Soldano SLO100

This a new SLO purchased in 2009. I believe the amp was manufactured in 2008. I won't bother going over the features of this amp as they have already been covered extensively. This is a stock amp with no mods. Mike Soldano has gone on the record to say that this is his favorite version of the amp...bone stock, the way he originally designed it. It would be nice to have a feature such as a hard bypass foot-switchable loop or the ability to footswitch between the clean and crunch, but none of those things take away from the amp in any way. It more than makes up for any trivial shortcomings with its monsterous tone. I had a Decatone before this and I thought I might miss the depth knob but I don't. The SLO's bass response is so tremendous and focused that I don't even see the need. I use this amp for everything: live, studio, etc. and it excels eveywhere. It has replaced several other amps I was using. Has more than enough power for my needs.

I use a variety of guitars with this amp, mostly Strats and Les Pauls. Every guitar shines through this amp. I play a wide variety of styles and the SLO keeps up with everything I throw at it. I've read comments about the clean being 'bland' and 'two-dimensional' and I personally don't agree. The clean is superb with plenty of chime and depth. The whole band noticed how good all sounds from the amp were when I first brought it to a rehearsal. The overdrive wow factor is a given with this amp but the clean blew us all equally away. I've owned a Fuchs ODS 100 and the SLO comes damn close to it in the clean department...and it beats the ODS for crunch and overdrive tones, IMO. Others may not agree with these statements, but for my needs and styles I play the Soldano gives me more of what I was looking for than the Fuchs did. But the Fuchs is a great amp, don't get me wrong on that. I just didn't bond with it like I have with the SLO.

The noise on the OD channel is minimal for such a high gain monster. I set the OD preamp at about 4 and use a boost for when more gain is needed. The result is that I have almost zero noise issues. The OD channel cleans up like a dream. I can go from a sweet clipping clean to full-on overdrive madness with the twist of a knob. I cover a hell of a lot of ground on the OD channel alone. The Crunch mode has that sweet plexi vibe to it and is very dynamic and responsive. I have to also mention that the amp takes pedals very well...more so than the Decatone and Orange Rockerverb 50 it replaced.

It likes the cabs I use with it...a Bogner 4x12 with 2 G12T75's and 2 Vinatge 30's and a DR Z 'Z-Best' 2x12 with 1 vintage 30 and 1 G12H30. Sounds amazing with both cabs. Where this amp truly shines is when you turn it up and use it live with a band. The tone, presence and focus is just indescribable. It's an experience every time I plug into it. I've always felt that my low end would always seem to 'train wreck' with my bass player's low end frequencies with the end result being mush and mud. The Soldano's low end doesn't fight with my bass player's tone. It sits seperate in the mix in every situation...big and fat and in-your face. Everything just seems to sit better in the mix on stage and at rehearsals with this amp. The whole band notcied this too, not just me. That quality alone is priceless to me and is worth the price of admission. Because my tone doesn't fight the mix to cut through anymore, distracting me, it allows me to play better and with more abandon.

I'm a big Warren Haynes fan for both his playing and tone. There's a good reason this is his go-to amp.

When you buy an SLO, you buy peace of mind. Built to withstand a nuclear blast!

I've dealt with Soldano on a few occasions in the past. Bill and Mike are great and stand behind all of their products. When I leave a message, they CALL BACK! Even though I'm in Canada and it's international long distance. Not my experience with some other boutique amp manufacturers. Soldano is a pleasure to deal with. They value their customers and give great advice.

I've been playing for about 28 years. (Yikes!) I've owned a TON of gear. I sold a Decatone and an Orange Rockerverb 50 for this head and I couldn't be happier. The SLO does everything those two amps did combined but better. I've owned Fuchs, Koch, Marshall, Boogie MK III, IV and roadking, Dr Z's, etc., etc..a LOT of gear. In the end, although all were great amps, the SLO is my number one 'Keeper'. It delivers everything I want it to in spades. I also have a couple of combo amps that I play and will keep those around because the SLO doesn't do small amp or combo tones as well as an actual combo will. But it will do pretty much everything else with tone that leaves you breathless. Worth-every-penny.

This is a new amp 08 i believe and one of twenty combo 2X12. It is loaded, all the mods, de martini, depth and ecerything done to date. I traded a couple amps I could spare. Iv'e had a caswell for years but wanted a combo to carry an all in one. The sound is simply amazing. I consider myself a boutique amp buyer and hard to please. I am pleased. The distortion, clean and crunch are a 10+. The depth helps and the eminence legends are a great match. I use a framptone 3 banger to switch between a matchless independence and an ecstacy classic; I sometimes use a pheonix but the SLO is always in the chain.

I prefer the KT66s for their tone. I have used the power reducer groove tube model 928PR with EL84s for recording a lot. I also run the amp in 60 watt mode with the two outer KT66s pulled and set the ohms at half or 6L6s for 50 watts. This is a more equal match for the thirty watters I switch between. Though the Bogner and the SLO at full Power modes sound awsome and the matchless amps still keep up; believe it or not, they do. I have had no failures. Tubes will eventually blow. That is the nature of the tube, not the amp.

unmatched warrenty, even a transferable warrenty with my used SLO. I have one of the first caswell X99s and it has never needed service, just yearly tube changes. Built rock solid and designed to please the most critical end user. You will probably never have to use the warrenty but if you do, it is perhaps the best in the industry.

I am 45 and began taking lessons at age 5. Guitar is a huge part of my life, it is my Zen. I would pay the full 5 grang plus to replace this amp if it were lost or stolen. To me it is priceless. I love the dimension it adds to my set up. It completes my rig. I no longer have to search for that undescribable component that is missing. I use several amps because I have learned that no one amp can do it all. This one does a great deal and does it quite excellently. It is unmatched, and with it, I finnally have a set up I could wish for no more from. I could be no more pleased than I now am. Soldano, Matchless and Bogner are all fabulous amps and compliment each other to the point that I would not trade what I have for anything else I have ever heard or played. Others have noticed this and made similar comments to me. I am really nobody but one who loves music and tone. Soldano is a trademark and Hallmark of both. thank you Ken Spencer

Not really sure when it was made. Bought used.

I waited over a year before writing this review on it. To make sure I got the "honeymood phase" out of my system.

Up until this amp, I have almost always preferred reverb and effects loops in my amps. I had though bought a few non-reverb no loop amps and liked them, but still missed having those features.

The Soldano has a loop, but I don't like to use it as I hear it degrade the sound and I want all of it. The point is, on the SLO100, I don't miss reverb, and I tried using the loop, but ended up not, and I don't miss it either.

All features are covered, the most I have to add is with sound quality.

This amp is amazing with my Strat, Tele, or Les Paul. I have heard the "common wisdom" that the clean channel is "not the best", but I totally disagree. The clean crunch setting is amazing, and the clean-clean setting also. I can get Hendrixy cleans, smooth, anything with it really. I found after time, I love the clean as much as the amazingly wonderful OD (or lead) channel. Honest!

It fits many music styles, and I am pretty sure I can even improve even more by spending some time looking for speakers. Running through a Marshall cab (4 x 12", think it is called a 1849 or something like that) and it sounds amazing.

After buying it, I did get a few noises when idling, which just turned out to be the V1 preamp (probably shaken up in shipping. Shipped from north of Norway to me in Oslo). I had three spare, and went back and forth, and one of them definitely was head & shoulders above the other two, even it slightly microphonic but not bad, so I used that one. Just saying, V1 has a LOT of influence on the tone/sound of the amp.

The OD is just wonderful. It's just like a wonderful sonic salve to my ears. I had a Deluxe Reverb II that I loved the tone of, but after 20 minutes even at very low volumes my tinnitius was like Niagara Falls....well the SLO it's the opposite. Even at a good deal higher volume, my ears feel fine after playing for hours on it.

It cuts, but is not harsh. Chords are just amazing...so defined you could touch them practically. Touch sensitivity is perfect on this amp.

The thing I probably love most of all, it is just incredibly hard to get a bad tone/sound out of this amp. Honestly, it is no fuss. You can tweak here and there (and I hadn't realized that, about what the person under mentioned about "flat EQ" being tone controls on 2. I just know that I have other amps, and one really expensive one that I have to tweak and tweak, and some days just never hit the tone I want. The SLO just sits there, and I turn it on, I have even just guessed at settings before turning it on, and hear it sound fantastic.

I could go on and on, but seriously, this amp is THE amp for me.
I like and use other amps too, but this is solid, always there, easy to use, easy to carry, and..maybe more than any amp I have owned, the amp WORKS with me to get a good sound.

It was hard to get one here, and I am seriously considering getting another one.

No problems so far. V1 preamp tube, but that wasn't the amps fault.

Been playing 35+ years. Amateur, but serious one!
Have had tons of amps over the years.

If lost I would buy one again, absolutely.
I love the sound of it. I love the ease of use, easy to get great sounds. Love the option for the clean channel. The Master works well. Was worried that I would "need" the mods for playing at lower volumes, but NO WAY...don't need a thing. Mine is stock, and I don't think the mods would give me a beter sound at low or high...

Great 2 channel amp. Where the normal channel can do clean or crunch and the overdrive channel can do anything up to high gain.

This amp sounds great, but you must remember that 5 accross the board eq wise is not flat. Having the amp tone controls on 1 is closest to a flat tone. I run mine at Bass 2, Mids 3, treb 2.5 and presence at 2, this gives a close tone to a bogner ecstacy where its eqs are all at 5.

The mids on this are more upper around the 1.6 khz range so be careful not boosting to much. Tone controls are real interactive. turning down bass for example seems to smooth out mids

Built like a tank

Havent used them

Great amp, its pricey but worth it

A Purple Soldano SLO100, 240Volt Version, ordered through a friend's Music Shop. Waited 3 months for the amp to arrive.

It's the Standard Soldano SLO100, I use it mainly for recording in my "home studio" and am running it on [2] 2x12" 180watt enclosed Speaker Cabinets.

Basic features, but very easy to set-up and find that "sweet spot" in the sound that I've been searching for in many years. I should have bought one earlier.

From "Clean" to "Brilliantly Mean" the Soldano SLO100 is now the "holy grail" of amps in my studio.

Am using the Soldano SLO100 with the following guitars:

1: John Suhr Custom Standard, ASH Body, Koa Top, Flame [Neck], Brazilian Rosewood [Fingerboard] with Locking Sperzel's & 2 Point Style 1055 Tremelo System. John Suhr Single Coils [Neck & Middle]
John Suhr Humbucker [Bridge] 10 ~ 46 Jim Dunlop Strings

1: John Suhr Custom Standard, Basswood Body, Quilted Maple Top, Flame [Neck], Brazilian Rosewood [Fingerboard] with Locking Sperzel's & 2 Point Style 1055 Tremelo System. John Suhr Aldrich Humbuckers [Neck & Bridge] 10 ~ 46 Jim Dunlop Strings

1: PRS Singlecut Tremelo, with Humbuckers & 10 ~ 46 Jim Dunlop Strings.

The Soldano SLO100 covers an exceptionally wide range of musical styles, I'm into 1970's ~ 1990's Classic Hard Rock, you won't find a better amp than the Soldano SLO100, It's made all of my Marshall's totally redundant due to it's "sound".

The Soldano SLO100 has exceptional "clarity" even in it's most saturated overdrive mode. Really excellent sound for guitar solo's, whether "clean" or "mean" it "out performs" any other amp that I've previously owned or played through.

Simply AWESOME !

Have not used the Soldano SLO100 to gig with, it's planted firmly in my home studio.

Like any amplifier, the reliability depends on many factors, especially how the user "treats" the equipment. I expect to get many years of excellent reliability from the Soldano SLO100 based upon the reviews I've read on it.

Have not had to use the Soldano SLO 100 "Customer Support" facility so far, so am unable to comment at this time.

I expect to get many years of excellent service from the Soldano Team, based upon the reviews I've read on it.

I've ordered a 2nd Soldano SLO100 as a result of the 1st one purchased and will dupliacte the set-up of the Soldano SLO100 with another [2] 2x12 180watt enclosed Speaker Cabinets.

Again, the Soldano SLO100 is a simply "AWESOME" amplifier and I'm going to enjoy this set-up for many year to come.

Okay here's the deal...new (07) head right outta the box this week. Standard model, no mods...don't need them.

I play blues, rock, metal occasionally and rarely top 40 stuff. Mostly originals as well.

I give it a 10 for features simply because the experienced player doesn't need any more crap cluttering the tone. Have your soundman put the tone sucking FX through the PA. I plug straight in and get more sounds by just using the crunch and lead channels and the guitar controls then I could hope for. I also use the clean and lead to switch between as well. For me this amp works EXTREMELY well. I have a large collection of vintage Marshalls from 66 on up and the Soldano gives me a nice plexi type tone that cleans up VERY well on both channels provided one understands how the amp works...it works like an old Marshall, yep, that easy to set up.

Mike Soldano has, as it's been stated, created the ultimate 100 watt head if versatility, TONE, reliability and being in control of the aforementioned is paramount to you. It handles ANY gig easily. I usually run the masters at between 3 and 5 depending on the venue and it pumps through a 70 Marshall basketweave straight cab with 25 watt lead cone pre-Rola Celestions which I thing tame it down so it's much more useful then say, v30'S, h30'S, ev'S ETC...The amp is very warm woody and just swirling with harmonics, punch and clarity as no other amp. If you can play and you are a gigging out musician there is no finer tone machine for most styles of music the amp excels at. Don't play surf music with it though ;)

* What kind of sounds can the amp make? How much variety?

Many plexi to hot plexi and believe it or not, the clean is like a smoother tighter JTM 45/Bassman type of tone. Variety is in the hands as is tone.
* Is the clean channel distorted at high volumes? In what settings?

Don't know, like it to stay cleanish but if you lower the preamp knob and raise the master and use a single coil guitar I would say it would stay pretty damned clean..I can cop funk licks on a Strat if that helps.

* How brutal is the distortion?

Is this a real question? If so you must be a kid to ask this...heavy is in the hands. It can get downright NASTY but MUCH more musical than the gain heads out there.

* What guitar and pickup styles are you using it with?

1950's Les Paul/PAF's (52 TO 59 conversion done by Mirabella guitars, 06 Murphy aged 59 RI with real PAF's, The odd Strat, 1957 Les Paul Jr(orig P90),1962 ES335/PAF's, LP Custom with Duncan Distortion/59 set.
* How does it suit your music style (and what is that style)?

VERY WELL. Think of me as a cross between Billy Gibbons, Gary Moore, Freddie,BB and Albert King and James Hetfield.

* Is it noisy? On what settings, and in what environments?
No, not at all. The most quiet amp I own, hands down.

* Can you depend on it? Would you use it on a gig without a backup?

No seasoned player goes to a gig without a backup. I would say after owning restoring, modifying and repairing all types of new and vintage amps that he build quality of this amp is beyond the norm. It's built for life.

* Has the amp ever broken down? Because of neglect of regular servicing (as in tubes), or just plain neglect?

Not yet and I don't expect it to. I make sure my amps are always healthy and fresh.

* If you've dealt with the company, how helpful/friendly were they?

VERY nice, helpful and just plain cool. This company epitomizes the good still in the MI industry'

* Ever try and get it repaired? Was the repair done under warranty?

No but I have no fear they will take care of it


* Were you able to findan authorized service center easily?

N/A
* How long is the warranty?

LIFETIME, transferable.

* How long have you been playing?

About 15 years.

What other gear do you own?

1966 Marshall JTM pLEXI 100, 1967 Marshall plexi Super Bass, 2 1968 Marshall plexi Super Lead, 1969 Marshall plexi Lead 50, 1969 Marshall metal panel Super Bass, 70 Super Bass, 71 Super Lead, 81 JCM 800 2203...7 original Marshall 4x12's, basketweaves, one 2o watt loaded stack, 3 25 watt lead cone stacks, one bass cone straight front basketweave.


* If it were stolen or lost, would you buy it again or get something else?

I'd order another in a second


* what do you love about it? What do you hate?

Everything, I hate nothing about it.


* Did you compare it to other products? Which ones? Why did you
choose this one?

I've owned both generations or Rectifiers both Trip and Dual, Bogner Ecstasy, Peavey 5150 AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON...I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING and this is the balls. Hands down.

* Anything you wish it had?

Nope.
* Anything else you'd like to share?

In reading these reviews I am amazed people compare this to a 5150...it's nowhere near a comparison, it's a farce. The Soldano is in a league of it's own. It's as much an instrument as any of my guitars.

Well here goes. The first time I saw a soldano, I thought to myself that's one of those 80's metal amps. You know stupid band's like Ratt, posin etc. I have always thought that God blessed me with really good ears. I have owned several different amps like-Matchless (sampson era) Dc-30, amd clubmans. Mesa MarkIV. bogners. Diaz cd-100. Well, let me say a few years ago, I was at a concert with the allman brothers in Live Oak Fl. Well Warren, and Derek were both playing SLO's. I could not believe the tone derek was getting. So, the next week another great guitar slinger from North Florida was also playing a SLO. I told myself the next time I see one, I will try it out. WOW. I could not believe it. Tone for days. The only thing that took alittle time adjusting to was moving from 30 watt's to 100, and let me tell you-it's 100 freaking watts. Funny thing, after playing an SLO for the last year, 100 watts is where this amp needs to be. I would tell anybody to try an SLO. I have been touring for 7 years with a very well know band, and I am here to tell you< there is no way I could live with out my Soldano. I am sold! Take my humble advice-save your money and learn from my mistakes-buy a SLO. The only other amp, which can compete in this catagory and is an all together different animal is my Diaz. The other cool feature is the transferable lifetime warrenty.

GREAT! Soldano, thanks for making a great amp!

Never had one problem out of my SLO for the past year.

Never had to call the the gang at Soldano yet.

I have never scored a amp at 10, and never will. Nothing will ever be perfect(in my humble opinion).

Although only 2 channels, this amp can cover virtually any genre. With the guitar's volume knob or a volume pedal you can get some additional sounds. The FX loop is kind of the downfall with the amp though, due to its placement in the chain and the lack of stomp box compatibility (+4 rack fx level). I am getting a GMajor tomorrow, so we'll see how it does. It is a serial loop which is good though. Couldn't stand the parallel FX loop on my Mesa. Yes, the SLO does share an EQ between the two channels, but surprisingly this doesn't seem to matter to me. I dial in a punchy OD sound and the clean still sounds great.

The clean/crunch channel sounds best IMO on crunch for clean sounds with a lower preamp gain setting. This gives you nice touch sensitive dynamics and slight breakup - more lively. The OD channel is phenomenal...it will sustain for days and if you can play lead guitar, then you will be pleasantly surprised with the liquid tone and great feel. Stock this amp doesn't have enough low end for me unless I can crank it up to about 4 or 5 (which is incredibly loud - louder than I've been able to turn it up just about anywhere). That said, if you get this amp with the depth mod you will probably not have a problem with the amount of low end, unless you're looking for the 3D bass response of an Uberschall or a Triple Rectifier. Highly recommend getting the depth mod on this - it really thickens up the sound at lower volumes as well.
I used to own a Triple Rectifer and sold it after getting the SLO. It can't compare to clarity of the Soldano (you can hear every note on this amp even if the gain is turned to 11!) Some people test drive this amp come away somewhat less impressed than they had hoped. The SLO is an unforgiving amp in terms of showing your technique...at first this made me feel inadequate in my ability, but over time I have learned all the ways that the Mesa was hiding my bad technique and as a result this amp has taken me from intermediate into advanced. This amp also features their patented Kontrolled Clipping which gives you a smoother gain, none of that grainy/harsh stuff and yet still has a great bite which can cut through anything in your band.

Built with waterproof pots. Probably built better than just 99.9 percent of amps out there...wouldn't hesitate to use without a backup. Never broke done on me, other than through using an instrument cable for a speaker cable (my own fault) - see below.

I made a dumb mistake of using an instrument cable as a speaker cable and the amp cut out on me during practice. I was pretty down and decided to call up Soldano. I described the problem and he guided me through a diagnosing process. Turns out all had to do was plug in and out of the FX Loop return jack 5 times and boom the amp worked again, just like normal. Had to replace the fuse that blew, that protected any further damage as well, but that was dirt cheap to do. I have talked to Bill at Soldano about other gear related compatibilities with this amp and have always found his advice very helpful. I really couldn't ask for better customer support. A+

I've been playing for 12 years and this is my favorite amp so far. I am saving up for a Bogner XTC as well and should be satisfied with amp buying for a long time. The Soldano is the benchmark for many modern high gain amplifiers (5150, Mesa Rectifer, etc. were based on its design) and while it's not all that cheap, it is worth the price for an amp of this quality to me. It also comes with a fully transferable lifetime warranty - how many companies offer this? I do wish it had a more friendly FX Loop, but I don't think it's going to be an issue as I'm going with Rack FX and some pedals out front. It is a bright sounding amp which isn't for everyone. If you like darker tones try Bogner. If you do like bright tones and must have 3 channels there's always the Soldano Decatone. I highly recommend this amp if you play lead guitar, as there is pretty much nothing that can touch it in this realm. The clean channel sometimes gets unfairly criticized, but like I said - lower gain setting on the crunch channel sound more than acceptable for a hi-gain amp. If you play heavier rock, definitely get a depth mod on this thing. I don't really use the Warren Haynes mod on this amp, but if you like lower gain settings and more classic rock tones you might dig it, or if you play slide guitar. Not a perfect amp, but pretty close to it for what it was designed to do.

Heaps versatile amp, can pretty much do any genre. I play mainly metal and rock and this thing pulls it off near perfectly. Two channels shared EQ, everyone knows that tho. I would prefer a 3 or even 4 channel amp with independant EQ's because im lazy and cant be bothered to dial in heaps of tones, but over its 2 channels and a couple of good pedals you can cover a wide range of sounds depending on the music you want to play. It's really LOUD.

Through this i use an ibanez s-series prestige with a SD invader in the bridge and various DIY pedals. As i said, with these i can cover a huge range of sounds. The clean channel sounds very good even with my settings for a dirty rhythm tone. Dialing the gain up gets a very nice crunchy sound ideal for classic rock. Hitting the cruch switch goes easilly into hard rock territory. The best part of this amp is the overdrive channel though. Easilly cuts through the mix unlike some other amps i have played through, due to its emphasis on the mids. Chords are always very articulate - you can hear each note ring out and leads scream but are smooth at the same time.

No issues here.

Havn't needed to contact them. They have a good reputation though.

Been playing for 6 years. My first tube amp. I love this thing and would get it again. I only wish it had more channels and independant EQ, however with what it has it gets the closest to that 'sound in my head'.

This is a follow up to my past review. Red head with matching Red Soldano cab. Slave out, effects loop, Warren Haynes, scoop and depth mod.

Since my last review of this amp I have re-tubed it. Putting in KT66 power tubes and JJ High Gain ECC83S'. The re-tube brought this amp to a whole new level. I thought it sounded awesome before now it sounds even more incredible. I purchased my tubes from Doug's Tubes.
If your going to put in new tubes must get them from a reliable tube outfit that tests the tubes. Doug was very helpful. Since I re-tubed this amp my friend's also said the amp sounds even more incredible. I was also using a Boss DD-20 Delay pedal (which will run at a +4 level) but I have since switched to an old Rocktron Intellifex LTD. The Rocktron doesn't seem to color my tone. Even though I hardly use any effects because the amp sounds incredible with out them. This amp is very versitale. I use this in my recording studio. The clean does sound excellent when set right. Crunch sounds awesome and the Overdrive channel is pure heaven. I can do things with amp that were never possible with all the others I have owned. The sustain is incredible.

Built to last a lifetime.

The folk's at Soldano are top notch. Bill Sundt was very helpful. He even help my tech with the rebiasing of the new tubes.

I absolutely love this amp. I have finally found the tone in my head I have been searching for. I have owned Marshall's, Peavey's Crate, Rocktron,ADA,Pod's but none of them compare to the Soldano. I got in alot of trouble with the wife for spending the money I did on this amp but it was worth it. I don't plan on getting rid of this baby. If it were stolen I would hunt do that person down and strap his head to the cabinet and let that person know what a 100 watt all tube amp sound like turn up to eleven.

Mint 1990 Soldano SLO 100 in Boa tolex with KT 66 power tubes (makes the amp sound even bigger and fatter than 6L6's) and NOS Chinese preamp tubes (and believe me preamp tubes make a huge difference in the sound of this amp!) 2 user channels, with 2 modes (wish these were footswitchable as does everone else) on the normal channel being clean or crunch with a bright switch for this channel as well.
The second channel is high gain for soloing but it is articulate enough for chords and any rythem playing as well! Effects loop, slave out, and (toggle switch) bypassable depth mod. The amp has more than enough power especially when you go over the 5 mark on the dials but it just gets better from that point. This is my only amp right now and I have had it approx. 1 year and it is not a one trick pony otherwise it would have been gone long ago as I have GAS (Gear aquisition syndrome) or SATS (serial amp trader syndrome)there have been moments of doubt but you just plug into it later and that feeling goes away..I play 60's 70's 80's 90's and some new hard rock, blues etc...The Soldano cover's it all you just have to learn how to work with it.

The clean channel on the SLO can be crystal clean especially with single coils with the bright switch on and my TC chorus think John Sykes whitesnake type clean! With the bright switch off the clean sound is warmer and rounder sounding still very nice. The clean channel will break up faster with a bridge Humbucker and does have more and more hair the higher you set the channel gain level I stay at about 7 which gives me the best of both worlds with tons of headroom.

The crunch channel on the SLO is that and more if you turn the gain down you can get awesome blues gain sounds, if you go to 6 or 7 nice kinda plexi vibe, turn it up from there and you can get classic rock to metal sounds.

The overdrive channel on SLO is or should be IMHO be the benchmark for all lead channels it still makes me smile everyday. The gain is more than enough for me at 7 or under anything over that is like going to plaid. Very rich harmonic's, sustain, articulation, and the sound swallows the practise room whole no matter what.

The Depth mod I have installed is the Soldano version but with some revisions by myself and my amp tech. I changed the cap value as the one suggested by Soldano was to dark and a little muffled or muddy.
They say use a 1M cap I found the .680 to be clearer with the same depth effect. I installed a bypass switch to put the circuit to stock because with the depth mod turn to 0 it still lost the sweetness of this amp stock. Having this mod is great for when I need a very heavy low end grind, but I prefer the amp stock as it sounds much better, you have to play it to understand.

I use the SLO with my Tom Anderson Drop Top with HSS, Bogner UberKab (with Soldano logo HEHE!) X pattern with Celestions 2 G12H30's and 2 G12M25's, some effects pedals and thats all I need.

Haven't had any issues it seems to be perfect, fully dependable would use it without a backup.

I have spoken with Mike and Bill both are great to deal with, always very helpful with questions I have. No warranty center in Canada. Lifetime transferable warranty who do you know offers that...

I have been playing 20+ years, I have owned many many amps Marshall's, Mesa's, Splawns, Bogner's, Demeter and on and on even 4 other Soldano HOT Rod plus 50's and 100's! I kept going back to Soldano so I figured 5th times a charm I bought the SLO finally and I am very happy with this amp, I don't think there is much out there that would be better for me. If it were lost or stolen I would find you..use your imagination HEHE! The only other amp I see myself buying would be a Fender Vibro King to A/B with the Soldano.

2005 SLO100 Red Head, Warren Haynes mod, scoop mod and depth mod.
This amp is very versatile. I use mainly in my recording studio. I am also using a THD HotPlate and Soldano Cab. I am also using a Boss DD-20 delay in the loop.

The SLO is by far the best amp I have ever played thru. I have played or owned just about everything. It smokes the 5150. I have the Warren Haynes mod,scoop mod and depth mod. I really like the scoop mod. I can get all kinds of sounds with this amp. I am also using a Boss Giga Delay in the loop. This pedal works perfectly with this amp mainly because it can be set to run at +4, which what the loop runs at. I acn't say enough about this amp. It is very tight and responsive. I plat mostly Hard Rock with USA and import BC Rich's, Esp's, Ibanez's and Schecter's. The BC's and the ESP seem to sound the best. I even like the clean channel. Solo's have never sounded so good.

I would have to say excellent (haven't had it to long) but it should be considering it has a lifetime warrenty.

Don't know myself. But have their great.

I have been playing for over 20 years and have had my share of amps and preamps (Crate,5150II,Marshall,ADA,Rocktron) you name it I've either had it or played it. This amp smokes them all. The head and cab are both RED. It looks almost as good as it sounds and It looks damn awesome. My tone has never sounded so good. If were stolen I would I would replace it the next day. Then I would hunt down who stole it strap his head to the cab and crank it to 11 till his ears bleed. The tone is unbleavable. If you can afford this anp buy, if you can't find a way. You won't regret it. I will have mine till the day I die.

just a stock slo....

the amp sounds great... however .. i have had alot of tube problems with it... I play all kinds of music and the amp sounds outstanding.. but like I said.. I am not very happy with it right now..

not well!!! everyone always says how their soldano rocks!! but mine has some issues.. haha ... after owning the amp for 4 years.. i love it.. but I have to put new tubes in every 4 months.. I have taken it to different techs and they haven't found any problems.. but every time I call soldano its the same asshole tech who says.. its just a tube falure... !!! come on!!! so .. a few weeks ago.. I talked to mike soldano.. he was extremly nice about the situation and understanding.. and was telling me how he knows something has to be wrong because he has people who go for years without changing tubes.. so I told him my tech would call him and we could all talk about some issues and try to trouble shoot the problem.. .. and if that didn't work I will mail it back to the factory.. so.. we do all of this.. fix the amp.. and 2 weeks later.. 2 power tubes lite up.. another tube problem... I call soldano again.. and get the same asshole tech.. said its just a tube failure it happens all the time.. i explain the situation.. and how i had the conversation with mike.. and he said .. its not uncommen to replace tubes in amps 4 times a year!!!!! what!!!!! and i told him I was going to send it back.. and he didn't want me to!! he said.. "i guess you can if you want but theirs prob. nothing wrong with it"!!! so.... do you think he will even try to look at it.... i have over 5 grand wrapped in this amp.. and they are trying to be like this with me!! .. if they don't fix this problem... i will never never play this amp on a stage again.. let alone tour with it!! over priced for the pleasure i get!!!

read above.... mike soldano rocks... the other guy i am not so sure about!!

going somewhere else... after 4 years of crap!!! but it does sound good when it works..

I have been waiting a long time for the chance to submit this review... My brand new (3/2006) SLO is fully loaded with all the mods (Warren Haynes, Scoop, Depth Control) in the limited edition black chassis and black covering. I bought it brand new last week.

After about 20 years playing Mesa Mark III's and IV's I began to yearn for a different tone. I was looking for something smoother and less feature-laden, but with the reliability and the "sounds good at any venue/volume" quality of the Mesas. After you realize that there is a reason why the greats all play through this amp it becomes a simple reality that this is the amp to own.

3 channels (2 footswitchable), fx loop, WH mod (lo-gain treble cut), Scoop mod (normal channel EQ shaping), Depth Control (a must for any amp - bass resonance control), no reverb, no nonsense. It comes with a pedal for channel switching and that's pretty much about it.

I wish the loop was switchable, but not a huge issue. My Rotosphere doesn't sound 100% through it, but I'm still trying to figure that out, but basically another non-issue. My other effects sound great through the loop and the front. Some call this amp boring, but, for me, this amp is perfect. You just set the amp for the best possible tone and you can work everything else out. The tone is that good.

You can use this amp in the bedroom and still get a great tone. Of course it soudns better on 2 and up, but the point is you don't have to crank it to get a more than playable tone. I will definitley use this at gigs as people say it really cuts through well.

I am mainly using PRS' with stock pickups and Les Paul R9's and an R8 with stock BurstBuckers. I play Classic Rock (Kansas, Floyd, Heart, AC/DC, Rush, Kiss), anything 80's, and newer stuff like Gov't Mule along with Metal. It suits all of these surprisingly well. It is not noisy at all. I use the gain sparingly with an overdrive pedal in front just to add a bit of grind on the top, but I am finding myself not having to rely on the overdrive pedal because the SLO is so great on its own. The pedal now adds a fourth channel almost.

The claen channel is as good or better than any clean I've heard before. It is usable for anything from funk to country (with the scoop switch on). There is enough variety in this amp to accomplish anything. I think people are starting to confuse variety with footswitching capability. Yes, there are hundreds of tones in this amp, but you have to tweak them by hand and you cannot access all of them via a footswitch. If you can get past that your problems are over.

The Overdrive channel is pure goodness. Thick, but not bassy. Cutting, but not harsh or brittle. Middy, but not boxey. It sounds perfect. You can get a wide variety of dostorted tones from a good Allman Bros to Anthrax. It is all there.

I'm assuming I can depend on it. I was trying it out the other night when it arrived and the volume was surging every few seconds. My heart dropped before I tried a different cable and that turned out to be the problem. I guess my other amps weren't sensitive enough to ever surface that problem. I would use it without backup.

I emailed them about the mod definitions because their web site is so horribly undermanaged. They never replied. I didn't try calling. I know they aren't exactly brimming with personnel, but that is why I bought this amp.... because the quality is still there. I would hope that if I had a servicable problem under the warranty that I would be able to get a hold of someone.

I have been playing for 23 years and own a few other Mesas still. I would try and get another one if given the opportunity. I now truly feel there is nothing left to buy. I'm tonally content. After buying amps with too many features or too few I've finally found my perfect amp. You can do metal with it, but you don't have to.

this is an amp that some may feel lacks in features for a 3-4000$ amp.im glad soldano decided to only issue the s.l.o with a fx loop and slave as a standard mod. this amp doesnt need a third chanel. i can go from a gorgeous clean to a s.r.v sound, to all out rock, just with my volume control, then switch to the other chanel,and the into the overdrive mode. what the hell woul a third chanel do???
this is a 2004 model. its my second one.i sold the last one because of $$$ troubles.
i play in 2 bands. a punk band and a radio rock band. this amp does both easy.

here is the majik. while i am primarly a les paul player, i find that this amp really shines with a strat. i re discovered my 62 american re issue with this amp. the single coil sound is just so wide open on the s.l.o .no crazy mind frying high end, just clean sparkling grind. and on the lead chanel its pure heaven. with the articulation being just right.on a les paul , this amp is deadly. page tones are easily acheived,as well as metal tones, however i feel that while the s.l.o has all the gain you want, it doesnt really have that scooped limp bizcuit boogie rectifier tone, wich is great. this amp would do more of an aggressive slayer tone better. this amp has the ability to cut through anything. it has a majik equation of ingredients that allow tha mids to slice through at any setting. the amp is very touch sensitive and responds well to volume button adjustments.i honestly feel that this amp is one of the few that deserves the mistique it creates. there is nothing like it.

i havent had any problems yet. but its been only 6 months.upon inspection of the inside , you feel that you probably wouldnt have any anyway.

i have phoned soldano and spoke to both bill and mike several times. both are always eager to talk gear. ive asked the most redundant questions, and some very ligit ones. both were answered with total clarity and with the feeling that they acctualy cared about my verbal meanderings. ive met mike soldano, and he's a great guy. loves to talk. he singed the back of this amp i am reviewing.

ive been playing 25 years. i own 4 amps that i feel are prime examples of their era. i have a stock 74 marshall 100 watt super leadMKII, i have a 82 2203 jcm 800, i have a bad cat hot cat 100, and this s.l.o.
this is an amp that i would do anything to get back if it were lost. i love its tone ,the look, the prestige. i would say that the s.l.o and the bad cat are my faves, but the s.l.o would beat out the bad cat in number of times played. it easier to use. but i wouldnt say it s better sounding . both sound different.

Think mine was made in '92 This amp is quite versatile for lots of styles of music for me. Its maybe not going to suit a die-hard Fender twin clean player tho'.. they are welcome to buy a twin..! Features have all been stated. This amp has wonderful Blues tones as well as Fabulous Rock/Heavy rock tones. You must always have a great sound in your head, or you will NEVER get a great tone .. no matter what you use. Features are minimal, but this baby does not need many bells and whistles... The biggest feature is its GREAT TONE...!!

I use this amp with two L series Strats ('63+ '64) a Reissue USA Strat, A '71 Les Paul, and 2 MUSIC MAN Luke guitars as well as a '62 tele Custom.. (depending on what type of gig i do) I use it through a Marshall Vintage 4/12 w/ 25 watters, or a Soldano 212 with Vintage 30s. I play it mainly to do Covers. I have nailed a great SRV tone.. it is unbelievably close.. the gains are not too high tho' (5-7 on the crunch, and 3 on the Lead channel. Having the LUKE guitar allows me a genuine Lukather tone with the Soldano SLO 100..I saw him use two here...! now that, IS a great tone. Luke is one of the Best on the PLANET..!! All these sounds are simply spine tingling... I love this amp. It had EL34's in it and I'm leavin' them in there... I Cannot believe ANYONE but a moron would can this Amp...

Never had a problem... I think they need to be looked at around once a year by a great tech to keep it serviced and you shouldn't have a problem. I play around 3 nights per week.

I sent a fax to Soldano before I had a computer, and Had reply within 2 days...Very helpful, And I live in Melbourne, Australia.
Luckily I have the services of Tim Evans In Chelsea Victoria,to look after my gear.. He is about the best Guitar Amp technician here in Australia.

I have Two Labsystems Cage amps( hand built 30 watt class A, and 50 watt A/B)which are GREAT amps for beautiful vintage jangly breakup...!!!(See reviews...) and an old '76 Marshall, and a Mesa dual rectifier. The mesa is great for heavy rock, no doubt,but its not as sweet as the SLO, and does not have the overall best tone from bottom to top, the bottom is a bit ,'false'..but that is partly what gives you the Foo fighters/ Nickelback sound..The Mesa is great with Humbuckers, not so good with Vintage Single Coils.. The Soldano SLO 100 is a credit to its designer/ builder. This amp suits someone who loves good Hot Marshall vintage like tone. Marshall these days, have TOTALLY lost the plot. Soldano...?? LOVE IT... LOVE IT...!!

2002 Model, Extremely Versatile amp, My Amp Quest is Over, Just truly an amazing amp, 2 channel amp, with crunh and brightness switches. Shared EQ in Boith Channels which may be an issue for some but not for me, it's easy to work around that, My Head is stock with no extras on it and IMHO its better the more stuff that touches the circuit the higher chances you have for problems...The Clean channel was important to me and was my primary concern as I do lots of covers and top 40 stuff, The clean channel turned out to be extremely useful,..you can do the funk thing very well..just set the proper pre-amp level an leave it there..it is very,very fenderish type clean...I am very happy with that, the clean on this amp is way better then on my previous HR50+XL heads... The Overdrive Channel is outrageous, and surpassed my liking over and over, Before getting this amp, I was going to go with a Bogner Extacy Classic, which was more money but the tone is very,very similar...but will not cut threw the mix well...This is not the case with the SLO100, I am happy I did not get that amp, and I went down this route, from my previous experience with the soldano products, I had a twin setup with 2 HR50+XL heads, while soldano claims in there ads that the circuit is identical in both models which may be the case I am not an electrical engineer...the SLO100 in my ears was way past both of those amps in the overdrive dept, just sounded very full bodied ,& thick and just makes you want to rip all day long...I had considered doing this change along time ago and always procrastinated..THAT WAS A BIG MISTAKE.

I amp using a USA SCHECTER custom shop telecaster, A Jackson/charvel San Dimas re-issue IV. A Epiphone Les Paul that had all of its guts changed, and a 1982 Stock Fender Strat....The amp is not noisy at all, and does not shriek unlike my old 5150. I am running in the fx Loop a Korg SDD 3300, a Roland SVR-3030, I can dial in any kind of tone with this amp, It can go from lush clean to an extremely aggressive and out of control distrortion, It has lots of Headroom and more punch then you may possibly need..I can dial in scorpions tone easy, nail Gary More sound to the T...You can do a whole set of classic Jazz Standards on thr clean tone..and just go crazy on set 2 with just a stomp on the channel select switch...this amp will blow you away, if you are practicing at home, It maybe somewhat loud as in order to get the good taste of this amp you would probably run it on 2. The amp is 100 watts and is very,very powerfull, I doubt that you will ever go past 6 in live setting as it will start drowning evrything and everyone and they will throw you out of the club. I have used this amp amp with ruby 6l6 tubes on it, as well as old Sylvania 6l6 Tubes........It's so hard to describe this amp, as I have nothing negative to say about it..It blows me away everytime I use it.

in the last 7 years of using soldano products I have never had an amp break down on me, other then regular tubes getting changed.

I have spoken to these people in several times with both models, the support the offer is prestige and excellent, they will never try to sell you anything or recommend that is not necessary, The Warranty is the Best in the Business, on this Model (SLO100) it's lifetime and transferable..You can not get better then that.

I have been playing since 81-82, If someone would rip off this amp, and I would nab him, I would do jail time, I have owned lots of amps in this time, 73 Twin Reverb, 86 Marshall JCM800, Peavey 5150 first series, 69 Fender Bassman, 71 Traynor head, 86 Fender Super Champ (This is the only amp that I actually wish I still had kept.....If you can find one of these pocket rockets, grab it right away) , 85 Boogie MKIIC+, Soldano Hr50+XL . With this amp I can dial tones very,very close to the previous heads I owned, but I don't need 2 heads onstage with an A/B switch....... You pay for what you get, this amp is a keeper. I will never sell this head, tone search is over. Only problem these are very hard to find up in the Canadian great white north, and when you do, you will definately get a big hole in your wallet....I will recommend this amp to anyone

I will admit that the features are limited, but it is sold as a Lead Over Drive unit which it is. If Soldano could have added one more feature, I'd pick reverb. My unit is a combo which I wish it was a head/stack, maybe someday I'll put the head in a new case and buy the cabinets.

I replaced the second position tube with a RCA NOS 12AT7 instead of the 12AX7 tube and that tamed the down the overdrive to my liking. I must say, turn the Overdrive Preamp knob to 11, hit a note and go have lunch, it will still be playing when you get back. I've read some bad reviews and I will say, I had trouble when I first bought my SLO. I have a Les Paul Custom Premium Plus and a Strat Ultra deluxe. After a lot of thinking it was the amp, I found that my strat was creating a 60 hz hum on my SLO, which it didn't have with my Red Knob "The Twin" Fender. I did some work on the guitar and life was good again. I can't imagine an amp with a better Overdrive sound.

I've had it for two years with out a problem. No reason to complain.

When I first bought the amp I e-mail Soldano and received several emails back with suggestions. That's where I got the tip to replace the 2nd tube with a 12AT7. I bought a foot switch and received it promptly. I deal with maintenance of computerized manufacturing equipment for a living and Soldano's crew helped when needed. They were as good as any of the vendors I deal with.

Overall it's a 10 for me. I've played in a few bands around the Portland Oregon area. I played with a couple guys that use Line 6 amps. One night one of the Line 6 amps died and our lead Guitarist plugged into my Fender "The Twin". After that night he has offered to buy my Fender many times which I've said no. After getting and playing my SLO, I'd sale the Fender before the SLO. Although I plan to keep both. I've been playing for 30 years and I like those quite moments when the kids and wife go shopping, then I crank it up and let it rip, you know those quite moments.

2005 model. The amps versatility is there for me. Play a rock, blues, funk, country. This amp covers what I need. No complaints from band members or audience. I get compliments from both on the tone. Not planning on getting the depth or any other mods. Ordered mine with the effect loop I've heard so many bitching about lately. Works fine for me. What the hell is this bullshit about sucking tone, and touch sensitity issues with this loop? I agree with the last poster that Soldano would not be selling amps with this loop if they were that bad. This thing is plenty loud for me. Not too many features. Just right for me.

I'm so tired of people bitching about the clean channel. Some people just like to bitch. You want Fender Twin clean, buy a god damn Fender Twin and shut the fuck up you fucking idiots. This amp was made to rock anyway you fucking morons. The OD channel is the shit. This is one of the few amps I own that sets up well for me just about anywhere. Ofcourse, I don't play in churchs or old folks homes. And, I sure as hell didn't spend this kind of money on any amp to play it in the bedroom. If that's all somebody else bought it for they have fucking rocks and shit for brains. And to the dickweed that said it's no better than a 5150, check with your doctor or psychiatrist. You need serious help. Go get laid. Maybe it will improve your attitude.

Don't anticipate probs at all. Built like a brick shithouse.

Have not had to deal with them yet. Have heard only good about them.

I've got a Mesa MKIV, and VHT UL CL 100. Both great amps, but different. Can't imagine wanting anything else for a while. I'm in tone heaven right now. Too cool.

Truly amazed at the ignorance of the last post.....2005 model. Versatile, not really. More of a one trick pony. I play rock and metal in a cover band.
Effects Loop, well, I will get to that later.....No you are a one trick pony. Lottttttttttts of people including my self find more than one sound from this amp. Learn how to turn the knobs, and listen. Maybe you should have bought a hearing aid instead of the SLO. Get a life.

The previous poster needs to pull his head out of his ass. The loops fine. It wasn't made for cheap bullshit stompboxes or bargain basement rack gear. If it was that bad, Soldano would not be seeling as many of these amps with this loop. Takes away from touch sensitivity? Again bullshit.

The best.

Don't need them yet. Both of mine have worked flawlessly for the past 10 years. They answered what few questions I had right away.

Love these amps. Most reasonable and experienced players that have them do. Never fails some punk will post bullshit on these because they haven't a clue. The 5150 better tha this? Makes me laugh. I think the last poster just wanted to run down the ratings.

2005 model. Versatile, not really. More of a one trick pony. I play rock and metal in a cover band.
Effects Loop, well, I will get to that later.

The SLO is a very nice amp but its shortfalls were just too much for me. The problems I had were mainly with the loop.
When using the loop bad things happened.
First, the tone took a hit with touch sensitivity. I have heard all of the solutions and reasons for a poorly made loop (all loops color the tone, don't use the loop, you have to set it up right, etc...)
Second the levels were just too hot, I know, use an intellifex or G-Major. I tried the G-Major and it did not help any. It still killed a bit of touch sensitivity and tone.
Third, it had too little bottom end. I know, get the depth mod done and use a 4X12. Right?!? Buy expensive amps then pay for mods to cover up the shortcoming.
Fourth, there is a volume disparity when using the loop. The lead was much louder than the clean.
Fifth, when using the loop when you changed channels there was delay and volume swell when going from lead to clean. How can you play live with this???
Postive: It does cut the mix well, the cleans are usable, the lead tone is very nice.

Built awesomely clean. Perfect in build quality.

Great Customer Support. Helpful and friendly! They are very nice folks.

I have been playing for 16 years and I have had over 20 high end amps. This one is near the bottom of the pile.
After 15 years of history the SLO should be more refined. For the 3K price tag all of the mods should be standard. The cleans is just ok. Good enough for rock.
This could be a great amp, but it is really a one trick pony. The Peavey 5150 is just as good and $2300 less.
IMO!

I'll keep this simple , as you already know the details if you are reading this. Simply said, after 18+ years of playing and spending thousands of dollars searching for my tone, this $3000+ amp was worth every penny. My most recent amp was a triple channel Marshall JCM2000 TSL100. Yes, lots of features and magic buttons, but a distorted tone that sounded like a wet fart and a bees nest. This amp has two channels, ,,,and what more do you need than one awesome dirty channel and one awesome clean channel. Some bash the clean channel, but with all of the options on this amp, I find that the clean is just as good as my 2000 marshall was,,,,,and the distortion,,,,there is no better in the universe. I use this with a TC electronics G major, ,,which has a relay that switches between clean and dirty so seamlessly that it turns this head into a midi preamp.

Contrary to what I've read,,,I find that the clean channel is so immaculate and clean,,,,it is awesome. Add a little chorus and delay,,,,and it is acoustic heaven. I keep the bright and crunch switches off cuz I want a very clean sound for this channel. And the OD channel. Put it this way,,,nothing on this earth compares. I've had a lot of gear....ADA preamps, Carvin and Peavey power amps, Peavey 5150 amps, Marshall 900, 600, and 2000 series amps, ,,,,ART preamps, Sovtek amps, Crate amps, ........my last amp was a soldano hot rod 50+,,,and it made me regret ever using my Marshall TSL in the first place (all of my band members said it was soo fuzzy). Now, this SLO blows the hot rod away,,,and I can not even fathom a better overdrive sound.

Built like a tank,,,,it is very heavy,,,and compared to the cheap build materials of my Marshalls ( oh geez, glued on gold plating, cheap bubble gum wrapper knobs, jacks that would get loose after two weeks, transformers from a cereal box, tubes mounted to sockets connected to spider webs, etc). Oh it is very noticable. Oh yeah,,,,LIFETIME WARRANTY..

I talk to them A LOT. First about my hot rod 50, now about my SLO. They never rush me off the phone, and will chat for a long time about amps and tone. So cool . Bill and Mike,,,,,thank you, thank you, thank you......for being so cool and down to earth and for building the best amps on earth. I'm no Warren Demartini or EVH, ,,yet they give you as much attention as if you were a famous rock star.

Like I said,,,,,my last amp E V E R !!!! Listen to Van Halen's for unlawful carnal knowledge album,,, Ratt albums, Lynch albums, Scorpions albums, Bon Jovi, etc etc. Find the best sounding albums and see what amps they used to record them. 5150 my butt. Eddie never used that amp on for unlawful........ This amp is expensive, but is an end to a lifelong quest for tone. You can play this amp at bedroom volumes and still sound like a dream. Built with the finest components and then some. Mike Soldano.......what an unbelievable contribution you made to guitar music.

had for about 3 years...i play in a rock cover band...this thing is pretty loud for sure..has some great features for dialiojg in a tone you want..

i use a Custom 24 PRS...sounds great for rock...clean channel is lacking juts a bit...the distortion in one of the best for sure...top 5

no problems except the logo cracked in half for some reason...they said i had to buy a new one for $20...kind of crazy since i juts bought this thing for almost $3000

they have one crappy customer support...i have bee nreading allot of reviews and this is the only place where need help in ...it is kind of like they think their s*** doesnt stink or something...pretty lame...like i said i paid almost $3000 new for this thing and they wont replace a $20 SOLDANO logo for me...pretty sad

it is a cool amp for rock...clean is only o.k.... customer service sucks thats why the low score

Follow up review. I like it more as time goes on.

I have read some folks that slam the effects loop. For me, it's just fine. I use a Lex MPX 1. I love how the PCM-60 patch sounds with this amp. Tight and not too watery. I'd really like to try an old design remote tube driven reverb for grins.

Solid as a rock! If your techo, take the chassis out and look at that craftmanship. BITCHIN!!........for today is doesn't get much better!

Bill Sundt is the MAN!! He always makes time to answer the most obscure product questions. He seems to really love what he does. It shows. No doubt.

I'm looking for a back up. Not because I'm afraid it will fail, but because I don't know what I what do I something did happen to number one. I really lean heavy on my number one. I could fix it myself. But, it's nice to have immediate redundancy. As far as tube options, I think the 5881's are just fine. Hey, they worked great in B-52 auto pilots. They are really tough units. I know some will disagree. But, that's cool. Everyone has a right to speak their mind. That makes things interesting. I hope Mike makes these things as long as possible. Sorry to gush. I've blown so much money over the years buying and selling. This amp is a keeper for me. Sure it's not a Dumble, or Two Rock..... or anything else. If it was, it wouldn't be what it is.It is what it is, and that's just fine for me. Kudos to Soldano. THEY DEFINITELY BUILD AMPS THAT ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a follow up review after 14 years of use. I originally bought the SLO-100 new in the summer of 1991 at the Rock Block in Nashville, TN for $1960. It came equipped with 4 5881 power tubes, a Sovtek 12ax7LPS in V1, and Chinese 12ax7's in the other positions. I have used the amp extensively in 14 years, and would estimate that I have put over 3500 hours playing time on it. There has never been a malfunction, not even once.

Originally, the amp sounded bright on the overdrive channel. The clean/crunch channel has always had a wonderful bluesy tone when cranked up to about 6 or so, and works very well with a variety of overdrives, notably the Kendrick Buffalo Pfuz, and lately the Lovepedal Eternity.

I have had some work done to "tame the beast." I wanted to get a warmer, calmer overdrive sound suitable for classic rock and blues rock. The first step was to get the Warren Haynes "fat switch." The fat switch simply cuts highs, and therefore reveals the burning mids which distinguish the SLO-100's basic character. The fat switch is definitely worth getting.

Next, I swapped the 5881 power tubes for Groove Tube KT66HP power tubes. The KT66HP is fatter in the mids and lows, and takes some of the highs out as well. I am very happy with the tone. Its warm, fat and really greezy. I also put a Groove Tubes 12ax7M in V1. The Sovtek sounds pretty good, but it has a bright type of attack, and the GT is more focused and clear on the articulation. Putting 2 12ax7M's in V1 and V2 seemed a little too smooth, but it could be worth checking out again with some additional eq tweaking. Definitely worth checking into.

The speakers early on were Soldano X12000's in a Mesa Boogie 412 half back. Those were replaced with V30s, and the open half of the cabinet was closed to limit the bright radiance of the cabinet. Another worthwhile (and inexpensive) move.

The amp is really deep and the mids are absolutely burning. The tone is like black velvet: smooth and articulate, with a bit of a glow to the high end. Its not nearly as bright as before. The lows are very tight and clear.

With a Les Paul, I like to set the overdrive to 5, with the bass @ 7, mids @ 4, treble @ 7, and the presence off. I use treble bleed circuits on the guitar, and will turn the volume to 5 for rhythym, and wind up to 10 for leads. Its a wonderful sound.

With a Strat, I set the mids to 6 and the rest is the same. Sometimes I use the Pfuz on the clean/crunch channel for leads with the Strat. Lately, I have used the overdrive @ 3 to 4, and then used the Lovepedal Eternity for leads. Another nice way to get a great tone.

The clean channel can also be dialed back. With the gain set at about 4.5-5 I get a distinct Byrds-esque type of tone with the Strat. That was quite a surprise.

14 years.
3500+ hours.
No problems.
Its incredibly reliable, and very consistent.

Bill and Mike at Soldano in Seattle are great guys. Easy to talk with. They go out of their way to please the customer. I have nothing but good things to say about them.

The Soldano SLO-100 is a great amp. There are myriad tones simply by adjusting the eq and gain. The amp is not tweaky, but it is interesting to explore the possibilities. Through the years that I've played this, I have noticed several other amps in the vicinity fall apart for various reasons. I tend to think myself that the extra money for the SLO-100 is more than justified when I consider the time and money and frustration that goes into unreliable gear. There are other good amps out there, and it all depends on what you're looking for. But, for me and some other players, this is an awesome amp.