Crate CR-1R

Made in '86 (according to speaker date, original speaker). Has 2 inputs, gain, treble, bass, reverb, master, line out, and a headphone jack (I put that in). A basic practice amp (25 watts, according to output transistors and config), just loud enough to rattle the windows around here. And it looks like a Crate (when Crate made Crates that looked like Crates)! A definite collector's item.

When running my Predator (s/s/h) or my Charvette (s/s/h) through it straight, delivers decent tone at low to medium volume. At dime on both knobs, it struggles and distorts in a not-so-nice way. When running at max, it loosens mounting screws- I've tightened up the speaker and sound board a couple of times. However, when lined-out to a P.A., the low-mid volume setting is sweet! Running effects through it (chorus/delay/metal distortion, via DOD TR3-M) really adds to the tone.

This amp is really not a gigger, unless you line out to the P.A. with it. It's built like a Crate- pretty solid. I've only had to replace fuses once in it, and I've had it for 4 years. It's been good to me, I guess I'll keep it...

I've never dealt with the company on this, because I got it used, and because it's never gone down hard. Then again, I'd do my own repairs on it anyway.

I've been playing for 25 years, and next to my Tremolux or my Bandit, it doesn't stand a chance in hell as far as volume goes. But for practice, it's good. You don't need a forklift to lug the bugger around. If I lost it, I'd whine about losing a collector's piece, but that's about all. It's a real good practice amp.