Pignose G40V

You already know. And no reverb!

The distortion has too much midrange, not versitile for metal, grunge, or agressive punk & hardchore. If you're into blues or a certain "Texas Tone" this might be your thing.

CLEAN CHANNEL::
I bought it to use my vintage FUZZ pedals with it, not good! It distorts anything with treble fed to it's input. The headroom is very low, there is no clean channel, just lower the volume, and there is little or NO BASS while doing so on clean setting.

VOLUME LOUDNESS::
It is somewhat loud enough to compete with drum volume, but that's because MIDRANGE is what the human ear is most sensitive towards. And I'm talking about when it's driven with it's natural distortion.

TONE::
There is a design flaw, the TONE-CIRCUIT are before the CLIPPING-STAGE, LAME! When seeing what the distortion looks like on an oscilloscope, it's not a smooth roundwave like what tubes should do, it's more jagged, I'd have to show you.

MODIFICATION::
I found a mofification online that is supposed to make the clean channel become cleaner & have actual BASS low frequencies produced. It improved it a little bit, not as much as I'd like it to, but it sure beats the stock design for certain!

It only SMOKED once, because I turned everything up all the way for a couple seconds, not even a full minute. I figure to turn the knobs up all the way, because they go up that much! I don't think anything was damaged, maybe some plastic or something inside was what was melting, but it still works!

The stock tubes die real fast & turn white! I tried playing an acoustic-electric with a standard fishman piezo-preamp, and somehow I caused the tubes to flash a bright light while stopping the sound when durring playing. It hummed/buzzed for a second, then the power-tubes arked/sparked & rewelded themselves an internal path-connection, then worked fine.

They are liars when it comes to the schematic-diagram. They sent me something hand-written and not readable. Luckily I found a better schematic online!

At least they tell you about the arking/welding of bad tubes.

Buy it as a collector's item. This amp is already being phased out. I shouldn't have modified mine. It's the cheapest tube amp for it's price.

I could have saved up for a Fender for a couple hundred more, or the 15Watt model comparable for $100 more, but it doesn't have as much output power, but then again this is just about as quiet. I sorta wished I didn't take the Fender back to the store for refund. Fender tubed amps seem to handle pedals a whole lot better!

Good luck with your descision.

I bought this amp in the Spring of 2005. The features are awesome from a tone-junkie's perspective. You get: overdrive, volume, and 4-band EQ. For those of you unfamiliar with Presence control, Presence = treble (which means treble = high mids, and mid = low mids). This amplifier also has both 4 and 8-ohm speaker output jacks, which is a hugely awesome feature. The overdrive control goes from almost perfectly clean to heavily distorted, and allows for great control from your guitar's volume and tone knobs once you've dialed in the tone you want. I can go from perfect, snappy cleans to heavy distortion with just a twist of my guitar's volume control if I set it up correctly.


But, compared to bazillion-channel amps, features are minimal. I would say this amp has incredible features relative to its design.

The sound of this amp is obviously "Marshall-based." The distortion is Marshally, the cleans are plexi-ish. This amp's true strength is a "barely overdriven" plexi-ish sound with the overdrive knob turned up about 1/4 of the way. Sounds absolutely BEAUTIFUL at that setting.


I, however, play mostly distorted rock. Frankly, this isn't a heavy metal amp. It is absolutely ideal for any OTHER purpose. Country, blues, hard rock, heavy rock, anything you want. If you know how to dial good tone, you will love this amp like a child.


I run this amp through a homemade 2x12 cabinet. It's definitely true that this amp shines when you plug it into a new speaker cabinet. On the other hand, the stock speaker is great for clean tones, and because it is a quiet speaker, it lends itself well to bedroom practicing. It's give-and-take. The stock speaker isn't good for everyone and every purpose, but it definitely has its place. For people who love distortion and loud volume and lots of low end, I would suggest using different speakers. For clean and vintage tones and for quieter volumes, use the stock 10" speaker. It doesn't sound bad at all. Lack of low end is due only to the fact that most people aren't used to using a 10" speaker.

I've almost had it for a year and I have no reliability concerns. I gig with it regularly and rehearse with it twice a week. It does get a little hot, but no hotter than other tube amps. The wires seem a little flimsy, but that's just nitpicking. I don't have any reliability concerns and I am confident that anyone with a cursory knowledge could home-repair this amp thanks to its simple schematic.

Warranty is short, I forget how long. 90 days or something. They sell this amp for $300 nowadays. At that price, don't be picky. If they increased the warranty, they would have to increase the price.

Most incredible amp I have ever played. If it dies, I will definitely buy another Pignose, either another G40V or their 60-watt amp head. I get TONS of compliments on my tone, I can dial in any tone I want. The distortion is rich and full, the cleans are the most beautiful vintage tones you can imagine. The hype surrounding this amp is SPOT-ON. This is one that will live up to all expectations. Do not hesitate to buy this amp. Great for beginners and seasoned professionals and tone junkies. The people who nitpick this amp are SERIOUS TONE JUNKIES who buy Pignose amps with the intention of modifying them. They are cheap and sound great, that's why they do it. Seriously, if you are considering this amp, then I strongly suggest buying it. Great price and unbelievable sound.

Email me if you wish to ask me specific questions about this amp. I would be happy to talk to you about it.

40 watt all tube amp. Pretty new, probably made this year. Basic controls (treble, mids, bass, presence, pregain(volume) post gain(master volume). No standby switch. No effects loop. One channel. 4 and 8 ohm output jacks. 3 preamp tubes, 4 6L6 output tubes. Read all the reviews, thought I'd give it a try - I wanted "the tone" in a small portable package. Wasn't expecting much, boy was I suprised. The biggest feature is the light weight (I'm not getting any younger). Gigged with it yesterday, more than enough power for the average sized honkey tonk/beer joint. It was really, really gainy with the stock preamp tubes, so I fiddled around with different combinations and came up with this setup: V1 (preamp tube closest to the input jack)=NOS Sylvania 7025. V2 (middle preamp tube) Ei 12AT7. V3 (preamp tube farthest from the input jack) the stock 12AX&A that came in the amp. The 10 inch stock speaker sucked (buzzy, sounds like the cone and voice coil were rubbing). Replaced it with a Jensen Mod 50 4 ohm speaker from an unused 4x10 bass cab I have, and holy crap! Loud, cuts through.

I used it with a Les Paul Classic and a Flying V. We played a little country (thank god for the little), some classic rock and some southern rock. The amp was not noisy in the live setting, there is a little hum at home (I think that's from the flourescent lights in my garage). With the pregain set at 9 o'clock, the post gain at 12 o'clock, treble zero'd, mids at 9 o'clock, bass 3 o'clock, presence at 3 o'clock, I got a clean that was almost ready to break up with the neck pickup, but when I switched to the bridge pickup, got a great overdrive sound. This thing has tons of gain, the more you turn up the pregain! Absoloutly amazing! After the above mentioned tube change, it still gets plenty of distortion, but it's the good kind. It seems tha a lot of the guys that try to mod/improve the amp are going for a fender clone. This was not meant to be that. Think Ampeg + Marshall + 59 Bassman all rolled into a toaster.

Used it all day yesterday (about 6 hours of intermittently playing at loud volumes). Had my heartbreaker head and 4x12 cab, but never needed them. This unit did not produce as much heat as my Mesa (it has 7 preamp tubes, 4 6L6 output tubes, and a rectifier tube). Haven't owned it but a week, so I really can't comment on reliability.

I have not contacted them.

Been playing since 1972. Have a multitude of gear that you really don't want to hear about (unless you're in the market for something...). If lost or stolen, would definitely get another one, just to see their faces when this thing rocks! I really hate the crappy speaker, but that was easily remedied - the Jensen Mod speakers can be had for less than $30.00 new. It will not get the range of sounds that my Mesa Heartbreaker and 4x12 cab can, but for an amp that I can tote along with my guitar and cord bag all at the same time without rupturing a disc I just feel tha I can't go wrong!

Its a nice little combo tube amp that i bought new about a year ago. It has one channel, and all the other EQ deals that are common (treble, middle, bass, presence). the only thing that bothers me about the features is that there are two volume knobs, one for cleaner volume and one for gain and i cant remember for the life of me which is which until i mess with them, so i kinda wish they were better labelled. it has plenty of power for fourty watts and thats why i bought it, for small clubbing gigs. i play bluesy, original folk rock and roll (i honestly dont think my music fits in any genres comfortably) and i can get all the tone and volume i need. beauty in simplicity.

Well, sir, let me tell you this thing has balls. i was just jamming on it actually, hammering out my chugging bastardization of blues in A, and i forgot my sister was asleep. She was screaming for 45 seconds before i noticed her. I play an epiphone wildkat which is a beautiful hollow body rocker with some chromed out, high output P-90's. believe me when i say this amp sings. when i let out the gain, it sparkles with buttery and bright sustain as high as it will go. when i turn both volume knobs up, it sounds like a bear with a cold is trying to sing "swing low" at full volume in my living room (in a good way). the distortion is not tight or metal-ly, but i like the ultra-warm way it growls and sings at the same time. butter all day long (i like to leave the treble and middle a little lower more often than not). It is perfect for me because i can get the folky sounds i need for some songs, and the ratty torn-up-inside-blues that i need for others. perfect for my style, and it has filled school gyms with sound.

I have used it at every gig i have done electrically. i am relatively careful because i love it, but it is sturdy and has taken some clunking quite well. i havent touched anything in the tube/speaker area and do not plan to unless it is nessecary (i can never remember how to spell nessecary...i dont even know if thats right...).

nope.

I have been playing for round about two years now. i started out writing poetry, but it was too dry so i (in the words of Lars Fredricksen) "picked up a guitar and never looked back." Another thing i forgot to mention is that i sometimes use it as an acoustic amp, and i serves that purpose just fine. All in all, i am very happy i got this. I am a big fan of simplicity, and thats why this is perfect for me. it has tone and character and strength, and i like that in anything i use to make something that is as important to me as music. so, if your lookin for a nice, cheap, powerful tube amp that has no fancy tricks but all the tone and personality you would care to find in an inanimate object (you have to supply the animation!), look no further. when your stuck, just remember your old pal stubby uses it! if you have a question or something, or if you like the way i write and you wanna hear my music (shameless advertising is one of my many talents, try and stop me harmony central!) drop me a lizine at my email.
Love,
Stubby

this I an update on my "MESA-PIGGY".


I HAVE REPLACED THE TUBES AND SUBSTITUTED THE FIRST 12AX7 FOR A 12AT7 TO CALM IT DOWN A BIT.
THE ONLY MAIN MOD WAS TO REPLACE THE STOCK SPEAKER W/ A "TONETUBBY 10" CERAMIC SPEAKER FROM A BRON SOUND. AFTER THE INITIAL BREAKIN PERIOD.....WOW
EVEN JADED OLD FARTS LIKE MYSELF LIKE THIS THING. IF YOU LIKE BLUES, AND OLD ROCK IT IS A SLEEPER.
SURPRISE YOUR DRUMMER TODAY!

WITH A GOOD GUITARIST IT IS EXCEPTIONAL...

2 YRS. NOT A PEEP! I STRAPPED IT ON MY HARLEY AND DROVE FROM GA. TO PEEN STATE AND DID A WEEK THERE NO PROB!!

DON'T NEED IT

189.00 PLUS 120.00 FOR A SPEAKER. TUBES ARE A MAINTENENCE THING.....
I GO TO JAMS WITH THIS AND ALWAYS GET COMMENTS ON ITS GOOD TONE....MAYBE ITS JUST MY FINGERS.......

This is my first review of any type, and I have been playing for 33 years. No sense repeating the features. Very basic tube amp that surprised the life out me! Mine came used with an EVM speaker and Sylvania tubes from the previous owner and I am very pleased with the tone and variety of sounds that can be dialed in. Plenty of power. I do studio work, and play in an 8 piece horn band. I can get any sound I choose. There is always a positive comment from sound personnel when they hear it for the first time.

I have a standard squier strat with Mighty Mite H S H configuration, one volume and one tone control. 5 position selector. This is my main guitar for live shows. I had this made to order about 5 years ago and now I see this configuration is getting popular. The volume and tone pots are upgrades also. Besides studio work with all styles of music, I play in an 8 piece horn band doing 60's & 70's covers. Usually we do concerts & shows at medium to large venues. I like Fender Musicman clean for most of this music, and the little Pignose with the EVM handles it easily. You have to experiment with the 2 volume controls, but now I just back off a little for clean, and turn the guitar to 10 for whatever amount of breakup I choose. Plenty of clean headroom. Distortion is warm and blues like. Amp is quiet, even with single coils.

Heavy duty. I have used it without backup.

Never needed them.

I'v been playing 33 years. I own some vintage strats that stay at home, the previous mentioned squier home-built strat, Musicman RD50 112, and have owned 13 Musicman amps and about 16 Fender amps during my lifetime. The Pignose is the smallest amp I found that can give me BIG full sound like the vintage amps I used to lug around. I will buy a spare shortly. I can live without reverb. Keeps you on your toes, plus the sound guys always add it. I agree with most of the positive reviews on this site. Go buy one. Don't forget when you hook up an extension cabinet it gets even better.

2005 brand new from sweetwater,
I always thought you had to pay lots and lots for good tone, I was wrong.
single channel , no loops, no jacks, no standby. 40 watts of lovely inexpensive tube power, more than enough power. Built like a little tank, perfect practice and small gig amp.

SHOCKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I read that it was a good bang for the buck, but I was not ready for the sound that came out of this little monster.
I play a 72 stock strat, 90s tele thinline and a L A Guitar Factory custom hollowbody, the last one has humbuckers. My style is mostly blues and a little classic rock, This amp suits me fine. I have a reissue AC 30 with anlicos and a 5150 on a 4x12 cab with greenbacks.All of them sound good but look at the price difference. I put the pignose on the 4x12 cab and was totally amazed, pure blues tone.
I also replaced the stock speaker (that sounded O K) with a Jensen anlico 10" P10Q 40 watt rms/80 watt peak. Beautiful Vintage sound. Absolute the best sound money I ever spent!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just got it, but its built like a tank and very very simple.
i dont expect any problems, but if I do Sweetwater will handel it as always.

no idea.???

Ive been playing for about 12 years, mostly in a studio type invironment with a small amount of gigging and jamming with freinds and other musicians. I have had plenty opportunities to try alot of different amps . For the price you cant go wrong if you are looking for vintage tone.
The only thing that I would change has nothing to do with the sound and that is the knobs. They look very solid state (blah).
Im also considering having a carpinder replicating the cabinet out of old pine and a mahogony back, then it would truely be a bargain vintage with awsome tone.

1 channel 2005 model. 4 and 8 ohm speaker output. five tube. I use this amp only now. I play country,rock,blues. plenty loud enough for small to med gigs. will power a 4x12 with ease...try it.

I play a tele and a strat and this amp rocks. rated at forty watts but i would put it up against any 100 watt amp. you can get about any sound you want you just have to play around with the tone controls abit. Distortion is good but not overbearing. Typical of a tube. This little fellow has a vintage sound to it. well rounded with the stock speaker of which may be the weakest link. I replaced it with a copperhead. You can get by without this. Just a matter of preference.

This will be my primary amp. have not had any troubles. I keep a spare set of tubes and thats it.

best value out there. If you want valve sound this is it. My playing/practice partner is in envy and ordered one also. plenty loud enough for small to med. sized gigs. if you need more mic it. will run a 4x12 with ease. I am very pleased with this amp and consider it one of the best purchases i've made. I'm 41 and have been playing since i was 15. bought and sold alot of guitars and amps. this is my keeper.

I just got it so I would assume it was made this year... '06.
It has basic controls. Volume, Treble/Mid/Bass, Master Volume, Presence.
I haven't had it long enough to use it in any variety of places, or to get a chance to really open it up, but it seems to have plenty of volume.

I actually don't use this amp with a guitar, but with a solid-body electric mandolin. Unfortunately the sound is difficult for me to judge, as the electronics on my mandolin create quite a bit of noise. When i'm playing, though, it really sounds nice. I can't say anything about the complaints here of the bass being bad, since i really never go below the middle, and, as with just about any amp, i go above the treble. The distortion is quite nice, making the sound nice and.. distortion-ey but still keeping the sound of chords intact, while giving it some punch.

couldn't say. only had for a couple weeks

no clue

obviously I got seriously ripped off by the store i got it from, but it's the only store anywhere near me that sells amps.
I honestly haven't been playing very long, and i've been using electrics for even less time. I own the earlier mentioned Cozart mandolin, and another mysterious mandolin, apparently made by "Florence", the latter being acoustic, and the former electric. I had a 20+ year old Venom practice amp before, that i was really quite happy to replace with something decent.
If it was lost, I would definitely replace it, but i would find somewhere to get it from that wouldn't charge me an extra 100 dollars.

Don't know the year. Good enough for SRV-type Texas blues and rock. All-tube 1x10" combo, 4 and 8 ohm speaker jacks. One channel, no FX loop, no jack for phones. Presence and bass controls really do nothing, but that's probably the speaker's fault. I'd like an FX loop. I've really only used it at home, though if I accidentally crank it, it sounds amazing.

Using a Kramer Focus (total crap), I can get a good variety of sounds. With the volume (gain) cranked, using the neck pickups, it sounds really smooth. I was impressed by the fact that you can't get unpleasant or unusable sounds from this thing, even on a $80 Strat copy. Haven't had an opportunity to play this very loud, but I'd imagine it could melt some faces. The cheap speaker limits it versatility, though. I'm looking to get a Jensen or Eminence.

Too soon to tell.

Never dealt with them.

Playing for almost a year. This is my second amp. my first came with the hunk of junk which is my current guitar. If it were stolen or lost, I couldn't afford to get anything else. I love that it sounds good on any setting. I hate that I can't get any bass out of the crappy speaker. Overall, though, I still like it. I bought this because it was pretty cheap, and I heard it was a good deal even with the cheap speaker. I agree.