Sunn Alpha 212R

This is a simple amplifier. It's a single channel solid-state twin-amp with reverb. Not being able to switch channels is kind of a bummer. But, I can't fault the amplifier or Sunn for this because, for what it's designed to do, it does it damn well.

It's wicked loud, and sounds amazing. But, you have to go easy with the bass. This thing has a low-end like no other guitar amp I've seen. Once you're past 12 o'clock, the lows just bury everything. But, at the right level, it gives a thicker, richer tone than any other solid-state I've heard.

I bought this amp used. When I bought it, the reverb didn't work. It made little difference to me since I never use reverb. Other than that, I have absolutely no clompaints. Because I can't say if this was a design flaw or due to the neglecence of the previous owner, I'm not docking it on its relibility.

Sunn is history.

Unlike most solid-state amplifiers which sound rather thin and cold, the Sunn Alpha 212r sounds much warmer and richer.
It only has a single channel. It has no line out for a cab or a PA. This is something one should consider before purchasing one. But, for what this amp is designed to do, it does it wonderfully.

this amp was made in the 70's. it has served me VERY well for 7 years now. I always play with a boss GT3 or GT6 processor so the fact that I didn't find it with a channel switcher doesn't matter. I use this amp as my main at every show I have played since I got it, still rockin strong!! This thing has so much power I never turn the drive or volume past 2. you need a LARGE venue to crank it! I installed a speaker out on the back and ran a Kustom 4 12 cab at one time and I couldn't stand in front of it!

using my processor, I can get any sound from it to reproduce faithfully, I really like this amp because of its sheer force with much coloration on my floor board. it doesn't make noise hardly ever,did I mention LOUD!!

I always use this amp without a back up, it would take a nuke to make it stop working, other than the fact that the controls are on the top,which doesn't fare to well when you pack everything up. Get an amp case and your in there!

nope natta! The company doesn't make this any more , just make sure th knobs are ok and you will be set

I have been playin guitar for 14 years and this amp has been there for half of it and it is still raging! I play an epiphone dot as my main guitar( cheap but awesome) and a boss gt3 on the floor. I would torture somebody if they ever took it. Ihave played many amps and i seems that the 70's really knew what was goin on!!

I believe this amp was made around 1975, during the era of solid state popularity. The amp is fairly versatile, although I primarily use it for louder rock work. It does a great job presenting midcrunch sounds that emulate the Who and Pink Floyd. It has a headphone jack and an output jack, and I have recorded it directly into digital audio programs through a mixing console. However, it seems to lose most of its presence when recorded directly. I think this is because the closed and tight cabinet, and the high power level, have so much to do with its sound. The better solution seems to be to mic the cabinet. I run this amp after my Korg or Digitech effects boards, and never turn it above 4. This is NOT a practice amp, unless you practice in a warehouse. I think it compares well to the HiWatt amps, but is affordable for regular people like me.

I use it with a 99 fender strat and an 84 Tele, with stock pickups. Mine sounds very clean, but I keep it on a power conditioner. I can't hardly get it to feedback, which is nice. It's combination of loud and noise free sound can make your ears tired before you realize it. The clean channel stays clean, and the drive channel adds power and distortion, but nothing radical. To get heavy or metal sounds, use a pedalboard.

This thing is reliable. It's solid state, so it's less trouble. It has never let me down. Also, it seems built to last, and is fairly heavy. Nice casters too, they don't break off. I am not super hard on my equipment, I have been accused of babying things, but still I think it should hold up well for anyone.

I never had any need to deal with them. I hear they were sold to fender, so bye bye support. This product seems so much different than what fender is into making, I'm not sure why they would buy it just to terminate the name. The Sunn seems more targeted towards power and presence and crunch, and the fender seems more targeted towards tone. If you want to play harder rock like Townshend or Sabbath, this is a great amp for you.

I would be hurt if this was stolen or lost. I would search for another one, hopefully in the same condition. I love the sound, but also the way it looks. Black cabinet, plain black knobs, white numbers, nothing fancy. NO flashing lights or little screens, just an amp that says I'm not here for you to LOOK at, but rather to LISTEN to.

i am not sure what year the amp was made in, but i am guessing early 70's. it is solid state. it is loaded with 2 12" speakers, in a closed back cabinet. the controls are on top (which i like). there are controls for drive, bass, mid, mid freq (sweepable mids), treble, reverb, and level. there are two inputs, an effects sens and return, and a footswitch input for the reverb. i am pretty sure it is 100 watts, but i can't find ANY information on this amp ANYWHERE. the 112 version with 1 12" speaker is 50 watts, but this seems way louder.

features are good but nor perfect. the sweepable mids are VERY cool. the achilles heel on this thing is that there is no channel switching. that limits its usefulness considerably for live dynamic music. but the mids are cool... also there is no speaker output (though it is plenty loud enough).

it does sound very good. the closed back design gives tons of low end. to the extent that i usually have to keep the bass on 4 - and i like a lot of bass. it is also very very punchy (also do to the closed back design i guess). this comes to your attention most when playing single notes - particularly higher on the neck. this tends to make the amp very articulate in that you can clearly pick out every note in a fast solo. amazing definition.

the distortion is actually nice as well. the drive control doesn't do much until you hit 7 or so, but between 7 and 10 you get a nice usable range ove drive. hendrix tones around 8, metal at 10. and for metal, the bass response is awesome. i can't imagine this beast with a 7 string. who needs a bass player?

it is a little noisey, though i am using single coils. also, the rverb is so so, but i don't much like spring reverb anyway...

solid state usulayy = reliable. i would gig without a backup for sure. fortune favors the bold.

i have been playing for around 20 years now (geez...).
i own tons of gear.
i love the volume, and i think the closed back design is cool. i am impressed with how punchy it makes solos.
i do wish it had channel switching at leats. that would help my playing style a lot because i go back and forth from dirty to clean often. use a pedal i guess...
this is maybe the bassiest guitar amp you will ever find.