Cornford Carrera 112 Combo

What attracted me to the Carrera was the plethora of features it had compared to the other low wattage amps out there. The ability to easily swap out different power tube types seems like a great way to experiment with tone. Also, it has effect sends and returns which you don't always find on these low wattage amps. Lastly, it supposedly has a great reverb sound.

Since this amp never arrived, despite me ordering it in early April (numerous emails that I have sent as well as emails sent from the retailer to Cornford go unanswered), I can't comment on the sound other than what I have heard from clips on the Cornford website. The clips do indeed sound quite impressive.

I spent a lot of time researching a boutique amp builder that makes low wattage amps. Being a Diezel customer, I have come to expect certain things from boutique builders, especially excellent customer service. With a company like Diezel, I can go on a forum and get responses within minutes from Peter Diezel or his business associates. Likewise I can send emails and get rapid responses. With Cornford that is not the case. Of the 6 emails I have sent them (various subjects), they only replied to one. And most disturbing, the emails where I enquire about why they have not delivered my amp to the retailer go unanswered. I have also been in touch with the retailer who said to me in an email today, that they have been trying to get answers from Cornford for well over a week now with no responses. And I trust the retailer since they are reputable.

When I ordered the amp in early April (at which point my credit card was charged), I knew it was not immediately available. I was told it would take Cornford 7-10 business days to deliver. When that time period elapsed, the retailer said that Cornford informed them of another 7-10 slip in delivery. Now with that time elapsed by over a month, Cornford has become a blackhole in which information can not escape.

So bottom line, if you are looking to buy a Cornford, make sure the retailer has the amp physically in stock, and do not expect to get boutique quality customer service from Cornford by any means... For the price of a Cornford, I would definitely seek a company who can match boutique prices with top notch service.

Since the amp seems to sound good based on sound clips, I need to give an overall rating of at least 2. But the main point of my entering this rating is to let others know about what I consider to be a horrible buying experience.

Features as with other posts - 5 - 8 watts, all valve with two valve modes. Low power output is perfect for where it is used, home studio.

I am using the amp for blues/classic rock/modern rock and sometimes metal(!) with a variety of high quality guitars - Levinson Blade, PRS 20th, Hamer Californian ect. This amp responds especially well to humbuckered PRS/Les Paul type guitars and suits all these styles.

Cornford has a distinctive sound of it's own, the Carrera has this sound. It is a unique a warm full overdrive distortion, rich in harmonics. Even at low volume settings starting at 5, with gain of 7 or 8 when a note is held its held cascades into ringing harmonic bell tones. It is really gorgeous and you get a real feel for the amp when you are playing to hit these 'sweet' sounds.

If you are looking for warm blues and rock sounds this amp driven by a high quality guitar it is class. If you need more versatility or headroom for clean sounds look at another amp. To my ears this amp can do clean, it can do crunch, but moving from one to the other is only from your guitar, it is a blues/rock amp.

There is not much difference between the two valve modes, so do not expect an earth shattering transformation.

Reverb is very nice, importantly it is properly adjustable and not all or nothing.

I find a bit of signal loss using the effects loop (TC Electronic G Major) TC is quality kit and so I did not expect that from the amp/effects. I need to look at this more closely.

The Carrera is also very sensitve to the types of leads you are using and anything in the signal chain on its way to the amp. To my mind good quality leads and short lengths are a must, they make a huge difference to this amp. Lesser amps and you would never hear it.
Currently I have nothing in the chain Guitar - Best Quality Lead - Amp! The amp is that good.

No problems in 8 months.

No contact, so I cannot pass comment.

I have been playing 24 years of rock/metal and have had most current fads from racks, stacks and pointed headstocks. Now I am with quality guitars, leads and this amp, nothing more and I have the best sound ever! In short the amp is fantastic if you like blues/rock style, rich harmonics and warm distortion.

I know that you must pay for quality, but for me it was a considerable investment not taken lightly, but I can honestly say that it it gives me a buzz everytime I play it. I definately would replace if stolen and I am looking at further Cornford amps.

Check out Cornford's web site for full specs. This is the best tone out there. It is very versitile with the switch-able power valves (tubes to the Yankee's on this side of The Pond). Swap tubes for any tone you want. Who needs a footswitch? In true tube fashion, your guitar's volume knob does it all. Those that are griping for a footswitch are totally missing the point of this amp.
I've played a lot of amps, and usually the reverb is just a joke. This one is very sensitive, and truely has a range on the dial. It doesn't just go from one to ten in the first two spots on the knob. Very warm. Very adjustable. Valve driven!
Effects loop is valve powered, too. Wow! Incredible warmth with analog effects, and even makes some of the digital crap sound good :)
Class A, hand wired, no PCB's and even an in-house, hand-wound power supply. Just like the olden days--BUT with the switch-able power valves. No biasing required. Flip the switch to change power tubes, or even swap 'em out--while the amp is on Standby!
Don't be fooled by the 5-8 watt power rating. This thing will anger your neighbors when pushed past five. But it is so sweet and thick up there you've just gotta let it all hang out.

My Carrera was special edition for solidbodyguitar.com--all black. SOOOOO under the radar! I love it.

On the 9-pin base, put in a 6L6 and its a Twin. On the 8-pin base, put in and EL84 and its a Marshall--but better.

Dirty it is fantastic tone. I think Eric Johnson would approve. SRV definately would.
Clean tone is very warm and rich.

Dimebag amp fans need not apply. This doesn't do crazy, Uberschall gain. It would with a pedal, but doesn't out of the box. If that's what you want, why are you looking at this amp?

I've got EMG-equipped Strat and Les Paul. The both sound so fantastic its hard to choose which one to play. This amp really lets the guitar harmonics and tone come shining through.

I play blues/rock and this'll do it all. The tone knobs are very sensitive, so dial in what you like. Its also one of those amps that when everything is on ten, your guitar volume knob will give it all to you. Got a Les Paul? Turn down the neck pickup volume, reef the bridge and your pickup selector are your "two channels." Strat will do the same with the neck/middle tone knobs rolled all the way down and used in conjunction with the volume knob.

Can you tell this is the best amp I've ever heard?

I couldn't resist taking the amp out of the cabinet. Holy cow. It is built so solidly well, and wired so beautifully and cleanly, my kids just didn't understand why Daddy was crying.

It'll be theirs--someday. I would gig only with backup tubes, because this amp will never die.

This is amazing. I've emailed Cornford twice with dumb questions. Paul Cornford himself sent back the same day. And answered all my questions.

No problems with the amp. Solid is an understatement.

Amazing? Beyond yes.

Want a solid-state, cheap amp? Get one. Want the best? Shut up, put up and play up.

Expensive? Yes. The best of anything isn't cheap, though.

As detailed in the other reviews, the Carrera is a 1x12 all tube class A single-ended(whatever the hell that means!) combo rated at 5-8 watts, depending on your valve selection-more on this later.We have a wonderfully simple EQ comprising Bass, Mid and Treble-how utterly refreshing in this age of tecnological lunacy (n.b I'm in my early thirties so don't write this comment off as the senile ramblings of an old guy).We also have a rather tasty reverb circuit(fully valve driven-whatever that means).There is a series effects loop sensibly located on the control pannel-no more cricking your neck to plug in those O-so-quirky modulation devices that we like to impress the missus with.And finally ,and I'm not convinced on this, there is the much-heralded self biasing valve-changey type thing.O.k-the idea is that you can switch the output(and pre-amp) valves to produce different tones-again more on this later.I own a number of Cornfords and this is loaded with goodies-however a footswith for the reverb would have been nice.This is ,of course, the ultimate in nit-picking.Why the hell include such a feature on a studio/practice amp?I'm sure it has kept the cost down.
Thanks for reading this far!!

Sounds-well here we come to the really important stuff.I think that the(ahem!) older player reared on the non-master tube amps of old would think that all of their Christmases had come at once.This is a serious investment and I think certain younger players(myself to some extent) may be expecting something that no amp could ever provide-i.e SRV/Hendrix/Whoevever-you-like on tap.Not just the tone but everything else.Well younger players take heed!This is good but inevitably it is all in the fingers.
Saying that, having gotten over the initail disappointment of not immediately morphing into Brian May, the sounds to be had from this amp are truely great, individual and ultimately inspiring.And what's more at sensible and sociable volumes.
The distortion is the best I have ever come across.High gain settings sustain with that lovely harmonic thing.Roll off on your trusty Axe and you have that classic "bell-like" clean tone.Wack the hell out of the power stage at low gain settings and front-end a decent OD pedal(I use a fulltone) then you have a completely different bluesy thing going on.Reverb is good at all levels in my opinion.I would respectfully suggest that you keep FX to an absolute minimum and invest in bloody good short leads.It really does make all of the difference.I am fortunate to own a diverse range of high-end guitars.I have also spent many years playing through cheap stuff(hence my comment about it all being in the fingers).I have yet to find a guitar cheap or expensive that doesn't sound as it should through this amp.I can not see how you can improve on the sounds that this little beauty produces.
Just a word on the valve-changing feature.I haven't extensivly investigated this,but going from the supplied 9-8 pin options doesn't make a huge difference(except in volume) to the sound of the amp.Now this isn't criticism as we are not looking at a modelling amp-and congrats to Cornford for retaining a distinctive tone.I am no pro and I'm sure these guys would really relish this feature-just don't expect too much from this if you're a bedroom player!

I have a Hell-cat, a Harlequin, the Carrera and also run two 2x12 Cornford Cabs.I have had the Hellcat for approx 3-4 years.Quite frankly reliability is not an issue.Coupled with the excellent after- sales service(4 years later!!)from a certain Gallery in Oxford-UK I simply pick up the phone and any concerns are addressed immediately.I don't gig as often as I would like, but taking the Cornfords out is a dream.I can quite honestly say that I've never had any reliability issues with these amps

See above.In addition I have spoken to numerous guys who all agree that Cornford really look after you.
I would also say that I have bought my last two Cornfords "blind" as I trust them so much-I haven't been dissapointed

I've been playing for 17 years.I am repeating what I have seen written so many times on this site.I would have saved myself thousands if this had been available when I started to be able to afford good stuff.
I own a boogie MarkIV an old hybrid Fender and a musicman head(sweet!) in addition to the Cornfords.I won't bore you with my guitar collection-it's better than some but pitiful compared to others.
My final opinion is that this amp is seriously special.I can't see how it can be bettered shy of gold-plating it.This,I am sure would serve you for life.

Thankyou Cornford

The new "SUPER HARLY" as it's also known is the most recent addition to the Cornford range. I already own a Hurricane but wanted a lower power amp with the same features. The original Harly had the sound but no FX or Reverb. When Cornford introduced the Carrera it has both PLUS the switchable tubes! I waited for the reviews in the press and on the Harmony site before buying, and I was not disappointed.

Single channel it may be, but with the guitar's volume control dialling in the gain, you don't really need more. any way, the best way to get this with a Cornford is to front it with a decent overdrive pedal.

I use this when the Hurricane (or my Mesa Mk III and K&M Two-Rock are just TOO LOUD). It goes into overdrive so early that the singing sustain is there right away.

Its only drawback is using it clean at high levels - for that you really need an amp with more headroom - remember it's only 5 - 8 watts...

The sound is classic Cornford with the classic "filth" as described in the press. This is the expressive sustain with clear string articulation, and even gain right up the scale on decent guitars.

Humbucker, soapbar and single coils all perform well and it's possible to get real modern crunch with an overdirve pedal in front (I use the US-built Zen-drive 2). The reverb is nice, but unusable above about 6-7 as it really swamps the sound. Amp is quiet, especially as it has no fan (not needed with this design).

Since it's tube switchable, you can get the edgy EL84 sounds of the famous Cornford design OR the 6L6 sound of a US amp. It's nearest to a Mesa Boogie here - breaking up too early for a true vintage Fender. But that's what I like any way. EL34 is also possible, but not yet attempted!

Too soon to tell, but my Hurricane is fine (3 years). I'd gig just with spare tubes. Cabinet is tough and tubes well protected.

Can only speak for the Hurricane I also own:

1. Pete agreed when I got it in USA that he would switch the PS on my return FOC - which Martin did for me this year. It was done within 1 week of me asking. That's good.

2. The Celestion V30 started a slight buzz early on, and again Cornford swapped it, no problem.

They seem to care and are genuinely interested in what you think (and what you think also about the competition).

Playing electrics for 25 years and earning enough to be able to choose pretty much whatever I want, this amp had to be in my arsenal (listed above). I would replace it if lost.

I play most styles and use several high-end guitars, it sounds great with everything - once you take the time to work with the controls. Out of the box it sounds good any way, but judicious blending of master and gain reward instead of just whacking the gain to full and using the guitars volume to control.

Owning EL84, EL34 and 6L6 amps, thisd was my "boutique bedroom" choice. Only a MATAMP comes near for me. That's whay they're on 6 months back order!

The features are as described below. Single channel, TMB tone controls, switchable valves - 8 pin or 9 pin (ace!), series FX loop, reverb. Perfect for low volume settings, home use and recording; slave out can go to another amp, pre-amp, MBox2 etc.

I've had the amp for over 6 months - I got one as soon as they came out and haven't been disappointed.

Also remember it is point to point wired (I know PCBs can sound good in the right amps - THD and Boogies - but I like the personal touch).

I use a Tom Anderson Atom and a Tom Anderson Drop Top Classic. I play everything from rockabilly to metal. Low (unwanted) noise but lots of loud music! The 112 and Celestion Vintage 30 suits this amp to the ground and the oversize cabinet really adds to the presence.

No channel switching but responds well to changes in your guitar's volume - this can take a bit of getting used to but it's worth it.

The clean sounds are excellent, the reverb is really rich and never swamps the sound. The distortion is superb, especially if used with a decent OD (I like the Fulltone OCD). So many harmonics.

The different sound character between the 8 pin valves (anything from 6L6 to EL34s) and the EL84s is interesting. When you first switch it, it sounds quieter but having spoken to Cornford they say the output is the same, it is the mid range and tonal changes that seem to give the EL84 more punch. I like using the EL34 and the Tung Sol reissue 5881. Crunch to sustain - it is excellent and one of the best amps I've ever played/heard.

This is my fourth Cornford amp over 5 years. Never had a problem.

You just need to be careful replacing and seating the valves when you change them.

Cornford sometimes take a little while to respond to technical question-type emails but they do respond and you usually get a personal reply from Martin Kidd or Paul Cornford (the amp designers, builders, company directors etc). I've also spoken to them personally on the telephone - try contacting Jim Marshall or Randall Smith...

Come and visit the Cornford users forum - you get to see some nice pics, talk to the gurus and shoot the breeze.

I've been playing about 20 years and have owned Marshall, Mesa Boogie, THD and Cornford amps. The Cornfords are the ones I've kept.

This amp is handbuilt, PTP wired, uses top notch materials and components, sounds superb and looks great.

I replaced my trusty Harlequin with the Carrera and don't regret the decision. I now own a Cornford MK50H MkII (the channel switching version)...I don't which one to play!

I bought the amp new. I had read so much about the quality of Cornford amps I decided it was time to try one. I have not been disappointed. This amp is built and designed for recording and home use and I will score it on this basis. The single channel simple gain,reverb,bass, middle,treble, master set up is complimented by a valve powered effects loop, hi and lo inputs and standby/mains on/off switches.As descibed previously, the valve switching system is a touch of genious. The speaker is a 12" Celestion Vintage 30.In short, the amp has everything needed to fulfill its purpose.

I have an Anderson Atom with twin humbuckers, an Anderson Hollow T contour and a Taylor T5. As the Atom is new I have spent most of my recent time indulging myself with the Atom/Carrera setup. "Guitarist" magazine in the UK has given both the Atom and the Carrera 5 Star gold awards in recent months so I was quite excited about exploring the two together.I enjoy many types of music, including rock, blues and good quality popular music. I am retired and for the last 5 years I have been rediscovering the joys of playing guitar. I play mainly at home.
I presently also own a Boogie Maverick which I very much like. However, I already know, after only a week that the Boogie is unlikely to be played much at home. The Carrera is just such a wonderful experience.
As an example, with all controls set pretty neutrally, the gain at 3 and the master at nine the clean sounds from the Atom with both humbuckers on the split-coil middle position are just magnificent.Ringing with loads of headroom and superb reverb. Push the gain to six, back off the master to 6 and with the Atom on any humbucker pickup setting the sound is creamy blues at its best. Push the gain to 9 and the crunch rock sound is not crass and tasteless but exactly as you always dreamed it would be.
In this example the EL84 is selected. Obviously, the permutations from amp and guitars is almost endless. I dont want to waste time playing around with settings and effects to get the sound I am looking for and,as my example trys to illustrate, every sound is there on tap with relative ease.There isn't a bad sound in the box.
It's just an enlightening experience - wonderful.

First time I have ever owned a British amp. I rang Cornford before I purchased and they took time to talk to me about every aspect I raised. The amp is hand built to the highest quality levels. Obviously, I have not had too much time to test the reliability aspect but the combination of the personal touch from the Cornford people and the build quality gives me total confidence.

I can only restate what I have said above.

There must be thousands of guys like me who enjoy playing and recording at home. All I can say is buy one of these. They are not cheap at almost #1000 but they are worth it. I have tried many amp/guitar combinations over the years but my search is now at an end. I would definitely replace it if it were lost or stolen and if I can find 3 or 4 other old guys who fancy gigging I will definitely look close at the Carrera's big brother the Hellcat.

2005 (Dec) single channel so you need to set your gain carefully and use the vol on guitar to work the level of cleaner to dirty sounds - a different way of working to just hitting a button to change channels.Rated from 5-8 watt which is plenty for home use,and may cover the smaller gig too.The swichable valves are a new thing but to clarify this - the amp has 2 output valves onboard - a 6L6 and El84 - you toggle between them using the switch on the front panel.The valve bases are for a 9 pin and an 8pin so they can take different types of valve for extra voicings.

Am using a Brian Moore custom C55.Mainly blues rock type of stuff,but like to play classic covers too.This amp can cover all the bases but you may need to carefully note your settings if doing a lot of different styles.Seems fairly quiet,when the gain goes past 2oclock the hiss is more noticeable.Plenty of gain there for me,gettign a clean sound takes a bit more work but it will clean up well using vol on guitar.Am still getting used to it but the effects loop has a fixed output level (before the master vol) am not using many fx but have noticed a little noise on my boss dd3 which seems to be almost like overloading the pedal's input..tried the pedal straight into the front of the amp and it was fine..would have liked to have seen some kind of level control for the fx signal.

seems very well built - doubt if this will be an issue.

You dont get much in the way of any fancy manuals with this amp- so a lot of things you just need to figure out yourself- the switchable valve feature is not explained at all ie putting amp into standby first before flipping the toggle switch!!!Sent an email ref the FX loop got a one line reply 2 days later so I reckon they are busy building amps rather than front end service - but they are developing a website with user forum but still not many users as yet.

Playing over 30 yrs would replace it if it got stolen.Have a DC3 boogie the Carrera has a real 'sound' to it which beats it hands down.

This is a 2005 model and is as described by the guy below. The ability to switch valves at will without haviing to re-bias is a touch of genius. So if you start getting tired of the same sound you dont go buy another amp, just just try a different valve. The fact that you can literally switch from 8 pin to 9 pin so easily make this amp extremely versatile. Its just as well built as the other combos in the Cornford stable.

This amp sounds incredible. I have had a couple of Harlequins and a couple of Hurricanes, both great amps but this is the icing on the cake. It combines both amps into one but with more features and versatility, and a great reverb. I just recently sold my Bad Cat Cub 2 which after I had done it I thought was a mistake, until I got the Carrera. Its as good as the Cat if not better, and it doesnt weigh a ton.

I use an Am.Strat, PRS CU24, PRS McCarty, and a 335 and they all sound good, but you can also hear the individuality of each guitar, even with plenty of gain. You can get fairly aggressive distortion if you like, that but to me the best sound is the creamy overdrive you can get, without fizz of grit but with bite when you dig in.

Just like its predecessors it responds beautifully to pick attack and cleans up well to volume reduction on the guitar. You just gotta hear one for yourself. Its the perfect amp for home or studio but would not be loud enough for a gig unless miked or hooked up to the PA.

To early to say but going off past experience I dont doubt this will be the extremely reliable, and if it breaks it will be easy to fix being point to point.

In the past they have been pretty good and will spend time to chat and return emails. I think they do listen because I remember saying to Martyn Kidd ( designer ) some time ago on the phone that an ideal amp would be a Harle with reverb, and more comprehensive EQ and an effects loop, he said that I wasnt the only one to suggest this and he would be working on it soon. Anyway 9 months later and presto they did it.

I have been playing for 30 odd years and this is one of the best combos I have heard for the bucks. I would definately buy another if this one got nicked.

If you wanna know more about it feel free to mail me.

What more can you ask for, a class A valve amp that can switch between 2 output valves. Choose between a Fender or Vox AC30 type sound with the supplied valves, or change them to get that Marshall crunch or for any other sound you want. Pre amp valves can also be changed, if you want to experiment with even more sounds.
Valve driven effects loop is a welcome feature along with the ability to plug in an extension cabinet/speaker.

This amp provides true distortion, not that cheap fuzz type. Turn up the gain and it absolutely screams, back of the gain or guitar volume and you get a really clear clean sound and everything in-between. I have owned many amps over the years, valve, transistor and hybrids, none come close to this. Without a doubt, this is the Holy Grail of valve amps.
It also has the best valve powered reverb you will ever hear.

So far I've had no problems. Cornford do have a good reputation so I cannot foresee any problems in the future.
It appears to be built like a tank. No evidence of cheap materials being used or corners cut. All hand wired point to point, no PCB's of any kind.

Cornford now have an on line forum, Paul Cornford the owner and Martin Kidd the designer will both answer questions from owners and potential owners alike.

I have been playing for longer than I care to remember, and this amp is far and away the best I have ever tried. Using humbuckers or single coils, it always sounds amazing. It has to be 10 out of 10 all round. For all other amp manufacturers out there, this is the one to beat.

The Carrera is the latest adition to the Cornford range. It is a self bias valve amp at around 5-8 watt rating. The amp produces lots of headroom for clean tones for such a small power rating and overdriven is sweet,fat, & clear.It is single channel. It is designed as a recording amp but doubles nicely for practise and bedroom playing.It is fitted with a EL84 AND a 6L6, either of which can be switched in or out or changed for other valves at the drop of a hat. This means that a pro studio musician could access lots of sounds by carrying one amp and a selection of valves, without the need for major cartedge/multi-amp set ups.
This is serious the best amp I have ever heard. I,ve owned, borrowed or played Boogie, Marshall, Badcat,Peavey, Laney, Fender, Vox & Proamp..in my opinion this beats the lot handsdown although it is definatly not the most instantly flexible unit I have owned.
I am so impressed with this amp I,m getting it's larger sister amp, THE HURRICANE to gig with.

Using a Tyler & Tom Anderson I,m experiencing a quality of tone I,ve not experienced before. Clean sounds are crisp, clear but fat and smooth. Overdrives are sweet,fat but transparent and not Fizzy.
The unit it quiet..at #999 I expect it to be.
Check out the Cornford web sight for audible tones.

Can,t make a qualified comment here but Cornford have an excellent reputation.

Very good company for product but I think they are so busy they cannot, or at least don,t seem to spend time to listen carefully to your adverage punter if you contact them directly. I felt that I quite didn't get what I expected because I ordered this unit blind as it hadn't been produced at the time. Having said that I am EXTREMELY HAPPY with the amp and in anycase it,s down to the retailer to service a prospect not the factory.

I,ve been playing for 31 years albeit with a 8 year break. I wish Cornford had been available back then..I would have saved myself a lot of money. I don,t think I'll ever be happy playing anything but a Cornford now.
If this amp were lost I would replace it immediatly.
I do wish Cornford would offer a different colour to Oxblood as this is not the nicest colour for my home.