So Flo JCL 2012

My JCL 2012 is #009 built in 1999 by Paul Markwalter of SoFlo Tube Amps in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. I am giving this amp a much higher rating on features than the previous reviewer because features are relative to what the amp is intended to be. This tone machine is based on a 1x12 Fender narrow Panel Deluxe and, as such, has all of the features that it should and then some. It has four inputs, two per non-switchable channel. Two are normal and two are bright. Controls are simply one volume and two tone knobs, one for each channel. This one is also equipped with a bright/Fat switch. There is no effects loop or other bells & whistles. If I had needed those things, I wouldn't have bought this amp. The features of this amp are absolutely perfect for my needs. Paul put some real attention to detail into the construction of this amp. The hand wiring is superb. The parts are all top of the line. The cabinet is beautifully constructed. I'm not sure what the wood is but it has a red tint to it and it seems much nicer and stronger than pine. It is expertly covered in laquered tweed that just screams vintage. Tube complement is 5Y3 - 2-6V6 - 5751 & 12ax7. This one is loaded with a Celestion Vintage 30.

I use several guitars with this amp but my main three are a G&L Legacy with Fralin Hot Blues pickups, a Reverend Slingshot and a Standard Telecaster. I play blues. That's it ... ok, maybe some occasional classic rock but mainly blues. This amp is absolutely perfect for what I play. I can't imagine better tone for blues. This is the sound that I always had in my head and that I searched for for so long. I have played through, and listened to, an endless number of off-the-shelf and boutique amps including all the ones you've heard of and many that you probably haven't. None of them have out done this one for blues tone. Just FYI, this baby will peg SRV like no other amp I've heard. There is very little hum, less than I expected considering I only use single coils. It stays pretty clean up to about 6 with that 5751 in there and then lookout. The natural tube overdrive kicks in and it's tone heaven. It never gets flabby, even at full bore. Great bottom end. Obviously, this is not meant for metal or other highly distorted music.

Unbelievably well built. I wish more people would take this kind of pride in their workmanship. It's obvious that Paul builds these because he loves what he's doing and not because he's trying to see how many amps he can get out in the market in the shortest period of time. I wish I could include a picture of the point-to-point wiring here. The clean soldering and perfectionist tendencies just slap you in the face. I've had this amp for over four years now and I havent had any issues whatsoever. Definitely sturdy enough for gigging.

I actually purchased this amp through the Harmony Central classifieds and immediately contacted Paul via email to verify everything I was told by the seller. He actually preferred to have a conversation by phone and called me the same day. We talked for almost an hour about this amp and amplifier technology in general. He was very unassuming, genuine, and extremely helpful. He has extensive knowledge of tube amps and you can see that in the information on his website but he also knows how to tailor his explanations to your level. You rarely get this kind of personal care.

I have been playing for 33 years. This is my main amp. I also have an old Marlboro Sound Works amp that is deceptiviely cool. I have three G&L Legacies, a Reverend Slingshot, a Tele, and an early 70's Gibson Melody Maker MMD (my first guitar). I have bought and sold many amps but this one will stay. If it were lost or stolen, I would cry like a little girl because it can't be replaced. I would then sell everything I have on ebay and try to buy the SoFlo Smart Aleck. I've been jones'n for that amp for 4 years but can't seem to get within reach. Compared to Victoria or Clark at twice to three times the price, this one is a steal.

This is a replica of a 1959 Fender narrow panel Tweed Deluxe made by Paul Markwalter in Florida. Features include 4 inputs/ 2 channels (but not switchable)/ 2 volume/ 1 tone. It is hand wired, all tube, and is rated at twenty watts and has a 12" Emminence speaker.
I had Paul install a line out and a bright/fat switch on this model. The amp has a very beefy tone, so the bright/fat switch usually stays in the bright position, but the fat mode does have some uses.
Reverb would bring this amp up to a '7' in this catagory. Still, the tone is so good, you really don't miss it...

I play a Strat most of the time and the JCL 2012 sounds wonderful with single coils. Everything I love about Strats is accented by this amp: the chimey "in-between" sounds with the volume rolled off, the edgy growl of the neck and middle pickups, to the full up drive of the bridge pickup (I have a hot rails at the bridge and lace sensors at the neck and middle).
For blues to blues rock, this amp is a winner. I don't play a lot of country, but it isn't hard to get a nice compressed country twang from it either. At lower volumes, you can dial in a very full, warm, jazz tone. This amp will hold its own at a small to medium sized gig unless you need a loud *clean* tone. It does loud, but not really loud and really clean at the same time.
Signal to noise is very good across the board.

Victoria, Clark and So Flo are making basically the same knockoffs of Fender models. All three use similar (NOS) parts and techniques to build them very close to the originals. The design of the circuit is simple and durable. I expect to have this amp for a long time since there are still folks out there gigging with their 40 year old Fenders.

Paul is prompt and helpful. I spoke to him on the phone a couple of times and emailed him often while waiting for the amp (about two weeks). He answered all my questions and I got exactly what I was looking for in an amp. The warranty is 2 years parts and labor. Tubes 90 days.

I know I'll dissapoint some tone snob purists for giving this amp a ten, but I really feel it offers tremendous bang for the buck. The Victoria and Clark counterparts to this amp are a lot more expensive. I hope So Flo will be around for a long time to keep offering high quality at a fair price.
I've been playing for 18 years. You go through so many years with sounds in your head that you just can't seem to get. Then you find a guitar that fits you well and an amp that just sings and everything falls into... OK, so I still don't play like Steve Morse, but at least I've got great tone while I'm hacking at it!
Feel free to email me or drop by my website to see some photos of the amp in the "Gear" section. The Accidental Guitarist http://209.115.116.69/