Holland Magma Channel Switching Head Prototype

I'm adding on to my earlier review after sending the amp back to Holland for a gain mod. Same features as stated below.

I sent my Magma head back to Holland amps so they could add additional gain in the lead channel. Not only did they do that, but also modified the effects loop, provided new tubes--all at no charge to me. The amp sounds unbelievable. Very tight bottom end, and it really sings! Think Eric Johnson and you'll no what I'm talking about!

They added a mix control to the effects loop, and I have total control over my effects, or I can use the loop to boost my signal. The effects loop is a new Holland design. Call him for info!!

Reliablity isn't even an issue. I've had my amp over a year with no problems at all.

The fact that Holland amps did all the above mentioned work (plus the new tubes) for free should give you an idea that customer service is great! They take care of their customers. Thanks again Mike and Chris!!

If you're looking for a solid, great sounding, well-built tube head, look no further than Holland Amps!!

The Holland Magma Channel Switching Head Prototype was custom made for me and delivered on 5/21/2000. I was looking for a two channel head--clean and hi-gain channels--with separate eq's per channel, and an effects loop. The amp is all point-to-point hand wired, conservatively rated at 50 watts, and uses two Sovtek 6L6 power tubes, 3 12Ax7 preamp tubes, a tube rectifier (not sure of type), and an additional preamp tube to accomodate the effects loop(which by the way has send and return levels--Great plus!!). The chassis wiring is really a work of art!! All wires are neatly bundled, and all components are virtually isolated to prevent additional noise. The chassis sits in a beautiful cabinet covered in cream tolex. This is the first channel switching model Mike Holland has built. Also comes with a footswitch to change channels.

I use a Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Signature Stratocaster, with DiMarzio HS-3's as my main guitar, and plug the head into a Mesa/Boogie Rectifier 4x12 with Celestion v30's. I play mainly instrumental music (a la Yngwie, Satriani, etc.), and this amp is perfect.

CLEAN--The clean channel is amazing. It's the best clean sound I have ever heard. It's a deep, full sound, with lots of rich harmonics. Mike says that the clean channel in this head is exactly like the clean channel in some of his other models. I believe it! Without a doubt, the richest, purest clean tone I've come in contact with.

LEAD--I was looking for a hi-gain lead tone (think of Yngwie here), and that's exactly what I got. Searing lead tones, and crushing power chord tones are available. The coolest thing is that even with all the gain, all the notes are clearly articulated, even with the most advanced chords!! And boy is it LOUD!!

Channel switching occurs via a footswitch, and is virtually seemless! No pops, noises, or lag time at all. Instantaneous!!

Another cool thing to mention here is how the quiet the amp is. Absolutely no background noise is present, even with all the controls maxed.

This also applies to the effects loop. No background noise at all, plus the control over send and return levels is very nice.

The only reason I'm giving it a 9 instead of a 10 is that it's a prototype. Believe me, if you're looking for an amp with two good sounds (clean and hi gain) this is the amp for you!

This amp is BUILT!! Everything (I do mean everything) is done by hand, and the quality of construction is brilliant. I don't expect anything to go wrong. Just routine tube changes, that's about it. After almost a year of ownership, this amp continues to consistently perform.

Although Mike and I had a miscommunication about the completion date of the amplifer, he more than bent over backwards to help me get the tone I wanted. In fact, I went to his house to pick the amp up, and we spent FOUR HOURS tweaking the amp and making it better. AND THIS WAS ON A SUNDAY!! He really cares about his customers. A Holland Amp is a lifetime investment, and one that's well worth it!!

I've been playing over 13 years, and this amp is absolutely the best thing I have ever played through. I've played Egnaters, Laneys, Marshalls, Peaveys, Soldanos, and nothing comes close. This is first amp I've found that has a great clean sound, and a great hi-gain sound. I can't wait to see the improvements Mike dreams up for his later versions! I definitely recommend Holland Amps!!