Trace Elliot TA40CR

I purchased an amp made in 1998, over two years ago. I use the second channel as a mic input. With the chorus & reverb, it sounds pretty good. I use an accoustic ZOOM 504 and you get a really enhanced clear digital sound (with extra wind/chorus/reverb/12 string effects etc). I usually send the amps' link/DI output directly to the mixer in church when accompanied with other instruments.

I use a Takamine 6 string and it sounds good. I use it in our church. I personally prefer the effects of the accoustic ZOOM 504 pedal. The amp has a spring reverb which is not as clean as a digital reverb.
At times I wish it had more output volume when accompanied with other instruments (the DI output takes care of it if there is a mixer.)

The second channel just died after about two years of playing (was working the previous night). Had to connect the mic directly to the mixer.

I have'nt dealt directly with the company. But when my 2nd channel stopped working (luckily within the two year warranty period), the amp was sent to TRACE ELLIOT and was completely overhauled and now works like new.

Its' over 2 and a half years, the amp has served loyally except for the time when the second channel went off. Its been good ever since it has been repaired.

Made in 1999, this little amp is perfect for my solo electric classical guitar act. I play a wide range of music at country clubs, art galleries, and restaurants, with occasional big stage gigs. The amp has two channels, with chorus and reverb. Two 5" speakers.

I play a Washburn CE-134 electric classical guitar, which sounds clean and crisp through the Trace-Elliot amp. Exactly the sound I want to hear. I can also adjust the settings on the guitar to sound like a jazz guitar. My electric Greek bouzouki sounds big and bright through this amp. This little amp is surprisingly loud. I have found that it is best to put it on a floor amp stand that angles it upward. Otherwise this squat little amp will project around your knees and give you a false sense of what it really sounds like 10 or more feet ahead. I use the "shape" switch on the amps volume control to give it a crisp, bright, solid sound. If I play the guitar especially hard, I will get a bit of distortion. I've learned to back off in those situations. With a line-out jack in back, I can patch the amp through a sound system for high volume jobs, using the amp as my stage monitor. I find the reverb section adequate (not up to par with a classic Fender reverb sound), and I use the chorus effect sparingly.

The amp seems to be built like a tank. It fits in a rolling duffle bag with extension chords, footswitch, guitar chords, amp stand, and music stand. Great way to travel "light," although the amp is a heavy 33 pounds.

After I discovered that Trace-Elliot is now owned by Gibson Guitars, I found their customer service very friendly and helpful.

I've been playing guitar 35 years. After trying many combinations, the Washburn guitar and Trace-Elliot amp gives me the feel and sound that I've been searching for. I wish the amp had better reverb effects, but that's a minor complaint about a very professional product.