Sunn Beta Lead 1x12 Combo

Dual channel amp, with option of playing through both channels simultaneously. Effects sends and returns for independent channels as well as master. Two speaker outs. Nift-o-rama footswitch with cool LEDs. Massive amounts of power (100 watts, sounds like more).

Note: This amp is INCREDIBLY HEAVY, and a pain to transport. I have casters installed on mine.

Sounds like a solid-state amp. Distortion is a little harsh, and it sounds a bit cold playing it clean. Good tone for soloing, and neat for idosyncratic rhythm guitarists. Good for a really trashy garage-type sound, great for balls-out-metal, and good 70's-ish funky tones with the treble rolled back. Not really versatile enough, in my opinion though.

It is, however, incredibly incredibly loud. This has got to be one of the loudest amps I've ever heard, watt for decibel. Incredible reserves of power. I've used it to drive the stock 12" and a 2x15" cabinet simultaneously.

Never had any problems with it, except that the reverb tank was out when I bought it, and I haven't found a replacement yet. (Seems like this is a common problem.)

Support seems to be nonexistant- seems like few people have even heard of Sunn's.

I got mine for a really great price, and it seems like they go for pretty cheap. I'd say these are great values, even though I have complaints about tone and technical support. If you find one, it'd make a great second amp.

I was given this amp in fairly beat-to-shit condition(with a pyle driver car stereo speaker in it!) Had the transistors replaced after it smoked out on me,and put a new 12" speaker in the cabinet.i cannot believe how good this thing sounds! very clear non-screechy highs,firm low end-and way more power than you would really need,meaning you've got plenty in reserve if you need it (or your drummer is pissed off).This amp responds very well to both strats and teles,as well as an epiphone les paul,jr.with one pickup.can't comment on the reverb,as the spring unit on mine is busted and i use a digital reverb anyway.This is a very tough,very durable amplifier with the fundamental tones you need for most styles.Lots of people knock solid state amps for their brittle high end-this isn't a problem with the sunn beta lead.This amp breaks up nicely overdriven-though it's capacity for volume should be taken into consideration when choosing your treble settings!

high reliability

Playing 18 years