Product: Star Amplifiers Gain Stat 112 Combo
Price Paid: Trade + cash
Submitted
06/23/2006
at
04:11pm
by
Bobby D.
Features
:
10
New 2006 model - if yor are familiar with Matchless, Bad Cat, Sampson or any of his other forays into guitar amps, then you know the name. Two channels with quiet switching, Class A (all the way), tube buffered FX loop on both channels. If any of you reading this have experience with 34's, then you know that they add more power. The only thing this amp doesn't have is no reverb, but check into their Sirius model. From jangly clean or roll off the treble (sounds at times like a sweep control/filter) to rich/full harmonic distortion.
Whether I use an Ed Reynolds custom or PRS Custom 22 (single coils to buckers: this amp is ready for anything. With Fuchs, Bogner, Mesa Lone Star Special in my stable: this little tank is simple to use but filled with interactive controls that WORK. Made like a tank (but what would you expect?0.
Sound Quality
:
10
Using Bartolini, PRS and other PU's from singles to buckers: it does not matter. Whether it's country twang, rich/warm jazzy stuff or screaming overdrive: watch out! This little tank trots out all the sound you'd want. It is EXTREMELY sensitive to touch, and can cop the Vox jangle easily. Tremedous headroom, and little adjustments can make a world of difference. It seems to combine all the best of Matchless & Bad Cat, and then take it somewhere else. The FX loop does not color, so add a stomp box or two or plug in your rack.
Reliability
:
10
I haven't used it long enough, but how many people do you know who own his other products have ragged about quality & reliability? The best quality parts, tubes, and materials have been used. Bottom line: you get what you pay for.
Customer Support
:
5
A little problem here: there is a website but no accurate phone number or direct e-mail address. But if you go to a dealer like Make 'N Music in Chicago, then you know that you will get service to back up your sale. But that sometimes happens in "Boutique Land". Maybe I'll get some contact information when they process the warranty card.
Overall Rating
:
9
Playing for 40 years, a have a studio & storage filled with quality gear. It was down to either a Custom Audio head or this combo (CAE didn't make a combo). Checked out Budda, Mesa Stilleto, Guytron: this one got the nod. Solid, well-made, great sound.
