounded at all.

I have 3 electric guitars that I use through the amp. The Jem (2002 model) that I mentioned above, which seems to be matched for the amp, and then 2 Strats (a 1995 Deluxe Strat Plus w/ RWB Lace Sensors, and a 1999 American Standard Strat with Texas Special single coils).

On the distorted channel, the Jem has a really 'buttery smooth' sound. The Lace Sensor Strat has kind of a "bright and blustery sound" as best I can describe it. The Standard Strat has a really nice "chunka" sound that I love for rhythm work with distortion on about 6.

The clean channel is simply amazing. The Presence button adds some extra highs that really can make a guitar stand out in a mix. To me, the clean channel is really warm, and distinctive. By far blows my Mesa clean channels out of the water.

I do run a Boss DS-1 in front of the amp itself. I don't know what it is, but I can not get any sustain if I don't. I went to a G3 concert last year, and took pix of Steve's amp setup (the knobs) and set mine up like that, and it comes close to what you hear on the Carvin site, but I'm just going to assume that's what is missing is related to "my fingers" and not the amp.

As others have noted, the distortion is different from any other distortion I've ever heard. It does not "get muddy". You can hear every note when you play a chord.

I've had it for a while now, and I haven't had any problems. I use it every day.

Never had to deal with them. Just ordered through their website, and received it about 5 days later.

Overall, this amp is really a good deal. If you've got $1,299 (for the amp and cab) to spend, I don't believe you could go wrong with this purchase... unlesss you're a sloppy player who hides in mountains of gain.

I also like the fact that it's 'something different'. It's not a Peavey, it's not a Fender, it's not a Vox. They're rare (seemingly) and you can get your own unique sound.

This amp was made in 2005, at this point it's about a month old. Two channels; clean and distorted. All tuber (4 EL34's, 5 12AX7's), 50/100 watt switch, 4,8, and 16 ohm speaker impedance selector, footswitchable reverb. The only thing I wish it had is a master volume, as this amp is absolutely DEAFENING. I borrowed a Mesa Triple Rectifier from a friend before buying the Carvin and thought that was loud.... hahahaha. This thing hurts by the time the volume hits 5 on either channel. For no master volume, minus two points.

I'm using this amp along with a Schecter C1 Blackjack, which has two Seymour Duncan humbuckers (JB in bridge position, '59 in neck position). I play a lot of styles: blues, rock, dabbling in a bit of jazz, metal, punk etc. The band I play with has a sound heavily influenced by bands like Isis, Explosions in the Sky, Pelican, Keelhaul, Godspeed You Black Emperor, etc. I use both clean and distorted sounds heavily, and this amp does both very well.

First, the clean channel: LOTS of headroom, and very warm and thick sounding with my neck pickup. In the bridge position, it still sounds warm and full but with a nice but not overwhelming trebly bite. This amp absolutely nails the clean sound I want, and sounds great with reverb.

Distorted (channel 2): Amazing. Runs from a nice bluesy crunch around 2 or 3 on the drive knob, a nice classic rock distortion around 5 or 6, and gets good and heavy from 7-10. I set mine at 8 and it's perfect for me. I honestly don't understand where anyone is coming from that says this amp doesn't have any gain. If you really are having to put one or more pedals in front of this thing to get enough distortion, you either have weak pickups, tube problems, or some problem that is not this amp. I figure the people saying this are the ones who will only be satisfied with a Mesa or 5150, and if thats you, go right ahead and spend literally twice as much money for a one trick pony amp that will make you sound identical to every metal/hardcore band going these days. This amp has plenty of distortion, it's just different. It doesn't mask sloppy playing, and has loads of midrange as opposed to the scooped, silly amounts of bass most seem to go for now. It's a smoother, warmer, and more toneful distortion. Not for everyone I guess, but I'm very satisfied with the sound of this amp.

It's only a month old, so I can't really say yet.

I only talked to the company when ordering, they seemed friendly and helpful. Shipping was fast, it took about 6 days to make it from California to my House in New York. 1 year warranty.

I've been playing for 14 years. The amp I had used until now was a Hughes and Kettner Attax 100 head, which I'm hanging onto now for a backup. If it were stolen or lost, I would most definitely get the same thing again. I love the tone, the warmth, and clarity of this amp. It looks pretty sweet too, haha. It definitely has a unique look. The only complaint I have is a lack of a master volume, but I'll live. I've compared this against Marshall JCM 2000's, Mesa Rectifiers, Peavey 5150, and a lot of other amps. This amp doesn't sound like any of those, but sounds every bit as good, and for half the price? Amazing value. I see a lot of negative reviews, and I guess all I can say is to let your ears be the judge. Carvin is a mail order only company, but you get to use this thing for 10 days starting when it gets to your door. If you aren't happy, you can send it back for a full refund. Nothing to lose there.

2 channels, clean and lead, if you want to read the specs look below everyone lists them anyways...

I really wanted to like this amp, but unfortunately I couldn't! It sounded NOTHING like the demos of Vai playing "straight" into it with just delay... I know because I tried the same setup... and got a really bland tone, especially for a tube amp. It is VERY loud though, and the clean channel is pretty good... that's about the only thing that saves this amp. I wish it had more gain... you shouldn't have to push this kind of amp with multiple distortion pedals to get a good lead tone out of it. The layout is very basic... wish the EQ was more impressive on the tone, I tweaked and tweaked and it just didn't want to work out for me!

I tried using two guitars with this amp and I can't say I liked the tone with EITHER of them! I am a big carvin fan in fact, I've owned about 5 of their guitars and held one of them even now! I used a customized Ibanez SZ720FTMG upgraded with sperzels and dual EMG-81's, as well as my Carvin DC-200 black walnut loaded with their M-22SD and M-22V metal pickups for my testing of the amp. I play mostly metal, both "nu-metal" if you want to call it that and classical metal, but mostly MY music is somewhere in between. I play a lot of hard rock now as well, but also like classical music composition on the guitar. It does not suit ANY of these styles as is, unless you want to go out and buy a couple distorion pedals or an effects processor... when you are buying a tube amp like this, you shouldn't have to though!!! The amp suits only low-gain classic rock, blues and maybe jazz depending on what kind of guitar the player is using. The clean channel has a LOT of headroom though, I must say. It doesn't distort, but I mean c'mon... you can only blast a clean channel so high before the noise becomes piercing and hurts the audiences' ears! Like I said, the distortion let me down for the most part. I was told by Carvin that maybe the tubes were bad, but on an amp that was slightly used, this really shouldn't have been a problem on such a young amp! I sent it back.

This is where I'm not sure about the amp... it powered up and everything sure, but the tone was junk for the most part. Could have been due to faulty tubes, could be bad circuitry by Carvin... normally their products are pretty reliable... not in this case... sorry Carvin.

I've dealt with the company a couple times via email and via phone. Via email, these guys are a joke... half the time I don't even get a response back unless I send them the same email about 4-5 times which is ridiculous. Over the phone on the other hand, most of their reps have a FAIRLY decent level of knowledge on the products they sell. A couple of times I had to get off with one guy and call back to get another one because they didn't understand anything about the product I needed information on. They didn't know what the deal was with the amp, and if it had shipped with bad tubes I lose some respect for Carvin! I will give a 7 here due to the good and bad almost balancing out.

I've been playing about 6 years now and have gone through my fair share of gear. I've played all sorts of high-end guitars (PRS's w/ Brazilian Rosewood Necks (very, VERY nice guitars!), Gibsons etc.) and middle and low-end guitar too, just as anyone else out there. I have owned and played all sorts of solid-state and tube amps before as well, and this one just didn't make the cut. If you play classic rock that won't need much gain or crunch to the tone, go for this. If you only want a loud clean channel, go for this. If you want GAIN at all, pass on this one and save up for a REAL amp. If it were stolen, I'd catch up with the guy and tell him he should try contacting Carvin to see if he could send it back too. (no joke.) I thought this amp would sound nice but it really let me down pretty badly so I was disappointed with it overall. If they modify the design to allow more gain it would be a nicer amp and I might think about it again, but until then, I'm going to have to pass on it. Look into other high-end amps, save up, and buy one of those!

Ive had this amp for a couple of years now since 8th grade i believe and im 18 now i bought it when they started using the vintage 30's in the cabinets instead of the old green backs and my old guitar teacher had one of these amps and his sounded nicer for some reason.....
I think it was the green backs....

Well its a nice amps for certain situations i mean if you play blues or jazz or country or some old school rock or anything like that this amp could cover alot of territory, mabe even some hard rock with some over drive or distortion in front of it. I run a ds-1 into it and its cool and a delay in the loop some times. But as far as this amp being suited for like high gain stuff like in comparison to a Mesa Rectifier or a Stilletto Deuce or Mark 4 it really doesnt saturate like that. the gain is well kinda old school but smoother. really round. with a delay and a distortion and a wah and a volume pedal you can get a little bit of an ed vanhalen vibe goin on and a steve vai thing but for bone crushing dime bag darrell rythms or a zakk wylde sound. your not commin close unless you get a noise gate and a furman eq and some other outboard gear. I guess this amp isnt everything you'd think it would be plugging right in. But you get out of it what you put into it.

yeah pretty tough ive taken it lots of places jams with friends or a couple of shows or parties here and there. havent had any problems with it except the routine tube replacement.

eh carvin had it shipped to my house and i havent dealt with them in years.

I think its a decent amp given the situation, Its really musical. I think im gonna keep it around for a few more years.

I did own tihis amp some years ago. It sounded fantastic!! It's not marshall, it's not mesa. It's a Legacy. Some people here said it did not have enough gain.. Well... I used standard strats with this amp, and it gave me a good climb up in higain territory. So if you tried out a Legacy witch sounded bad, try another one. May be bad tubes. Not every shop around do check all amps. By the way, try the boss Blues driver on the clean channel.. I also used the Marshall Guvenor 2, to get low-gain ZZ Top. Jesus just left.. (played with a strat) Reverb sounded fine. One more thing, If I don't remember wrong: the prensence only works at the clean channel.

2 years. No probs

Played for 17 years. Switched the Legacy with Line& FlexII. More versitile. Switched FlexII-->Rivera M-100--> Line6 FlexIII-->Line6 Vetta. Maybe a Legacy again? Yes....

2004 Model, 2 channels - cleand and dirty. I play this in a home studio and for that reason wish it had a 25 watt mode. This is the loudest amp I've ever heard. Basic foot switch to go between channels.

I absolutely love the tone of this amp. So much so that I put up with the fact that for my purposes I never have the volume past 1.5-2. I use a strat with duncan hot rails and a Carvin Bolt with duncan full shred pups with it. I use it for rock/hard rock intrumentals and it sounds great recorded. The clean channel is nice also, warm and full, not sterile. The reverb is very natural sounding and doesn't have to be set past 2 or 3 for a nice spacious effect.

Blew a tube once, other than that no issues.

I originally ordered a 2x12 combo and decided after about 3 weeks that I'd rather have the head and 2x12 cab. Carvin paid for the combo to be shipped back even after the 10 day trial period had ended and even gave me the sale price on the head/cab combination that was in effect at the time I bought the combo.

Been playing for about 18 years. I use a Rocktron Intelliverb through the effects loop for delay and it sounds great. I owned a Peavey XXX when I ordered the Carvin and thought it would be nice to have both to cover all the sonic bases. After plugging into the Legacy I could never go back to the XXX and sold it. Having the separate head and cab is a good way to deal with the Legacy's loudness. I have the head right next to my DAW and all my other effects and have the cab in a different area with a shure sm-57 in front of it. If the cab is near me I can't hear anything in the headphones coming from the DAW.

Two things keep the overall rating from being a 10. One is the fact that it is so loud. This amp needs a 25 watt setting. The other is not having a foot switch function to shut the effects off. My old Peavey XXX had this ability.

Brand new 2 channel simple to operate tube amp.
3 channels would've been nice for ease of use, but a Keeley modded DS-1 Ultra (in fat mode) gives me a solo boost when I need it.

I use an old Ibanez RG550 with stock pick ups, a Soldano 2x12 cab with Celestion V-30's and play mainly funk rock. I actually own a triaxis and it took me ages to get the lead tone I'm after on that. Even when I got it, it wasn't quite the same as the tone I had in my head. There always seems to be some high frequency stuff that I can't dial out that's spoiling my sound.

I wanted a Vai-ish lead tone for my solo's. One where I could get those spikey pinch harmonics with ease but still be able to ease off the volume a bit and have a nice dirty sound too. So I bought a Legacy!

Now I'm not stupid enough to think that if went and bought a Legacy I'd sound like Vai, I don't! But this amp does give me what I want tone-wise.

This amp is loud!!!
I can't really go over 1.5 indoors while practising.

The clean channel is good but I need a compressor in front of it to hold it back a little. The harder I play the louder it gets.

The lead channel is great for me. I have it set up for a blues/dirty type sound and add my DS-1 Ultra for solo's. I've found that if I use a wah during a solo and hold it flat to the floor while playing a fast legato run at the top of the neck, clean smooth harmonics just fly out the guitar with no mushy crap added, just real defined notes. Too much gain means a loss of definition at the low end so I have to play with the bass and mids to find the right balance between DS-1 boost and Legacy gain.

It has it's own sound that is really hard to describe.

I usually have to psyche myself up to go and sit with a new amp or piece of kit and go through all of the sounds and settings etc.
It usually takes me quite a time to find what I'm after.
The legacy is different I just plugged it in, tweaked it a bit
and my sound was already there. That is the reason I've posted this review. I spent a long time checking out reviews and specs before buying and I'm glad I went for it.

Incidentally I ignored the suggested settings that came with it and used my ears. If I'd have followed them I probably would have blown my windows out!!

I like this amp a lot!!

I've only had it for a day and it was still working the last time I turned it on.

N/A yet!

I've been the owner of a guitar for 35 years and have been playing for 25 years and still gig regularly. I think I've found the right amp for my style with this one. I'm looking forward to turning it up and leaving my rack gear indoors the next time I play.

I'd give it a 10 for my personal soloing tone but an 8 overall because I'd like it to be a 3 channel head instead of 2.