Fuchs Audio Technology Frost 100

This is a boutique all-tube 100w amp head, EFX Loop, 4-8-16ohm speaker outlets, 1-button channel switching, 2 channels, gain, volume, t-m-b, PLENTY of headroom, that's about it.

Simple, lightish, classy (black tolex model), nifty blue & red lights.

10 on Features because the simplicity of featured belies the tonal capability and versatility of this incredible amp.

I am a rocker, play in a typical cover band (oh, oh, living on a prayer...), from quieter funk to Buck Cherry, so I need to cover the gamut.

B-t-w, traded in a Diezel VH4 for this (plus some $). Will never look back (lots of good stuff on a Diezel VH4, but tonally no match whatsoever for this FUCHS. Night and day. A whole year with the VH4, and in one gig with the Frost 100, my whole playing game changed. Must say that I should have stuck with the Diezel Einstein, but even that is no FUCHS.

The Frost 100 is no longer in production, the FUCHS Viper is the next evolution of this amp.

I use mainly Gibsons (SG, Flying V, Howard Roberts Fusion/ES-175, Les Paul). I like a saturated chunky hold-the-reins sound, and a tight clean sound. Classic rock sounds are desired.

To offer comparison, the VH4 has four channels, and they all are necessary, especially if you've spent the money. However, the FUCHS handles the whole gamut, responding to the gtr volume control or even pick pressure.....it is godlike. I dont bother with the channel switching, even though the clean channel is to die for: rolling back the volume does the job. I can't WAIT to record with this thing.

Check this out: for the first time, I am playing like Jimmy Page does in the Song Remains movie - it is all nuance in the volume pot and picking pressure. This amp is a freaking instrument, where the VH4 is a souped-up vehicle. I actually have to rehearse playing this amp now, because so much nuance is available. I can't wait for the landlady to take a hike so I can get into this more and more.

Think mod'd Marshall. A friend has a excellently mod'd JCM 800, very wow, and this FUCHS Frost 100 takes me there and beyond.

I am going to give it a 10 just because I love this bastard. I otherwise imagine it is as reliable as any other amp that relies on decent care. The feller I bought it from (who hasnt stopped crying, since the VH4 pales in comparison) used it live, no problems for him.

Ah now....

I have heard nothing but praise about Andy Fuchs, and I imagine it is true. However, I sent him an email asking a few questions about the amp, and his answer was selective, not answering all the questions, which were basic to the amp (white paper stuff). The website has no information on this amp, even as legacy, which kinda sucks because I always like to have as much technical info as possible.

He didnt bother replying to a second email, which, if he is not into it, have someone else, some eager talkative prick, handle questions.

Also, the 5 year warranty only applies to original purchasers, which I think is a tad weak.

Instead of giving this a low rating, I am going to leave it alone, as I don't have any actual repair issue experience. He did answer the 1st email promptly, which is great, and I did not expect he himself to answer, but, well, eh....

I have been playing for 40 years, and I am 48.

Currently I am playing this through a VHT 2x12. It is light and so portable, but I can help thinking there is a far better cab out there for me and my FUCHS.

If this were stolen or lost, I would go ballistic, weep uncontrollably, refuse to talk to anyone or eat, quit everything and go become a monk.

If I could replace it I would (out of production). I would probably get another FUCHS, or get a JCM 800 and send it to FUCHS to mod (I wish they mod'd older Peavey Classic 50s, but they mod Fender Bassman 50's and I may well send that in).

It is the Holy Grail, for me. First show with the amp I kept turning to my bandmates and saying "TONE" over and over again. Unbelievable. Classic. Like having a totally fine girlfriend, I dont even care about looking at other amps now. I look at cabinets, but who doesnt?

Diezel schmiezel (although all props to Peter, a hell of a nice guy, and his amps are good - however...) if you are trying to choose between the two, I say go Fuchs yourself.