Garnet Randy Bachman's Herzog

This is a very old Herzog. It actually is best described as a preamp. Brass logo with brass corners date it from between 1966-69. Based on the Garnet Gnome circuit (think Fender Champ). Input volume and output volume controls with a switch labeled Tone and Deep. Tone actually sounds deeper and darker then Deep. I always have it on Deep. On/off standby switch. The later models came with a remote foot switch input. This feature would be nice but rolling back on the guitars volume can clean up the signal quite nicely. If you're in to using little or no pedals and controlling things through the guitars volume knob then this isn't a problem. Runs on a single 12Ax7 preamp tube and single 6v6 power tube.

I play it mostly through my Garnet Rebel 1x12 combo and a G&L ASAT playing a indie rock/surf style music. Very little noise even at very saturated settings. Can give you a light crunch or a super thick sustain. This was the unit Randy Bachman used for the lead lines on American Women. If you like overdrive/distortion then this unit will give you any range and the tone is the best of any unit I've ever heard. Like I said it reacts like a good tube amp should if you roll back the volume on the guitar a bit it cleans up pretty nicely, if you play hard it gives you more, hit the strings nice and soft and things smooth out. I hate giving things a 10 on this site but for what it is designed for I can't imagine you finding anything that sounds better.

I have let the guitar player in my heavy punk/metal band use it. He has a 2x12 100watt Traynor that is pretty clean and loud like a Fender Twin and it ripped out doom metal tones like no other. Completely destroyed the sounds coming from his pedal.

Have never had a problem with it yet but I've only had it for about 6 months. It's a pretty simple circuit so I can't imagine it would be very hard to repair. Sadly the creator of Garnet Amps "Gar" Gillies passed away a few years ago. It would have been great to have him service the amp.

There are some people keeping the Garnet name alive but I have yet to deal with them.

I've been playing for about 11 years and this is the best unit I have ever found for overdrive/distortion. Even with price for them going through the roof I still find it impossible to part with. If it was stolen I would cry for years and years...
When I was talking to the seller he said "It nails the Neil Young "Hey Hey, My My" tone easy". I had my doubts as that tone is what I have been searching for for years. When I got there I played the opening riff and knew I had to have it even though the money was a stretch for me at the time.
Gordy Johnson of Big Sugar/Grady also uses one and his guitar tones are some of the greatest ever captured on tape. Check out Big Sugars cover of Dear Mr. Fantasy if you can. Unreal tone!