Cornford Hellcat Head

35 watt, 2 channel head, with shared EQ and reverb.
Channels and Reverb can be controlled via the supplied footswitch.
Series effects loop. Straightforward operation, no superfluous switches or settings. It would have been a nice touch if the footswitch had LED's when the "Modern" channel or the "Reverb" is selected.
However, between the two channels, and using the volume and tone pots on the guitar, the Hellcat is one of the most versatile tone machines available on the market today.
To be ultra picky, I'll take a mark off the top spot for no LED's on the footswitch, but I almost feel guilty about it!

Our band, Tora Bora, is based in Guernsey, Channel Isles. We play a mix of classic/southern/and original blues-based rock material, playing our own versions of tracks originally recorded by diverse artistes such as The Doors, The Allman Brothers, The Band, Fleetwood Mac, Hendrix, SRV, and Dylan, to name just a few, as well as some of our own.
I play a mix of rhythm and slide guitar, using a Les Paul Goldtop RI '57 (with Bareknuckle "The Mule" pickups), and a Les Paul Standard (set up for slide in open-E tuning, using Wagner "Darkburst" pickups).

The Hellcat is the first amp I've owned that covers all these bases perfectly, without having to resort to various stomp boxes. ( I have recently sold a Boss DS2, Boss Sustain pedal, a Marshall Bluesbreaker pedal and an Ibanez Tube Screamer- I simply don't need them anymore).I have previously owned a VHT Pittbull 45, a hand-wired Germino Masonette, a Marshall DSL 50, and the hand-wired Marshall 2061X.I am not going to knock those amps- they're all good amps- but for versatility, sheer class and monster tone, the Cornford is definately in a class of it's own.
I was a little bit concerned about the shared EQ after my experience with the DSL (I could never get a good tone from both channels on the same settings). However, the Hellcat is beautifully balanced in this respect- two very different channels, but perfect in the same amp- very complimentary.I also use a Marshall 1960 AX (4x12 Greenbacks) with the amp, which I'm very happy with.
The "Vintage" channel can be very clean and shimmery, although the 35 watts does restict the headroom a bit. It's kinda Blackface-ish, but it does have it's own unique voice. Turn up the gain, and the tone begins to thicken up, easing into crunch territory.
The "Modern" channel takes over, providing stunning crunch at lower gain settings. As the gain is advanced, the crunch gradually changes to the most beautiful, open, fluid, dynamic tone that you really have to hear to appreciate. The Hellcat is incredibly responsive to the guitar,and the way it's played. Almost intuitive. Increase the gain even further, and you've got the most brutal, sustaining "Cornford Filth" available, but always staying tight and defined. No mush here whatsoever, just oozing with classic tone. (I see what they mean about going where no boutique amp has dared to visit...)

Only gigged twice so far. I didn't have a backup, but to be honest, tubes/fuses can go on the most meticulously made gear, so it's always a bit of a risk...
However, the Hellcat is completely hand-wired. Cornford never use PCB's, so I'm not expecting any issues with this amp. I won't rate this category as reliability can only be judged over time...

I've spoken to Martin Kidd a couple of times. Very knowlegable, (he should be- he designed the Cornford range!), and always helpful. Normally responds to emails quickly.

Been playing around 35 years, and apart from the Gibsons (already mentioned) I have a Rickenbacker 660/12 for that lovely jangle only a Ric can provide.
I would, without question, replace the Hellcat if such a situation arose. I really think Cornford have produced a fantastic product here. 35 watts is just about the right compromise between headroom and allowing the power tubes to cook a bit on your average gig, and the tone is enough to make you melt.
Not cheap by any means- but when you consider (and HEAR!) what you're getting, it's still very good value.

Just good old fashioned 'useable' knobs, no fancy electronics here. Controls that work and an effects loop. It's a 2 channel amp that does what it says on the box!! The only down side is that channel switching and reverb is via foot switch only and no LED's on the footswitch! Other than that, it's got everything I NEED in a very simple yet sophisticated package.

I use Les Pauls and a G & L Asat, both come to life with this amp... more so than with my other amp which a Cornford MK50. I mainly play Classic rock... Thin Lizzy, Free, Bad Co through to AC/DC, MSG and G & R and it covers all bases very well... it's all there. It's a valve amp so there is a little bit of transformer hum... but it's no big deal, the gain on the modern channel has to be set quite high for it to be noticeable. The sheer amount of variation in tone you have with just basic controls is astounding. The vintage channel can be nice and clean, but with it being only 35 watts means the headroom is going to be limited. The modern channel can go from crunch to madness (think moded AC30 on steroids). Both channels are very sweet sounding, absolutely no harshness... if you get a bad sound with one of these, it's either not working properly or you need to look at the rest of your gear!!!

So far so good.... I have faith. I already own a Cornford MK50 and have never had a problem and I don't expect any with the Hellcat. If it does go wrong I'm not too worried as it's all hand built, point to point wired which means that it's all repairable anyway. I have left the tubes in that came from the factory, but when the time comes to change I'll probably go for Groove Tubes as my MK DID sound smoother and sweeter with these fitted.

I;ve spoken to both Paul Cornford and Martin Kidd several times about various things (though never the need to get my amp repaired), and I have ALWAYS been treated as though I was the only customer! These Cornford folk really do care about keeping ALL their customers happy, absolutely top marks.

I've been playing for 25 years off and on though never with the intention of being a rock star, and I have only recently found a sound I'm happy with. First with the MK, and now with the Hellcat. Why do I have both? Well they are different beasts with different sounds.... either amp will be enough for most. I only brought the Hellcat because I use both with a stereo cab and switch between the 2 to get EVEN more variety of sounds, and it's ALL valve. FANTASIC!! If it were stolen I would get another, no need for any other amp in my opinion... tried the rest and now I'll stick with who and what I consider THE best. If I have any criticism of both my amps then it's the lack of a proper volume boost for lead work. I have found the perfect way round this problem, but I wish Cornford had designed a dedicated solo boost into the circuit. I use an MXR micro amp through the effects loop and it sounds awesome.... it's as simple as that. I was a bit concerned about this and tried various ways of trying to get the solo boost I needed... and this is great.. just a simple pedal with 1 control knob. LED's on the foot switch would have been nice, but you can tell by the sound which channel you are using.

My amp was made in 2002, and was purchased thru Fazios music in st louis missouri.I've had the amp now for going on three years so I feel like I can give an honest review.I'ts a class A 35watt 2channell head with shared eq and series loop.I play in a 4 piece band and most of the venues I play in are small buildings but very open.The 35 watts are more than enough for my environment.Only two channells at your disposal??yeah! and i get more out of this than any 3-4ch on the market..period!!!!!

I play one of three John Suhr standard guitars thru this amp and they all sound huge.It amazes me how the hellcat brings out all the characteristics of each of my guitars. I can even hear the difference when someone else plays them. the clean is amongst the best ever heard. very blackface fender sounding with a light breakup as you increase the gain on ch 1.You can go from eric johnson clean to srv blues by simply leaving the gain around 3/4 of the way up and simply rolling off the volume on your guitar.CH 2 is amazing!!!If anyone has ever told you they are looking for that sound in your head.I found it!!great crunch to start out and then turn your gain up and you get "flying in a blue dream sustain without any harshness.One of the smoothest leads ive ever had the privalage to play and record with.

I've never had a problem after 3 yrs. built to last and as neat on the inside as it looks on the outside.

I've spoke to paul & martin kidd on sveral occasions. Both of the guys are so kind and very easy to deal with.If I worked for a company in the guitar industry i wouldn't hesitate to put my resume in with these guys. you get the feeling that your investing into something of value, a product of commitment. I for one can't wait to see what pops into martins head in the next five years..sacry!

been playing for 17 years,playing in a band for six.i've owned lots of guitars and have sold all of the after finding John Suhr's guitars and I would never go back.Had my hellcat for three years and have found a quality for the $$ that justifies such an expensive purchase. Just like when I look at my suhr's after they've been run hard for a good three hours and notice their still in tune(all with floyds). I get the same feeling getting consistent tone out of my Cornford.I just ordered suhrs amazing new od50sh to sing along side my hellcat/matching 4x12. And although I think I have all my bases covered, if martin comes up with the rumored mk50 2channell I may need to start donating blood for $.

Ive had my Hellcat for 15 months now and can give it another review on how i feel it has performed. The Hellcat can do anything , its that simple and the amp is that good. Thankfully there are NO irrelevant features a la scoop this , cut this , tone shift the other and all that nonsense, this amp is built for tone.Its 35 watts but its a LOUD 35 watts , the drive is sensational , really has all you could ever wish for, the vintage or plexi as i call it, channel , is great for rhythm and if you go clean, it is heavenly , talk about chiming with bell like clarity.Cornford make an astonishing product with their Hellcat Head.

Gary Moore sustain and intensity =Easy
Billy Gibbons Crunch and Grind= Easy
Mark Knopfler Bell Lile Strat Tone = Easy
I use it with a 2001 Gibson R9 , im a huge Gary Moore / John Sykes / Billy Gibbons fan and this amp makes it all too easy !! Ive had Marshalls, Mesa, Laney and Fender amps and this amp just mocks them, its that good.

(touches wood) Flawless so far, Ive phoned Martin at Cornford for technical advice and he gives you all the time you need, is supremely knowledgeable, i mean he is the guy who built my amp and welcomes you warmly any time you call . Magnificent.

If anything went wrong with my hellcat , its a short flight to dorset, it is 100% PTP and should be very simple to rectify any situation should it arise.

Im running out of superlatives. It flat out makes tones that put its player on board the plane to tonal heaven I want a MK50H head by Cornford now to partner with my Hellcat . Supreme Tone , Supreme Build and Supreme Back Up , do I need to say more.Cornford.........you totally RULE !!

I bought this amp in 2003. It is a 35 watt class A with 4 el84's and 4 or 5 12ax7's. Its two channel with a serial fx loop. This amp is very versatile. The vintage channel will do clean and reacts very nicely with pedals. As you increase the gain it will break up. Sounds good with single or humbucker. However I find that I use the treble control sparingly with single coils. Really you can just use the vintage channel with different overdrive or distortion pedals. Its a great channel.

The lead channel is also wonderful. Very tight punchy. You can set it light for a pretty big crunch and use a pedal to kick in lead or turn the gain up for a really singing tone. I would describe the tone similar to the into of ZZtop "Tush" with the gain around 4-5.

Dont let 35 watts fool you. I cant push the masters over 5 in a really loud band. Its plenty loud. It seems right about the right level between 3-5 on the master.

It has a nice reverb as well. I really dont use the reverb much. When I do I keep it low 2-4.

It comes with a nice rugged foot switch. I wish it had LED lights on it as sometimes Im not sure what channel is on. If you run distortion on both channels you can get confused on stage. But its not a big deal.

The fx loop send levels are controled by the gain controls. So if you use the "send" to go to an fx unit and out to another amp, the levels are difficult to control when switching channels, especially if you run the the gain low for clean and really high for the lead channel. If you just use the fx loop for a processor back into the amp, the master vol for each channel will be able to mix them fine. If you want to keep the original tone dry and send fx to another amp, you may want to pull,(Convert) a line level signal from the speaker output via a Hotplate or some other instrument to line level device.

Personally I think the amp sounds best without a processor in the loop. How ever I do use the loop. I send a 20' cable out to my pedal board into a Cornish buffer booster then into a Trex delay. Both of those pedals do not color or change the sound of the amp in any way to my ears. Very clean pedals and the buffer makes up the tone loss of 40' of cable. The delay sounds best to me after the preamp.

I do wish it had a Line out after the power amp. If you only use 1 speaker cabinet you could have the other speaker output converted easily.

Im playing Blues, rock and Fusion. The amp is not noisy at all. Very little hiss with the gain set high. But all high gain amps have some hiss.
As I said prior the clean channel will do very clean. But when you turn the gain up it does sound crunchy. Very nice with a strat similar to SRV. With humbuckers it goes into a low gain distortion. Fuzz pedals will sound better with a little gain in the channel.

The Lead channel is pretty high gain but not like a Mesa high gain. The Cornford gain sound is really unique but also reminds you of the great distortions of the old days. It really shines on solos. Hard to describe. Im sure most guys will love it.

I find that the treble control sounds best set fairly low between 3-5, the bass sounds great at 9-10, and the Mid can vary, it sounds great every where.

The day I bought this amp I opened it up to look inside. It is what they say. Top notch point to point , very neat and they did not go cheap on parts. I do have a concern about the metal grid you have to remove to get to the tubes. Its just screwed into the wood cabinet. After a few times of removing it the holes will probably be stripped out. The tolex also seems easily damaged.

I did have a problem with my 2x12 cabinet. I did not give it good reviews on reliability. However It does sound really good. Im not a fan of the Vintage 30 speaker. I changed to the G12h30 and am much more pleased. You can read that review on the 2x12 cab section. Over all I believe its very reliable. However I would suggest a road case.

The times I emailed concerning a purchase or to ask tech questions I got a nice reply, very helpful. When I had a complaint I heard nothing. I did not ask for warranty repair due to I had already modified the cabinet by changing the speakers and frankly thought they would think I damaged it. I would have though they would emailed back and at least acknowledged my constructive critism. Pretty hard to have good cust service when you are in England. Marshall had the same problem from my experience.

Ive been playing approx 25 years semi pro. I also teach. I own other amps, mesa boogie triaxis/simul 290 rig which I still like. Although im not playing it much.

If it were lost or stolen I would try to buy another one.

What I love about the Hellcat is that it sounds so wonderful and is not so loud you cant rev it up. Its very versatile for all styles of music.

What I hate about it is the price, I think the list is $3500. I dont like that there is not a line out and there is no LED lights on the foot switch. I also think using a threaded insert for things that are going to be removed and replaced during normal maintenence shold be considered. I feel Its worth a good amount money. They could drop the price by $500 on list and I think it might be more reasonable and competitive. If the customer service from the company was there, price wouldnt be an issue for me.

Although I must say the place I bought it in Denver Colo "GuitarX" is one of the finest stores Ive shopped. My friends Gary and Shawna are always going out of their way to satisfy their customers and carry all sorts of boutique instruments. Stuff you wont normally see on the store room floor. They Give a very fair price and service of excellence!

Had this puppy about 3 months now so feel qualified to comment. It is mated with a Cronford 4x12 cab containing Celestion vintage 30's.

It's a hand wired, hand build, British tube amp with hi and low inputs, two channels (Vintage & Modern), spring reverb, shared e.q. and an effects loop. The 4 el84's push out more than enough power for all but the largest gigs for which I would mike up anyway.

I'm giving it a 9 in this category as it's such a versatile little beast. Although it hasn't got loads of superflous features, it doesn't need 'em. It's so versatile that the two channels in conjunction with the controls on the guitar (remember those?) can deliver 95% of what I need.

I had heard legendary things about this amp so off I went down to Vintage Guitars in London to try one out. Within about 10 mins I was totally sold on the sound. I play a variety of guitars from a LP through to a JS1000. The vintage channel can go from very clean (not ultra clean though) to warm, through that 'just about to break up' phase and into crunch territory with ease. And all this by just rolling the guitar's volume on and off. Sounds like an AC30 alright. The Modern channel will just about do clean at about 8 o'clock but from around 12 o'clock upwards it really starts to sing. There is some serious gain available here but it never gets harsh or brittle. Just loads of creamy distortion on tap with shed loads of even order harmonics. I just can't leave it alone, it really is that good. The tone controls are pitched just right and have a USABLE range which is more than I can say for most modern amps. The slight downside as with any tube amp is the noise level which does tend to make itself known at higher gain settings.

These units are built to a very high standard. Physically I would trust it to go several rounds with a rhinocerous. Of course, it being a valve amp it would always make sense to have spare tubes available just in case.

The 4x12 is made of solid pine and is very heavy. The pine no doubt contributes to the warm sound but there is a downside here. Mine was dented during transport and I would say it's more susceptible to damage than say a ply construction.

I rang the company a couple of times and was always able to speak to someone knowledgeable. They treat you as if you were their only customer which makes a refreshing change these days.

Been playing for more than 20 years. Got a LP Jimmy Page, Charvel Custom and JS1000. Have owned loads of stuff and also have my own PC based recording studio. Before the Hellcat I had a Mashall JCM 900 which I used to think was OK until I bought this!

If mine were stolen I'd probably go for the Hellcat Combo as it's more practical for the kind of stuff I do.

I did try a few Mesa/Boogie models before the this but there was no comparison.

2 channels , 4 x el84 , point to point wired and handbuilt etc etc , others have covered all this stuff.

i play a Gibson R9 Les Paul with voodoo 59 PAF pickups, this amp is the sound ive waited all my life for.the modern channel is warm and creamy and the vintage is every tone peter green ever recorded. takes your marshall , mesa , engl and shows em how it should be done . in fact, it shows how the mighty have fallen, when you see what marshall are producing, they should hang their heads in shame when you see the quality cornford are producing. superlative in every way. well done cornford.

had it about one month , time will answer this.

phoned max at cornford to get an instruction manual, mailed to me in under 5 mins, a genuinely nice bloke and service was excellent.

boutique handmade british and built to last a lifetime. there is only one other amp id like to own alongside my hellcat and that is a THD flexi, the rest, Marshall , Mesa ..........you can keep, they simply aint in the same league. Couldnt say enough good things about the Cornford experience, if you dig Gary Moore neverending sustain right down to Peter Green Albatross, this amp will bring tears to your eyes and i mean that. 100% recommended, #1700 new is expensive, i was lucky, mine was 2nd hand and barely broken in , Mark i thank you warmly for a deal of a lifetime, but you get what you pay for, the Hellcat aint a disposable amp like a modern production Marshall , its a life keeper and something to be very proud of indeed.

Ah, what can't you do with this. This amp is every important amp we've grown to love it's in one cab.

Features include two channels with High/Low inputs and a tube reverb.

The loop is as quiet as it gets!

No matter what axe I use - I have 9 - the tone I seek is immediately attainable through the very responsive eq. I have never heard this amp sound shrill and I suspect a previous reviewer has obtained a modified unit. This amp deliveres everything from delicate glassy tones to insane shred. But, unlike other amps, this one maintains it tonal definition through it's entire tonal spectrum.

I've never seen an amp that is better than this beauty. In fact, I've never seen one as good as this glorious point to point unit.

I've not needed support since I got it but I was able to get answers from their web sight and they were timely.

The use of the highest grade components and exquisite care in production make this the best amp I have ever owned and I've owned (and still own) many fine amps.

They're not giving them away and neither should they. Even in this price range, the versitility, make and sound still gives you an incredible value.

I bought this amp new 2 months ago, no too sure when it was made. This amp is VERY versatile - even if it only had one channel. It has two channels- modern and vintage. It also has onboard reverb, which is possibly the best reverb effect ive heard so far. I use this amp for gigging and band rehearsals, and the 35 watts it offers is more than adequate.

I use this with a Gibson Les Paul custom and the tones i get from it are amazing. Im not too sure what the reviewer below was doing to make it sound brittle, hes probably too used to using fizzy marshalls. There is no noise at all, even at high volumes.
The range of sounds on this amp is awesome, it goes from the perfect jazz tone all the way to the heaviest, tightest distortion on this planet. This amp has so many great sounds it will suit everyone...if they have good technique. Its hard to explain the sensitivity of this amp...its almost as if its a part of your guitar. Every nuance of your playing is picked up, allowing maximum expression in your playing. To hear the amp being played, go to www.tonemerchants.com, as theyve got videos of the legendary Guthrie Govan playing through a Hellcat.

I had a look inside the amp a few weeks ago and was amazed by the sheer attention to detail put into the making. No PCBS at all. This amp can take all the abuse you can give it and still provide amazing tone

I met some of the geniuses behind this amp at the London Guitar Show this year, and they were very friendly and dedicated to providing the best tone at the best prices. After having a look inside the amp, I dont think theres any need to get warranty.

I have been playing for 5 years now, and im glad i found this amp so early into my playing career. If it were stolen or lost, id buy two in case it happened again. I love everything about this amp, it is actually FLAWLESS. Put this next to any amp and it will come out on top. I cant believe I spent 5 years without this amp.
Its already got a good list of users, and im sure there are many that would enjoy it (cough)Paul Gilbert(cough).

So remember BUY CORNFORD BURN MARSHALL

2003 amp, has a footswitch option for both channels.I thought the sounds were a little brittle and predictable. It looks a couple steps short of class and sounds it

I just use a Paul and its volume and tone controls, and the Paul stays, the amp goes. There is quite a large initial buzz as you switch on and off. This may just have been one of those amps, but it does affect the sound. I had heard that this was a "brown sound" type of amp and I think dirty describes it better. Just a little naive and brutal. No real class.

No real reliability issues. The powder coating looks a little poor to the rear of the amp where it sits in the cab and I am sure that will flare up at some point.

Can't really comment. They do not answer messages.

Les Paul '59 reissue out of Daves in La Crosse. Tube screamer and Dog's wah. Suits me.
Playing 24 years. Had lots of gear, I'll stick with my Marshall.