Soldano SLO100

2 channels (accessable only via foot-switch), all-tube amp effects loop shared eq controls crunch option for clean channel bright switch 100 watts ohm selector switch
There are only a few features that I miss with this amp. Seperate eq's for the two channels would be nice, as well as seperate or even shared reverb. I can't understand why so many high-end amp manufacturers don't pay attention to this detail. Also, I would love to see an exact copy of this amp in a 50-watt version. Most of the time 100 watts is too much. An amp always sounds better as it is turned up, and even one as tricked out as the SLO100 is no exception; it's just really tough to get to that level without breaking some windows and eardrums.

I typically use the SLO-100 with a custom bolt-on or neck-thru Jackson Telly and a Marsall 4X12 cab loaded with Celestions. I prefer the 70 watt speakers as opposed to the vintage ones because they seem to better suited to handle the power, gain, and bottom-end of an amp like this. I think that the 30's work better in a situation where you need the synergy between a cranked Marshall and the lower power speakers; both break up to get the sounds that are already built in to a boutique amp like the SLO100. Also, all of my guitars have higher-output pick-ups (i.e. Duncan Distortion, Duncan Custom) to facilitate saturated lead and rhythm tones. I don't expect any amp to provide more than a couple of distinct sounds with a lot of personality. My two main requirements are a crisp clean sound with usable headroom and a high-gain channel for lead and distored rhythm. This amp absolutely provides both. The clean channel isn't astounding, but it is more than acceptable in most situations, especially if you are playing hard rock/metal. The lead channel has a very distinct, raw, over-the-top tone that is a great starting point to shape any rock guitar tone or level of distortion/overdrive that you can imagine. There is a little hiss, but a certain amount is to be expected in a high-gain amp, and I have never found one that could get around it. In any case, to me it's not a big deal and what the amp delivers more than compensates for it.

I've owned the amp for two years and never had a single problem with it. I don't gig on a regular basis, but it has seen a fair amount of use in rehearsal and practice. The thing seems to be built like a tank.

I have called the company several times and they were always polite, informative, and very open to any questions.

Like the ads say-These amps are built to rock! The SLO-100 is definitely not a one-trick pony, but it may not satisfy players who are looking for an amp to provide an abundance of sounds. I want to make it clear, however, that I don't mean this as a negative comment. In my opinion, you have to know what you want sound-wise and build your rig from that point. As I stated earlier, I look for killer high-gain sounds and a decent clean sound, and I will gladly pay to have a few great tones as opposed to several mediocre ones. The SLO100 is very live-sounding with lots of presence, and has been used on some excellent sounding projects- Lynch Mob's debut, and Ratt's Reach for the Sky are two that come to mind. Listen to these and the credentials of this amp will become obvious. As my final comment, however, I would like to say that this is one of the best amps out there, even considering the hefty price. I would definitely buy it again.

Two Channels, clean and crunch. FX loop, slave out. It has a "crunch" switch on the rhythm channel as well as a "bright" switch for the rhythm channel. Gives a little versatility for the clean mode. My particular amp has what is known as the "Warren Haynes" mod on it. It gives the lead channel a little more wallop. It is almost more of a bright cut than a "deep" switch. Accents the lower frequencies. It is only noticible at HIGH volume when the power amp is pumping. It is super loud and more than enough for any mortal being. I like the fact that it is bare-bones without the "bells & whistles."

I use early 80's Charvel and Jackson guitars with Seymour Duncan JB pickups exclusively. I play classic to hard rock to metal to blues. It will do all of the above. The distortion is plenty for Megadeth type chunk to smooth George Lynch type distortion. It also can play delicate lines in the clean mode. Clean channel is crystal clean, no breakup. I only use clean and distortion and have no need for a half-ass third channel. I am very tone conscious. I want to be able to hear the nuances of each guitar I play. This amp could almost be considered hi-fi of guitar-amp world. It translates what the guitar is telling it perfectly. Many amps these days saturate and thin your sound out so much, you sometimes can't tell whether you're playing a '59 Les Paul or a Plywoodcaster. I use NO effects whatsoever, I like to hear the guitar's tone, not a bunch of circuits. I bought this amp to get the Gary Moore "Blues Alive" sound and that is what I got!

I have never had a problem nor an indication of a problem with this amp...

Every time I have called in I talk to a guy named Sean who designs and builds amps. It is a small hand-built philosophy company and he is AWESOME! Even to little 'ol non-rockstar me, he has spent time answering questions and talking shop. He even tells stories about what stars are using "Yeah I did Warren DiMartini's amp" "We are doing Clapton's amps in the shop here." GREAT SERVICE. I almost don't want them to grow so it stays the same.

I have had it for about 6 months and will never ever ever sell it. If it got stolen, I would scour the earth for another one. It gives me exactly what I want and look for in guitar amps. It has the kick-ass snake-skin tolex and looks cool also. I use the amp with an 80's Marshall 4x12 with 65Watters. V25's and 30's don't give me the bottom end I need. These amps are ridiculously expensive but they are worth every penny!!!

2 channel amp (normal and overdrive) effects loop all tube (5881 power, 12ax7 preamp) crunch & bright switches 100 watts...can produce a huge array of tones that are simply beutiful

I use 2 strats (one with antiquity, the other w/ aps 2), and a Les Paul Deluxe (Pearly Gates in bridge position)... The clean channel produces really beautiful tones in the fender category, nice overdrive around 7 on on the preamp, very silky... the overdrive channel is unreal! setting OD preamp around 1 or 2 gives a smooth breakup w/ a clear high end/tight bass... very much like maybe the allman bros. (w/ treble turned up), or jeff beck (a little more gain with strat)... Turning up the gain gets quickly into ZZ territory (ie. around 4.5 to 6 on the o.d. preamp)... Beyond that is pure mayhem (it goes up to 11)... Kontrolled Klipping circuit keeps it all clear and stable, the tone is always there... bass is loose- feeling. Treble and presence controls can be quite penetrating, so I usually have treble at about 5-6 and presence around 2-3... The amp crushes anything for heavy sound... no kidding!

No problems... has unlimited lifetime warranty... Soldano people are easy to talk with,

No particular needs for cst srvc... but the guys were a lot of fun to talk to.

I have been playing guitar 25 years. Ive played every studio in Memphis, regional clubs, trips to Nashville to record labels, etc.,etc. I will never sell this amp. It is indispensable. It has become like a part of me. I might get a Kendrick, but simply because it would compliment the Soldano so well, tweed twang and el-cruncho deluxe! Get one if you can, spend the time to find the tones... it can be a little overwhelming at first,especially if you are used to just playing with ordinary gear (like I had been)... The tones have just got a serious vibe anywhere you dial them in...

I bought this amp in order to get EVH's "Brown Sound" and it delivers! The crunch channel delivers the gain I need (but with more hum than I expected). I haven't used the clean channel....too boring. The effects loop was noisy with my Digitech RP-10. I put all my effects after miking the amp and that works better for me.

I wanted a screaming amp for hard rock rhythm guitar...and the SLO-100 delivers. I've been using the amp with a Soldano 4x12 loaded with Celestion Vintage 30s, and it's given me the crunchy tube tone I've read about, but had trouble finding. I did compare the SLO-100 to the Hot Rod series of Amps. They sounded almost identical to me, but I was willing to pay more for the quality of the SLO.

Reliability was very important to me, and I don't ever worry about the amp. The quality of components and construction appears to be extremely high. I never worry about the amp's reliability because it appears to be "over engineered".

Nothing has gone wrong with the amp, but I did call the factory on a number of occasions to ask for advice. You can always talk to someone live at Soldano who cares, and is knowledgable. No voicemail! I am dissappointed that they don't have a web site yet. For a $3,000 amp, the "manual" is a joke. It is a two page description of the features....that's it.

Definitely consider this amp if you need a heavy, crunchy tube tone, and like to play LOUD. It is definitely worth the money if you feel passionate about buying the best quality products (Rolex, Mercedes Benz, etc). I suspect other amps could have gotten close to the SLO-100 tone, but if the Scorpions and EVH used it, then I had to have it.

For one thing it has the most beautiful clean and crunch tone I ever heard. Very addicting. If you kick in channel two then extra gain occurs and the sonic pressure is incredible. It is very responsive to your playing and you can go from extra clean to crunch heaven just by changin' the pick attack. So even if you got only two cannel you just need two with the SLO-100. It has cannel switching you gotta pay effects loop. The tone is very "American" and notes come out cleanly and separate even with super saturated tones.

From classic rock to blues to jazz to heavy metal...you name it! It can do'em all. It suits every little nuance of your playin effortlessly. No noisy. It lacks just a little sustain but this is nearly unnoticeable at high volume settings.

I hope it can outlive me. I dunno for the moment.

I dunno for the moment

I don't know if I would buy it again cause it is a hell of a bunch o' money. It was a rash act. It is better to ask if I would buy it again in different conditions...but I love that tone and its dinamic feel. I wish it had more features for the price I paid.