Reverend Kingsnake 20/60 Head

I own two of these amplifiers. While one is brighter than the other they are both very good sounding amps. Features has to do with what an indiviual needs so this is pretty subjective. I think other reviewers have gone over the features pretty well. The three way voicing switch is great. The Lo-Fi setting is very good for Blues. This amp is extremely light weight and easy to get around. It doesn't take up much room on stage and is powerful enough for normal club work meaning it has enough clean headroom if you need it.

I'm pretty much a R&B and Blues player. I use several different guitars and they all sound great with this amp. I use a Timmy pedal and the combination is excellent and I get a lot of positive comments on the tones. Both amps sound great. I don't need a lot of reverb so the small tank works for me.

No problems so far with either amp and I bought them both used. I'm not sure what's going on with the previous reviewers diatribe of gloom and doom with these amps. I read through the links and threads provided once and kind of quickly. A lot of it seems to be related to someone that didn't have the sense or money to swap out a power tube early on or could not find a bad solder joint themselves for a long time. Replacing tubes is the first thing you should do. You need to have some good spare tubes with you all the time. I own a lot of tubes and EH 6L6's are not junk as a rule. Tubes are not perfect and some of them will be faulty even when new. You have to return them sometimes. It's also no big deal for a qualified person to reflow a cracked or cold solder joint. It doesn't take that long to hit every joint in an amp like this. It's not uncommon for techs to do this with the Fender Hotrod and Deville series amps. Hello...This is not a $3k point to point handwired boutique amplifier. Even those amps are not perfect and don't all sound exactly the same. This is an inexpensive working man amp that sounds great. Like I said I own two and have not had any problems with either one of them. A lot of my old vintage Fender amps have some static and noise in them but they still work fine. Sometimes you can have a noisy resistor or a dirty pot or a tube socket than needs retensioning or cleaning. Capacitors get old and drift or dry up. Big deal. These things happen and are often very easy for someone to repair if they know how to work on these high voltage amps safely.

Joe and Reverend have always taken care of me even when a local "luthier" ruined the frets on a new Slingshot. Joe did the work himself and was very fair about the repair and did the work in a timely manor. These amps are not that hard to work on and the schematics are available.

Please read above.

The 20/60 watt switch is very effective. Three way preamp voicing switch, near perfect master/gain control, full TMB and presence tone controls, 4, 8 and 16 ohm outputs and reverb all make for a very versatile amp.

With proper care and feeding (speakers and tubes, maybe effects) this amp can cover any traditional style from '60's to modern, some better than others. At the heart of the amp is an astonishing refined blackface tone (US preamp setting). This setting is rounder and smoother than real blackface, but can be earthier -- more organic -- with tweaking. The UK setting accents mids with more gain, but takes some work to approach real Marshall or Vox tone (I know that doesn't make sense -- Marshall and Vox are far removed -- but this setting can touch on both). The Lo-Fi setting is darker, with earlier breakup and less sustain. It's a weird beast but can be very gratifying, especially if you feed it some juice. Contrary to a previous review, it doesn't sound anything remotely like a tweed Deluxe, or a tweed anything, but it does sound retro and it's good.

In my experience, four things are critical to get the most out of this amp. Speakers, power tubes, the V1 (input) tube and modding the negative feedback loop. I use a variety of Weber speakers. The stock 6L6EH power tubes are junk (this is why some reviews complain about lame lows). I run a 12AY7 at V1. Defeating the negative feedback loop opens it up (I used a control pot, as full open can get a tad woofy, and sometimes I want some presence).

As previously stated, the Master/Gain control is unreal. This circuit delivers sweet preamp distortion. Dynamic, textured and never fizzy. Depending on the selected preamp voice, it has more variety of natural sounding/feeling overdrive than anything in its class. Amps like the HRD have that one good grind tone, and its a good one, but this thing blows 'em away. It won't easily get that one HRD good one, but it'll do ten others. It drives beautifully. You can dig into it. It has good frequency response so, if your speakers are ice-picky that will come through, though somewhat tamed, so use good speakers!

I like the transparent reverb, but it's pretty weak. It'll surf, but only about chest high. No big wave surfing here, but no washing machine either.

The amp is pedal perfect. The passive effect loop works fine, if you use passive effect loops. Just plug 'em in front and they'll work just like they're supposed to.

I'll go 2, since it's definitely worked more than once. This amp is completely unreliable, poorly constructed, flawed in design and completely unsupported by the manufacturer, Reverend, a.k.a Joe Naylor. Construction is mostly PCB with lots of cheap components. To be charitable, the PCBs are nicely silkscreened, and not too terribly crowded, although somewhat, and the leads are routed cleanly.

It would be exhaustive to detail the reasons why this amp is virtually worthless, so I would refer you to this thread on Reverend's BBS, if it persists (if it doesn't, you can email me):

http://www.reverendguitars.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2178&PN=1

You can also see my chassis pics here (prepare to be horrified):

http://s247.photobucket.com/albums/gg127/72sg/

If you read this thread, you'll see where the most technical contributor says he prefers his modded Pignose, as the Kingsnake is too unreliable for gigs. You will also read where another hapless buyer loves his amp, but it has this annoying intermittent static problem (his PCB is slowly cooking). You'll read where a happy Hellhound owner is horrified to learn the Kingsnake has board mounted tube sockets. If you look at my pics you'll see the brown area around the power tube section where the PCB (the passive components anyway) is dying from overheating.

If you read the above threads, you'll see where my Kingsnake developed a problem within two weeks of delivery, and how that problem grew incrementally until the amp became useless. You will read how I reported the problem within the warranty period and was brushed off.

I can't speak to his guitars (I can speculate), but when it comes to amps Joe Naylor is a ripoff. I've never seen a small manufacturer run away from a product like this guy. He discontinued the product, let the warranties expire (convenient, since it take a while for the PCB to cook) and just washed his hands, although he'll happily take your money to print you a schematic! This is absolutely, hands down the worst customer support experience I've had in decades, and that would include all manner of computers and consumer electronics, even software. I wouldn't buy a Reverend pick, much less a guitar.

Unlike so many "honeymoon" HC reviews, I waited almost three years. The links I've provided include some of the technical poop not reiterated here. My take is Naylor is an entrepeneur. Having learned that, I'll stick with guitar players. I think he's a ripoff. Ya'll can have him. No way would I buy anything from him ever again. And it's a cryin' shame, because the Kingsnake circuit deserves to live.

Happy to respond to email, especially if Naylor pulls the threads linked here.

A relatively simple amp. Single input jack. Controls: "schizo" switch (lo-fi, US, UK settings), gain, level, treble, mid, bass, presence, reverb, on/standby switch, and power switch. Rear panel has 16/8/4 ohm output jacks, FX in/out jacks, and a 20/60 watt output switch. No channel switching. (4) 12AX7 tubes, and (2) 6L6 power tubes.

Very high ratings here. If you're looking for LOTS of vintage tones, you've found them. The schizo switch, and the 20/60 watt switch are very effective. Schizo's 3 settings (lo-fi, US and UK) all sound different, have different gain levels, and are all extremely usable. Lo-fi is especially cool, like a really well worn in old tweed Deluxe. Very warm, bluesy breakup, with subdued highs (unless you get aggressive with the treble control)and and a nice, chunky mid. US is very blackface Fender sounding-beautiful highs, nice full lows, with a somewhat scooped mid. UK does the plexi marshall thing really well. Lots of mid grind, without sacrificing bottom end, or top end bite. The tone controls are also very effective, all with extremely usable, musical ranges. At max gain, there IS a good amount of distortion, but not extreme. Metal is not in this amps bag of tricks. Clean, to blues crunch, to "70's rock is the deal here. The clean sounds in the US setting are so good, it almost sounds like there is a chorus in the loop!! Awesome, swirly clean textures, and breakup (from slight to SRV is just a twist of the gain knob away. The amp is fairly loud, but not as much as some other 60 watt amps. I have a Soldano rated at 50 watts, and it sounds twice as loud as this amp. The Rev really sounds more like 40-45 watts. The 20 watt setting is also way cool. Really is a nice difference from the 60 watt setting. The ONLY gripe would be with the reverb. EXTREMELY wet sounding, unless its almost off. Also a little "boingy" sounding, like the springs are too loose (which they might be). This amp has been discontinued by Reverend, and according to their records, they made 300 Kingsnake combo's, and 75 Kingsnake heads. If you get a chance to get your hands on one, GRAB IT, and laugh all the way home. You will NOT be sorry!!! Still have to give this amp a "10", in spite of the reverb. Its just not that much of an issue.

So far, so good. Absolutely no problems at all.

The people I spoke to at Reverend were very helpful. I called them with questions before purchasing this amp, and they were willing to answer any and all questions I had.

I am 50 years old, and have been playing for 35 years. Besides this amp, I own a 50 watt Soldano combo, a Bogner Shiva, a Metroamp JTM45, a Torres Engineering 5E3 Deluxe, and I am possibly going to purchase a Mojave Scorpion very soon. My guitars are a '58 Les Paul standard, a '64 Gibson Firebird III, a '64 Gibson SG, and assorted newer guitars. This amp has become a permanent part of the arsenal. I love everything about it, ESPECIALLY the tone, and as I said, my only complaint is with the reverb, which with a little experimentation, might be rectified.

One input, schizo 3 way switch for different voicings, switchable 20/60 watts,presence, reverb, standby switch, bass, mid, treble, yada yada yada. Also has 3 different ohms outputs. Well designed and made, good price, discontinued now. I'm giving it a 10 here because the single input is perfectly fine for me and what I do. I should deduct a point because the chassis is made in China but Reverend has always tried to bring good TONE in all its products, at an inexpensive price. They've done that here again. I made my own custom cab which is a closed back hybrid design and works very well with this amp.

I haven't been playing electric for extremely long like some folks but I already own a couple other tube amps, one newer, and one very vintage. This amp is very bright, and the Sovtek EH tubes are not what I consider great tubes anyway so I highly recommend changing them upon delivery of this amp. I put vintage 12AX7's in and it warmed right up. Probably change the power tubes as well just to see, but I don't really crank this thing that much so I'm probably not really driving the 6L6's. Anyways, you can get some nasty tones from this amp, its awesome to be able to change voicings from the UK setting, which sounds very Marshally, to the US setting, which is more Fender, and then to LOFI, which is more old Tweed or something vintage sounding with more bass and rounder tone. Plenty of grind in the UK and the LOFI, not as much in the US setting, but I use a few pedals anyways and I find keeping the amp mostly clean and slamming the front end with the Drivetrain pedal I have works nice, but sometimes I just plug in direct and turn up the dirt a bit. I have 2 Reverend guitars which sound awesome through it, but why wouldn't they? The reverb is not as lush as some amps but its plenty adequate for me. I'm not going to take any points off here since changing the tubes...

Haven't gigged with it, but don't think I would need a backup, good clean construction make me think it would be reliable.

Yeah, awesome company, you should buy thier stuff just because they're so damn nice!
I've spoken with them many times on the phone, real honest and friendly folks... They really should get an 11 here...

An interesting amp, very versatile, not a boutique amp, but it doesn't claim to be. Remember that Reverend makes things to sound good, but also to be within people's budgets. They make sure the important stuff is high grade. I think they found a good balance here. Most importantly, like any amp, its designed with many good features, and has 3 different voicings, but it can't sound like EVERY amp, no amp can.
A great addition to my budding collection, keeps me interested, thanx Reverend!

I own a recording studio in the Detroit area. When I found out that Reverend was getting out of the amp business, I decided to get a new one before it too late. I called a friend who worked at Joe's Music, the only Reverend retail outlet. They had one Kingsnake head left, and weren't going to get any more. So I bough it. It has proven to be a real nice addition to the 40+ amps on the studio. Basic features, easy to use and sounds great. The cabinet is a little on the cheap side and some parts are made in China, but that's reflected in the low price.

Dozens of people have used this amp with all kinds of guitars. It does everything except heavy metal (just add a pedel). It's easy to find your sound without having to study the owner's manual for days ala Mesa Boogie.

No problems yet.

No need for contact yet

I would get another one, but now that they don't make them, it will have to be a used one.

This is an addition to my previous review of the Kingsnake head. When I first got it, I was using it either with a Reverend 1-12 cab, or also using my Reverend Hellhound combo as another cabinet; since then, I picked up a Reverend 2-12 cabinet with the Jensen speakers, and am now using that with the Kingsnake at all gigs. This rig is awesome. It sounds really big, with a fat low end, huge midrange, and great highs. I use the 20 watt setting a lot, and am amazed at how it still has headroom (I usually have the master full up). Sounds great with all my guitars. I loved the Hellhound, but this is a LOT better. Everyone I play with has commented on the sound I am getting.

Features well covered in other reviews; 3 position voicing switch, power switchable from 20 to 60 watts, single channel, reverb. Has an effects loop, I don't use it. Powered by 6L6 tubes, also tube preamp.

I haved owned Reverend Hellhound combo for several years, it has been my main gigging amp. I bought this Kingsanke head to go along with the Hellhound, always have a backup available.

I play a Reverend Slingshot Custom, a PRS McCarty, and an American Strat to play classic rock, some blues and alt-country. I already knew the Kingsnake would suit my style, since I have been using the Hellhound for several years. I knew there were some changes, but the basic curcuit is the same. The reverb is "wetter",and the addition of a standby switch is nice. The change in the power settings is great; the Hellhound goes from 40 to 60 watts, and the difference is not that noticable, but the Kingsnake's 20 watt setting is really cool. You can get a great breakup at a lower volume, but do not sacrifice clean headroom, there is still some there. It's really touch sensitive at that setting. The new "lo-fi" setting is nice, it falls in between the US and UK settings. I especially like that setting with a Strat. Usually, I use the US setting and kick on a Tube screamer (with gain turned all the way off), and/or a VooDoo Lab Sparkle Drive with a good bit of gain. I also own a Reverend 1-12 extension cabinet, it makes both the Reverend amps sound WAY bigger and better than the single speaker.

I have never had a problem with my Reverend Hellhound, don't anticipate any with this Kingsnake.

I have dealt with them once before, due to a non-functioning reverb when I got my first Reverend amp, and found them to be very helpful. Almost every review on their products gives them high marks on this issue.

Been playing a long time, and have owned a lot of amps, although not as many as some of my GAS afflicted friends. I love the Reverend amps and guitars. I doubt you will find me using anything else. I love the versatility, yet it is very simple to use. Also the light weight is great. These amps are truly the boutique amp for the working man.

I'm reviewing a 2005 Reverend Kingsnake 20/60 Head. This amp is extremely versatile. It will easily handle blues, country, jazz or classic rock. It will not do extreme metal tones, however it takes pedals extremely well. So if you have a pedal that will cover the higher gain territory you're covered for anything. The Kingsnake has a switch to choose between 20 or 60 watts. This is a great feature for recording or other sutuations where you need great tone at volumes that won't take your head off. Another killer feature is the Schizo switch which selects between UK, US or Lo-Fi settings. All 3 settings sound great and make this thing perfect for a variety of musical situations. The only reason I didn't give this amp a perfect 10 is because I think it would be a nice feature to have the UK and US settings foot-switchable.

I use this amp with a Gibson SG (Seymour Duncan '59 neck pickup, Seymour Duncan Custom Custom bridge pickup), and a Reverend Rocco. I play a variety of music from heavier rock to bluesy jam type stuff. This amp covers a lot of ground, so it's perfect for me. It will do very convincing Fender cleans on the US setting, and a great Marshall crunch on the UK setting.

This amp handles pedal VERY well (particularly on the US setting). I'm a professional pedal dealer and I demo pedals almost every day. I need an amp that will sound great and repsond well to whatever I throw at it, and this one does. I could not be happier with this purchase.

I've been using another Reverend product for a couple of years without hitch. I use this amp at Guitar Shows where it is on for 7 or 8 hours straight. So far so good. I trust the reliablity and I would use it without a backup.

I've spoken with the Reverend staff on the phone and at guitar shows several times. They're an extremely nice bunch of people. Joe Naylor seems sincere about putting out a good product and he's definitely suceeded in my opinion. I have no doubt that they would take care of you if there was ever a problem.

I've been playing for approximately 15 years. I've owned my share of nice amps (mostly Fenders) and this one hangs with any of them. If it was lost or stolen I would replace it in a heartbeat. These amps are a steal at this price. If you're looking for a great sounding amp at a wonderful price do yourself a favor and check one out. Don't let the price tag fool you.