Tech 21 Trademark 120 212 Combo

3 channels (Cali, British, Tweed)with independent Gain level, EQ and volume. Includes a 6 bottons foot switch. 120W (2*12) Soid state design and still has nice tone in low volume. Bought from after market in great condition and it may made in 2002~2003 in USA. I only use it in my bedroom and feel very happy to play with it.

I play many kind of music from Hendrix, Santana to GNR or Metallica with my Gibson LP STD, Epi custom(SH-1 and SH-4 PUs), Fender Strat (MIJ) and a Korean Tele copy. Trademark 120 sounds awesome from all my guitars and could I can make almost every sounds I want from adjusting the gain level and 3 bands EQ(EQ range is obvious). All you need is a delay pedal then you can say goodbye to other effects. The preamp of TM120 is enough for me and the sound becomes suck if I put a overdrive in front of it. Very versatile amp.

Seems to have very strong construction. And have no problem yet, although it's a 6~7 years old amp.

Sent some questions to Tech 21 customer service just right before and after I bought this amp this years. Got detailed responds with in one day from Lloyd. I promise Tech 21 has the best customer support in this industry. You won't see anyone better. I will give it more than 10.

I love this amp so much and I don't know why Tech 21 stopped manufacturing this model. If it were stolen of lost...I am sure I will try to find a another TM120.

This amp has pretty much everything I need in an amp. Others have listed the features already, so I won't rehash. This amp is all about quality vs. quantity. Sure, you don't get a ton of amp models and a bunch of digital effects, but everything works and sounds great. This amp has tons of power and gets plenty loud. The foot switch is awesome. Two other great features that you don't find on hardly any other guitar amps are the XLR outs (I've used them for recording and they work great) and the stereo effects loop (footswitchable). The adjustable boost function on the floorboard is also very handy for band situations.

I'd say overall sound quality is great. All three amp models sound awesome, although the California & British amp models do seem louder than the Tweed. However, this isn't a big deal because you can adjust volume between channels with the individual volume controls so that there's no difference when channel switching on the fly.

I can get sweet shimmering tones all day and brutal, full-bodied distortion is no problem. And with the individual gain control & 3-band EQ for each channel I can get everything in between.

My only two very minor complaints are that the reverb is a little weak (but it's o.k. if you just need to add a bit of presence) and there's a tad bit more noise while the amp is resting than I would like. But it's really no big deal, you barely notice unless you're listening for it.

Final verdict: this thing has sick tone. I've fooled lots of people into thinking it's a tube amp.

This thing hasn't failed me. It seems very sturdy. Also, since there's no tubes it's much less likely to flame out on me during a gig. My only minor problem was when some tact switches in the footswitch board started to go south, but that was easily fixed (see customer support section). I feel totally comfortable gigging this amp without a backup.

I've only had to deal with customer support once. Recently a couple of the switches on the footboard stopped working reliably after many years of faithful service. I emailed Tech21 to inquire about getting it repaired. After several emails back and forth they diagnosed the problem successfully (the tact switches were wearing out) and sent me replacement switches for free. This is on an amp which they no longer make and is no longer under warranty! Great customer service!

Unfortunately, this amp is no longer produced. If it were stolen I would try to find another one used or I would buy one of their newer Trademark models.

Bottom line: if you want a digital sounding amp with a bunch of tinny sounding effects, get a line6 Spyder or something. If you want awesome tube tone without the tubes (and the tube pricetag and maintenance hassles) in a versatile, reliable, powerful package, get a Tech21 Trademark.

This amp has just about everthing I could as for FEATURE wise,only thing that would be nice is if it has the ability to hook up a seperate cabinet say a different 2x12.
To nippick ,a small cooling fan NEVER hurts on a gigging amp ,regardless if solidstate or tube.

My only gripe is that the clean channel ala "tweed,"is hard to dail in a pure clean tone ,I basically have to turn the drive knob to say 10o clock n peg the volume,otherwise that channel WONT balance with the other 2 distortion channels.
So alittle more "headroom" on the clean tone would be nice,but none theless its a pretty dam good clean overall!
I find I use the british channel more than the cali channel ,the EQ is very precise and effective ,so it takes awhile to adjust to your guitar/room.
The cabinet has great bass response,ALOT of it so I roll off the eq on the bass side to get a tighter sound. So you have to EQ EQ EQ to your liking!
Reverb is decent.
The FX loop when engadged does change the tone slightly,it reshapes the sound even if you have no FX in the loop but have the loop engadged anyway,alil weird but not a major problem.
The distortion channels get noisy when the gains cranked but someof that is expected.

Gig everyweekend 3 setnights ,so far no problems for the past 10months of ownership.

Emailed company about a question concerning FX loop.
Fast and informative response.

Other amps I own are a Bogner Shiva head,Line6flextone3,peavey classic30,VHT pitbull super30 and I decide to use the TECH 21 for coverband gigs ,so that should saysomething!
Ive been playing for 16yrs ,fultime musician,
Versatile Amp,3 channels ,FXloop switch is a major plus!
Boost switch another plus!
A amp that can do any style,country to metal.
Only gripe would be a a easier to dial in superclean tone,it breaks up alittle to early on the tweed channel,but you can get a sorta VOXish tone on the tweed with the drive up.
IN A NUT SHELL: Great gig worthy amp if you need to cover alot of styles of music. No it wont sound as good as a highend tubeamp,it just doesnt have the feel or presence of a realtube amp ,But for features and ease of use I recommened it,shame its discontinued.

120w stero amp, fx loop, direct out, and dual 8ohm speaker out.

Not sure of the year made but it was purchased in 2001. I am the 2nd owner. This amp is probably the most versatile amp I have ever owned in my 25 years of playing and I've owned a ton of amps from cheap SS amps to $4K Boutique PTP amps. This is a 3 channel amp that comes with a 6 button footswitch that include channel select, reverb, and effects loop. It is a little tough to coax a "pristine" clean sound out of due to the fact that the drive knob affects the volume profusely so if you switch it to Tweed and keep the drive knob down you lose volume badly which means you have to compensate by keeping the level knobs on the other channels very low which in turn makes you have to run the master vol near peak levels to play with a band. That said this is my main amp right now because of it's versatility and weight.

I can go from Twangy country type sounds to Headcrushing Metal at the flick of a silent, no lag footswitch! Does it get better? Yes it does. This amp does the Marshall sound very well and the tone hardly fluctuates with volume. I love the bottom end this thing has and the speakers handle it well at higher volumes. I use various guitars and pup configs from cheap stock ones to Duncan Bridge invaders and they all sound great through this amp. It's a little noisy with my tube pre-amp hooked up to it but my noise gate takes care of that well enough. It is a little noisy by itself too if you crank the drive on any of the channels.

Have gigged it for over a year and no problems. I dont even bring a backup to gigs because it hasnt even sniffed of failure. Very reliable amp.

Never had to deal with them.

Been playing over 25 years and I own too much stuff to list. Let's just say I prefer this amp over the other two amps I have which are a Fender Twin and a Carvin Valvemaste 100 half stack. I play anything from Blues to Modern Metal and this amp suits it all. It's not a tube amp but playing it you could never tell because it has that almost organic feeling and sensitivity that tube amps have so I'd go so far as to say it's better than a tube amp because it doesn't require the maintenance a tube amp does.

I submitted a review of this amp back on 7/13/2004. I've been gigging with it regularly since then and it has never disappointed me. It still sounds exactly like it did brand new. If you buy a used amp (after trying it) that has issues don't blame others. YOU ARE TO BLAME. You tried it and it buzzed, yet you still bought it? Huh? Now you bad mouth the company. I'm sorry, but I'm a big fan of Tech 21 and I take offense to that. I'm not affiliated with Tech 21 in any way. I'm just sticking up for them. I own Tech 21,Fender, Marshall, Kustom, Carvin and Line 6 amps and the Tech 21 is the one I gig with. It's not perfect, but it's the best I've ever used.

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OK. Now, I wrote and sent a complete review of the TECH21 Trademark 120, but strangely enough, only the 'Features' section made it to Harmony Central. After reading some harsh criticisms from other users in regards to this amp, I have decided to set the record straight and get to the heart of the matter.

I have been playing my amp now for about 3 years. I gig regularly, approximately 2-3 gigs a week, about 3 to 4 hours a night, and all I can say is that my Trademark 120 is the most reliable, versatile and inspiring amp I have ever owned or played through. This amp has fallen off the stage twice (don't ask) and has never failed to perform and deliver. The only replacement I made was the speakers, since the coils were damaged from the impact of the fall, but everything else continues to be in perfect working order.

The amplifier is capable of producing the widest range of real amp, professional quality tones. It's not a valve amp, it's not a modelling amp and it's 100% analogue. I always use the XLR outputs and the sound reproduction through the front-of-house PA's is identical to what's pumping out through the Celestion speakers on board the Trademark 120. I love this amp. Thank you, Andrew Barta, Lloyd (Technical Support) and all staff at TECH21.

See my comments below

See below

This is a revision on my last review for this amp. After submitting my review on the TM-120 I received a email from Lloyd at Tech 21. He wanted to know if I was being fair about what I had written about the amp. The truth is yes I am at fault for taking a risk with a used amp. No, Tech 21 did not sell me the amp directly, I bought it used from Guitar Center. However I believe GC is partailly at fault also for selling me something bogus. Can I prove they knew it was bad?.No! I also mentioned the fact it would cost sixty bucks to ship it to Tech 21 for them to repair it. It would probably be close to twenty five to thirty bucks depending on what carrier you use to ship your amp back to them. Tech 21 does not want to whole amp back to repair it, they just need the chassis to usually fix the problem. personally I don't feel I should have to take out the chassis on my own and send it to them for repair. Lloyd mentioned in his email that "out of warranty repairs" usually cost twenty five dollars on the average. So I admit my mistakes on the cost of shipping and repairs. After seeing the way of my errors I wanted to correct a few things in all fairness to Tech 21 and their staff. One thing I will stand firm on is that I have owned two of Tech 21's amps and I either have two Lemons or the TM-60 and TM-120 are pure junk. I will not spend another dime on any of their products again. So like the review column says.."It's just one persons opinion". Take this information and do what you want to with it. Good luck Brothers and Sisters

Lloyd does his job and he does it well. This just turned out to be a sour experience with myself and the Folks at Tech 21. I apologize for sending bogus info to any potential Tech 21 customers.

I plan on sending back my TM-60 to Tech 21. they can do what they want to with it. I'll chalk this one up to experience.

Features? Yeah it's a good idea when they work.

Good sound when it did work. The idea of being able to dial in a Tweed or AC30 is a nice feature.

I bought this Amp used from Guitar Center. At the store it had a slight buzz but I figured it might have been the lights in the store. I brought it home and played around a little with it here. I had the same problem. Then I used it on a Gig. That's when it went to Shit. This thing sounded like a Fucking UFO! it was pulsating when I plugged my Furman and Pedal board into it. We had a half hour before the gig so I tried everything possible to get the hum out of it. Nothing worked. This is the second Tech 21 amp I bought and you couldn't give me one for free. The reason I bought this one was because I bought a TM-60 and it didn't have enough balls to fill out the sound you can get with a 2x12 combo. The TM-60 has also gone to Shit since I've had it. I'm not playing that game of sending it back to them and paying 60 bucks for shipping, plus another 80 to fix it. They need to send their R&D guys back to school. You can't sell a product of it doesn't work!!!!!!

Sorry Loyd, I know you have a job to do but you guys have jacked me around twice. Personally Tech 21 amps wouldn't even make a good Boat anchor. I will never purchase and will never recommend a Tech 21 product to anyone. This is not an attack on you but like I mentioned earlier, Somebody up there needs to get their shit straight. I'm giving your support a ten only because you made an effort to rectify the situation.

I've been playing guitar for almost forty years, so yeah I been around the block when it comes to equipment. And yes I'm pissed about this experience. Would I buy another one if it were stolen or lost?..... read my review and tell me what you think. I plan on saving my cash and buying a Vox AC30 or going back to the old standby "Fender Twin". Don't waste your time on Tech 21's stuff guys and gals........ you'll be disappointed.

Not sure of the year of manufacture - bought mine used.

Features have been covered but here goes:

Solid State

3 independent channels that can each be set to either British (marshall/vox), California (Mesa Boogie), or Tweed (Fender). Each has its own volume but there is master volme which sets the overall volume of the amp.

Stereo Power Amp driving two 12" Tech 21 speakers (60 watts per side).

XLR out w/ sansamp speaker simulation,effects loop,spring reverb , headphone jack, and a line ouit for driving a speaker cab.

A couple of small things I really appreciate are the fact that the footswitch uses a standard guitar cable and that the power cord is removable and easily replaced with the same type you would use for a PC.

Would have been nice for each channel to have the mod circuit from the G2 pedal. Would have also been nice if they would have included the mic placement circuit from the G2 incorporated on the back next to the XLR outs so this could be adjusted. These are moer wish-list kind of things and really have no bearing on the otherwise great features of this amp.

I am using an older Yamaha Pacifica with a HSH pickup configuration and it takes to this amp nicely. Don't own a Strat at the moment bbut I'd like to hear single coils through this on the SRV settings.

It should be said that this is NOT a modeling amp - it isn't trying to be a Dual Rectifier, or JCM900, or Twin. It would be more acurate to say that it emulates certain "families" of amps rather than modeling specific models. I wouldn't even try and compare it to say a Marshall JCM900 - this amp has its own sound while providing the ability to incorporate the tonal characteristics of the major families of amps.

I had no problem dialing up smooth jazz, classic rock, or bone crushing metal.

As far as the clean - it isn't a Roland Jazz Chorus but it can achieve a good clean sound with some tweaking. I will say that I have noticed that the tweed clean sound is a little lacking in overall volume in comparision to the overdriven british and california settings but that is really the only negative I have about this amp - I'll still give it a 9 in the sound department - but no amp is perfect

Out of the box this amp has ample amounts of gain. It will handle everything from blues (does what few other SS amps can do - achieve that "in between" drive that makes for a good blues sound). up to heavy metal. It does seem that on the drive setting once you hit about 2-3 o'clock the amount of gain levels off. If you are wanting that over the top, near static distortion, popular with the "nu metal" folks you may want an overdrive pedal. I do happen to like older rock like Rush, Yes, etc and it does that extremely well.

The sping reverb is a nice touch. It doesn't sound as harsh as some make it out to be.

Can't really say since I've only owned it for a short time but having went over every review and discussion thread I could find, few seem to report any problems with this amp. SInce they don't make this model any longer, I am hoping it lasts as log as I do!

The only contact I've had with them was to request manuals for some of their amps so that I could get familiar with tier operation before test driving.

I have been playing for 20 years and have owned SS amps, tube amps, and rack gear. This amp really is quite simply a great amp. Since this amp is no longer being manufactured (BUMMER!!!), I would cry like a baby if it were lost or stolen. Then I'd go buy a Trademark 300 head and 212 cabinet (the trademark is the same circuitry as the the TM120 - just a different format and more power)

Now let me say this: I bought this amp off of Ebay without ever having played through any Tech 21 stuff - crazy? A little. But I did so based on the numerous reviews that talk about how good this amp really is - and they were absolutley right. If you get the chance to buy one DO IT you will not be sorry. If that chance doesn't come about, go buy a Trademark 300 head for gigging or a Trademark 60 amp for practice/recording.

Those who are all about modeling amps put this amp down as "old technology" and then talk about how well their modeling amps mimic tube amps - go figure. The analog circuitry of this amp is what actually puts it ahead of the digital modeling amps. Tech 21 didn't take the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach by throwing in a bunch of so-so effects. It does one thing and one thing well - produce great guitar tones.

For those who want some of that tube warmth without the maintenance, cost, or weight Tech 21 stuff is hard to beat.

I live in Sydney, Australia and currently work for one of the busiest cover bands in the country. Because of our busy schedule and since we don't have a road crew, it's imperative for me to keep my rig light, simple, versatile, compact and as trouble-free as possible. Prior to acquiring the Trademark 120 combo, my main amp was an Australian-hand-built Lab Systems Cage 30A head with matching 2x12 extension cabinet. Even though the Lab Systems was by far one of the best-sounding amps I have played through, the dillema was carrying and setting up two pieces of amplification. I couldn't tilt the amp on its back, I couldn't turn the amp up to drive the output valves to their full potential and, no matter how good the sound engineer was and how good my microphone was, I could never get the amp to sound as good through the PA.

It was one hell of a sacrifice and one hell of a risk to take on the Trademark 120. I swapped my Lab Systems rig for the little combo after hearing the Tech 21 in a local music store. The shop manager connected the combo to one of the store's PA's and I was amazed by the fact that the sound coming out of the PA was identical to the sound coming out of the amp's speakers. I also noticed how intuitive and clever the layout of the amp was; three independent channels, each with three different voice modes, and to top it all off, a master volume control, controllable boost and reverb, and a simple footswitch which can be connected using a regular guitar cable. The amp was light, compact and could be used for all sorts of gigs, rehearsals, recordings and jams. In a nutshell, the features on this amp are enough to keep me satisfied.

One of the last ones run off, been sitting in the store for a while. Since the features have already been gone over, I'll give the pros and cons of the the features.

Pros
- 3 channels that you can set ANY way you like, 3 clean, 3 dirty, etc.
- Most practical footswitch I've ever seen, with 3 channel switching, reverb and effect loop and boost on/off. Uses standard shielded cable.
- Active EQ allows for good tonal sculpting with any guitar.
- Very loud amp.
- No tubes/tube maintennance

Cons
- No designated clean channel. Clean sound comes from "tweed" setting, which is also an overdrive setting as you turn up the volume. Clean sounds are still quite atttainable at high volume, but I prefer my clean channels clean as they can be.
- Reverb is very bright. I find it very non-muddy, but many people find it sounding like a plate reverb.
- Cabinet contsruction looks to be rather lightweight (possibly particleboard), although i haven't had any cabinet problems thus far.
-Active eq means that the eq can be biased outside of what the speakers can actuall handle, resulting in speaker problems with some settings/volumes.

All in all, the features are exactly what you need and none of what you don't. i would have liked to see more effect loop options and an included y-cable for the loop, and plywood or hardwood cabinet construction.

This amp is just a giant tri-ac pedal. Best solid state sound I have ever heard. Hands down. The only difference in tubes is the note decay and resonoance. All channels are extremely responsive with smooth transitions to distortion. Easy to dial in classic low-gain sounds with minimal tweaking. This thing delivers good tones fast with versatitly that you will not find in any tube circuit. Does it sound as good as tubes in class A? Hell no. Tubes are tubes. This is solid state, and for a solid state amp is unbelieveable in the sound department. The only question that you need to ask yourself is if the extra note decay and resonance is worth all the hassle, weight and money of a tube amplifier. We as guitarists like to think that tone is everything, but the truth is that most people in a crowd couldn't tell this amp from JTM 45 if their lives depended on it. Great sounds. tested with American 50th anniversary Strat and 1978 Gibson SG.

Seems to be solid, however I have heard conflicting reports of reliability. If anything kills this amp in reliability it wiull be speakers or cabinet construction not being able to handle the power or frequencies of the preamp. But none of this has happened to me.

Been playing long time like everyone else here, and own lots of stuff that cost me too much money over the years. This amp is one of the FEW amps I would actually buy over again in the end. So many combo amps suffer from the same problems - weak tones. shoddy construction, little versatility, digital confusion, but mostly too much of what you don't need an not enough of what you do. This amp delivers where it counts. Screw digital preset shit. This thing is loud, 3 channel, organic sounding and playing, with a killer footswitch. That's a hell of alot harder to find than type. At least give this thing a shot. It sucks that they stoped making it. All the tech 21 amps are expensive as hell for solid state amps, but until I play a solid state that sounds better, this things a keeper.

i was told it's one of the last off the assembly line before they discontinued them.bummer..as this is a VERY cool amp.
it does just about anything i want it to,except fold my socks...
3 channels,all with the sans-amp switching...tre'cool,yah!
i really really wish it had a better reverb...it just sounds okay,nothing too special.
i gig this little beastie all over florida,and it eats the other guitarist's rig for lunch...WAY more power than i need,but that's cool.
don't stand in front of it all the way up,you'll go deaf..seriously.
pure analog...ahhhh....oh,sorry.

well,right now i'm running a 61 es-335 into it,and a rather modified stratocaster(it has '69 sg pickups in it!),and a telecaster that i built out of spare parts in my shop.
it does it all,everything that i can throw at it..it does,and does well.
it's not noisy at all,in fact,it's quieter than the active preamp i shove thru the front of it...
with an old ART-DST-830 head(converted into a pre...)the amp is beyond all sane reasoning..i run the two outs into a mono line,and the amp sounds lush...yes,quite.

i read in an earlier review that it smells when you're really pushing it hard..this is true.however..it DOES go away in time..took about 7 shows to do that.it makes a little pop when ya switch the channels..but thats about it..
solid as a rock...

never needed to get it fixed..the company's quite helpful if something ever does go wrong with it,so i'm told.
as i purchased it on EBAY,there's no warranty...oh well...

i have played professionaly for over 15 years,and been playing for 22.
i took apart my DST-830,as i wasn't getting the sounds out of it i needed,so now i run the head into the tech-21,and well..there it is.
1961 es-335 custom in dark cherry burst,1988 strat ultra modified with 1969 sg humbuckers(sounds awesome...)home-built telecaster with ash body,broadcaster pickups,and custom 4-way switch.newer yamaha 12 string,modified with bone nut,and bridge(MUCH better than the plastic)
and that's basically it.
if the company reads these posts..would you please start making these again?i'm going on tour this summer,and would love to have a pair of these...they're VERY hard to find now...

This is a used Tech 21 Trademark 120 60W x 2-12" Speaker Combo made in the USA. It features three identical, footswitchable channels. Each channel features a drive control, amp voicing switch, three-band active EQ, and level control. There is a master boost (variable up to 9dB) and spring reverb (variable) that can be turned on and off on the footswitch as well as a bypassable stereo effects loop.

For those with experience with the Trademark 60 or 10 models from Tech21 NYC, it is NOT an upgunned version of these amps. The channel selection and controls are somewhat different, though they incorporate the same SANSAMP technology. The Trademark 120 is more like an amp-combo of their TRI-AC pedal. It weighs a reasonable 55lbs which is nearly as light as most amps I know of with 1-12" speaker.

The design of this amp is very professional throughout and reflects a great deal of thought and consideration. If you play live, you'll quickly appreciate the flexibility of the I/O, which will help get your signal to a PA quickly and with minimal impact on your sound.

The footswitch is great. It uses any mono 1/4" cable (instrument or speaker, doesn't matter) to switch between all three channels, effects loop on/off, reverb on/off and boost on/off. This means you are not restricted to a pre-determined footswitch cable length. The only problem I have is when switching effects loop off -there is a slight delay that happens. This is something that one can adjust for, though.

The general feel of the amp is minimalist, considering its complexity. Each channel is a duplicate of the other channels allowing you to set each channel however you feel is appropriate. The controls are basic, though adjustments actually do a lot to construct the tone. The master section is the same with controls for reverb level, boost level, and master volume. If compared with digital modelling amplifiers, you'll find the sheer number of controls lacking -but I prefer this setup. Less time figuring out what each little button/knob does and more time creating tones.

The only effect available (not counting amp voicing) is reverb. Again, compared to a digital modelling amp it is lacking. Remember, though, that Tech 21 is all about analogue tone. To include a digital effects section would be counter-productive. Besides, there's that wonderful footswitchable stereo effects loop to mix in whatever modulation/delay-based effects you want. The very fact that it's footswitchable was a HUGE selling point for me. Noisy or tone sucking effects can be completely removed from the chain!

The 60W x 2 has been plenty loud in use. I have played alongside 50W tube amps (Ampeg Reverbrocket and Mesa/Boogie Studio Caliber) and the Trademark 120 has kept up. The fact that it's stereo was another selling point for me. Originally, I was going to purchase two small combos (probably Vox AD50VT or Orange Crush 30R) and use them with stereo effects. Since the Trademark 120 is stereo, that's one less amp to haul around. Some may dislike the close-quarters of the speakers but, remember, some great stereo amps are in the same format (JC-120, etc...). I almost always play through a PA system, so going direct allows a fuller stereo spread when it counts.

What I really like about the feature set of this Trademark 120 is that it doesn't try to do too much but it's totally open to your custom configuration. You can make your setup as easy or as difficult as you'd like and it will get you there. It's a completely analogue piece, so that's what I expect -no digital bells or whistles.

The Trademark 120 looks great, too. There's a neo-classic vibe that translates across a multitude of styles; it doesn't look out of place with any music genre.

I would give it a "10" but there's the lag issue with the effects loop switching.

For my review, I am using a Godin LGXT with stock, tappable humbuckers and a Squier Stratocaster with stock single-coils. I'm playing it against the aforementioned Ampeg Reverbrocket and Mesa/Boogie Studio Caliber 50 as well as comparing it to my notes from auditioning Korg Ampworks, Vox AD50VT, and Johnson J-Station (which I own and use regularly).

One thing I really like about Tech 21 and their Trademark 120 is that it doesn't claim to model, per se. It is an amp voice that you can select and modify. So, when switching to "Tweed" you're not getting a Fender Twin from 1965, rather you get a tone that sounds like an amp that was made by Fender (or another clean/warm American company). Likewise, the "UK" voicing, though said to give Marshall sound, is also capable of sounding like a Vox AC30. It all depends on where you adjust your tone. Tech 21 has also tried to approximate specific artist tones than specific amps and I appreciate that. If you play this amp, you're not going to (insanely) wonder if this amp sounds exactly like the model it claims to be because it doesn't really claim that much. Okay, so how does it sound?

Let me start with the bad. First, the reverb isn't as good as it should or could be. I found it to be rather metallic when pushed and overall one-dimensional with a short tail. It was unusable for me above the 2 o'clock position. I compared this with the Ampeg's spring reverb which was oh so warm and trailed on, effortlessly, and sounded great no matter where the knob was positioned. The reverb on the Trademark 120 is okay sounding; realize that it is the full size Accutronics and this is probably the best a spring reverb will sound on a solid-state amp. Okay. That was the worst part about the whole amp.

Next not-so-good thing: The suggested Vox AC30 settings (Beatles-esque and Brian May-ish) didn't quite get there for me. I know what these artists sound like and the Trademark 120 only gets about 60% of the way there (crap, I just quantified a qualitative opinion). It's probably the negative feedback of the Class A circuitry the Trademark 120 *isn't* voicing that's missing. My Johnson J-Station does a much better job of approximating the AC30 and the Vox AD50VT is untouchable here. I'm sure the addition of the "weep" control found on the Trademark 60 would help tremendously. If a dead-on AC30 tone is what you're looking for, look to the Vox AD50VT. The Trademark 120's AC30 sound is totally usable, though, and that's one of my preferred settings.

Speaking of the "UK" amp voice... I feel that it's sometimes too close to the "tweed" voice when there's a bit of overdrive. With most settings, I can tell the difference between the two but some settings send me checking which channel I'm on.

Next on the I-wish-it'd-do-better list: The Trademark 120 is just not as warm or spacious sounding as the Ampeg Reverbrocket's clean channel. Yes, it can approximate the tone of the Reverbrocket. No, it's not as warm. The upper harmonics of the Trademark 120 seem to break-up more harshly than do the Ampeg's when driving the cleans hard. Again, totally usable tone from the Trademark 120 unless you're examining it in a comparison test (which, I am).

Okay, so I've spent a few paragraphs bad-mouthing this amp (not really). Let me say this: I really, really like this amp. I am keeping it. Here's what I like:

Tone - Three different voices that sound great. There's not much crap that comes out of this amp. Each voice is usable from lowest drive amounts to fully cranked. The Trademark 120 is the most dynamic solid-state amp I have ever played. It cleans up like you'd expect when you roll the volume down on the guitar. You can actually hear the difference when you switch pick-ups and coil-tap on all settings. And the action you take (tone change, pickup change, coil tap, etc...) sounds like it should. I can't say this for any of the modellers (a few models here and there, sure, but

This unit is very sturdy with its construction (hooray! Made in America!) and very well designed to begin with. Though I don't expect it to last as long as a tube amp, I don't forsee any service issues in the near future.

The people at Tech 21 seem quite accessible (Hooray! Made in the USA!) and were quick to e-mail responses (response time of 24 hours -I've *never* seen that in all my dealings with audio companies).

This guitar amp is an amazingly versatile, toneful offering from Tech 21. Using technology that's over a decade old, it sure gives the digital modellers a run for the money. It's quite obvious that the designers put a great deal of thought into this amp that takes it well above and beyond the sub-$1000 crowd that it competes with. Again, my favorite aspects of this amp:
1. Useful, versatile, three-voiced tone.
2. Incredibly useful EQ.
3. Stereo.
4. Bypassable, stereo effects loop.
5. The most useful, practical footswitch included with an amp I've ever seen.
6. Stereo DI on XLRs with ground lift (so smart!).
7. Sharp, unique appearance.
8. Plenty of volume.
9. This is a thoroughly professional guitar amp.

I do wish it had the "weep" control of the Trademark 60 and a better- sounding reverb. One other thing I wish it had was a built-in kickstand. This should be standard on all combo amps!

If you can't tell, I am quite excited that the Trademark 120 is an American made amp. At least this way I am assured that it is built by people under ideal working conditions unlike the sketchy manufacturing used by some other companies in overseas countries. Please, be aware of the exploitation that goes on of both humans and environment to fuel our music-playing craze. Make informed decisions of material and manufacturing when purchasing new and used gear. It makes our music all the more meaningful.

This is a new 2004 model. Solid state but analog not digital. Large box Accutronics reverb unit. Got a deal because it was a floor model. It has the Sans Amp GT2 product built in and includes XLR outs to enable you got go right into the board or recording equipment direct and get the miked speaker emulation. I haven't used that feature to record yet but it does sound pretty damn good coming out of the PA. Pretty cool feature. Three channels all of which you can set to any of the three "characteristic" amp sounds. Tweed, British, California. Cool footswitch included that has a built in 9dB boost. Nice for soloing.

I use it with 2 USA custom shop Washburn models and a Parker Nitefly. I've got Duncan JB's in the bridge on both Washburns and a Gibson 490T in the bridge of the Parker. Both Washburn's have a Duncan 59 in the neck and on also has a Duncan single coil. The Parker has two Dimarzio single coils along with the Gibson I installed. All of these guitars sound really sweet thru this amp. I also own a Fender Prosonic which is a great amp. I bought this to get the "california" boogie stlye bassy distortion and this thing doesn't disappoint. The british setting has a nice "Jet" old 70's rock sound. Clean (tweed) channel is decent but hard to keep it completely clean. It does have a very realistic tube type breakup however which is very usuable. Dirty channels are execeptionally realistic to tubes. Not harsh as I have noticed with most SS stuff.

I haven't had a problem yet but I will say the first one I brought home the reverb crapped out the same night I brought it home. Ended up picking up another floor model at another store. Seems to work well so far. It does have me a little concerned. I will probably not trust it to gig - I'll bring the Prosonic just in case. I'm going to give it a 6 based on the first amp taking a dump the same night I bought it. Hopefully that was a fluke.

Since it was a floor model I didn't get a manual. Which I don't think you really need anyway but I email tech support and Lloyd responded within a day or two with a .PDF file of the manual. I've heard great things about Tech 21 support. Hopefully I won't have to find out but they were very prompt with the request for a manual.

I've been playing for about 17 years and for the first 8 I had about 10 different amps and countless effects. I went with a rack unit in the early 90's because I wanted a more processed sound. When the Digitech 21 pro that I was using started crapping out every other week I decided to go back to combo amps. I've owned Ampeg, Laney, Marshall, Dean Markley, Peavey, Fender. Both tube and solid state. I've been a tube amp fan for years because they really just sound better. Now with the modeling technology it's not necessarily true anymore. My problem is I don't want 10,000 presets and 65 effects that sound cool in your bedroom but aren't pratical live. Most of the modeling amps have all the extra junk that is a total waste for me. I don't want to read a novel to get some sound out of an amp. I just want to plug in and go. Less to crap out, faster setups and break downs etc. The Trademark is simple,it doesn't have a bunch of extra crap that you don't need, but it does have some really useful features and the tone is as close to a tube amp as I've heard.

I've had the same amp for the last 9 years - the Prosonic. I wanted a more modern sounding gain channel and the Trademark fits the bill. It's not a Boogie but for the price and versatility it close enough. It's now my main amp and the Prosonic is going to take a back seat for a while. I never thought I would say that - especially for a solid state amp.

made on 2004 i believed, paid a little less due to the fact the company ered it from re-taped the box.
perfect condition.
I think the features have been well documented, and yes there is a cutout when turning off the effects loop.
very versatile and loud amp.
The recording options are fantastic.

I play a highly modded strat plus with 2 seymore duncan alnico single coils and a sd invader pup in the bridge with 12-way pup selection.
It sounds like a strat when I want it to.

I play everything fom jazz standards to screamo, and this amp seems to be doing fine. NJOT noisy at all, even at high volumes.

tweed channel:
Getting the volume out of this channel is not as hard as people are whining about... just set the volume higher than the master and its done. acts quite like a tweed amp. I dont know though, it is a little too bright and bottom heavy. I Imagine it would sound great with a tele. It provides great burning spear type thin chanky sounds... Personally, O dont think I'll use this channel in my live setup at all.

brittish:
I thought I'd hate this channel. I always hated marshalls.
this is my primary distortion channel. sounds great and isnt muddy. mixes very well with a full band.

california:
when you drive this channel, its pretty over-the-top.
My last amp was a boogie dual recto 1/2 stack, and it seemed to handle my guitar very well. the tech 21 cali channel when driven, might take more kindly to a lower gain pickup.
The CLEAN sounds on this channel sound WAY better than the dual recto.
My primary clean sound. all I could ask for.
the verb got better sounding when I adjusted my pickup height. In fact everything did. Dont underestimate that process...

the verb is ok, it wont cut it in the studio however. I mainly just use a tad anyhow. it DOES sound like a plate verb. horrid decay and clatter. I usually just worry about the room verb when playing live. only complat here. that, and it would be nice if it had a level control on each channel.

this amp is loud enough to hold up, and doesnt do that annoying solidstate buzzy trebly thing at high volumes.
If you think it isnt loud enough, you must be afraid to crank it up.
sounds better at loud volumes. don''t be scared to push this amp... most of the volume comes at higher levels. also, realise that the drive and volume knobs do NOT work the same as on a tube amp.
drive is drive, not a pre volume, so you can pump volume without altering the tone. this is why people have a hard time with the tweed channel.
im giving this a 10, to bump the overall rating higher. I'd give it a 9 otherwise

seems well built. It does get hot and smells a bit as stated before.
doesnt seem to affect anything.

the smell is creepy, but I get the feeling it will go away/calm down after I have used it more.

I am thinking they redesigned alot of the structural issues, as it is not as others have described.
no problems yet, too new still so no rating...

I hear these guys are great. never had to contact them.

i went from a boogie dual recto, so yeah i miss the big distortion.
i think the portability, superior clean sound and versitility out weighs that. before that i owned a 5150 combo. BARF! I'd chose this amp over that anyday.

great amp for the price. recording direct sounds great. plently loud.
easy to dial in sounds. light weight. noiseless. versatile.
this amp is a keeper....

I purchased this amp in March of 2004. I will assume it's one of the latest versions.
This amp has 3 seperate channels that all have a switch to change between different preamps ( British-Marshall/Vox = Tweed-Fender = California-Mesa/Soldano ). Note; these are just terms that I use to describe their voicings such as, the California is much closer sounding to a Boogie than a Soldano but does high gain like these two amps respectively.
The versatility of this amp is so great that it was the leading point of interest.
3 channels side, it has a footswitchable effects loop, reverb and, an adjustable clean volume (lead) boost up to 12db. Simply put, VERSATILE.
This amp also is stereo (loop also) including a pair of XLR out for recording/PA use, it lends a helpfull hand. There is a 1/4 headphone out as well.
Two 12' specially voiced Eminence speakers driven from the twin 60 Watt power amp section.
The power is solid state but pre's are analog. Is there really a difference? Yes and no. S/S maybe but the Analog perspective comes from Tech 21's technology not owning up to traditional sounding S/S amps, thus meaning it sounds, responds and, feels like a Tube amp.
I use this amp for everything from practice to giging and everything in between. It will not leave my side.
One last thing.
It has a great vintage look with the Basket weave speaker cover.
Rating 9. Always room for improvement.

I own a Explorer with EMG's, Les Paul with Seymour Duncan Pearly gates and, a Jackson Rhoads V with PRS Dragons.
The TM 120 accepts all of these pick-ups nicely as well as 9 pedals from my board with no nasty artifacts.
I feel the need to expound apon this cuz' I've heard many say that Tech 21 amps dont like pedals but this simply is not true. If the equipment is set up correctly, It will work correctly.
This amp can and will do any style of music if time is taken to Dial in the tones with the sensitive Active tone controls.
Crystal clean tones to Overlly saturated lead tones can be acheived. Finding the right pre (Cali-Brit-Tweed) is all that is needed to get you there.
Rolling back the volume knob on the guitar results in the signal cleaning up nicely while darkening the treble a bit which is how a tube amp responds. The playing dynamics respond very much the same where as you pick softly and increase strength, the drive will increase as well. Awesome......
I also have heard others say that they cant get the Tweed volume to match well with Brit and Cali settings. This is once again a amatuer at work. All that is needed is a basic understanding of how these active controls work. I get great clean/Tweed settings on channel 1, warm overdriven/Brit Channel 2 and, searing hot lead/Cali tones on channel 3 all with an even volume level. If ya cant get what I just described then, your a rookie. I dont mean to be a nagative D**K, it's just that what some have posted bout' this amp have not given enough time to understand how it works.
Another cool thing about this amp is the reverb. Sweet lush reverb.
I like reverb with upper mids and this is exactlly what this accutronics verb has.
On the topic of volume, this thing is loud!!! It sounds great at low volumes. Even when the volume is at 2/3 up, there is no loss of definition to the lows, mids, or highs. It actually starts to sound better.
There is really not a whole lot more I can say to describe the great tone that resides in this amp.
Rating of 9. Always room for improvement.

This amp has performed flawlessly for nearlly a year that I have owned it.
No maintenance required for this amp cept' for the regular wiping down after a gig.

I will not rate this cuz' I never had to deal with them.
I have heard that they are great though.

I have owned the worst of the worst and the best of the best as far as amps go.
I stared out with a crate 17 years ago. I've had various Fenders, Marshalls and, Boogie set-ups since then. To name a few,Marshall Jcm 800 Combo's (2 50w & 1 100w), Blue tolex 30th Ann. 100w Head, 9200 Dual mono bloc 100w X2 power amp--Jmp-1 preamp, Mesa Boogie Dual Recto 100w head, Nomad 55 4X10 Jensons..... Blah Blah Blah.
Now,
I'm not gonna say that the Tech 21 is better than all of these cuz that would be just dum However, They on the other hand are also not better than the Tech 21. They all do simmilar things but they get the job done in a different way.
I quit using heavy ass huge tube equipment because it was such a pain in the ass to lug around, takes up a lot of space, need to turn em' up loud to sound good and above all, they really were not offering any benefits price or tone wise compared to the Tech 21 Trade Mark 120.
If I was part of a signed act that had roadies and I did'nt need to deal with all that shit, I might opt to use tube equipment to gain that 2% of tone I may be missing with an Analog amp. It will more than likely will not happen and if it did, It would not because of the equipment that I chose so I'll stick with my Bad Ass Tech 21 TM 120.

Made in 2003. This is a versatile solid state amplifier with three footswitchable channels. Each Channel has Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass and Volume controls as well as a 3 way switch to select Tweed, British or California settings. It has direct outs (XLR) and an effects loop. There are, of course 2 12" speakers and 120 Watts. The footswitch also has switchable reverb and boost functions. Both adjustable...nice!

Ah, yes! SOUND!!
This is where this beast shines. A round, fat, warm tone that resonates well and really suits my style well. I play a Godin LGXT and an Ibanez RG and it does them both justice. I use stompboxes to get my dirty sounds, so all I need is a good rich clean tone. The British channel does get some pretty incredible distortion sounds, but I still prefer stompers for this. I set it up with three clean sounds each with slightly different equalizations. One flat, one midboost and one midcut. These combined with the boost function give me six basic sounds on which to build. The Tweed channel will break up nicely at high gain, but again I prefer my footpedals. The California channel is too bassy for me, but younger players will love it. At high gain it sounds like machines eating planets. The tone controls are active and can drastically change the sound especially in high gain situations. The reverb is just OK, but the boost is really sweet, you can set it to attenuate or boost your sound and it doesn't change the character of the the tone. The footpedal is nice. The ability to use a regular guitar cable is a nice and welcome touch. Well done Techsters!

Tech 21 has a good reputation, but I've heard that earlier models of this amp were rather fragile. This one isn't. I hope I never have to find out about their suppot. I always carry a POD in my suitcase in case of failures.

Again, I hope I never have to find out. I did call to order a cover (pricey @49$)and they answered right away and were way cool.

I've been playing for 20+ years and I absolutely LOVE THIS AMP. I would certainly buy another. I own a Fender, a Marshall, a Kustom, a Line6 and an Ampeg and this is the amp I bring to gigs.

2002 TM 120

This amp is very versatile and works well with my playing style. I'll keep it nice and short, this amp is worth checking out! Now, you need to sit down with it though, and understand the EQ! This does not work like other ordinary EQs. Very important that you dial-in to the sounds with the EQ with the setting of the amp style you want. I think some of the unfortunate posters may have missed this very important point.

A couple of things I wouldn't mind seeing in the amp would be a post
send of the effect loop to ear phones, External and internal Speaker combined with out negating the internal amp speakers. Added true stereo chorus would be a bonus. Reverb could have a little more definition and depth, hard to explain (sounds more like a plate reverb). Other then that, this amp ROCKS!

I use a '97 USA Standard Fender Tele with stock pickup and a '72 Les Paul standard with P90's stock, an '81 Japan Fender Squire 60's Strat re-issue with EMG's. All these guitars match really well with the different amp types.

I play mainly classic/hard rock dated from the 70, 80, and 90?s. This amp
fits well with all those styles. This amp is very quiet by it's self, it's unreal. When I put outboard effect in the loop, I get a little noise. But I've worked this out with a noise gate and compressor and everything is great!

The clean tweed is one of the most difficult to get. Use a guitar that's got hot pickups (lots of gain without overdrive) i.e EMG's. I find that the amp has got a great clean sound but you do need to push it on the channel level to get it out there. When you sit down with the amp on stage, first work out the levels with the master and clean channel level first to the desirable playing level (stage volume). Then work in the levels for the preamp channels. I'll some times use the boost for clean when I need that extra push.

The SansAmp preamp is the best modeling technology I've ever heard. This is by far the closes to the real valve sound without playing through tubes!

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I've been playing for 25 years. I've used up to this point a Wizard 50 watt EL34 tube head and a 2X12 closed back Wizard cabinet. Although the Wizard is a great amp the Tech 21 out does it in the versitility department. The TM 120 is going to be a hard act to follow!

Other amps I've compared with are a Vox Velvetronex, PV Trans-fex pro,
Fender DSP, Line 6. I've seemed to come back to the Tech 21 though. I love the vintage style package and you do feel like you are working with a tube amp and you don't even have to close your eyes!

I would love to see Tech 21 come out with a powered 120 2X12 external
stereo cabinet!!..Hey, call it the Power Engine 120!. I would buy it in a flash. I would like also to suggest the Tech 21 include the amp cover! That would be a nice touch.

Amp was bought 2003..Approx $1100.00 CAN. This amp is very versatile and fits well with the different styles I play. Anything from Classic rock to Country Rock stuff. I play Van Halen stuff to SRV in a flick of a switch, this amp really does it all in one shot really well!..It
has almost all the features I would ever need. Although I wouldn't mind seeing a build in digital stereo chorus option..But that's ok. I get it all through a S100 studio stereo effect rack anyway!..I use this amp on stage from a 75 person venue to a 500 person venues and have no problems hearing this amp..I do prefer a mike in front of the cone instead of the SansAmp line out option. That option is more useful to me in a studio setting.

I use a 1975 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with slandered mini hums in it. 1997 Fender Telecaster with a Dimarzio Chopper T and Fishmen bridge pickup. 1987 Kramer Paser Dimarzio super 2.

This amp fits very well with all the musical styles I play. Anything from Rock, heavy Rock, Country Rock, Jazz..This amp does it really well. Sounds allot like the amps it models. I know because I've used and own a Marshall JCM 800, Mesaboogie Mark4 Combo, Fender Twin and I've left those behind...No more tube replacing!!!..

I found this amp had to be tweaked to get a clean Fender Twin like sound. But once I got it it was great!..This amp is not super clean..it will give you the level of clean that you would see from a tweed amp..

Preamp overdrives!..What can I say?..You got to hear the SansAmp technology to believe it..Very worm tones from all level of preamps settings..If you want more bite, then add a little highs from the channel EQ..

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I've been playing for 25 years. I do have two SansAmp GT2. Digitech S100 Studio effects rack. God forbid anything of mine gets stolen..This amp was a little on the heavy end in terms of cost. I would definitely buy another one after killing the bastards that stole
my amp..He..hee! I've done allot of cross comparing with other modeling amps like the Line6, PV amps, Fender and found that the Tech21 does a great job with making the amp respond to the dynamics of my playing. The amp behaved allot like a tube amp would. The other products seemed to thin out and loose texture and tone..something you don't want to have to deal with.

2003 model; three identical preamps (imagine three Trademark 10's in one package); stereo power amp (60 watts per side).

I played my Fender strat (loaded with Lace Sensor Hot Golds) through this amp. The Tweed (clean) setting was interesting but there was way too much bass - I had to trun the bass control down to zero, and still there was too much. I can only imagine how unmanageable this would be with my Les Paul or another humbucker-equipped guitar.

The British and California settings were kind of interesting, although they suffered from the same bass problem I discussed above. Also, I wasn't able to "dial in" a "medium overdrive" tone.

The Trademark 10 and the Trademark 60 both offer more interestinf and useable sounds.

Bought new in August 2003. I had previously owned a Trademark 60. Great little amp, but it just wasn't versatile enough. I needed a loud, clean sound and it was not easy with the 60 watter. The TM 120 is plenty loud for what I do. Versatility is the thing with this amp... I can use it on virtually any type of gig and get all the sounds I need. The low impedance direct out is really useful if you are dealing with an anal retentive soundman. My only gripe is not having the ability to set the reverb individually for each channel.

Right now I'm using a Strat with Dimarzio Virtual Vintage p.u.'s and a Relic Tele. Absolutely quiet with the Strat, somewhat noisier with the Tele, even on the Tweed settings at low gain. I'm playing in a cover band that does classic rock, blues, and some modern country and this box does it all for me. I still have my tube amps, but none of them can cover the variety of styles we play. It is bone simple to operate: set the preamp for each channel (Tweed, English, California- I don't think I have to explain), set the Gain, EQ, and Level and your off! Because the tone controls are active (they cut AND boost), it does take a little more tweaking than I'm used to to get your sounds. I had this amp for a week before I was able to use it at a rehearsal and like most amps you don't know what it's made of until you play with a full band. In a live situation I found myself boosting the lows slightly and cutting back on the treble. The amp still had no trouble cutting through a fairly loud drummer, a bassist with an SVT head, and the other guitar player who uses a Mk III and a 2x12 cab. The response is pretty damn close to a tube amp- it cleans up nicely at lower gain settings and punches through when you dig in. Also, the boost function for solos is nice but I need to get used to it having always been a volume knob guy. As far as distortion goes, I leave the overdrive pedals at home and run my trem/vibe pedal thru the effects loop and my wah thru the front end. The o.d. and distortion sounds are that good.

Having owned the Trademark 60 for 2 tears and never having a problem, I'm pretty confident that this amp will hold up well. I do plan to use it without a backup, but I will bring some extra fuses- the places we play aren't exactly state of the art wiring wise.

It comes with a 1 year warranty. I have not had to contact them for service but I did have a question concerning the effects loop. I emailed and got a response the next morning. Good enough for me.

I've been playing for 15 years and have owned too much stuff! I checked out Line 6, Peavey, and Fender products but even though it is solid state, I still felt it gave me most bang for the buck as far as versatility and tonal control. And with the tan grill cloth and white piping, it has more of a vintage look. I still use my tube amps for blues gigs and I love 'em, but this amp changed my mind about solid state. I think Tech 21 has delivered a great product for thr working musician on a budget.

See Tech 21's web site. Great features and very versatile!!

This has to be one of the greatest versatile amps I've owned. It sounds more tube-like than any other solid state amps I've owned. I have owned tons of them. This is the perfect jam amp or it can definitely crank. The speakers hold a nice tight bottom end with a punchy mid section. If you want to run it clean and get a bluesy type tone, you can definitely achieve that. I play anything from Tool to Metallica, SRV type blues, Audioslave, and much cleaner funk stuff. It's a cool amp that can be dialed in to achieve any tone you like. I'm real happy with this amp. I have an all tube Carvin head that rocks with a Mesa Boogie Traditional cabinet and this Trademark 120 can hold achieve a tone pretty darn close to my big setup. Tech 21 has definitely done it again with a great product. I usually play a 1980 Les Paul Custom through it or an Ibanez RG270. They both sound great running through the Trademark 120

I would definitely gig without a backup. This thing is extremely well built and I take it to jam sessions all the time just because I don't feel like lugging around my whole setup.

Never had to use customer support so I can't rate this section.

If it were lost or stolen I would cry, then go out and buy another one. GREAT VALUE!! Can't go wrong with Tech 21 products.

See other posts. 3 channels, all selectable for fender, marshall or boogie sounds. Footswitch included, very nice. 55lbs is also very nice. Enough power for most gigs, unless your band is really loud, then it may need a 4x12 cab (which tech 21 sells). It has an effects loop that's switchable, and that's very important to getting the best sound from this amp. See below for explanation.

I play blues and classic rock in a cover band. I was willing to give up a little in tone to get the versatility. And I was on a budget. This thing surprised me, even though I had owned and gigged with a Trademark 60 for a while. I like the 120 better. It's more versatile and sounds bigger. I set one channel to British and keep the drive down for very SRV type blues sounds. It's very bright and articulate like a Vox AC-30. Very good sounds there. I set another channel to british and crank the drive for a classic marshall sound. Also very good for classic rock tunes that need more drive, sustain, compression. The most difficult setting to get right is the tweed. I've gotten some terrible sounds from it, like a really flubby bass when the drive goes up past 12:00. But I have found a way to tame it and get very good fender sounds from it. Here's how: first, turn the bass down to 8 or 9:00 tops. Keep the drive between 10-12, 10 if you want clean, inch up for more classic fender power tube distortion. Turn the mid dial up to around 1:00 and the treble around 12:00. Finally, and here was the key for me, put a compressor in the effects loop. It tamed the boomy bass (without the compressor it was boomy even at 9:00 on both my semi-hollow asat and my strat on the neck pu). The compressor should be one with a tone control, like a boss, so you can even the attack and add just a bit of top end sparkle and volume. Crank the level all the way up and adjust the master volume to taste. The sound is very satisfying, perfect for blues with just a hint of breakup when pushed. If I want it to stay really clean, I just hit the boost button and turn the volume knob on my guitar down a bit. This thing rewards carefull tweaking, as others have said. I've got a good clean, bluesy, and distorted sound now that works great for gigs. My first gig with it was a large outdoor venue with no sound man, so we did most of it from the stage. I just cranked it and it held together pretty well. For the money, this is a very good amp, and I've owned many at this price.

So far, so good, though one of the lights on the footswitch is shorting out, a minor inconvenience. I may or may not send it in for repair. I don't like to gig without a backup. Now I have a Traynor ycv40 I bring along and also a sansamp GT-2 that can be rigged to go directly into the PA in a pinch, so I'm covered. In fact, I'm going to sell the Traynor. I like the Trademark better.

They're always great. Answer emails promptly, good advice, etc.

I've owned a few amps, always on the hunt for better tone. I've stayed in the $500 or less category with Peaveys, Fenders, Traynors, Reverend, and Tech 21. The Reverend was a good amp, but I didn't think the 1x12 held up that well when cranked--a bit thin and shrill. I wonder how the head with 4x10s would have sounded? The 120 is a very good amp. So far, it's performing higher than expected. In this price bracket I'm not aware of anything that can match it for its combination of versatility, tone, practicality and value. You can't lose here, if you are patient when dialing it in.

This is a 2002 model. 2x12 stereo combo. It features 3 channels. But this is the BEST part---each channel can be individually set. No more of this "Clean, Lead, Crunch" crap....if you want 3 different cleans, you got it. 3 different dirtys, you got it! 3 different death-metal settings, you got it!!
Comes with a six-button footswitch that controls virtually everything on the amp. Headphone jack. Stereo effects loop.
Controls are on the top...leaving a clean and classic and elegant black tolex and cream-coloured baskweave front to look at. Very retro...reminds me of an old red Supro I had as a kid....
I only wish the fine engineers at Tech 21 added an AUX IN, so I could of added a CD player, for jamming/learning...
Other than that (my opinion) this is the PERFECT AMP!!!!

I use Paul Reed Smith guitars. (1 McCarty and 2 CE24's) They all seem to get along nicely---haven't had to break up any fights yet.
Some have said that the PRS is a "jack-of-all-trades" guitar...well, putting it together with this VERY versatile amp, I can get quite a number of useable and likeable sounds!
I play mostly 70's and 80's rock. The hardest I dabble with hard stuff would be like Metallica and Megadeth. Mostly things like Rush, Zeppelin....
The clean is very nice with a little chorus (think Lifeson and La Villa Strangiato) HOWEVER, there is no power behind the clean setting---weirdest thing, my clean channel is maxed, master vol is around 5, and I hit the 'boost' function...and you can still talk over the sound. Tech 21---fix this!!!!
The distortion is fine by me! I have one channel devoted to a little distortion mixed with whatever effects I have...and channel three is simply Marshall setting with distortion with a touch of onboard Accutronics reverb...nice...like in-yer-face Ted Nugent distortion!

This is now my third Tech 21 amp. I started with a Trademark 10, then added another for stereo....and then the BIG upgrade to the 120!
So far, all my Tech 21 stuff is built SOLID. Absolutely no complaints here. It will go the distance. It's Solid State, so maintainence is no concern.

I really study my purchases before I plunk down my cash.
One of theonly times I didn't was with the Trademark 10....I had read soooo many good reviews on it, i just bought it. And NEVER regretted it.
I did the same with the 120.
I have been in contact with Tech 21 repeatedly via email, just to ask this or that...and Lloyd always answers FAST, even if it's a stupid question....

This is my last amplifier. For me...it does it all!
Should it get stolen, I will order another before I call the cops or insurance company!
LOVES-classic appearance, ability to tweak and tweak away at my settings (be very careful-Tech 21 pots are very sensitive, a little dab wil do ya) Also...Tech 21's flat response speakers--I hear my guitar and effects, not the MARSHALL, or the FENDER or the PEAVEY...
It is truly the "go-everywhere, do-everything" amplifier!!!
HATES-clean sound too low...what gives? No AUX IN (not a big deal)
Don't bother comparing it to other "modellers" like Line 6 or Beringer. Tech 21 is in a class by itself!!!!!! Go out and give em a try!!!!!!!

Well, here we go. I bought this amp in July 2002 as a blem from AMS, I like it at first, but the more I played it the more I found worng with it. Like reverb springs laying stuck to the speakers, chassis not secured by the little ears. Sent it in for the reverb and when it came back, it had lost is's clean sound, found out later that it had made it's rounds before I got it and was sold 9 months prior and been to the shop for repairs, before I got it. It sounds like the sound is floating and the tuning of my guitar goes in and out of tune. I have 4 guitars and it does it with all of them. Wish I could get the clean sound back that it had before it was repaired. I spoke with Tech 21 about my problems and they said it checked out ok, so that means don't waste your time sending it back for repairs, cause it doesn't need it. Loved everything about this amp if it worked right. Is very cheaply built, the shipping carton matches the amp construction (cheap). So far the amp hasn't made it out of my bedroom because of it's problems and my medical problems. I've got a Peavey XXL coming and the Tech 21 Trademark is hitting the road, and I'll probably lose my ass on it cause I'll tell the truth when I sell it to someone else. I think a thing called intermodulation distortion (something like that) is it's problem and you can hit a single string note and it will float around and go in and out of tune. Needless to say when you hit a chord, you have several strings doing the same thing and really heavey distortion is the only thing I can use it for now. For the price, I am not satisfied at all.

I use a Ibanez, ESP, souped up strat copy with Fender noisless single coils, Takimine acoustic, and Ephiphone Les Paul. Amp buzzes at an idle with all guitars, some worse than others. Speakers cant' handle volume worth a shit and this amp has never been over half crank. I just don't like it at all. Especially for the money and it's built like a cardboard box as far as construction. I'm not happy.

I can't get it to sound good in the bedroom so I damn sure wouldn't try to play out with it. Just a piece of crap. You boys giving it 9s and 10s must have a newer model or one that wasn't destroyed before it was passed off as a scratch and dent. There were no scratches or dents, just a shitty sounding amp that I think was abused and repaired as cheaply as possible to get it out of the shop and back on the street, especially since it had already been around for over the 1 year warranty period after the 4th month I owned it. AMS is good at this and I won't buy from them every again. They lie about things and send you merchandise without checking the condition and a scratch or a dent would be very desireable compared to the things that are usually wrong with their blem items.

Customer support started off great until I was told the history of my amp and I got mad and wanted a statement from them on the age of my amp. Then it turned into a matter of me buying one amp verses selling a gillion amps to a retailer. Which one you gona pick, doing what's right or making alot of money

I have been playing over 30 years and own several amps, guitars, keys and drums. I would not buy an amp from Tech 21 or AMS if my life depended on it. I'm going back to good ole Peavey (built like cast iron, road rugged and worthy, good bang for the buck). I'm gona try an XXL 212 Combo. AMS and Tech 21 can keep their junk.

Mine's a 2001 model, I think. 3 channels, each with a 3-way character modeling switch (california=Mesa, british=Marshall, tweed=Fender), 3-band active EQ, Drive, and volume. Shared reverb, master volume, and a boost feature that basically raises the master volume by an adjustable amount when you hit the button on the footswitch. Useful. FX loop, stereo outputs... if it's not here, it doesn't belong on an amp. The footswitch is a beast - it has 6 buttons. And the amp itself sure is purty.

I'm using a custom guitar w/ Seymore Duncan SB-1 humbucker pickups and one custom acoustic pickup under the bridge, monster cables (cause that does affect the sound), occasionally some effects pedals, and the angst of disenfranchisement. Basically a straight-from-the-amp sound. Indie rock, emo, hxc, funk.
It's definitely an amp you tinker with. The presets in the manual are interesting to try out - the Beatles preset is pretty good - but you will want to figure out some of your own. And, there are plenty of good settings, I almost wish there were more than 3 channels, so that I could have, say, my top 5 presets right there for me. But nah.
Clean channel - I have the drive @ 9 o'clock, California setting, heavy bass cut and treble boost, slight mid cut. = the Mesa clean tone you hear on the radio. Switch to the Tweed and it's a classic funk tone. Some natural-sounding overdrive when you push it here. Dropping the drive brings down the overall volume a fair amount, too, so I don't recommend 0 drive if you're trying to keep up with a loud drumset.
Dirty channel - Drive @ 1 o'clock, high eq @ 2 o'clock, all else @ 12. British character = creamy Marshall distortion. That was one strong selling point of the amp, for me: the ability to have the beautiful Marshall distortion channel without its retarded cousin, the Marshall clean channel.
Lead / Kill People channel - for a singing lead tone, and by lead I mean single-note guitar solos, I maxed out the drive, boosted the treble and cut some mid. It's a little too much, but you'll be pleased to find that this amp has the ability to slop on all the gain you want, and then some. British and California settings are good for killing puppies here, reminds you why they're called high-gain amps. Now, Fender is not a high-gain amp, and using that character for lead is a little weird. Using it in puppy-killing mode, though (puppy-killing=drop-D tuning, power chords or any Refused guitar part), yields an interesting fuzz that I use from time to time.
So, in general - the amp has more bass than it knows what to do with, maybe the right amount to do the California channel justice, but really just an ungodly amount of bass on the Tweed character. The tweed character, then, can create most of the weirder amp tones, while the other two make you sound right respectable. I'm suspicous that the full-range speakers in this combo are capable of putting out more of the extreme lows and highs than an amp with normal guitar speakers. But I could be wrong.

No tubes. Solid construction. Everything's pretty secure, it gets wicked hot, but I don't expect it to explode or anything. I don't bring a backup to shows, mostly to save space, but partly because I really don't expect it to poop on me anytime in the forseeable future. If it got eaten by carnies or something, I would try ato borrow someone else's amp to finish the show, and then... get another one. I turn this amp up pretty close to maximum volume, and I'm a little afraid if I max it out it will have problems. For shows, it's best to just plug it into the PA. Your amp's your monitor.

I hear they're pretty helpful.

The most impressive things about this amp are: 1) ridiculous crunch and low end; 2) quite convincing mid-level distortion and overdrive - "natural distortion", something most solid-state amps just can't pull off; 3) I can get the tones I want out of it; 4) great features, everything I need and more; 5) incredibly convenient. It's a combo, fairly lightweight, no tubes to replace, and the stereo XLR outputs make it convenient for the sound guy or engineer.
Less impressive attributes, and there aren't many: 1) I haven't been able to get a tone out the Tweed character preamp that quite matches the Fender tone I'm used too. Not that I need it, really; the other guitarist in my band has a Hot Rod DeVille (good amp, too), so that tone's already there. Getting it from this amp is more like hiking to the North Pole - "just to to see if I can." 2) switching to the FX loop is not perfect. Cuts out for an instant, or something.
This is suited for recording, practice, or for playing venues of just about any size - it sounds good at low volumes, gets loud, and plugs into a PA with no change in tone quality. It creates a hell of a lot of different sounds, reacts naturally, and is therefore suitable for bringing the rock to the masses. The only thing missing from the sound is that "psychic" tone quality, that mental satisfaction that comes from knowing that your amp uses vacuum tubes.

Three channels, direct out, nice footswitch -not much I can add here. I have been using my TM120 for both live gigs and recording for about a year now and so far is has given me everything I want from an amp. I mostly have it hooked to a mixer/PA, which is needed to bring out the stereo effects. This direct out feature is especially useful in recording but is nice to have on stage as well. Volume has never been a problem partly because of the PA hookup but even without it I would not have to go beyond 12 on the master vol except with a totally clean sound (yes, the amp is loud enough to make you deaf).

The original reason I bought this amp was the versatility. Most solid states can handle both the clean end and 'through the roof' kind of overdrive and this was what I was expecting this amp to do as well. However, after a few months of tweaking and adjusting I realised that the TM120 was producing extremely good mid/semi-dirty sounds. Before using this amp I thought a credible sound in that range required tubes.

I play a Gibson LP Custom and use a few pedals (wah, distortion, delay) and some compression. In addition I have an Intellifex in the effect-loop. I like to use the effects to color the sound in a few songs but the basic sound from this amp is great as it is.

The clean settings (Tweed) can make even a Les Paul sound clean but there is a limit to the amount of 'clean volume' available. Thus, having a PA around becomes handy. The 'Marshall' setting is where I have found the best warm semi-crunchy sounds. However, if you want a 100% Marshall or Mesa -sound you should buy one of those instead the TM120.

No problems so far, I gig without a back up. No tubes to worry about :)

N/A

I have been playing for about 20 years and I have tried a few amps along the way. At the moment the TM120 is all I need. It does not sound exactly like a VHT or Marshall but pretty darn close and the versatility is something no tube amp can match.

One feature I wish the amp had is an ability to adjust separately the signal level that goes into the effect loop and direct out. For example the FX-signal is a bit on the weak side for rack-effects. Another little thing that bothers is the reverb. I guess it's a matter of taste but I think it is crap and I prefer using other means of getting reverb.

It took months and months of tweaking before I found what I was looking for. Once I found the settings the TM120 became the only amp I need.

Its got a ton of features. One feature it LACKS is a good loud clean sound! It has three identical channels with a 3 setting voicing switch on each. Unfortunately all 3 channels have 2 gain controls which you have to use, so any setting above minimal on the first gain stage gets you some distortion. If you play loud, you will NOT get loud and clean no matter what... Auurrgghhh!!!!! The power amps are weird: They cannot take the halved impedence that pluggiong in an extension speaker would cause, thus, when you use the extension speaker jacks, the amps speaker(s) are turned off! What's the point of this?? All it does is let you lug around more cabs. to go with a combo-sized head! Dumb, dumb...

I used all sorts of guitars with this turd and it made them all sound like crap! The distortion sounds are all good, but as I said above, there is NO CLEAN SOUND!! If you use the "Tweed" setting you get a muddy sound; cranked=Distorted mud. On the "British" setting you can get a clean sound...sort of... The "California" setting is the Mesa/Boogie thing that many seem to like, but its too over the top for me... This amp cost me a lot of money buying guitars! I thought it was the axes' fault that I sounded so bad, but it was the amp. I traded this turkey for a Traynor 80 watt 2x12 all tube combo and am I ever GLAD I did! Pass this up and check out the Traynors. At 80 tube watts its louder, cleaner and the distortion channel is better than the 120 watt Trademark 120. (Its not REALLY 120 watts, but 60 per side. Just what you need: Stereo from speakers that are an inch apart!!! I fought with this thing for a year and a half, so I know what I'm saying!!! One nice feature is the variable boost control. Many amps have a fixed boost gain, this is much better. I used a Strat, 3 Reverends (Commando, Sligshot and Rocco), Tele and Parker Nitefly through this amp. None of them sounded too great clean. All sounded good on distortion, but any guitar sounds good distorted!

It never broke.

Didn't have to deal with them, although I emailed them about the lack of clean once and got a prompt reply. They were good when I had a problem with the Trademark 60 I had before. (A MUCH better sounding amp.)

Pass on this baby.

Got this amp from Musician's Friend at a ridiculously low price to replace my oversized and less than flexible Portaflex and supplement my home recording endeavors. I think it was made in 2001. Features 3 switchable channels with a boost and reverb. Of course, the benefit is that it has Tech 21's sansamp technology built into it, so you can record/run your sound direct into a mixing board. Also features an effects loop, headphone jack, and external speaker jacks, and a nice footswitch to control it all. I play indie rock/punk stuff, and this amp works great for all the sounds I could ever want in a live situation. Tech 21's solid state analog amp emulation works verry nice to capture fender, marshall, and mesa boogie sounds. At 120 watts with 2 specially designed 12" speakers, it's never been shy on the volume when playing live. i never had to go higher than 4 on the volume. And unlike most solid state amps, it sounds great when it's cranked up. My only request is for the external speaker jacks to not disable the built in speakers. But I guess they intend for you to buy their powered 2X12 cab and run a line out to it.

The sound you get out of this amp is directly proportional to the amount of time you spend teaking it. The treble, mid, low, drive, and level knobs, which all three channels have, are very sensitive and since you can choose whether you want each channel to have the characteristics of a tweed, british, or california amp (fender, marshall, or mesa), you have a wide open canvas to work with. The spring reverb has a nice sound too, but is a little weak, IMHO.

I've played my Telecaster through it, an cheap Ibanex GAX70, and a friend's Epiphone Sheridan. It has nice sound all around and fits pretty much any sound I could want. In the last band I was in, two of us had this amp and we were able to get different enough sounds from one another and play everything from bluesy rock to indie space jams. The clean channel seems to have endless clarity, no matter how high the volume -- a feature I credit to the specially designed speakers. My Telecaster generates some noise and hum on the distorted channels, but it does that on any amp. The only sounds I;m not crazy about are the california/mesa sounds, which sound a little too synthetic to me.

Have never had a problem with it through a few long live shows, and never needed to worry about a backup. There are no tubes to burn out, and it's got more power than I'll ever need.

Never had to use them.

I've been playing in bands for about 16 years now, and I've owned a variety of amps, from a Marshall JCM 900, which was too think sounding to me, to a Marshall Super Bass, to an Ampeg Portalflex B12XTC, to a Marhsall JCM 800. This thing encompasses the sounds of all of the above amps and what's best is that I can fit it in the trunk of a car. I'd totally replace this if it was stolen, I can't live without it now. I didn't even consider the Line 6 or Johnson amps. In terms of price, they seemed to cheesy sounding compared to this one, which I luckily scored new for the price of the Trademark 60. While I think the Pods and V-Amps are great for recording, I wanted something less digital for live situations. I know, it's not a sexy vintage Fender or Marshall, it serves its purpose very well. Function over fashion, I guess.

3 seperate channels that can be set up as either British, California,or Tweed. Seperate eq for each channel is great. Should have made seperate efx loops too. Active tone controls. The slightest adjustment changes the tone and the sound alot. Pedals good but with no standby on the amp, everytime you turn it on it defaults to the reverb on and the efect loop in. That may be adjustable I dont know yet.

Sounds pretty damn good for a solid state amp. I like the distortions but can be a little grainy. The clean Fender sound is pretty sterile to me, I havent used it yet. No sweet spot. I use the Marshall sound with very little gain and when eq'd right, works for me.

Just got it a couple months ago so it hasnt been beaten up to bad yet to tell if it has what it takes.

Pretty dam nice amp. Loud enough for me. I have a Marshall tube amp amd a Boogie tube amp. It sounds close. But no cigar. It is way more flexable cause of the 3 channels and no sharing of the eq. The effect loop works nice. I think I'm gonna keep this one. The only things I dont care for are that it really gets hot and you can catch a wiff of it cause it pushes alot out the vent. You cant stack anything on top cause of the vent, and making changes to the channel are a pain in the ass cause the controls are on top. Once I get a good sound and am happy, it seems that if I move to off to the side the sound seems to change alot. Overall I like it and plan on using it alot. The defult switch setting when turned on are a pain in the ass. I wish it had some kind of standby. Also when you switch in(or out, I cant remember) the effects loop, it cuts out for a brief time. This is a problem changing on the fly.

I was fortunate enough to purchase this amp at a liquidation sale of the late Mars Music (which many will miss). As far as features go, I couldn't ask for much more. It has a total of three channels all with 3-way modeling selectors, a boost function for volume incleases, reverb, and the effects loop. Not to mention haveing an ACTIVE 3-band EQ on every channel. This means you can boost and cut different frequencies instead of most amps simply alowwing you to cut them. Excellent.

The sound is quite amazing. This is one solid state (although 100% analog) that goes primarily unnoticed. Bar FAR the closest thing to the real thing than anything else available. I've found that the louder it goes, the better it sounds. The volume has kept me above everything including drums at the shows I've played with my grunge/wierd band. Absolutely no distortion on clean (when you don't want any) all the way up. I have to say i never use the distortion since I run my Gibson SG through a sustain punch creamy dreamer (which is THE best fuzz box, and was also used by the smashing pumpkins on the first instalment of their last cd machina. Only available through musicians friend now). Putting the dreamer on the clean and turning things up on the Tweed (fender) channel things began to SING. Beautiful. Absolutely NO NOISE. Perfect for recording using the built-in sansamp (which is an unbelievably good technology for recording straight to disk I.E. computer recording). I've recorded countless tracks using the sansamp out to cubase sx and have been amazed at the results. What more could you ask for.

Perfect. It's gotten super-duper hot before but the way it's designed it has managed it well. Never cut out on me once after countless hours of full power abuse. A real tank i kid you not.

No doubt excellent but havn't thankfully had to call them. Even the broscher (sp) is excellent with a black page for personal amp settings.

Coun't be more happy with this amp. My search after search in Harmony Central has come to an end and I love what i ended up with. I recomend this fully to anyone who enjoys music played by the Pumpkins, Starflyer 59 (check them out immediately), or any other meaty-sounding band. Make sure to check out a good fuzz box though. You won't regret it.

The Trademark 120 I own was purchased new in May of 2002 and has 120 Watts & three channels with a foot switch that allows switching between the channels and reverb, effects loop or a boost function. The amp is probably one of the best thought out amps I've ever owned in that it is clear that the person who designed the amp was also a guitar player. The effects loop is set up for stereo and the amp has XLR outputs (stereo) that sound better than any other amp on the market.

My setup is an American standard strat (stock) or a Fender custom shop strat with texas special pickups, for effects I have a visual sound liquid chorus and EHX holy grail. I play blues and 60's rock and roll mostly. One of the great things about this amp is that you can voice any of the three channels to sound like a fender, marshall or a boogie, in otherwords you could have all three channels as boogie if you wanted to. When I first got this amp I almost sent it back because I couldn't get a clean sound like I was use to(fender twin), I even sent the amp back to the company to have them check it out, and when I got it back I still couldn't get the sound I liked then I put the amp side by side with a Fender Twin and discovered that to get the sound I liked out of the Twin I turned the volume up to 8 or 9 and used my volume control on the guitar to control the edge right before the amp started to break-up and when I turned the Master volume up to ~75-80% on the TM 120 then turned the drive up to 11:00 and adjusted the rest of the tone controls the tweed channel came alive, in fact people around me were amazed at the great sounds I was getting. The distortion also improved significantly and the amp had a wonderful "singing" quality to it that you rarely find in a solid state amp. I have since sold all my tube amps because this amp sounds better and is way more versatile. The only part I think they could improve on is the reverb which could be a little deeper and fuller like the TM-60. The British voicing is excellent for crunch rhythms and can be set for Eric Clapton like blues, the California voicing is pure Santana with excellent sustain and balance.

The TM-120 appears to be well built, so far the Tech-21 people have been very helpful and have answered all my questions and you can actually call and talk to them on the phone, try that with one of the major manufacters.

As I said before I feel they have one of the best customer service dept. in the industry.

I've been playing for 30 years and have owned fenders, marshalls, boogies, vox and polytones and the Tech 21 is the best of the whole lot!! If stolen I would order another the next day. I now have a 2-12 combo that weighs 55 lbs puts out 120 watts in stereo and looks sharp to boot!

I'm sure by now, you know the features. This is one of the most versatile amps without effects on the market. To have 3 discreet preamps, a switchable boost and switchable effects loop (pedal included) is kind of unheard of, especially at this price.

I had to go with a 6 here. While the amp is versatile, mine isn't the loudest thing on the block, and I've been used to playing with an 80-watt rack amp since 1992. This amp did NOT sound like 120 watts to me. It does what it's supposed to do, and at this price point, it sounds good, but just like the modeling amps on the market, it just doesn't cop that tube amp sound/feel. It sounds like it would be amazing recorded direct, but live, it RESEMBLES a Fender/Marshall/Boogie, but doesn't quite hit the mark. Another thing I don't like about this amp is that it's an open back 2x12. I still haven't heard ANY open back 2x12 sound like a Marshall or Boogie hi gain amp going thru a 4x12, I think it's sonically impossible. The open back 2x12 design sounds great for a Fender Twin clean type sound, but when I hear Boogie/Marshall, I think Rectifier or JCM series, and most 2x12 open back amps that i've heard don't quite sound like that. So basically, the sounds on this amp are good, but just like the Line 6 flextone I used to use, open back combos have a certain characteristic that comes from the cabinet design, that characteristic sounds great for clean, but when I want a hi gain powerful distortion, i need the whomp of a closed back cab with the dynamics of tubes. Seems like another amp that cops the popular tones direct and at bedroom levels, but that's about it.

I've been playing for 22 years, and rarely did I ever bring a backup amp anywhere, and never had a problem, so I don't think I'd start now! The good thing about this amp is it has XLR direct outputs, so if anything ever happened to the power section, you could at least finish the night thru the PA system.

I did e-mail the company with a question, I got a response in about 2-3 days. No need for warranty or repair.

I played Line 6 amps from 1998-2002, and used rack gear before that, honestly, the Line 6 amps were lacking in feel, and I'd rather have those than the trademark 120. The Line 6's seem to have the tones down just a little bit better. This amp does sound good, but I wouldn't put it next to a tube amp! I gave it an 8 because it sounds decent compared to the other amps on the market in it's class, and it's extremely versatile.

This is a follow-up review (and an apology for the terrible typing skills displayed in my initial review - hopefully you were able to figure out what I was trying to say).

Un F-ing believable. Period. I mentioned something in the initial review about concern that loud volumes would result in low-end tone the speakers wouldn't be able to handle (a.k.a. Farts). I was WRONG!!! I've since jammed with a rock band, and obviously had to turn this thing up quite a bit. The louder it got, the better it sounded. The other guys in the band couldn't believe how huge this thing sounded. They remarked how close it was to my Triple Recto going through a 412 or Genz Benz G-Flex 212 (my last rig). Not quite that loud (NOTHING is as loud as a Triple Rec) or as full as a big closed cab, but almost...and all out of a solid-state, open-back 212. I was running all channel levels at about 12:00 with the main level at 12:00 and boost at 11:00 or so. Definitely loud and full. Higher volume seems to iron out that seeming bias towards the low end at lower volumes that I mentioned in my initial review. Even when you kick in the boost - which is a whole boatload more volume - it still sounds great and without any hint of a fart. I generally use the boost for solos only, but when we jam on Ozzy's (Zakk's) Miracle Man - who can help but crank it up. Un-freaking belieavable amp. E-mail me if you have any questions whatsoever - because I hope you'll give this masterpiece a try.

Notes/Tips: Any amp sitting on the floor and shooting straight past your ankles will have to work a lot harder to be heard than an amp that's correctly positioned. Your audience will hear it more than you or the band and the sound man will be PISSED! Invest in a tilt-back amp stand and position your amp as a personal stage monitor (pointing away from the vocal mics). You'll hear it better, it will seem louder, and it will help keep your stage volume lower and let the FOH PA do what it should. The SansAmp DI outputs on this amp sound EXACTLY like what comes out of the amp's speakers - so plug this thing into the board and let the PA do the rest. No joke...these are NOT standard guitar speakers in this amp - the speaker simulation is more a part of this amp's tone, and the built-in speakers are obviously more of a full-range type. That's my guess at how Tech 21 can get the raw amp and the direct sound to be almost EXACTLY the same. That's also why the manuals basically tell you that non Tech 21 speakers and cabinets will essentially sound like crap. They don't come out and say it - but they may as well have. The givaway is in the fact that Tech 21's powered 112 speaker cabinets are supposed to get plugged into the SansAmp outputs on the Trademark. You would NEVER take a cabinet-simulated signal (like out of a H&K Redbox or similar) and plug it into another guitar amp and guitar speaker - you'd take a non-simulated pre-amp out (or return output from your FX). Tech 21's Power Engine 60 therefor must be a power amp with a full-range - (or damn close to it) speaker in the cab just as the power/speaker section of the Trademark(s). You'd probably be better off using a powered PA speaker as an extension cabinet than something with a Celestion in it. Great amp, great company, now go play.

4 hours at a time running almost all the way open and no problems. Reliable enough for me!

See above and you'll understand why!

I believe this is the newest amp in Tech 21 NYC's line. It shares similarities and has differences with the Trademark 60, which I think is a double-edged sword in this case. Read on for details.

Key features are 3 completely independant channels, which allow you to choose between California (Boogie), British (Marshall) and Tweed (Fender) sound "characteristics" on each channel. This is a neat feature, as most other makers bias each channel towards a type fo sound - Like boogie, for instance. I use the word "characteristics", because it is NOT a modeling amp. It does emulate tube sound and feel as well as those signature characteristics typical to the amp types listed above, but it does not model anything like a Line6 or Johnson etc does. This is a 212 configuration with a stereo power amp (2x60, not 1x120). This is great, because even though the amps native sounds are not stereo, you can place stereo effects in the loop and have true stereo. Other notable features are SansAmp direct outs and a comprehensive footswitch, which allows you to access 3 channels, effects loop, Reverb (very nice Accutronics spring), and boost (lots of volume boost possible). This amp is layed out very smartly and ironically similar to the a Boogie Triple-Recto 3-ch (which I also owned and reviewed).

Versatility is pretty amazing, but good sound and versatility has to start with a good guitar and some decent technique. I have a Gibson Les Paul Standard and a Fender Amercian Strat Texas Special, and the amp does each of them and their respective styles justice. If this amp falls short anywhere its on the UltraGain Triple-Recto side of the spectrum. No Disturbed or Godsmack here, but everything just this side of it.

As stated above, I run a Les Paul Standard (the new one with slightly hotter than standard pickups) and a Fender Strat Texas Special (also slightly hotter than standard pickups). Both guitars sound very good through this amp. The Les Paul sounds like like a Les Paul Through a Marshall and the Fender sounds like a Fender through a tweed or a Marshall. Shocking veratility in sound and even more surprising transparency, warmth and touch. Good by tube amp standards, out of this workd for transistor amp standards. If you're trying to get a Godsmack, Triple Recto sound out of this amp, its not going to happen. There are a hundred reasons for this, but it falls just short in this end of the spectrum. All other tones are very possible, from EVH to SRV.

One thing that is a bit concerning to me is the seemingly over-emphasis on low end. This amp sounds much larger than an open-back 212. Unfortunatly, I think this was done by tweaking the amp's design towards the low-end side of things. I feel that there will be speaker problems when cranked, so I find myself running the low end EQ at a maximum af about 12:00...even with the Strat. I think this will be a payoff when recording, but loud volumes concern me. The amp does sound very good when cranked...almost better louder than quiet like most tube amps, but I find myself very afraid to run to much low EQ. I think the smartest thing to do live would be to run the DI outs to the PA and mix your guitar into the monitors. Most sound men would applaud you for doing so, becuase - while we all like it - loud stage volume is NOT such a good thing. Use this amp smartly, and I think it will shine in nearly all applications.

One note about the Trademark 60 cersus the 120. It almost seems as if there are more sounds abailable from the 60. The problem is that the sounds on each of the 60'd 2 channels depend HEAVILY on the master EQ. This is OK for tweaking and recording and then tweaking a difference sound and recording another track, but it would be frustrating in live applications, because you cannot get 2 sounds that are completely independant of each other. The 120 gives you 3 completely discret channels that are not at all dependant on each other and there is no master EQ section. The 120 utilizes the 3 position Cali, Brit, Tweed switch, where the 60 ustilizes some other knobs that allow for more in-between variety. I needed to switch from sound to sound when I do jam with others, and I wanted more speaker and power, so I got the 120, but I feel from a tonal versatility standpoint that the 60 may be a better choice.

My Rig: Carl Martin Compressor -> Fulltone Clyde Deluxe Wah -> Fulltone Deja'2 Vibe into Trademark 120. Fulltone SurpaTrem and ChoralFlange (running Stereo) in the loop.

Hard to say. I have no reference as of yet, but it does seem to be well built, and transistors are pretty solid by design. We'll have to see.

Have not had to deal with them. Besides, I have complete confidence that my dealer would take care of anything that might go wrong. Parkway Music is absolutely a world-class-act.

I bought this amp for its compactness, versatility, tube-like sound and feel and solid state reliability for home-playing, occasional recording and the impromptu jam here and there. This amp excels at exactly that and I couldn't be much happier. A wonderful complement to my two beloved axes and array of Fulltone effects.

I personally love the versatility of this amp. The three seperate independant channel settings are amazing to set up for any type of music. The standard foot control by far outshines anything I have seen yet, and yes...this thing has some volume (predicting neighbor complaints).

I use a Fender strat with EMG's and boy does it sound incredible. I can't rave enough about being able to switch from a crunch Mesa sound to a warmer Marshall sound. Once the proper adjustments are made, it really sounds like three amps in one. The boost feature on the pedal is great for punching up leads. The only thing I would like to see added to this that I used to have on my old Fender Ultimate Chorus is a built in chorus feature (not just reverb).

It appears sturdy enough, I will tell you in a few months after gigging with it. The first one I received did not work at all (read below).

I had a time trying to get this amp. I bought it online through a wholesaler company, who I guess posted the wrong price and I jumped on it. They sent me a broken one first, which look like was thrown the furthest from the UPS truck. I sent it back and then dealt with a 3 month backorder because of the wholesaler. I would like to see a better turnaround for customer backorders for these companies if Tech 21 continues business with them.

Bottom line...this is a great amp if you want a combination of sounds heard from other amps without having to drop a fortune on larger tube driven equipment. I wanted to upgrade to tube driven from solid state, however this amp won me over because of the sound and not to mention the price.

Hi, This amp does have alot of features: 3 Separate channels you can have all 3 eq's different, and 3 different amp sounds as well. 2x12 speakers, LARGE openback. Pedalboard to switch channels, and effects loop on/off. Top loaded controls.

I'm not sure. Opinions can vary on this. I think it's alright.. I like a better punch ie: closed back is what I'm used to. It seems the sounds bleed out the back too much for my style. I happen to LOVE their effects pedals and so that's why I tried this amp.

I have to say honestly that the overall construction is extremely cheap especially for being built in the USA! The grill all but falls off the front... the plywood is super skinny. I guess that's good for those that gig so they dont have to lug around heavy equipment. The metal corners that hold the cheap case together is substandard. They cut alot of corners to make this amp light weight; if that's their excuse for a crappy flimsy construction. I could rip out the heatsink with my bare hands.. same with the speakers. I'm surprised it makes it to the guitar stores in one piece. They package it in a box with 4 cardboard pieces on the corners and NOTHING ELSE.. unless you count plastic wrap. I would expect crap if it was $300, but paying $680 I'd expect something that will last longer than a condom.

Didn't bother with customer support.

I honestly think it'd be a great amp if they made a STURDY version for at home/studio. Like I said their effect pedals are wonderful!!!! I love their sans-GT2 and XXL, and double drive. Once again, good I guess for gigging as long as you dont drop it or go crazy on stage.

2002 Model - All the features have been covered very well by others, I would like to say that yes, you can get an amp with tons of effects, but that is not why you would get this one. I find that individual pedals are better anyway. The boost feature is awsome.

I have a G&L Legacy HB and a G&L ASAT Delux. Both guitars sound great. I play mostly contemporary christian music. It is a transistor so it is pretty quiet at reasonable volumes, there is a bit of noise with gains and volumes up totally normal. My Legacy sounds great really Fender like (it is a Fender after all!) and the ASAT is very "twangy" The Clean channel could be a little louder, every thing else is more than I expected. Adjustment is very easy and there is lots of it! Very close to sounding like real tubes, I've tried others (Line 6, Johnson) but this is the best by quit a margin!!!!!!!!! The reverb could be a bit better.

Looks like it is built like a tank. I've heard Tech21 stuff is top notch. I would use it without a back-up.

Warrenty is one year, I've heard they are great.

I've been playing approx. 28 yrs off and on and have owned lots of amps. I got this cuz I wanted 2 12's and the tube sound, plus my Peavy Classic 30 goes through a lot of tubes it does sound great, just tired of the mantainence. I think where I bought the amp online made a mistake on the price in their advertisment, two days later it went up to $750.00 and the delivery is out 3 months.

3 channels, each with drive, bass,mid,tremble,and level,and amp style (Calif,British,Tweed) + reverb and 9db boost. It is extremely versatile and can go from super old school clean to chuging metal at the kick of a switch. It works extremely well with effects and allows the user to really get the most out of all of their gear. It could use a cd in but I have a bitchin stereo so I get by. It also has an effects loop and 2 speaker outs plus xlr outs. It runs 60 watts to each speaker and they are rated at 100watts max This thing can get extremely loud for being just a 2x12 combo. I use it in my apt. and i dont recomemd trying that in your home unless you have a cool landlord. It comes with a nice foot switch that allows the user to select each channel, turn on the reverb,boost,or effects loop.

I am running this with a Jackson custom shop Dinky reverse with 2 jackson humbuckers. As for effects I have an akai shred-o-matic D1 distortion pedal, a Ernie ball volume, a line 6 delay modeler, a hughes-and-kettner rotoshere a boss hm-2 custom distortion pedal, a akai intelliphase. and a dbx compressor. Running this amp with the above effects is like a dream come true. I can get any style of sound I want from it with out really ever having to bend down and fiddle with the knobs. Once you get the 3 channels where you want them you can just kick between them and run the effects. It is extremely quiet as far as noise goes and works well with my effects. I like crunchy metal sounds like Dime bag Darrel and Adam Jones (God of riffs) and this amp gets me there no problem. I also like to go clean but not tooo cheasy clean and I can get there as well. This thing is no BS. Any sound you want you can get!!!!!

As for reliebility. It is built extremely well and when you have it in front of you it is intimidating. I really appreciate these guys. They really know how to put together a nice amp. I use to have a Hughes-&-Kettner attax 80 that I sold to pick this thing up and let me tell you I haven't lost a wink of sleep over it. It may sound like I am closed minded the way I rave about this thing but believe the hype. Its a great amp and built to last. I have read a ton of reviews on this thing and the only people who ever have any problems are the nickel and dimers that order online and have it shipped. FOOLS!!! you dont save much when ya factor in shipping and reshipping when you gotta send it back cuz the fed ex guy dropped it commin up your stairs.

I dropped them an email to say that i ditched my Hughes-and Kettner to pick up theres and they got back to me the same day with a little smiley on the bottom so I think they will be good to work with if I ever do have problems.(not likely, I dont take it out much and if I did I would guard it like I guard my johnson.. always covered:)

I have been playing for a couple of years. Im no expert and I havent seen them all or played them all but I know a good product when I see one and this thing is top knotch. If it were lost or stolen I would beat the fool down that took it and get it back. If I couldnt get it back I would get another or maybe step up to the new 200watt head and get one of their cabs but livin in an apt I dont think that would be a good option. I love this amp as you can tell and my recomendation is to go out and try it. I am sure you will find the experiance pleasant. I did compare it to a few other 2x12 combos but I dont like when they have effects onboard so that took the ones I looked at out of the chase (line 6, vox, Hughes-&-Kettner) Sorry fellas I think you guys could learn from tech21 they know what they are doin so you better step it up cuz if you dont they are gonna straight take over!!!

Benchmark 212,60 x 2 120 watt stereo amp. This is a solid state amp, sounds like a tube amp. Comes with a 6 button swich, very nice and quiet. Like I said in the previous post this amp is not any nosier than any other. The versatility of this amp has proven to run the spectrum. My rating in the previous long winded post were more reluctant to give it the higher ratings. This has changed now.
Features, weell it only has one effect, reverb. So I guess people that like effects will say it lacks features. However my take on this product is that it provides everything a musician needs and does it extremely well at a very good price. Those are good features!
I would think most guitar players want the usual sounds and the ability to find thier own distinct sound in there. This will do it.
The back panel has the additional inputs our outputs but no CD in. Bummer. That would have saved me a great deal of trouble.
The company provides a manual with some presets that sound good! I used two of them and incorporate them into my setting regularly. Check out their web site to hear some sounds. Because it does not have a CD inputI rate it at 8.

I use a Gibson les paul to get my california type sound and british stuff. I use Channel 2 for the british sound. I utilized the AC/DC presets provided by the company with a little more midrange. The distortion settings are excellent from grunge to 70's rock, and you will not need the Boss MT -2 like I mentioned earlier. So the distortion is about what most people want. I am sure there are those that want extreme everything!
I use the California settings for Channel 3. This is my Carlos Santana sound. It's definitley boogie sounding. Not 100% but very ,very,close. Check out the web site demos of his sound. I like mine better. Are you a fan of his? I invite you to try these settings to see if they get you as close as I did.
The Drive is set at 12 oclock,Bass is turned off,
Mid and treble are set at 3/4 75%. And the level is set at about 1 oclock. The master control section has reverb set at 1 oclock, with boost at 2 oclock and you can set the master any way you prefer! The boost will not be on. The master is the final stage so it will not hurt your sound just make it louder. This amp by the way plays very soft, quiet levels and you still get the harmonics, attack, and sustain. Incredible.

Keep in mind I feel the quickest way to get to your sound is by tweaking the Bass, midrange. Adjust these to soot your needs. They (Mids and bass) are very important controls on this amp. This amp is not very forgiving if you over adjust these settings.
Channel 1 is the(CLEAN)sound settings. Like I said previously it's not a Fender amp, but it cost way less, and still produces a fine vintage tube amp clean sound. The drive must be kept at 10 oclock or less to get the clean sound. If you set it higher you will overdrive the sound.
When you find something that produces just about everything you want you get excited and become joyous. I did.

Don't know yet! Funny thing happened the other day.
I turned off the master volume accidently while changeing guitars. I don't know how. Anyway I plug in the other guitar, and no sound comes out. My first thought is, I knew it! I just got this sucker and it's dead already. How negative I am, Once I realized the master was all the way down I turned it up and here comes that luschious sound sustain I like. I was grinning from ear to ear.

I have emailed the company requesting additional presets. They had the ones in the manual only!
I provided a guide line for the Carlos Santana boogie sound for those interested here.

I am pleased with this emotional purchase I made. The people at American Mucsical Supply were very professional, quicker than the speed of light to ship my amp. And I have to say this amp is a true investment to be treasured. Not many new amps make you feel this way. I have almost 10 years playing accumulative total of 32 years in music, and when you get lucky you don't ask why.
I did compare it to others, and I felt based on reviews here at harmony central this amp would do the job.
I still wish it had a CD input! If you bought this amp, and hate it, I think you should try tweaking the mids and bass some before you write it off. Congradulations Tech-21.

2001 model, hard to find on the usual web sites. However AMS (american Musical Supply) had it before I knew it existed. Most other web sites musicians friend,Mar's music etc. have the tradmark 10 or 60 series. I will not list the feature's you have read them already.
Let's just say, this is the kinda of amp I was looking for, not a two channel F series boogie or fender twin. I have to say the Marshall AVT models were starting to look delicious! They (MArshall)offered d up to 4 channels, really only three channels with an acoustic simulator, price 899. And they offered some effects if your like that. I do.
But after reading comments here I ordered this baby same night. How's that for emotional. This review will be editied from time to time in order to change actual performance ratings if needed. I will use this as a combo for studio type applications from home practice to small gigs. Inactive status right now.
On my wish list of features I would like to see a different cabinet finish even if just a tolex color change and a cd input.
The power this amp has is perfect for my application only. Keep in mind the line out can give you additional venues. So 60 watts x 2 with 3 channels is more than enough as a monitor if you will.
I knew this was not a tube amp, and I have played through marshalls, fenders ,crate, and roland and I still decided to go this route.
Stereo was a plus, different settings and the reverb make for a good work horse, home,studio,gigs and hobby. Rating based on if money were no object you could have any equipment you need. This would be a 7.

My (EQUIPMENT) consist's of a modified Fender American with a Lindy Fralin set of pickups with a slightly hotter bridge pickup. A modified Gibson Les Paul Standard with (Rio Grande Texas BBQ )in lead and texas tall boy in Rhythm A.K.A. Texas Barbeque. No other modification to the guitars. Both very new. They sound vintage and I couldn't be happier. Previously I used stock pickups, on my guitars. That made it hard to get what I needed. The sounds usually were to muddy with gibsons, and to thin with fenders. I always had to overdrive them some way, but these pickups are incredible. I see some review's here and people still have stock fender pickups, even if they are newer strat models. So after tweeking this thing best as you can, and your sound should be 80%-90% of what you want to emulate. Not perfect, but acceptable to some!
I use effects ( I know some of you purists are saying that's it) but this is my rig not your's!
My effect's are an Arion chrous,boss DD5,MXR dyna comp compressor and
I will soon ad an acoustic simulator from Boss.
My electric guitar music (STYLE) is a blues, jazz fusion,rock and heavy stuff. Trower,SRV,Santana,Creed,ZZ TOP ZEP,Al dimeola,Frank gambale you get the picture.
The (CLEAN) is better than most here say, but not better than a fender or the new AVT Marshall's. (DISTORTION)The distortion is good,very similar to (Marshall AVT 50 head) listen to the Marshall web sites mpgs and then tech 21 british., (HARMONICS) are o.k however I am thinking of using a Boss MT-2 to further enhance the british sound just a pinch more bite. When I do I will update this review.
My guitars are decent enough that I expected this baby to make me sound like everyone I emulate. Truth , it brings me closer than the others (LINE6,POD, CRATE gfx65,MARSHALLS AVT-265)but I still need more time to fine tune her and then I will edit this view point if needed. (NOISE) This amp is not any nosier than any other amp with effects, and un-shielded items. What do people expect a CD no hiss quiet from this stuff? Come on get real.
Here's the (INTERESTING PART), the sound I wanted from this amp mainly was the ability to sound like Santana. This is about as close as your going to get without a boogie. Sorry you still need the boogie. Better than Line 6 POD rectified. However the Marshall like sounds are pretty good. If you want perfection it usually comes at a ballistic cost. (HOW CLOSE TO SOUNDS) very? To my ears and I have a accumulative total of 32 years, I say 80-90% close to the sound you want to emulate. NOT BAD! 75% for if your using cheap knock offs, and entry level stff. Still not shabby. Hobbiest's and entry level people should be this lucky. Rating reflect's honest comparisons of higher priced boutique and mass produced equipment.

To soon to give an opinion! I will update in 12 months.
its March 2002 now.

I am dealing with the distributor right now, so I don't have any comments. If anything negative comes from dealing with this company you will (Not an idol threat) hear from me.

I 10 years accumulative time on guitar. The first two years was all acoustical and then I went electric. I play drums also, and have more years on drums.
I have had lots of gear like most guitar addicts, but right now only two guitars and a nice drum kit, yamaha maple custom.
What I like most about this product is the price, sound emulation presets, and simplicity. Looks like a vintage something or other. It's got pinnache. I predict that in the future this will be the one others are judged by. SOTA Strictly from a solid state view point. Question can you beat this unit? Answer of course, either by spending more or using individual effects like the sansampTri-A.C. by tech 21 with a clean amp, or tube amp. It may be cost effective that way,however this was my choice. Look it over and kick it tweek it, use effects, and if you think this review helped great. I wish I could rate it 8.75.

I love the range of features that are available with this amp. Once the channels you plan to use are dialed in, channel switching is a breeze with the footswitch. I use Tweed clean, Tweed broken up and Mesa balls out settings and stay mostly on the clean tweed, but the British setting is tasty as well if you fuss with it. And why shouldn't you? You have three switchable channels. With effects added to these, three should be plenty. Fantastic recording options, too! Any other sounds you might need can be plugged into the effects loop, which works well. I won't list all the features, as they are listed in the other reviews. I wish the footswitch was a bit bigger (buttons farther apart), but . . The other guitar player in my band has a 212 DeVille, and this sounds great with it and can hang in terms of volume and clarity. I can't imagine a show I'd be playing where this wouldn't work. Anything bigger than a club, you'd be getting most of your volume from the board anyway. The boost feature is to die for!

A G&L ASAT through this amp is a dream come true. I can get clean, Fendery sounds, slightly overdriven tones, and all-out sustained rawk tones, and all of them are as good or better than other amps i've tried and owned--except for the chorusy clean i can get on my Roland JC 120 (i know, i know "isn't that a keyboard amp?") or the sweet tremolo of my VOX Royal Guardsman. But those are effects, so with the right effects pedals, I should be in good shape. i play rock, pop, indie, emo stuff mostly, and the sounds i get here keep me from sounding too bluesy or too heavy. A perfect middle ground for my style. Tweaking the knobs on this amp really pays off with some trademark tones that suit my band's style perfectly. With my other guitars--strat plus and epi lp signature--the sounds I use for the ASAT don't work quite as well, but those are my backup guitars, so why should I spend loads of time dialing in sounds for guitars I won't be using? That's my only complaint, however, as my other amps tend to have a sound that is pretty utilitarian in terms of doing fairly little tweaking to adapt to the other guitars in my collection. The reverb is sufficient, but I'm not a real reverb fanatic anyhow.

It's pretty new, but it seems rugged as can be to me. At my bassiest moments, there seems to be a slight rattle of the amp, but I think a good tightening of a screw or two would get rid of that.

They responded to an e-mail query pretty quickly and quite politely.

At first, I was afraid I'd made a real mistake with this amp. The sounds weren't quite what I 'd hoped for. I read all about it before purchasing it but didn't play it anywhere. I'm not the kind of guy who's comfortable going into a store, turning up an amp as loud as it would be at one of my shows, and playing my parts from songs nobody's ever heard before and that frankly don't sound so great in isolation without the rest of the band. i don't think a low volume session in a music store helps you decide anything, truthfully. But the reviews i read in reputable, trustworthy magazines and publications seemed to really like this, and it had the features and stock tones i was looking for. Like others here, i got it home, cranked it up, and fiddled with it until i had the tones I wanted. then, I tried it with the band, and it sounded like crap, so I made slight alterations to my settings, and all of the sudden, it worked just like i hoped it would. I made templates of my settings in case contents shift during flight, and bam! we're ready to rock. I've been playing for fifteen years, by myself and in bands. For original bands, this is a good choice because of the phenomenal range of sounds possible. I've used a Deville, A VoX RG, a JC 120, AC 30, and various others live and in the studio. In terms of portablity, sound, price and features, this is tough to beat. I wouldn't pay MSRP for it, but who pays MSRP for anything?

Amp is an end of the year, 2001 model. It is extremely flexible in sounds. I play mostly rock, jazz and blues and can usually find a very satisfactory tone. Channel switching is clean and with each channel, the variety is infinite. The only feature missing that I thought it would have (I bought it sight unseen) would be "mod" and "speaker" switches like the Trademark 10 I also own. There is a quality and coloration these switches add that I have not been able to duplicate (yet). Power is more than adequate in light of most small clubs and rooms.

I have a number of guitars, all of which sound great -- but require very specific tweaking depending on the guitar and pickup combination. I have a Fender Custom Shop set neck Strat with custom pickups that sounds killer, a Squire Strat with stock pick ups in the neck and middle but a PJ Marx in the bridge and a Steinberger Spirit (pretty weak). All sound in this amp amazingly good. I rate it a nine because having played with a Mesa Boogie Mark III half stack, it is just not the same. The sustain and decay are somewhat artificial. But the flexibility, generally great sound and ease of use win out. CAUTION: I thought it sounded horrible out of the box using the suggested presets and I almost sent it right back. I had to really tweak the knobs (especially the midrange and the drive) and experiment to get the sound right. Because they are active tone controls, the slightest movement can make major changes. It's kind of amazing.

Solid state is usually pretty reliable. No problems yet but I haven't moved it around much.

The company is terrific. Great web site and they answered my email questions swiftly.

I've been playing 38 years. I'm pretty faithful to equipment. I had an old Fender Bandmaster head and 2 twelve cabinet in the sixties, a Peavey Bandit in in the 80's, and a Mesa Boogie Mark III 100 watt half stack since then. I've had various practice amps including an all tube 60 Watt Electar. I bought a Trademark 10 last year for practice and was blown away, so I bought this one for practice with others. I have been very pleased so far. What is a little weird is that the other people in the band and those who listen always comment on how good it sounds. I didn't give it a 10 because it is pricey.

3 Channels with 3 modes(tweed,brit & calif)120 watts S.S. 2x60 with
2 12's. Boost, fx loop and reverb which can be turned on or off via
the 6 button footswitch. The six button footswitch uses a standard
guitar or speaker cord which is pretty cool. The 120 S.S. power is
as loud as a loud 60 watt tube amp but with a little more headroom
for the clean stuff. I think the term clean is quite subjective as I
like a little hair on my clean sound and I know some people don't.

I am using a 2000 Les paul Classic and a 1999 Fender Designer series
Strat w/vintage noiseless p.u's. I'm playing in a four piece w/2 guitars, bass and drums doing Rock Blues and R&B. From Santana to SRV
and everything in between. This amp just sounds great for everything.
With the L.P. it sustains for days and with the strat it quacks and
sceams. You really need to spend some time getting your sound as this
amp has the capabilty to get great tones as well as not so great and
I think that's true with most amps.

I've been gigging with this 3 or 4 times a month since August and no real problems. One of the buttons on the footswitch was sticky and Tech21 sent me a new one ASAP. No Problems since. I went to a solid state amp after a horrible 2 years with Mesa Boogie amps (what a nightmare).
I used mainly Boogies for the last 20 years and I just couldn't hang anymore.

Customer support was great with the footswitch problem. They {Lloyd)
was a great help.

I've Been playing for 30 some odd years and I have a lot of gear. 11 guitars (PRS's,Strats,Tele,Ernie Ball.....). 5amps(60's SuperReverb,
Fender Concert,Boogie...) If I lost it I would get another as it is versatile and easy on the back. I tried a prosonic,deville,crate,line6
and others that don't come to mind and this covers my needs. It also
sounds cool at lower volumes as well as cranked. My band can get loud
and this amp can hang no problem. Our singer plays though a Twin and
I have no trouble being heard and I love to play loud.

3 channels, any of which can be assigned to clean, crunch, lead duties. I used mine in a covers band playing various stuff, usually 90's rock/pop stuff.Each channel has separate bass, mid, treble gain and volume, with a 3way sytle switch (fender,marshall,mesa). Master section includes a master volume, reverb and boost volume. Stereo 2 x 60 watts.

Used with mainly USA standard Strats. Not too noisey an amp at upper volumes. Didn't give the guitar very much sustain/singing quality. Clean Fender type sounds have a very mid scooped sound, which got lost within a band context, also difficult to keep really clean without distorting (ie no headroom). Crunch sounds were quite good for a non valve amp, lead tones had no sustain. Amp wasn't loud enough at all, master volume was nearly full up (only a four piece band) and with bass control anywhere near the halfway mark caused the speakers to sound like they were flapping-which made me try and hold off playing the guitar too hard, ie less than inspiring! Guess could be a good amp if miked and PA'd. at low volume. But that's not really the point of back line is it!? Also the effects loop annoyingly cuts out very briefly when switched out on footswitch

Very well built with massive heat sink. Also very light (55lbs I think?) for a 2 x 12.

Sent a email to their support staff (from England), got a reply in a day or two= very good!

Returned after 2 rehearsals and one gig. Not enough volume, effects loop volume dropout when switched off=too annoying, Speakers sounded like they were flapping, couldn't dial any bass into the sound, no sustain on lead settings, couldn't keep clean sounds really clean.

Made Sept 2001.
Versatility - very
3 channels - use one for CLean Tweed, one for British (usually rhythm) and am undesicde whether I want to use the Big mesaa (Calif) or get a dirty Fender (Tweed) on the third. Fender Tweed sounds a little buzzy to me when you crank the gain.

After 4.5 months of stuff and playing.....

I use this amp mainly in a Christian contemporary Worhsip band setting where the styles differ from one song to the other.
The pedal (channel, effect, reverb and boost) is great cuz it allows "real time" access to the features. My partner, uses a Peavey and is constantly walking over to the amp to adjust)
I got the amp cuz of the features (Overdrives, reverb - good sound..need nothing else,

Guitar - mainly play a AmStd Strat with Seymour Lil 59 in bridge and Classic in Neck, stock in middle.
AMp is not noisy at all. I usually dont go past 12 (oclock) on volume (I let PA do the rest)
Good sustain..but harmonic feedback not quite as easily obtained as on the tm60...tech21 suggested pushing up the middles - it did the trick. Distortions are great and sound great coming out of direct outs...both to a sound card or straight to board.
Use clean tweed for glassy sounds, Brit at about 1200 gain for solid rhythms (Cleans up nice with playing dynamics) and Calif at about 12:00 - 13:00 for leads. Calif has much more bottom than British..but Britsh can be compensated with Low adjustment. I read somewhere that the channels also have different personalities (ie tighter bass on channel 1..I have not yet tested this)

Has the jury reached a verdict?
I think I suffered from being one of the first to buy the product in early July. I ended up going thru 4 120's before getting one that overcame my unique circumstances.
The first two were unable to survive in an environment with unusually hi voltage fluctuations (sometimes > 135vac) it overheated and shut off. Tech21 began putting larger heat syncs (at least in mine) on, I believe, the voltage regulator..which solved the problem of ovberheating. Unfortunately the 3rd amp they sent out was damaged in shipping. The fourth amp was shipped special by tech21 with extra packaging and air-freight to protect. No damage but I had problems with buzzing at certain frequencies. THis was solved by putting a couple more screws thru the metal casing into the wood cabinet underneath. I also have a couple of shims between the metal casing and the wood cabinet. I do not get the buzz and figure....most intstruments are tempormental anyhow (like females) I was willing to
overlook the mods I needed to do because I loved the sound of the amp.
(See Cusotmer support!) WOuld I use this without a backup....hmmmmmm??
Do I HAVE to use this without a backup - Yes! <- my wife typed that !

John of tech21 was great. They were willing "...to do anything" to get me satisfied. John worked with me over a period of 3 months till we got it right. Even the Preseident (of tech21) got involved to make sure things were worked out. I had some great conversations with him (1 immediately after 9/11) They are great people and made the difference between me keeping this and chucking it and going for a Peavey classic or line6 or Fender HRD.

I have been playing for 20 years (FIrst amp Earth amp !!!, Fenders, Marshall's and now tm120!)
Overall it seems like the reliability issue is now in the past. I have used the amp several times in the past 2 months and it has been extremely reliable. SOme of the tones do not quite match the warmth of a good ol' twin reverb with a ts9 (Played next to one the other week..maybe I have more tweeking to do?!??!)) but this amp overall does the basics better than anything I've heard. It is now my main rig (FOrmerly used Fender and Rp7) to get the job done. I use this amp along with a few BOss pedals (compressor/sustain and acostic sym in front and chorus and delay in effects loop) to get the job done.

This amp is a 2001 model. 3 channels , boost, effects loop with stereo returns, stereo XLR outs, headphone out and reverb. All are controlled via the supplied footswitch. 2 Tech 21 12's. A very handsome amp, it only weighs 55 lbs.
Each channel has 3 modes: tweed, britsh and california. It's rated at 120 watts(60 x2). It's loud enough for my gig. Oh yeah, it solid state.

I play a Parker Fly Deluxe.
To the amp: Boss TU-2, CS-3 and Vox Wah.
In the loop: TC Electronics Chorus, Fulltone Supa Trem and Boss DD-5.
Like many of you I play in cover bands, Merle Haggard to Marilyn Manson. You know the story, try to all kinds of sounds out of one box. I thought this would be the answer, but I was wrong.
Tweed: very sterile sound. has a lot of bottom, but lacks fullness.
British: not too bad, pretty good AC/DCish tone. but once again the channel lacks fullness.
California: just like the rest of them, thin. But you can get a pretty good scooped mid distortion out of this channel. when you finnally get it loud enough the speakers souhd like thay're going to crap out.

I just got it 2 days ago. I gigged with it first time tonight. It seems pretty dependable. I'm probably not giving it a chance on the sounds, but I had high expectations for this amp. It's built like a tank and looks great.

Haven't dealt with the company, but the website is cool.

I've been playing for 16 years. I've got 3 Peavey Stereo Churus 212's(only 2 work),a Peavey Classic 30 (a great little amp) and a Fender Deville 212(a workhorse, awesome amp!). After 5 years of hard gigging the Deville has been retired. I've owned a Line 6 Flextone, a Mesa Boogie Mark IIc and a Peavey Delta Blues.
The Tech 21 has tons of features and doesn't sound terrible, but it just can't do the tube thing. I think I'm driving to New Orleans tomorrow and buying a Mesa Boogie Nomad 55.

2001: Made in New York City, by Tech 21.
Two analog power amp sections; three analog preamp channels; effects loop with stereo returns; stereo XLR outs; Accutronics long 3 spring reverb;
six button footswitch for channel switching, boost, reverb, and effects loop.
120 watts.

Great concept and execution by an established US company.

Good tube type sounds and dynamics. Well thought out features.
They've blended the best features of the Tech 10 slide switch for "Tweed/British/Calif (Boogie)" voicing: and the great level; tone stacks; Master & Boost stuff from the TM 60.
Lively sound with harmonic content, Fender BF clean to over the top screaming dentist drill with balls, plus everything in between.
The three distinct preamps are the same, and can be logically set up for increasing crunch, grind, howl, whatever. The boost just boosts (up to 9db) without changing the character of the sound itself, anytime, any preset, and you can vary the jump in volume with the knob.
In the TM 60, the boost was on unless the footswitch was used. In the 120, the boost seems to be off if the footswitch isn't used, but the knob can be turned up instead on the amp's control panel.

I use a solidbody superstrat type guitar with two humbuckers and a middle single coil (a self-modified older Carvin DC135 with Duncan Antiquity humbuckers).
Clean Jazz and Country through Blues edge and SRV, to over the top Rock sounds.

This amp sounds like a BIG TM 60, with that Tech 21 sorta compression, but of course more clean headroom and overall volume.
Works great alone or with my old Peavey TubeFex processor for stereo effects and direct to the house PA (also in stereo), for big rooms (1,000+ seaters).
It has a bit of hiss and hum when cranked up, but most amps with this kind of power seem to. Around the house at lower volumes it's quiet and doesn't sound thin when turned down.
It's easy to tweak on the fly. The controls are logical and active (they vary the tone a LOT).
Tech 21 stuff is easy to use and solves a lot of performing headaches. The TM 60 and TM 120 amps sound consistent from room to room too. Unique in my experience, for solid state amps!

I've had lots of Tech 21 stuff with no problems.
At first there was a funny idling noise coming from the boost section when turned OFF. The rep was going to get me another, but the noise went away after the first gig.
I use it routinely, even though I have smaller amps too, and don't aways need the power, but it's not too heavy for a 2 X 12" combo, and I've gotten addicted to the great footswitcher, live.
There's usually an extra amp or two floating around the venues I play, so I don't bring a spare amp, just fuses, tape, etc.
Had a TM-10 that the light burned out on fairly quickly. Never bothered with it.
My other Tech 21 amps and Direct boxes, etc., have always been trouble free and easy to use.

One year warranty.
Like I said above, the rep was very responsive, but ultimately not needed when the minor noise problem solved itself.

40+ years playing guitars. Various other amps, processors, etc., but this is now my main gigger (previously used a Trademark 60 with very satisfactory results, but this is the ultimate Tech 21 offering at this time and is a great refinement and execution of their concept).

Also had a '65 RI Fender Twin Reverb, but not versatile enough for my needs. The Tech 21 is slightly more "recorded" sounding than a Twin, but certainly NOT digital modeling sounding!

Best sounding transistor amps ever, even though everybodie's have gotten much better recently. Tech 21's are very convincing, and way easier to live with.

I love being able to set up my processor "off-line," then just switching in the effects loops with the footswitch. No unpleasant surprizes. Stereo too!

I guess over the years I've become a pretty big fan of Tech 21 stuff, and this is no disappointment either. It's actually more than I expected. I figured it would be like two TM 60's linked together, but it's actually got some refinements in the controls, while retaining the great sound with more headroom.
Kudos to Tech 21.

New 2001 model
3 channels,10db solo boost,reverb,effects ALL on The "Comes with the amp" Foot switch.Master Volume too.
I paid $685 the sales men said it listed for$1,000
I said I can get it from SAMASH.com for $750.00
he said How about $685.00?...SOLD!

Plays ZEP,SRV,and Lynch.
NO clean you have to turn the gain down on the third channel and run effects loop(Which works like a true effects circuit)BUT it still dirties the clean Rush style arppegios I run
Oh well I Bought this for Distortion and so I would not have to Lug a 4x12 and a head etc,To rehearsal's ,For a gig I will whirlwind switch to a 100 watt clean amp for ringing purity..

Its solid state,What could go wrong ?

N/A
Although I did email the tech Guy he answered all my questions,
within an hour.

Playing 8 years
Yes I would Buy another one
Why did I choose this one ?
Because my Ax teacher(tdclark.com) has the 10 watt one,
At any volume level you get the same tone/feel... AWESOME
The amp simply gets louder with the master volume
The 120 watt that I have more Volume then you could ever need.
I gave just about everything a 9 Because it's NOT the real thing
It isnt a Marshall jcm 800, Or a Fender twin, Or a Soldano etc.
But it is the Closest I'll get to them for now....

This is an update to my earlier post. I wanted to return after I had a chance to mess with the amp, find strengths, weaknesses, etc. I sent an email to Tech 21 because my amp did not come with a manual and the reverb tank was loose. They told me that a manual should have come with the amp and that the loose tank probably happened during shipping. They advised that I take it to the store I got it from. Well, I did and sure enough my new one had a manual and the reverb tank was securely mounted on the amp. This amp is great for headphone use, line out use, and I think it will have plenty of power for gigs! The reverb is analog and sounds like a Fender type of reverb. A guy at Tech 21 told me that they did not include a lot of effects because it would bring up the price, and also they feel that each person has an effects preference that they stick with.

Let me just say this. The settings that Tech 21 gives you to start with a nice, but if you want to find "your sound", you have to just tweak until you are there. I really loved the distortion on this thing, but everytime I played it I felt like something was missing. I changed my pickups from Gibson Tony Iommi's to Seymour Duncan Distortions and that made a difference, but I still was not there. I started turning knobs every which way, and then it happened. I found "the sound". With the amp set on "British", I turned the Bass to the 1 o'clock position, cut the mids, and put treble up at 3 o'clock. That setting is a "Dual Rectifier". It sounds brutal and killer! I was playing everything from "Unchained" to Godsmack riffs completely amazed. I did not think this amp would be able to get that kind of crunch. I recommend Seymour Duncan distortions also. Good and heavy!

I have heard good things about reliability. This is my only amp, so I am forced to gig without a backup but I don't think I'll have any problems.

These guys are awesome! I have received more emails from these guys than I have sent to them. Amazing. They have answered all of my questions promptly and thoroughly. When I told them what happened with my first amp, they scanned a copy of the manual into their computer and emailed it to me. Then they told me they were sending me a hardcopy manual, warranty card, and some extra screws to fix the loose reverb tank. They actually read my previous review on Harmony Central and thanked me for the write up.

I play through a Gibson SG with the SD Distortion pickups in it. I love the sound of this amp and am very happy. If you are looking for a solid state amp that does a good job of faking as a tube amp, look no further.

This is a 2001 amp. This amp has just recently been made available to the public, so I went to my local guitar store to give it a spin. In my opinion this amp is very versatile, but I am sure that view will vary from person to person. The only effect it has is reverb, so if you are a big effects person it might not be versatile. I think the versatility comes in the form of three amp types. You have tweed, british, and california. These are obvious references to Fender, Marshall, and Mesa of course. Having these three amp types in one solid-state amp is a God-send alone, but the flexibility does not end there. There are three channels, and each channel has it's own treble, mid, bass, and drive controls. Also, within each channel you can choose any of the three amps. So, if you want to have tweed on channels one AND two, you can do it. Heck, you can put tweed on all three channels if that is your thing, etc. This of course opens up the possibilites of using this amp at a gig. The only thing I can think of that I wish it had was a few more effects. I like a little chorus and delay myself. I am sure that would affect the price and possibly the sound (in a bad way) of the amp. This amp is 120 watts and sounds like it. I have a 150 watt AVT combo, and this thing sounds way louder. The knobs are the "chickenhead" type. Basically they are like the 5150 knobs. It has an effects loop, and you can use it with headphones or recording direct. Amp is small in size and looks like it could easily fit in any backseat.

Before I begin, I used a Gibson SG Special with a Tony Iommi humbucker, a PRS Santana, and a homemade guitar with a Duncan Custom in it while trying out this amp. All sounded fantastic through it. The amp has a slight buzz, but it didn't seem bad at all to me. I was using a crappy cord and was plugged in at a Guitar Store. Everything is plugged into one wall. Everyone knows that the key to any non-tube amp is how good it can emulate, imitate, etc. a tube amp. I have that AVT 150, and for awhile it was being praised as the solid state having the closest sound of a tube amp.....well, the king has just been dethroned. Tech 21 is now in charge. This amp is not a tube amp, but man if you close your eyes, its there. I had a Line 6 Flextone, the Marshall AVT, and a Johnson JM60. Those are all amps trying to capture that tube sound. With those amps you got a good sound, but when you turned up the volume it sounded like a transister radio. The sound was being forced out. The Trademark 120 actually improves it's sound as it gets louder. I know you have heard that a million times before, but I swear this amp is just great at high volume. I like being able to play Jimi Hendrix followed up with a heavy sound ala' Metallica, etc. This amp can do it. The sound is really authentic and you can really FEEL the amp. It just sounds really good. The TWEED amp setting goes from really clean and beautiful to a great late-60's type fuzz when the gain is maxed. The BRITISH amp setting is great too. I think I liked this one almost better than the CALIFORNIA setting. The BRITISH amp sounds nice and solid when you hit those chords. It sounds full and is good with a touch of reverb. The CALIFORNIA amp setting is really nice also. Although I didn't play this clean, with the gain up it sounds great. Depending on pickups, I think a Dual Rectifier sound could be attained. Maybe with an EMG-81 or an Invader. I was almost there with a Tony Iommi pickup.

This is a big area for me. I have been screwed by digital amp companies that were putting out unreliable amps. I have only heard of a few rare instances where people have had problems with Tech 21 gear. I like that this is a solid state amp. I think the company would help in a bad situation.

I have only heard good things about these guys. I sent an email out and they have not replied yet, but that's ok. Their website is very informative yet simple. The audio samples of their products are fantastic!

I will be buying this amp soon. It is too good of a deal to pass up. It sounds really good and covers a ton of ground. It is your basic solid state powerhouse. After I buy it I will post an update of little extras I didn't have time to mess with.