Trace Elliot Velocette 12R 112 Combo

Jazz/Bebop
It has three knobs: tone, volume and reverb
a bright switch
Pentode and triode switch
two 12Ax7s for preamp
two El34 for power side
two channels low and high
16 ohm speaker

Sound is bass heavy and hard to work with the tone knob to get a good balance. I've had some really good times with it at lower volumes, and bad times at higher volumes. I don't need distortion so I'm not going to have anything in that dept. It doesn't take effect pedals well. I guess I got what I paid for. Tried various tubes and it doesn't seem to change much.

It has become a major pain after about 5 years of service because it blows something up inside every 3 months or so. It does have to live with lots of moving around and many gigs. The circuit board is really complicated in my opinion for such a simple amp.

I'm going with the Genz Benz Black Pearl next. I'm finished messing with repairing this thing! It was an ok relationship that went sour with bad op amps, caps, pots and such.

Class A 15 Watt valve (tube) amp, switchable between full and half power. Volume control. One tone control that does treble and bass. Reverb control. Hi and Lo inputs. Speaker out. Bright Switch. This is a minimalist approach but it suits my needs. I play mainly at home (using half power) and in small gigs. This amp has more than enough power for my needs even though it's only 15 W max. Believe me, this thing can get really loud. I have not done it, but you can also have it drive a 4X10 or 4X12 cab, if you really want to fill a room with sound.

Believe it or not, with only volume, tone and reverb controls, coupled with the ability to use the hi or lo inputs, I can get a very broad range of sounds. I have two electric guitars, a Guild Bluesbird with HB pups and a Strat with noiseless pups. I have to alter the settings on the amp, but get very sweet jazz and blues tones with both guitars, which is what I like. I have a few pedals (compressor, Blues Driver, chorus and tremelo) that I sometimes use with the Strat just for variety and fun. I prefer the sound of the guitar plugged straight into the amp with a high quality cable. I tend to use the lo input, which causes brown sounds at lower volumes. Also, I changed the pre-amp tubes to lower the gain by about 30%. I sounded a little to harsh for my taste, but this change has made the amp sound just the way I want. I don't do metal or really heavily distorted stuff, but I'm sure this amp could handle that. The amp is extremely quiet.

I've had this amp about a year. I don't move it much but do take it out about once a week for rehearsals and occassionally for gigs, which I do about 3 or 4 times a year. (I'm very much an amateur, having finally decided when I hit 50 three years ago to "do" the guitar, which I messed with as a kid, more seriously.) I have had zero problems.

Don't know. Gibson took over the nameplate from Trace Elliot and I think stopped making them altogether. I bought it used via Ebay, so there was no warranty for me to deal with. I found the manual online.

I have been playing about three years. In addition to the guitars mentioned above and this amp, I have a Taylor with the expression system and a Yorkville AM150 amp that I use with the Taylor. It took me a while to appreciate this amp. I seriously thought about selling it for a Deluxe Reverb but would not do that now. I also coveted a Carr Mercury, but can't afford the price or justify spending $2k for an amp, given my current use and "needs." I previously had a Polytone, which was great for a jazz but not much else. My first amp was a Peavey Classic 30, which was better than people think, but can't compare to sound of the Velocette for what I want to play. This amp gives me the sweet sound I want for jazz but also can do blues and a little rock. (I'm an old fart, so heavy rock is not my thing.) There's no feature I wish this amp had. Some miss separate controls for bass, treble and mid, but now that I've learned to work with the one knob and the hi and lo input (which really affect the sound), I don't think separate tone controls are necessary or even desireable. I want to spend my time playing, not tweaking knobs. I don't use effects much but when I do the lack of an effects loop (which the Polytone had) is not a big deal at all.

I have never done one of these reviews before, but I have used them alot and decided to add my thoughts to the communal "wisdom." Keep in mind that I am very much a novice and an amateur and, as others have said, tone is sooooo subjective.

It's a 15/6 Watt (pentode/triode switch), class A, all tube *(except solid state rectifier) 1X12 Combo Amp. Great for jazz/blues/swamp rock... It has all the features I need: 1 volume control, 1 tone control, and 1 reverb control. Simplistic Beauty! It also has a "bright" switch (why), a high and "low" switch (again, why?) a pentode/triode switch; Pentode: full power- full tonal range, Triode: 6 watts, mid-range focus, breaks up easier. P/T switch is great, but it's still an "extra" as far as I'm concerned. A speaker out jack, which cuts off internal speaker. AND- da-da-da-dun-tadaaa!: A Handle! ingeniously centered for perfect weight distribution (remarkable things they do in research and developement)It takes about 30 seconds to get a great sound, AND THEN YOU JUST PLAY! Some amps have a dozen knobs, you spend hours trying to get "that perfect sound" and then you keep wondering if there's a "better sound" in there with just a few more tweaks. Still, I know all some guitar players will want more features than this.

disclaimer: this is an extremely subjective topic. This is the best sounding amp I've ever owned. Really. The tonal palate: lush and complex, without the scooped midrange of a fender( not that there's any thing wrong with that). Interesting note, though; the stronger and chunkier the pick-up, the better it sounds. If your using single coil style pick-ups (as I do) they'll need to be at least medium output pick-ups. Low output single coils just can't push out the tone this amp has in store. Again, magnificent for jazz/blues. However, I play at low to moderate volume level with either a compressor only, or a compressor/overdrive pedal (both set at their minimal effect). Some people have compared it to an Vox AC-15, but usually AC-15 owners cringe at this analogy. The Velocette has it's own sound, and that's a beautiful thing.

I've carted it around some and it's fine. Considering it doesn't cost in the rediculous "boutique amp" price range, the build quality level is good.

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Yes, I'll say it again: Best sounding amp I've ever owned. When played clean, it sounds lush and sweet. When overdriven, it sounds rude yet precise. It's small, portable, and it makes a perfect jazz-box. A very unique and treasured amp to own. If I have any sense at all(and sometimes that's debatable!) then I will keep this amp forever!

1976 made,Class A,2xEL84,15W-Pentode,6W-Triode;Volume,Tone,Reverb(solid state)extra out-16 Ohm-for 4x12 cabinet!!!!,switch Pentode/Triode.

at first I found the amp very bright;I switched tubes and the speaker
but did not like it;I came back to the original tubes(Sovtek 12AX7WB)
and the Celestion Vintage 30,but changed the capacitors of the tone
stack:C13-47n,C14-33n,C7-100p,C12-150p,R12-300k;that did the trick.
The tone is clear and has good mids and a tight bass.I play a NIK HUBER Orca-which is like a PRS Singlecut-with Voodoo 59`pickups.
With a Barber Direct Drive in front it`s a tone to dream of.
This little amp has all the tone you need and the little changes take
only half an hour and little money.

I bought it second hand and played some hours;it works fine until now.

I`m looking for a new Power/Standby switch,because the original one
is not looking too strong.I don`t know where to look,maybe Gibson.

I play rock and blues for forty years now.I also have an ALLEN Old Flame amp,which I use for bigger gigs.The Trace Elliott is for small
gigs and practise.You can not find a better amp for that money.

Made in 2000, this Velocette 12R 112 Combo is a versatile little amp that really kicks. With pentode/triode switching from 6w to 12w the amp punches and the speaker copes. A great Class A valve sound with all valve workings. This is ideal for rehearsals, small venues and home rehearsing. It's a shame that a headphone socket wasn't included because it's loud and late nightime rehearsing still wakes up the household, if not the neighbours.But a small price to pay for such a great sounding combo. Very portable although not light. Good reverb and I'm really pleased with this combo. Valves are easy to change and the vintage style front, complete with'jellybean' logo make it a neat package. Robust, corner protectors and quite weighty. No cover, alas, but a guitar store could sort something out.

I use this combo with both of my electrics; a Gretsch Country Gentleman(1966 model) and a more recent Epiphone Casino. Both very different guitars tonally and the Casino is very prone to feedback because of those nasty little P90's.This combo copes with both, no problem but positioning oneself in front can do your head in at volume if the fedback takes hold! It's bloody loud, remember.The Velocette has a good range of sounds from smooth to really punchy, handling effects board with no problems. No effects loop here, however.Great with overdriven sounds and handles phaser/flanger effects with clarity.Mindful that this is a 12w reverb the combo handles most things but obviously not for large gigs unless miked through the PA.

This is a beauty and my only current amp. It broke it's off/on/standby switch which caused a minor blip! Apparently a common fault because the switch is made of a flimsier material than you would expect(given how vital it is to the amps operation) and protrudes slightly proud of the back of the amp section, therefore can snap off easily. No problem to replace however with a better metal switch and despite being no longer in production , Trace Elliot designated service company gave sound advice and help.I've had one service in the 3 years of use and it's been well looked after. Should go on for a long time yet.

Good. No problems and now basically the same as the Gibson Goldtone range, where Trace Elliot make the same amp underneath a Gibson cloth for a hell of a lot more money.

I've been playing for around 40 years and have owned Marshall, Peavey, Orange and Selmer in the past. I find this little combo for my current needs, which is playing in local band in smaller venues, pubs and rehearsals. It beats lugging Marshall 4x 12 slope front cabs around and frankly my back isn't up to it these days!The Velocette gives a great Valve sound at a good price and I would strongly advise it's purchase if a second hand one becomes available.Coveted by Noel Gallagher and others ('spose that's a recommendation?)I like its retro look, its compact styling and no frills aesthetics. It does exactly what it says on the packet! First class.

Single channel class A 6w/15w combo with pentode/triode switching. A single channel amp with excellent basic sound pallette. No effects loop or headphone output but then that's not what an amp like this is about. Very loud, used in full-volume rehearsals and small gigs.

Beuatiful clean and pushed sounds, darker in 6w triode mode than 15w pentode mode, but that's where the bright switch comes in. Very loud in both modes through the Celestion Vintage 30w 12" speaker in a suitably wide enclosure. Just excellent when pushed hard with an overdrive pedal or especially with a modelling unit like a VG-88. As a basic canvas on which to paint your sounds, this is the best I've ever used (past amps include Marshalls, Mesas, Peaveys).

No complaints. Built like a tank and vulnerable areas are protected with a heavy metal grille.

Bought it s/h with non-functional reverb - Trace Elliott's service department talked me through a fault-finding sequence to locate and fix the reverb fault for no charge (turned out to be a broken wire in the reverb tray) and I was thoroughly impressed by their response to an owner of a s/h low-cost amp.

Been playing almost 30 years, currently own Ampeg, Ashdown, Gibson, Fender and Roland gear. The Velocette is just the best and easiest unit I've ever owned, but you have to like the sound (not hard!).