Electro-Harmonix 22 Caliber Power Amp

I should start by stating that this is no ordinary guitar amp in the sense that it is the size of one of Electro-Harmonix' smallest pedals. For that reason, it is easy to mistake this as an effects pedal, which it most definitely not! The 22 Caliber Power Amp is a 22-watt bona fide amplifier.

The manual repeatedly states that this is indeed a power amp and not an effect. That said, the circuitry is very forgiving. For those unenlightened individuals who power their amplifiers without first hooking up the speaker (and thus destroying the transformer) the 22 Caliber has output-muting circuitry that senses an open circuit and shuts off in the interim. I should mention that when powering the unit on (AFTER making the connections) there is a bit of a pop through the speaker(s) unless you have the output turned all the way down; this is worth noting. The unit is powered on by means of plugging in the DC jack, which I suppose saves manufacturing costs. That said, it would be nice to include an on/off switch - particularly when considering that people's expensive speakers are often in-line.

There is a a bright switch as well as a volume knob and a green LED to let the user know that it indeed is powered on. As far as controls go on the 22, that's it. Think of it as a amp head in your pocket - minus the tone controls and tubes.

I play Heritage guitars: a 157 and 137, a Gibson '62-reissue SG from the early nineties, and various Fenders.

My styles of playing are primarily jazz and rock - at least I practice in that order. The 22 Caliber suits both just fine, with a bit of tube essence (in a solid-state box) to make the signal just warm enough. For a more jangly tone - in the tradition of country, blues, and rock - the bright switch comes in handy.

The amp can be hooked up to speakers whose impedance ranges from 4 to 16 ohms. I tried this on my late '60s Marshall 4x12" cab (with the salt-and-pepper grille and metal handles) and was surprised at its capability of producing neighbor-hating volume! There is plenty of power unless one is playing larger venues. I also tried it on my 1x15" Ampeg bass cab, and I unhooked the speaker from my mid-seventies Fender Deluxe Reverb "silverface" for use with the single 12" Jensen. All performed admirably, although you must turn it WAY up to get a more distorted signal. This, of course, is largely dependent on your speaker's efficiency. Your results may vary.

The tone is very reflective of the instrument being put through it. Single-coil pickups maintain their spark, and the neck pickup on my 157 cuts through nicely and is quite warm. I have not yet tried an equalizer through it, as distortion pedals impart their own tone controls. I would use those first before resorting to an EQ.

I have only had this for a couple of days, but it seems very reliable. I would definitely use this as a main rig or a backup, but especially as a backup. Imagine reaching behind your amp and announcing you are grabbing your "22!" That would be cause for concern!

The thing seems really solid, with good-quality components.
I've called the company for other reasons on behalf of the music store where I teach, and the people there are extremely helpful and friendly. There is a one-year manufacturer's warranty which, at this point, I can't imagine using. You never know, but that's why we have backups.

I have been playing professionally as a full-time musician for over ten years, and I'd been gigging several years before that. I am quite partial to tube amps, in particular my 1975 Marshall JMP, the aforementioned Deluxe, and a '61 Fender Bassman I use or loan out occasionally. I'm pretty easy when it comes to bass amplification or amplifying my other instruments, but the only solid-state amps I like for guitar are the Roland JCM-120 and the little PolyTone. AER makes a nice amp, and I'm happy to say that the diminutive 22 Caliber stands alongside those in its own right. If you can get around the minimal controls - the omission of which, to be honest, is an asset rather than a liability - then this box is a must-have.

I would not hesitate to buy another if it were stolen or lost. The price was very reasonable considering what you get for your money. The 22 is quite revolutionary in that it is the whole package; it's not an effect or direct box, it IS the amp; all you need is a speaker cab, speaker cable, and your guitar and pedals! For those pessimists out there (good for you! Try before you buy!) I would implore them to purchase one and keep it as a backup unless you rip a hole in your speaker like Hendrix. Then you're on your own, pal.