Johnson Blueline 100-HR Head

The amp represented in this review is a 2005 Johnson 100HR Blueline 100-Watt Solid State Head. It features 2-channels with discrete switching, Accutronics Reverb, Buffered Effects Loop, Footswitchable channel switching, Line Out, and three band EQ's on both channel with an additional Presence Control in the Lead channel.
The layout of the front panel is clean, neat, and professional looking. All lettering is in a light blue color with blue LED's indicating channel operation. The cabinet is solid MDF with very nice black tolex covering the outsides. Nicely finished with a laser-cut aluminum "Johnson" logo on the solid front cover. Knobs are knurled, chrome-plated brass of the type used on Mesa-Boogies. The circuit board is nicely laid out with good quality components evident throughout. This is a Chinese-built amplifier...albeit, this would not detract from it's obvious build quality.

In evaluating this amplifier, I used a Dean Michael Schenker Flying V with twin humbuckers and a Seymour Duncan-equipped Stratocaster. On the clean channel with the Flying V; it was typically crystal clear with nice response from the EQ. Was able to get everything from brash AC/DC clean to dark and fluid jazz tones. With the Strat, I was able to dial in some really cool Jimi Hendrix "Wind Cries Mary" tones and Stevie Ray Vaughn tones. I like that the clean channel has a separate gain control so you can achieve some really nice mildly overdriven tones as well.
The Lead channel is really nice for an amplifier in this price category. I was able to coax some really driven rhythm tones as well as smooth lead tones with a lot of sustain. It responds like a really good high gain tube amplifier. By playing with the EQ's I could make it sound like a Marshall, a Laney, and somewhat like a Mesa Boogie. Close approximations to each sound. When you see what I paid for this amp, you'll really be amazed by the sound quality! Plenty of power to cut through most any situation.

Has not been broken yet. Carries a 3-year warranty. People to contact would be The Music Link in San Francisco, Ca. Don't think I'll have any problems with it.

Never had to deal with them...

Really good value for the money! Better than normal sounds for a solid-state amplifier. I would replace it if it were stolen. Good fit and finish and really well thought out! I've used Boogies, Fenders, Marshalls, Vox, and Laneys. I currently own a lot of Line 6 stuff. This is a really cool amplifier!