Kendrick Gusher 212 Combo

This is a 2 channel amp similar to a '68 plexi. 50 watts, uses 2 EL34's, has 3 12AX7 preamp tubes plus another in an additional gain stage in the effects loop that can be switched in and out. My amp is a 2x12 in a Beaumont (trapaziod) cabinet... just upgraded to the Fane 12" alnico speakers. See the other review of the Gusher for more features.

I play primarily Classic Rock of the late '60's thru the '80s. I use Strats and Les Pauls. NO amp has a better sound for this music. I have owned Soldano SLO100, Marshall 1959 SLP reissue, DrZ RT66, Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, Marshall JMP1 and 20/20 power amp... as well as various other amps. This amp is articulate, expressive, dynamic, CRUNCHY. It is similiar to a '68 plexi with a touch of Hiwatt. It has a very tight almost percussive bottom end... not flabby at all. Each time I play this amp is like the first. Signal chain is Guitar, Crybaby Wah (original Thomas Organ), Klon, Fulldrive II, Marshall Gov'nor (original), Choral Flange, DejaVibe 2, Ernie Ball volume pedal, amp. I use a Kendrick Powerglide so I can push the amp and not hurt anyone. I plug into channel 1 and jumper to channel 2. I run the volumes at 8 1/2 to 9 1/2 on each channel. The amp responds to everything very well. Change your pick attack or angle, the amp responds. Change the volume of the guitar, the amp responds. The reason I use so many different overdrives is because they all sound so different thru this amp. If I want to play Gary Moore, step on the Guv'nor and play. If I play a Trower song, I step on the Deja2 and use the Klon for rhythm and the Fulldrive II for leads. I do not use or try to get real clean sounds, but for clean sounds with just a little bite, no problem. This amp is the one I will keep forever.

I had blown a Power Tube when I switched to fixed bias. Had to send the amp in and there was a cold solder joint. They fixed the amp and sent it back. The amp is hand built.. I do not consider a cold solder joint unreliable.... a pain in the butt.... but not unreliable.

These guys are the best!! Gerald himself will call you back. Jim and Dan have been VERY easy to speak with and helpful. If I asked a question that they could not answer on the spot, they ALWAYS called back with an answer. When I had my tubes replaced I wanted Groove Tube E34LS's with a hardness rating of 7. They got them for me... they had to look around a bit... but they got them. Excellent service.

I am 45 yrs old and have been playing since I was 15. I have owned ALOT of guitars (still do) and lots of amps. I can afford any amp I want. Other than a few vintage amps, this is the only one I own. I actually came accross this amp when I was looking vor a vintage plexi. I had contacted Gerald about their service team going over a '68 plexi if I bought it when he told me he was selling his own Gusher... the last one. I am SOOOOO glad I bought this amp and not the plexi. If anything was to happen to this amp... I will beg them to build me another one.