Fuchs Audio Technology 50 Head

First, I was expecting a standard black tolex head and cabinet. when I opened the box I was surprized to see a custon Red Tolex with gold grill cloth. Stunning!!!
This amp has all the features you could ask for in a high end boutique amp. Input, Brite, Deep, and Jazz/Rock toggles. A High, Mid Bass Eq section with pull pots for mid and deep boosts, OD IN/Out, Master, Accent (presence), and Reverb make up the frot panel. The back lets you switch between series or parallel effects loop with variable send and return controls.
With my rig, I control all rack, channel switching and pedal functions via midi and an effect switcher. The Fuchs lets me do this. I spoke to Andy today and he's going to fix me up with a way to also switch the mid boost function in/out. (Currently this is available with the Artist footswitch).

My first reaction when I powered up the amp was, "wow, the clean channel is really CLEAN" I've been using Boogie stuff exclusively for 27 years and I've gotten used to always having a little "dirt" in my clean sound. This is sparkling clean even at high volume levels. Once I got used to it I discovered how sensitive, tight and articulate the clean channel is. As with the OD channel, it's very responsive and touch sensitive.
The OD channel, at any setting, is beautiful. I hate comparing Andy's work to the "D" amp ( I have to ask him about this)but the Robben Ford/Carlton vibe drips from your fingers. Silky smooth OD, no trace of harshness, responds and handles like a Ferrari to your playing. Note: This amp may not be suited for everyone. It forces you to play better as it traces every nuance thrown at it.
Mostly I use a PRS, a Strat and a Gibson 335 for most gigs. This amp, unlike any I've used, let's each guitar personality shine through.
I forgot to mention that I also received a Fuchs 2 12 open back cabinet with Eminence Patriot speakers. GREAT cabinet. I might even use it with my Boogie rig...if I ever take it out again.

I've only had the amp for a few days but it feels and looks solidly built. Like any hand made amp, attention to detail is apparent. Everything is pristine. Andy burns all his amps in for at least 40 hours. I'm taking it out on a gig soon with no reservations. I don't expect any problems what so ever.

If I were to encounter a problem I'm secure in knowing Andy, his wife Annette and the entire Fuchs staff are there personally answering the phones. I've called with questions and always received prompt, immediate attention. They stand behind each and every amp that leaves the factory. When I called, they knew exactly which amp I had, which features and how they could help accomplish what I was after.

I've been playing for 40 years. I started working clubs as a teenager. Since 1979 I've used Mesa Boogie products except for a brief time in the 80's when I wanted that Marshall sound. In the beginning, Randall Smith was like Andy. He answered the phone, answered questions and even once talked me through replacing a blown resistor over the phone. Mike B. was great, too, modifying my DC5 for me in the early 90's. I give Boogie credit though, I haven't had to talk to them in a while but I wonder if I can get Randall on the phone. I know my Christmas cards stopped coming a long tome ago.
Andy is like that now. Personable, friendly and extremely knowledgable about his trade. I hope I can hook up with him and Annette the next time my band is in the N.J, NY area. I want to buy him lunch and a beer. Andy...as your company grows...which it will (is)...don't loose that personal touch. It means a lot to us!

The only thing that would make this amp better would be seperate EQ channels for each channel. Not that its bad, but my taste for clean EQ is drastically different for clean. I can compromise though, the clean is excellent as it is, I just like a thinner / jangly type of clean like a Vox. This is more "Fenderish" (more mid punchy). Mine is the artist series. Gain - brite, deep , jazz/rock EQ switches - Treble with pull midrange shift, Mid with pull gain boost, Bass, Input (overdrive gain) and Output (overdrive channel output), overall Master, and Accent (like a presence control, removes negative feedback). Also has a nice reverb (short pan Accutronics). That's just the front panel !! Rear panel is Power, Standby, Triode / Pentode ouput switching, Studio power switching (fixed to cathode bias), series / parallel FX loop switching, FX send and return jacks, and 8 / 4 ohm speaker outs. I think that covers it !!! Whew, lots and lots of options.

Sound? I can't describe how beautiful this thing sounds. All controls are interactive but the tone controls aren't that drastic in range which is actually a good thing. It prevents the amp from being taken out of its prime sound range. They work, but they add subtle spice without going to the extremes. You can engage the boost function which removes the EQ path and the amp still sounds incredible !! I generally like leaving it in Triode operation and in Studio power. This lends a very thick and rich overdrive tone with a loose "tweedy" low end. In this mode the clean its very punchy but a little too midrangy. I'll admit that the clean sounds better in Pentode operation since the entire frequency response of the 6l6 tubes are represented - very chimey and glistening. In OD, the Pentode operation and Fixed (but adjustable) bias lends to more articulation, perceived gain, and super brown / Dumblesque sound! More bass, highs, and relaxed mids as compared to Triode. Triode = a bluesy, thick tone with tons of gain if needed. Pentode = more of a rock or glistening tone with ample bass and highs and a bit more laid back mids.

The most amazing aspect of this amp is that is really covers so much ground. The low gain settings are so sweet, especially with the brite switch engaged. The only sound it can't do is the brutal Rectumfier type of grungey distortion. This amp is about class, either clean, bluesly, or totally wailing, saturated overdrive / distortion. Its not about brutal, thud-thud, Korn Krap. Its all about Carlton cool or on steriods, Santana on sweet or mean, etc. Worth every damn penny I spent. I've had it for over a year and I still am floored everytime I plug in. This love affair has NOT ended which is new for me. I've gotten tired of lots of top amps in less than a few months (Carr, Egnater, Matchless, Mesa, THD, to name a few). See Overall rating for guitars used.

By the way, this is one of the best amps I've heard when using pedals up front.

Built very well no problems but a blown resistor when I took a bad voltage reading...duh!

Andy Fuchs is top notch, very friendly, and a great techician.

The best amp I've owned. I'd buy another in a heart beat if this one blew up or was stolen. 'Nuff said.

Oh, speakers you ask? I use a 1x12 with either a Tone Tuby Alnico Hemp cone or Weber Michigan Ceramic. I'm building a 2x12 to house the Michigan and a Ceramic Hemp Cone Tone Tubby that is on its way to me. i think they will be a nice compliment to each other.

Guitars? I sold all my PRS Customs and bought two pre-lawsuit (1970's) era Aria Pro II guitars - one Les Paul Custom and a Les Paul Jr. They are built and sound exactly the same as the Gibsons (hence the lawsuit)and I pocketed the rest of the money. Honestly, I used to be a PRS snob, but after acquiring the Les Paul copy, I couldn't justify it anymore.I do have a PRS EG SE though. I great blues guitar (like a strat)and fairly inexpensive.

This is 2 channel "dumble-style" amp, very versatile, with a "tweed"clean channel and an uncomparable drive channel.
It is a tone vault, but it takes a while before you know how to get your tone.
There is a brite on/off switch, a "rock/jazz" switch and a "deep on/off switch.
This amp has 2*6L6 tubes in power section and 12ax7 in preamp stage.
This amp is only for serious guitarplayers who wants to have the "dumble sound". Dumble is nearly impossible to buy, because these are only custom made amps going to 5000$.
Fuchs is in my opinion the only amp, who succeeded to clone the dumble tone.

The clean sound is pure "tweed" depending the cab you use, I use 2 * 12 G12H 30th anniv.celestions.
The sound is 3D, with a very nice and deep reverb. The send return in tube buffered serial/paralel switchable, very proffesional.
De drive channel goes from just edgy, to Santana, to Robben Ford and SRV (oh yes, he too did use a dumble)
Every adjustment you mazke in the tone selection is a complete new experience.
Playing for 30+ years, this is just an amp you just gotta have.

Just bought it

Bought this one at van de Haar Gutiar and Parts, Ijsselstein Holland.
Seems to be the only distributor in Europe

Been playin for 30+ years, in pro situation. Have several boutique amps, sa. Holland (Magma head), Matchless chieftain, Vox limited edition ac30 head, Dual showman head, had Bogner metropolis, Marble Roadking
I would buy it again, as long as they are for sale.
I love this amp is a fetherweight, compare to f.i; Matchless or Vox)
If you want a violin like sustain, very transparant just buy a Fuchs
amp, the Fuch 30 is available with 6v6 tubes switchable to 6L6
But this fuch 30 has lesser headroom, so I went for the 50